Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
Romance is certain to be found in a place known as The City of Roses. This romantic flower can truly be seen blooming in abundance in the gardens of homes and businesses throughout Portland. Over 500 colorful varieties of roses can be found at the international rose test garden in Portlands oldest park, Washington Park. Walking paths through these terraced gardens, you overlook the city skyscrapers with the dramatic Cascade Mountains beyond.
There is no better place to begin a romantic journey through Portland than in the 129 acre Washington Park perched on a hill west of the city. A rickety train has run through the park for years and can take you up through the thick trees to the Oregon Zoo. Further up the hill from the zoo sits Hoyt Arboretum. With 10 miles of self-guided trails and hundreds of woody plants this is a romantic place to walk alone hand in hand. A formal Japanese garden with exceptionally manicured grounds is another peaceful place to stroll within the park.
Pittock Mansion also resides in the West Hills, surrounded by one of Portlands wealthiest neighborhoods. This restored historic mansion is furnished with traditional, opulent French antiques and is situated 1,000 feet above sea level. On a clear day, from both inside and out, there are stunning views of five Cascade Mountain peaks and the Columbia and Willamette Rivers.
Closer to downtown from the park is Portlands artsy Pearl District. This Northeast neighborhood bustles with art galleries, trendy shops, upscale restaurants, and refurbished lofts. Its a fun place to window shop, people watch, and dine on tastes from all over the world. The famous Powells City of Books has consumed an entire city block for a long time.
East of the Willamette River is the Southeast Hawthorne District with its own funky hippie vibe. Hawthorne reveals Portlands progressive side offering a little something for everyone. Coffee shops, brewpubs, vintage clothing stores, street side vendors, adult themed shops, glassblowing galleries, and more, all call the Hawthorne District their home. This lively neighborhood would be a great place to stimulate conversation and get your creative juices flowing.
If you seek a quieter setting for your romance, Portlands Grotto is an incredible sight. This Catholic Shrine was carved into a 110 foot cliff in 1924 and is surrounded by a lovely botanical garden. An elevator carries you up to a Natural Gallery in the woods with groomed paths and statues. This religious sanctuary and garden is a peaceful place to connect with nature and one another.
Portlands rivers are not only integral to its economy, but offer a fanciful way to explore the city at sea level. Boats such as the Portland Spirit and Sternwheeler Columbia Gorge cruise the Willamette and Columbia Rivers offering dining and live entertainment, as well as views of the skyline and bridges. Aside from roses, Portland is also known for its 17 area bridges. Kissing under a bridge is the vision of romance as the sun sparkles off the water.
Underneath the Burnside Bridge is the open air Portland Saturday Market. Here is another opportunity to mill amongst friendly strangers purchasing homemade food and crafts. You can relax and enjoy the unique street entertainers in one of the USs oldest community markets.
Portlands location in the beautiful Pacific Northwest enables visitors to take some incredibly easy day trips to spectacular destinations. In less than two hours you can curl your toes in the snow 5,000 feet high on Mount Hood (65 miles) or curl them in the sand beach on the Pacific Ocean (78 miles).
The Oregon coast boasts a rugged terrain with massive cliffs and rocks. The drive West to the coast is gorgeous as you pass by wineries and through lush, dense forests. Walking on the white sand at Cannon Beach and watching the sun set into the ocean is a romantic way to end a Portland day.
Heading East out of Portland is another scenic drive. In less than 30 minutes from the city traffic you can be surrounded by the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge. Plenty of pull-offs and trails enable you and your loved one to find romantic solitude after hiking just a short while. The Lewis and Clark Trail runs along the gorge and can be accessed at many points. Another hiking spot, which is easier and paved, is the trail to view the impressive 620 foot Multnomah waterfalls. There is a Visitors Center here and it is easily accessible with parking in the middle of the highway.
Veering south from the Columbia River Gorge, Oregons highest peak, Mount Hood, stands at 11,235 feet. The Mount Hood National Forest offers many places to camp, fish, hunt, ski, climb, horseback ride, and hike. The historic and romantic Timberline Lodge is a haven of rustic elegance perched at 6,000 feet in the middle of this glacier-capped mountain.
Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or an art aficionado, Portland has plenty of spots for you. This Rose City is an eclectic, inviting place where you can feel comfortable being yourself. From hippies to yuppies, from rivers to parks, Portland is a city for lovers. As the roses grow in the gardens of every diverse neighborhood, your love will also bloom as you get to know Portland, Oregon.
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