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Portland
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Things to do in Portland
First Thursday Art Walk
Treat yourself to an evening of cheese-noshing and wine-sipping as you gallery hop your way through Portland’s bustling downtown scene. Even if you’re not around on a first Thursday, fear not: there are plenty other art walks happening in other ’hoods on alternating weekends. Hours generally run from 6-9pm.
Fly and dine
JMI Limousine offers the ultimate couples package: a helicopter takes you to The Reserve Vineyards & Golf Club then to the five-star Portland City Grill, located on the 30th floor of the Unico/US Bancorp Tower; afterward, a limousine will drop you off anywhere in the city.
International Rose Test Garden
Founded in 1917, this is the oldest official, continuously operated public rose test garden (where hybridists catalogue and raise new rose varieties) in the United States. Roses start blooming at the end of May.
Living Room Theaters
Indie cinema gets the royal treatment in the form of six state-of-the-art “living room” theaters that include high-def digital movie projection, private table seating, in-theater service, and a full bar. In addition to showing films, it also busts out occasional special-event programming like a live screening of the presidential debates.
Portland Aerial Tram
The best views in Portland – you can see Mount Hood, Mount Saint Helens, Mount Adams, Mount Rainier (on a clear day), and everything in between.
Portland Art Museum
Classic and contemporary works are housed in both the newly renovated Mark Building and historic Belluschi Building. Besides world-class exhibits, the site also features a 33,000-volume Art Study Center and Library.
Portland Farmers Market
What started as a community effort to bring a taste of the country to the big city has grown into a bona fide institution. Every Saturday from 8:30am-2pm in the spring and summer, and from 9:30am-2pm in the fall, urbanites gather at downtown’s South Park Blocks to sample the best that state farmers have to offer.
Portland Walking Tours
Among the many fun tours offered is the Epicurean Excursion, in which you meet artisans and vendors in their bakeries, teahouses, breweries, and shops – all while exploring the Pearl District.
The Grotto
Even non-religious visitors love this 62-acre Catholic Shrine and botanical garden. The lush woods surrounding the Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother (its proper name) make for a perfect retreat.
The Pittock Mansion
Originally owned by one of the first families of Portland, this glorious mansion is loaded with eclectic architecture and antiques; visitors will find interesting exhibits and sensational views.
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