|
During your Portland vacation, don't miss these great establishments and attractions:
Elk Rock Garden of the Bishop's Close
Set on a steep hillside above the Willamette River between Portland and Lake Oswego, this was once a private garden but was donated to the local Episcopal bishop of Oregon on the condition that it be opened to the public. The mature gardens are at their best through the spring and early summer. There's also an excellent view of Mount Hood from the grounds.
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).
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
Located on the east bank of the Willamette River across from the south end of Waterfront Park, this modern science museum has six huge halls, and both kids and adults find the exhibits fun and fascinating. This is a hands-on museum, and everyone is urged to get involved with displays, from a discovery space for toddlers to physics and chemistry labs for older children. Simulated earthquakes and tornadoes are perennial favorites. There's plenty of pure entertainment at an OMNIMAX theater and the Murdock Sky Theater, which features laser-light shows and astronomy presentations. The USS Blueback submarine (used in the film The Hunt for Red October) is docked here, and tours are given daily.Between mid-June and late September, Samtrak (tel. 503/653-2380), a small open-air train, runs between OMSI and Oaks Park Amusement Center. OMSI is also the departure point for several different boat cruises up and down the Willamette River.
Marriott Portland Downtown Waterfront
The Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront is ideally situated opposite Tom McCall Waterfront Park on Southwest Naito Parkway just one tenth mile from the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and Portland Keller Auditorium and two miles from the Oregon Convention Center. This full-service hotel offers recently renovated deluxe accommodations featuring high speed Internet access and Marriott's luxurious new bedding package, business center, health club and indoor swimming pool, lobby lounge and ...
Doubletree Hotel & Executive Meeting Center Portland-Lloyd Center
Within walking distance of the Oregon Convention Center, the Rose Garden Arena and Memorial Coliseum. Just 20 minutes from the airport. Across the street from the fabulous Lloyd Center Mall, featuring over 200 stores, 18 movie theatres and an ice skating rink. Adjacent to the MAX light rail system which is fareless to most downtown locations and costs just $1.55 each way to the airport. The Oregon Museum of Science and Industy and Washington Park Zoo are nearby. Our 476 ...
|
|
