Portland, Oregon, USA - Part I

Well I'm glad to tell you that Vacation and Travel Photos has a new friend - Lindsay from The Sydenhams who is wrote this fantastic guide/review of her hometown, Portland. Without delays, let's go for its first part - word to Lindsay...

The Best of the Best in Portland: Quirky. Strange. Off-beat. The perfect description of Portland, Oregon. This charming city is best known for being home to the Trail Blazers, rain, the Nike headquarters, indie rock music, going-green, roses of every color and liberal thinking. Portland does not offer traditional sightseeing activities, like many cities around the country. Instead, the city is jam packed with a lively atmosphere and a culture that is one-of-a-kind. Visit Portland to enjoy the laid back way of life and the slow moving culture that appreciates individuality and friendliness.

Before you go Check the weather: The rumor is true. It rains all the time in Portland. But don’t be deterred from this fact because Portland only becomes more charming when it rains. Before your trip make sure you check the local stations for information about the weather during your trip. Sometimes, and we are telling the truth, there is really nice weather in Portland. If you check the weather before you go, you can plan your packing accordingly.

Must-see in Portland - Rose Gardens: Imagine thousands of roses blooming in ever color. Portland boasts one of the most impressive rose gardens in the world. Walk up and down each aisle of roses and you will be surprised that no set of roses is alike. The grounds of the gardens are also beautiful places to have a romantic picnic, take a family portrait or just enjoy a walk in nature without the business of the city. There are also a few points which offer an inspiring view of downtown. The best part? Visiting is free!

Must-see in Portland - Japanese Gardens: If you loved your time at the rose gardens, be sure to head across the street to the Japanese gardens. These gardens have been nurtured for years and crafted perfectly after similar gardens found in Japan. For a small fee, one can tour the Japanese gardens and experience true peace. The gardens are quiet and the perfect place for mediation or quiet thoughts.

Must-see in Portland - NW 23rd: Visit the trendy scene in Portland and visit Northwest 23rd. It’s a street lined with coffee shops, cafes, restaurants, boutiques, record shops, and specialty stores. Take a stroll down the street and enjoy the atmosphere. At night, the trees along the street are covered in white, Christmas lights. The street twinkles with not only the lights, but also from the bustle of the people walking in and out of Portland’s most unique stores. Be sure to stop at Papa Haydns, a famous Portland restaurant serving French food. The food is good, but what is especially delicious are the desserts. Choose from many kinds of cake and pastries and feel your mouth tingle with excitement.

Learn what the locals like/dislike: It’s always best to go with that the locals like to do. If you are going to shell out money eating at restaurants, staying at hotels and sightseeing, you want to make sure your money is well spent. If you refer to a consumer ratings Web site, you can read what locals say about local businesses and how they rate. This is a great way to figure out what you will be putting on your itinerary.

Research local newspapers to discover upcoming events: For those looking for opportunities to listen to live music, Willamette Week is the perfect place to look. The newspaper features an entire section devoted to local music, tour dates, concerts and anything relating to the music scene. Refer to The Oregonian for information about parades, concerts at the waterfront, firework shows or festivals in the city. Portland is known for having many jazz, soul, and other music festivals a few times a year.

Continue in the next post...