|
During your Portland vacation, don't miss these great establishments and attractions:
End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center
With its three Paul Bunyan-size wagons parked in the middle of Abernethy Green (the official end of the Oregon Trail), this interpretive center is impossible to miss. Inside the first of the giant wagons, you'll find an exhibit hall, hands-on area, and gift shop. After looking around this first wagon, you'll then be led through the next one by costumed interpreters who explain the difficulties of provisioning for the overland trek. The third wagon houses a multimedia presentation based on three Oregon Trail diaries.
Portland Classical Chinese Garden
This classically styled Chinese garden takes up an entire city block and is the largest of its type outside of China. The gardens, located in Portland's Chinatown, are surrounded by walls that serve to separate the urban 21st century from the timeless Chinese landscape that lies within. That landscape is designed to evoke the wild mountains of China and to create a tranquil oasis within an urban setting. The gardens are centered around a small pond, at one end of which stands a rock wall meant to conjure up the sort of images often seen in Chinese scroll paintings. Numerous pavilions, a small bridge, and a winding pathway provide ever-changing views of the gardens. With its many paved paths and small viewing pavilions, this garden has a completely different feel than the Japanese Garden. Try to visit as soon as the gardens open in the morning; when the crowds descend and the guided tours start circulating--well, so much for tranquility. Be sure to stop and have a cup of tea and maybe a snack in the garden's tea room.
Japanese Garden
Considered the finest example of a Japanese garden in North America, Portland's Japanese Garden is one of the city's most popular attractions. Don't miss it. Not only are there five different styles of Japanese gardens scattered over 5 1/2 acres, but there's also a view of volcanic Mount Hood, which has a strong resemblance to Mount Fuji.While Japanese gardens are traditionally not designed with colorful floral displays in mind, this garden definitely has its seasonal highlights. In early spring there are the cherry trees, in midspring there are the azaleas, in late spring a huge wisteria bursts into bloom, and in early summer, huge Japanese irises color the banks of a pond. Among the gardens, there's a beautiful and very realistic waterfall.This is a very tranquil spot and is even more peaceful on rainy days when the crowds stay away, so don't pass up a visit just because it's raining. Also, on the third Saturday of each of the summer months, there's a demonstration of the Japanese tea ceremony in the garden's tea house. There are also many special events held here throughout the year (ikebana, bonsai, Japanese-inspired art).
Courtyard by Marriott Portland Airport
The hotel designed by business travelers, the Courtyard by Marriott Portland Airport surrounds you with all the comforts that make business and pleasure travel easy. Relax and get ready for the day ahead in one of our guest rooms featuring cable television with free HBO premium channel and pay movies, hairdryer, in-room coffee and tea service, iron and board, spacious well-lit work desk with ergonomic chair, two dataport telephones with voicemail and a comfortable sitting area. Start your ...
Thriftlodge Portland Central
Free Wireless High Speed Internet Access Sleepy Bear Honor Roll Located 1 mile from Downtown/Lloyd center mall, convention center, Rose Quarter, Civic Stadium and the, Science Museum Easy access to Hwy. 5, 84 & 99E Remodeled rooms 24 hour desk Complimentary coffee Adjacent restaurants, bar & lounge Heated outdoor pool - Seasonal Cable ...
|
|
