International Rose Test Garden
Covering 4 1/2 acres of hillside in the West Hills above downtown Portland, these are among the largest and oldest rose test gardens in the United States and are the only city-maintained test gardens to bestow awards on each year's best roses. The gardens were established in 1917 by the American Rose Society and are used as a testing ground for new varieties of roses. Though you will likely see some familiar roses in the Gold Medal Garden, most of the 400 varieties on display here are new hybrids being tested before marketing. Among the roses in bloom from late spring to early winter, you'll find a separate garden of miniature roses. There's also a Shakespeare Garden that includes flowers mentioned in the Bard's works. After seeing these acres of roses, you'll understand why Portland is known as the City of Roses and why the Rose Festival in June is the city's biggest annual celebration. The small Rose Garden Store (tel. 503/227-7033), is packed with rose-inspired products.

Oregon Zoo
Perhaps best known for its elephants, the Oregon Zoo has the largest breeding herd of elephants in captivity. However, in recent years, the zoo has been continually adding new exhibits and has been branching out beyond the world of pachyderms. The Africa exhibit, which includes a very lifelike rain forest and a savanna populated by zebras, rhinos, giraffes, hippos, and other animals, is one of the most true-to-life habitats you'll ever see at a zoo. Equally impressive is the Alaskan tundra exhibit, with grizzly bears, wolves, and musk oxen. The Cascade Crest exhibit includes mountain goat habitat, and in the Steller Cove exhibit, you can watch the antics of Steller sea lions and sea otters. Also, don't miss the bat house. At press time, there were plans to open a new Amazon Flooded Forest exhibit in late 2001.In the summer, there are outdoor concerts in the zoo's amphitheater; admission prices vary.

Portland Saturday Market
The Portland Saturday Market (actually held on both Sat-Sun) is arguably the city's single most important and best-loved event. For years the Northwest has attracted artists and craftspeople, and every Saturday and Sunday nearly 300 of them can be found selling their creations here. In addition to the dozens of crafts stalls, you'll find ethnic and unusual foods and lots of free entertainment. This is one of the best places in Portland to shop for one-of-a-kind gifts. The atmosphere is always cheerful and the crowds colorful. Located at the heart of the Skidmore District, Portland Saturday Market makes an excellent starting or finishing point for a walk around Portland's downtown historic neighborhood. Don't miss this unique market. On Sunday, on-street parking is free.

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