Portland has been proclaimed as the 'most liveable' big city in the USA by numerous magazines, surveys and visitors. The 600 000 people who live there will no doubt agree - located in the Northwestern states, Portland is a laid back city that has somehow avoided all the problems normally associated with fast growth. It has retained a unique character that is perhaps compounded by the friendly, small town feel the smiley faces of its citizens provides. To add to its good vibe and friendly outlook, Portland is truly a beautiful place, offering an exciting mix of historic architecture and cutting edge buildings. Streeets lined with fir trees provide superb vistas of the Willamette River, and at every corner gardens full of roses burst into seasonal colour. Located in the Marine West Coast Region, summers are definitely the best time to visit - if warm and balmy days are your thing! Theres a whole host of nearby attractions to keep you entertained, no matter how long you visit for. Just pick up a rental car, and get driving! Here's a few ideas of things to do in and around Portland:
1. Oregon wine Country
The nearby Willamette Valley is the perfect day trip destination. A typical road trip in your hire car will encompass about 100 miles through the Valley, but will take in so many attractions and activities it'll feel more like a thousand miles! The wine country is best savoured at a leisurely pace- you have over 250 wineries to choose from, so youll need a bit of time deciding which ones to visit! Other activities you could do include white water rafting, or those who like birds eye views could take a trip in a hot air balloon!
2. Portland Classical Chinese Garden
These are one of the largest classical Chinese Gardens outside of Asia, taking up a whole block of Portlands Chinatown. Get your zen on surrounded by the thousands of exotic plants and the beautiful Chinese buildings! There is something in every nook and cranny to engage everyones imagination, and all you have to do is look up and youll see the skyscrapers of the CBD. The quiet, peaceful gardens are the perfect escape from hustle and bustle of city life, and a visit is definitely recommended.
3. Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
This is a great day out for kids and adults alike. With its host of hands-on activities and numerous displays and exhibitions dedicated to informing and educating viewers. Visit the Planetarium, see the ancient fossils from out of the Gobi Desert or watch a full length feature documentary on the IMAX theatre screen! Whatever you choose to do, you'll be glad you paid a visit to OMSI!
4. Washington Park
Another place to enjoy a respite from the crowds is Washington Park. This sprawling expanse of grass and trees covers over 140 hectares, and encompasses a number of attractions including the Japanese Gardens, the Oregon Zoo, the International Rose Gardens and the Portlands Childrens Museum. A walk through the park is the perfect antidote to stress and tension, and will take you past a number of memorials, including ones for the Korean and Vietnam Wars, the Holocaust and Lewis and Clark.
5. Portland Saturday Market
A visit to the legendary Saturday Market in Portland will stand out as a particularly pleasant memory of your trip! The aim of the market is to provide and outlet for the talents of established and buddings artisans and craftsmen. Youll find creations of the highest calibre on sale, and have the opportunity to speak to the individuals who made them too! Expect to be regaled with the lush sounds of live musicians and other performers, but mostly expect to have a memorable and intriguing time!
Gavin Wyatt
