Thursday, October 20, 2011

Portland's Top Five Attractions

By Francene Mccraig


Portland, Oregon is a city with many charms, and there is something to please any type of traveler. You'll find excellent food and superb microbreweries, a bustling music scene, plenty of museums and galleries, as well as parks and miles of hiking and biking adventures. But if you just have a few days in this Pacific Northwest town, here is a list of the top venues.

Portland's climate lends itself to flower growing, and there are several amazing gardens. The garden spotlight, however, shines upon the International Rose Test Garden, which has been in continuous operation since the First World War. You will find more than 8,000 rose bushes here, and if you have time, you can walk up to the popular Japanese Garden, both of which are located in Washington Park.

For those fortunate enough to be able to spend a weekend in Portland, consider heading down to the Portland Saturday Market. The market, which in quirky Portland fashion is also open on Sundays, features hundreds of artisans selling everything from jewelry to pottery to paintings and handmade toys. There is an international food court, as well as live music and craft stations for children.

Experience the sites of Portland via boat with a cruise from Portland Spirit. This boating company offers a variety of sightseeing trips along the Willamette River, as well as a jet boat cruise to historic Astoria and treks to the Willamette Falls.

If you enjoy reading, a trip to Powell's City of Books is not to be missed. There are several Powell's locations, but the flagship store is the true gem, taking up an entire city block and featuring more than one million volumes, including new, used and rare books.

Powell's is conveniently located on the edge of the popular Pearl District. Once an industrial sector, the district has undergone a huge transformation and now features upscale condos and warehouse lofts, as well as many galleries, boutiques, and some of the city's top restaurants and cafes.

When booking your Portland accommodations, enjoy another of Portland's top offerings and stay at the charming Bellaterra Bed & Breakfast, located in a historic neighborhood near all the city's top attractions.

The interior of this restored Portland inn features amazing original woodwork and carvings. The guest rooms are decorated with antiques, and each has private bath. Two bathrooms even boast original clawfoot soaking tubs. Several rooms offer views of Mount Hood or the Willamette River.




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