Housing the state legislature, governor's office, and secretaries of state and treasury, the Oregon State Capitol was built between 1936 and 1937. The current building is actually the third capitol building for the state of Oregon, the previous two both having been destroyed by fire. A large portion of the Art Deco building is made of marble and features a large cylindrical cupola, which caused some aesthetic controversy at the time of its debut, topped with a golden statue of an Oregon pioneer. The dedication ceremony in 1938 was attended by President Franklin D. Roosevelt along with other prominent statesmen of the day. More recently, it is the first capitol building to produce its own solar power.
The Lee Mission Cemetery, located in Salem, is touted to be one of the oldest cemeteries in the entire United States. It was established with the burial of local dignitary Lucy Thompson Lee. Renowned and noted, the crematory has more than 3500 documented burials. Efforts have been made on the part of civic groups and individuals to preserve and restore the graveyard.
Head up to Cooper Mountain to experience tranquil hospitality in an early 20th century country estate. This 68 acre property is the perfect venue for corporate meetings or other social events. You don’t have to be a nature lover to enjoy the self-guided walking tours within the estate grounds that offer spectacular views of the Garden, the valley and the surrounding mountainside. You can literally stop and smell the roses at acres of garden surrounding the estate. The gates to both the flower and herb garden are open Monday-Friday 6a to 4p. Admission is free. To rent the property, schedule an appointment for facility tours.
Fly over beautiful vineyards and luscious hillsides of the Tualatin River Valley. Your crew handles the balloon expertly and tells tales of ballooning and local history. Vista Balloon Adventures is dedicated to customizing your experience, so go ahead and discuss your dreams with them. A tour includes brunch after the voyage. The flight is about an hour long, but the whole affair lasts about three and a half hours.
Housed in the Alpenrose Dairy property, the Alpenrose Velodrome is one of the most popular sports venues in Portland. This cycling track was constructed in 1967 and was initially designed for the National Cycling Championship in the 1960s. The track has been host to several national and international sporting events and sees cyclers from all over the world. Besides, it is one of the steepest track in the United States and is inclined at around 42 to 43 degrees which makes it more challenging. You can be a member of OBRA if you wish to use these challenging tracks for practicing your skills. Alpenrose Velodrome is popular venue for a plethora of events and can seat more than 500 people.
Tucked into the historic town of Multnomah, this shopping destination resonates with the pulse of Portland. Only 10 minutes away from downtown, these old streets fill with shoppers and course with activity. Antique shops intermixed with trendy restaurants and Victorian homes crowd the hilly neighborhood. Popular items around here include coffee at Village Coffee and, of course, antiques. Credit card acceptance varies by establishment in Multnomah Village.
Courthouse Square Park is spread over 1.8 acres (0.72 hectares). It is a town square occupying one city block in downtown Dayton, Oregon. The historically-significant blockhouse, that was once located at Fort Yamhill, is now located in this park. The other facilities in this park includes picnic shelters, grassy areas shaded by Douglas Firs and native oaks, a basketball court, a playground and public restrooms. The park is also added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Take a self-guided tour through Sokol Blosser Winery and learn about the area's grape varieties. You can also taste fine French oak barrel-aged, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines in the friendly tasting room. The proprietors ensure a memorable tasting experience. You will be dazzled by the sweeping views of the Willamette Valley, too. If you cannot wait to taste this winery's fine wines, you can order wine from the Web site.
Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum is an exciting attraction for McMinnville visitors. A part of the museum complex, the Evergreen Theater opened in 2007. Housed in a beautiful building made of steel and glass, this state-of-the-art screening hall has an incredible digital technology that makes images sharp and sounds clearer. Showcasing dramatic movies on aviation and nature, this theater definitely gives viewers an incredible cinematic experience.