Peaceful Portland

Portland is perfect. The climate is just right. If you visit in summer, the weather isn't too hot. If you come in winter, it's not too cold. Portland's mild climate is from its location--only about an hour and a half drive to the ocean. My only complaint, and it's small, is that it's too cloudy.

Rocky Butte--You must find this place. Visit just before sunset for a spectacular view of the city. Linger until after dark to see the rivers and city lit up in lights.

Powell's--Enjoy reading? Check out Powell's. It's the biggest bookstore in the country. They sell new and used books cheap. Just don't get lost inside.

Portland library--Can't get enough reading material at Powell's? The library is the place to go. It's only a few blocks away.

The International Rose Test Garden--Next to the zoo is a floral wonder. Sit on a bench and breathe in the romantic fragrance along with Portland's purest air.

The Japenese Gardens--Up the hill is the Japenese garden. You will see many rock gardens, waterfalls, and native Japenese plants.

Quick Tips:

While you're in Portland, don't forget to take advantage of the delicious west-coast cuisine. Grill some salmon and veggies.

If you're driving, it's illegal to pump your own gas. There's no sales tax on anything too!

Best Way To Get Around:

Ride the Tri-Met--the mass transit system. It'll take you just about anywhere you want to go. It perserves the clean air Portland offers. Besides, you get to observe the people who live there.

Upon entering the mega-store of Powell's you'll feel refreshed. Ahhhhh, it's not just another chain bookstore. It has a warehouse feel to it, but cozier. Each section is divided into a color scheme so if you grab a map on your way in, you'll have less of a chance getting lost.

Browse through the large selection of reading material and marvel at the largest bookstore in the entire country. You're trip can be cheap too. Not only do they sell the brand-spankin' new latest copies of your favorite authors, but they sell used books too at about half the price. That means, we who are on a budget can save some cash.

Powell's is a good place to meet people too. Quietly browse in your favorite section and chat with those who have the same interests. Order a mocha-cappuccino at their coffee bar and settle into a conversation with a local or a traveler like yourself.

I found plenty of postcards to send to friends. While I was away from home, I felt right at home while filling them out in their cafe. There's something about band posters and scruffy looking college kids to bring you back to the real world.

Rocky Butte is the perfect place for a romantic view. After winding your way up to the top, you'll find the small park. On the top is a small fortress and a revolving light (otherwise known as the bat symbol). From this view you can see how Portland sprung from the crossing of the Williamette and the Columbia rivers.

In the evening, the sunset is magnificant and the city lights come alive. You can see Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens perfectly if you get there before the sun sets. If you bring your binoculars you can follow the jets landing and taking off at the airport or spy on the traffic below. Not many know about or visit this sight so don't be afraid of a crowd. On the clear summer night we visited, there were about 20 people there. All to watch the sunset and hang about. This is just one of the places that will make you fall in love with Portland.

Catch a view of Rocky Butte.

The Japanese Gardens were designed by a renowned authority on Japanese landscaping. Five acres of rock gardens, waterfalls and native Japanese plants surround you in the picturesque gardens. You'll be zigzagged throughout the area by wandering on the stepping stone paths. Reflect at the enormous waterfall and smell the blooming iris'. Carp wiggle through the lily pad ponds. Ask when you get your ticket about the stories that go along with the rock gardens. Each one has a tale to tell. Cost is about $4.00.

Mmmmmm. Breathe deeply. In 1917 the founders of Portland created the city's International Rose Test Garden. The garden has over 7,000 roses in 400 varieties. The Rose Garden was created to experiment with breeding different varieties in colors and aromas. Shades range from light peach to deep purple. The fragrance will drug you and the garden is expansive.

Besides the roses being here, you'll enjoy the view, too. I captured a great picture of Mt. Hood looming over Portland's skyscrapers with a variety of roses in the foreground. I couldn't help but take lots of pictures. It was nice just to sit on a bench and relax. When we were there, a trio of musicians were playing for donations.

To get to the gardens, I recommend taking the MAX to Washington Park at the zoo entrance. Hike down through the park to the Japanese Gardens then onto the Rose Garden. The bus comes every few minutes and will shuttle you back to the zoo entrance where you can get back on the MAX. From there it's just a short ride to downtown to grab a bite to eat--which we did.

Our bus driver was fantastic because she knew so much about the neighborhood we were driving through. She pointed out several houses and gave us histories on them.

If you're on a tight budget and can't afford the Japanese Gardens, the Rose Garden is free to the public. Just don't pick any of the flowers! It's illegal.

Pictures are coming soon!

Another great thing about Portland and the entire state of Oregon is no sales tax. When you walk into a store and it says $1.99, it's $1.99.

But be careful. If you're driving, don't hop out of your car and expect to pump the gas yourself. It's illegal in Oregon. That's right. Pump attendants will do it for you. No need to tip. It's part of their job. What a treat. We figured it had to do with gas emmissions. I'm all for it if it keeps Oregon as beautiful as it is.

Avoid driving your car in Portland. The people who live here believe in keeping Oregon as beautiful as it is forever. The MAX (mass transit system) is the way to go.

The system is divided into 3 zones. Depending on where you want to go, you'll need to purchase a ticket that covers those zones. You're ticket is good for a certain period of time.

One zone tickets cost about $1.50. You can also buy a packet of tickets or tickets that cover more than one zone.

It's quite an inexpensive and efficient way to get around town. And it's cheap too. Avoid it around rush hour though. It gets quite crowded.

The Portland Public Library is located in downtown Portland, just down the street from Powell's. The Central library is located at 801 SW 10th Ave.

I work in a public library in the suburbs of Kansas City. I was very impressed with Portland's main because of the architecture and the collection. The building is enormous. I was told that it was recently rennovated. Portland's collection is located on three different floors. The first floor has the check-out desk, children's area and gift shop. Yes, the library has its own gift shop. The library sells all kinds of things, from reading glasses to bookmarks. I bought two postcards at the bookstore and filled them out at Powell's.

I learned that Beverly Cleary lived in Portland for a time. Beverly Clearly wrote lots of childrens books like 'Henry Huggins' and 'Ramona Quimby, age 8'. She donated money to the Portland library to help with the children's section. A learning tree stands outside the wing commemorating her donation.

The second and third floors of the main branch have the adult collection including reference materials.

The architecture is wonderful, from crystal chandeliers to inscribed black marble stairs. It's decorated in a traditional colonial style. Step in for awhile, fill your mind and enjoy the great surroundings.