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Portland |
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Portland
The Portland experience isn’t so much about rushing from sight to sight. Vacationing in Portland is more about tapping into the city’s relaxed, healthy way of life. Shop downtown art galleries, paddle the Willamette River, enjoy a gourmet meal, or hike up a volcano. Just be sure to make time to stop and smell the roses—Portland probably has more of them than any other American city.
Activities and Attractions:
Portland has many opportunities for fresh air. Aptly named Forest Park alone has over 50 miles of hiking trails. Twelve-mile long Leif Erickson Drive, an unpaved path running through the park, is a favorite for bikers and hikers alike. In addition, serious wilderness and the Pacific Ocean are easy day trips away.
Some of the greatest sights in Portland are parks. Residents are particularly proud of the Japanese Garden, nearly six meditative acres of waterfalls, ponds, cherry trees, and Japanese irises, all presided over by Fuji-like Mt. Hood. Abutting the Japanese Garden is the other jewel in Portland’s crown: the International Rose Test Garden. Here you’ll find five acres of blooming rose hybrids, many of which you will never have seen before because they’re still under development.
Another popular sight is the Pittock Mansion. This imposing 1914 home towers over the city at the crest of the West Hills, long Portland’s most exclusive neighborhood. It’s open to the public, and furnished with an astounding selection of antique furniture.
Don’t feel you have to spend all your time seeing things. Allow time to browse antiques in the Sellwood district and peruse crafts at the Saturday Market. Then settle in with an espresso at a Pearl District café and just watch the beautiful city go by.
Insider Tip:
The first Thursday of every month, Portland goes artsy. Pearl District galleries stay open late and offer wine, hors d’oeuvres, and live music to browsing patrons.
-Exclusively for Perfect Escapes by Nicole Clausing |
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