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Once known as America's best kept secret, Portland
is now one of the country's hottest travel destinations. Money magazine
recently ranked Portland #2 among Big Cities in which to live in the U.S., and
its unique and thriving festivals, outdoors and dining scenes keep it
consistently among the travel hotspots. Portland has the personality of a
small community and the activities and vitality of a large city.
With moderate temperatures and varied and beautiful terrain, Portland is the
quintessential outdoor city. The magnificent
waterways overlook the Mount Hood glacier, a backdrop that sets the scene for a
spectacular visit at any time of year. Forest Park offers 40 miles of
wilderness trails, streams and woods within the city limits. Hiking, biking and
exploring opportunities are always close at hand. Smith and Bybee Lakes display
stunning wildlife and have great flatwater paddling in America's largest
protected wetland within a city. Just a short drive away, is magnificent
Multnomah Falls, the nation's second-highest year-round waterfall. For a
mellower outdoors experience, visit one of the city's stunning gardens: the
Leach Botanical, Classical Chinese, Japanese, or Crystal Springs Rhododendron
Gardens.
Chances are good that the city will be bustling with a festival when you arrive.
Favorites include the Rose Festival in June, and The Bite of Oregon food and
music fete in August.
The always popular Oregon Brewers Festival in July can be combined with a tour
and sampling at one of the many excellent, local microbreweries. Tours of
local vineyards and distilleries provide further tastings of family- produced,
distinctive wines and brandies prepared by using the finest fruit and
centuries-old methods.
Whether you travel
around Portland by train, bike or on foot, a clear and unobstructed view is
guaranteed. Building height restrictions prevent the beauty and majesty of
Mount Hood from ever being blocked. Speaking of Mount Hood,
with four ski resorts and
North America’s longest ski season (including 90 summer days), this 11,235-foot
peak is a mecca for skiers, ice climbers, snowboarders and hikers. The
surrounding wilderness boasts spectacular trails for snowshoeing as well as
cross-country skiing. All of this is just an hour’s drive from Portland’s city
center. Long recognized as a fisherman’s haven, the Pacific Northwest is rich
with steelhead, trout and sturgeon.
Portland's history unfolds and the past comes
alive as the carefully preserved landmark attractions are visited. Pittock
Mansion reveals the day to day activities of the original Portlanders.
The Portland Art Museum showcases impressive touring
exhibitions and permanent collections of American, European, Asian, Native
American and contemporary art. View area history
from an environmental point of view at the Hoyt Arboretum, where trees and
plants are protected and nourished for the enjoyment of future generations. For
families, there is also the Portland Zoo, the Children’s Museum, and the Museum
of Science and Industry.
For a change of
pace, be sure to visit the numerous gourmet coffee shops, Powell’s City of Books
with more than a million volumes, the Brew ‘N View Movie Theaters where
comfortable couches, pizza, and beer accompany the movies, the local gardens and
galleries: all of which made Portland famous.
Finally, don't leave Portland without sampling some
fine local fare. The region’s renowned seafood, berries, pears, cherries,
hazelnuts, wild game and vegetables of all kinds inspired noted chef and
Portland native, James Beard. This in turn laid the foundation for his
lifelong dedication to fine cooking, simple menus and fresh ingredients. The
tradition continues, and Portland is known for its superb cuisine and
exceptional dining.
Culture and art; the
Trailblazers and the Hawks; Mount Hood with its tempting menu of year round
outdoor activities; fine wines, beers, and restaurants; farmers markets and
excellent shopping: these are just a few of the many reasons to visit and enjoy
Portland, Oregon.
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Interest: Hiking 
