International Rose Test GardenThe foremost of Portland's famed rose gardens, the International Rose Test Garden was founded in 1917 during World War I, when hybridists sent roses from around the world to keep them safe from the bombing in Europe. Since then the garden has served as a testing ground for new varieties. The 7,700 rose bushes, representing 550 varieties, are enhanced by fountains, paths and statues, with free tours offered by trained volunteers. Highlights of the garden are the award-winning miniature roses planted along
the center aisle, the Shakespeare Garden in the southeast corner, and the Beach Memorial Fountain, designed and built by local artist Lee Kelly.
Address: Washington Park, 400 SW Kingston Ave
Phone Number: (503) 823 3636
Website: www.rosegardenstore.org
Transport: MAX train to Washington Park Station, and then Bus 63
Hours: Daily 7am to 9pm; tours at 1pm on Tuesdays and Saturdays (May to September)
Admission: Free
Oregon ZooThe award-winning Oregon Zoo is the oldest zoo west of the Mississippi, founded in 1887. It covers 64 acres and is home to a vast variety of animals, including Asian elephants, Peruvian penguins and Arctic polar bears. All are housed in their natural habitats, and the zoo is also an internationally recognized center for wildlife preservation and research. Combined with a program of summer concerts, a variety of seasonal events and an olde worlde railway ride which connects to Washington Park, the zoo is Portland's favorite attraction, drawing around a million visitors a year.
Address: 4001 SW Canyon Road
Phone Number: (503) 226 1561
Website: www.oregonzoo.org
Transport: The zoo is on the MAX light railway, or bus 63 to Washington Park from Main Street, downtown
Hours: Daily 9am to 4pm (16 September to 14 April); 9am to 6pm the rest of the year
Admission: $9.75 (adults), $6.75 (children 3-11)
Portland Classical Chinese GardensNamed the 'Garden of Awakening Orchids' this walled classic garden in Portland's Chinatown is a replica of traditional gardens found in Suzhou, Portland's sister city in China. It combines the elements of water, stone, architecture, literature and plants to create balance and harmony in the city.
Address: Between NW 3rd and NW Everett
Phone Number: (503) 228 8131
Website: www.portlandchinesegarden.org
Transport: MAX train; or bus 1, 4, 5, 8, 10, 16, 33, 40, and 77
Hours: Daily 10am to 5pm (November to March), 9am to 6pm (April to October). Daily tours at 12pm and 1pm
Admission: $7 (adults); concessions available. Children under 5 are free
Pearl DistrictThe most atmospheric neighborhood in downtown Portland, the Pearl District is the place to see and be seen. Old warehouses have been turned into desirable loft residences and the streets are lined with restaurants, cafes, wine bars, upmarket shops and art galleries. Gallery walks are held on the first Thursday of each month. 'The Pearl' is home to Portland's iconic Powell's bookstore.
Website: explorethepearl.com
Transport: Buses 17, 20 and 77 serve the Pearl District
Museum of Science and IndustryThe Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is a feast of fun for young and old. It includes fascinating permanent exhibits dealing with maths, science and technology, and laboratories where children can undertake science experiments. The complex also contains a planetarium, Omnimax theater and the submarine USS Blueback, which featured in the popular movie, 'Hunt for Red October'. The museum also hosts a plethora of interesting temporary exhibitions.
Address: 1945 SE Water Avenue
Phone Number: (503) 797 6674
Website: www.omsi.edu
Hours: Daily 9.30am to 5.30pm
Admission: $9 (adults), $7 (children 3-13). Body Worlds exhibition: $21 (adults), $17.50 (children), including general admission. Omnimax shows: $8.50 (adults), $6.50 (children)
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
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The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
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