Tourist Day in Portland

 

Jack and I have been in Portland for two months now and we're getting to the end of our stay in this beautiful city.  Portland is becoming known for its' quirkiness and as a bastion of hipness (sort of a West Coast Brooklyn) and we have loved that about the city.  There is a cool vibe here.  It's sort of a cross between the the '60's and an L.L. Bean catalogue.  No one seems to be trying  hard or, they're trying hard not to look like they're trying! 

In addition to its' amazing restaurants and interesting neighborhoods, Portland has several tourist attractions that I would highly recommend making time to visit. Take a day, hit the tourist spots and spend the rest of your visit exploring wine country,

 

hiking in the woods or visiting the ocean.  It's amazing that all of those places are only about an hour away from downtown Portland.  You can cover a lot of ground here because unlike most major cities it is really easy to get around.

One of our favorite spots in Portland has become Washington Park which is located right in the downtown area.  Full of large trees and quiet paths, Washington Park is a quiet oasis just a few blocks away from office and apartment towers and lots of retail.  It really is a must see spot. 

  
Within Washington Park is the Rose Test Garden which has row after row of rosebushes on a terraced hillside.

On clear days you can catch a fantastic view of Mt. Hood in the distance over the buildings of downtown Portland.  My little digital camera doesn't have a big enough lense to capture the scene but trust me, it makes for a great picture.  Guess I need a camera upgrade. 

Also located in Washington Park is the Japanese Garden.  We enjoyed sitting by the koi pond,

and the meditation garden and walking along the winding paths with lanterns and fountains. 

During our visit I had to get a shot of the temple lions at the entrance to the Garden.  I love their fierce expression.
  

Near to Washington Park is the beautiful Pittock Mansion which was built by a wealthy local businessman as a family home.  No longer a private residence, the home was designed to take advantage of its' hilltop location with views over the Willamette River and beyond. The Pittock Mansion has large windows,

 



beautiful rooms and a grandly sweeping staircase. 

It would be a great place to visit during the holidays when it is decorated for the season.  Finish off your day playing tourist by taking a stroll along the Willamette River. 

By then it will be time to find a local microbrewery or a quiet spot to sip one of the delicious Oregon wines.  Perfect!