Resembling a community garden you would find in Suzhou, Portland's sister city, Lan Su Chinese Garden is a beautiful green space near the bank of the Willamette River. The garden is complete with winding pathways, gorgeous plants, a lovely tea-house and a gift store. You can take a tour to get insider knowledge of the garden and try to come during one of their many interesting events, including exhibitions and lectures. This place is a must-visit for its unique beauty. You can even hire this garden for private events such as weddings and receptions.
The Oregon Zoo houses animals from all parts of the world. Spread over 64 acres of land, there's always something to see. Here one can observe animals in their natural habitats, including elephants, bears, penguins and monkeys. Hop aboard the train for a zoo tour or rent a special stroller wagon for the kids. After a busy day of animal watching, enjoy a waffle ice cream cone from the snack bar, dine at the on site cafe or enjoy a picnic lunch on the lawn.
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) offers halls dedicated to earth science, life science, computers, chemistry, traveling exhibits and hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, the Empirical Theater, a submarine to tour, a motion simulator ride and a cafe. The museum, through its various games and interactive displays, offers an opportunity to exercise the grey cells and leave with more knowledge and information.
Dating back to 1927, the "Schnitz," as referred to by the locals, is a Portland treasure. Part of Portland'5 Centers for the Arts and home to the Oregon Symphony, it was overhauled in the 1980s and now provides a multitude of amenities. The concert hall seats 2,776 people with an upper and lower balcony for special views. Visit the concession stand for sandwiches, drinks and a selection of beer or wine. Located off the lobby is a gift shop offering a wide selection of Oregon Symphony merchandise that includes recordings.
Formerly known as The Rose Garden, Moda Center is home to the Portland Trail Blazers professional basketball team, and the premier indoor sports arena in Portland. Portland State University’s hockey team Winterhawks also play games here. The arena has room for nearly 20,000 spectators, though the number changes depending on the event, and is popular for concerts, shows and other entertainment productions. The Rose Quarter features an impressive array of bronze statues and the dancing water fountain is one of the stadium's most important facilities along with the Veterans Memorial Coliseum and the Theater of the Clouds.
Great entertainers such as Marvin Gaye, James Brown and the Grateful Dead have performed in this historic ballroom that is now owned by the McMenamin Brothers. Three on-site bars—including a popular nightclub, Ringlers - will satiate your hunger and thirst. It is worth a visit just to behold the local landmark's ornate chandeliers, picturesque windows and a 7500-square -foot (696.7728 square meters) dance floor that floats on ball-bearings.
Raptor Ridge specializes in hand-crafted wines, the Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are made in small quantities and sold by fine restaurants and wine shops throughout the West. The 27 acre estate is beautiful, and you might be able to spy a bird or prey while you're there. Tours are available by appointment only, so be sure to call ahead.
Tour the Oregon wine country with the experts. Tours start at your doorstep, and you can choose to visit any of five different wine communities in the Portland area, with meals that accent the wines and feature Oregon fare included with each tour. Visit wineries that are not usually open to the public and taste rare wines. Most tours are for groups of eight to 10 people, and prices vary by tour so be sure to check the website to create the ideal trip for you and your wine-loving friends.
This theater has two screens for your viewing pleasure. For a more enjoyable experience, sit back and relax with popcorn and a soda from the refreshment stand. For film times, ticket prices and further information please call or see their website.
In a bid to enhance and foster individual growth, the Alton L. Collins Retreat Center was founded. A short drive away from the bustling cacophony of the city, this retreat center is idyllically located in a Pacific Northwestern forest. Surrounded by the soothing confines of nature where cedar, spruce, fir and maple trees make an appearance, this place is conducive to introspection and reflection. Guests at this retreat are aided by experienced professionals, and it is also equipped with a full-service kitchen that provides wholesome meals. Other features include an organic garden, 23 motel-style rooms with private balconies and recreation facilities.
If you're curious about what exactly makes Portland the brewing capital of the country, it might be a good idea to sign up for a tour with the Portland Brew Bus. After gathering with your group in the lobby of DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Portland, at 1.30p, you are taken on a four-hour journey of breweries like Widmer Brothers Brewing Company, The Old Lompoc, Bridgeport Brewery and Pyramid Brewing, and you get to sample many of their famous creations. If you don't wish to participate in the public tour, you can opt for a charter tour that will begin from a destination of your choosing.