Oregon Zoo
Located in Washington Park, this zoo is a pretty nice size. A brand new baby elephant was born in February of this year (Tula-tu)
Oregon Museum of Science (OMSI)
Designed by Mary Beth's current firm many years ago, this museum is a fun way to spend the day learning. Also worth checking out Portland Art Museum, Pittock Mansion, and Oregon Historic Society.
Providence Park (Sports)
The Pacific Northwest loves soccer, and Providence Park is where the Portland Timbers (Men's) and Thorns (Women's) soccer teams play and practice. The Thorns in particular are nationally ranked, but both are great to see!
Moda Center (Concerts)
Portland's concert venue. Not sure who will be here, but worth looking if concerts are your thing! Also check out the Roseland Theatre for a more intimate venue.
Keller Auditorium (Broadway)
Portland's Broadway venue. The Portland 5 own and operate multiple theatres in downtown Portland - check them out if theatre shows are of interest!
Washington State University Vancouver
We're a bit far from WSU Pullman, but WSUV is just across the river in Vancouver, Washington. The campus is home to beautiful views of three mountains in one spot!
Hoyt Arboretum
Lots of trees!
International Rose Test Garden
Think all roses smell the same? Think again! This rose garden houses hundreds of different types of roses with different scents, colors, and styles. One of the best free activities within the Portland city limits, this location also has a stunning view of the city.
Portland Japanese Garden
Internationally hailed as one of the best outside of Japan, this garden definitely is worth a visit.
Parks
Forest Park - The second largest park within city limits in the country (Central Park is #1), Forest Park is full of hiking trails for all skill levels
Washington Park - home to the Zoo, Japanese Gardens, International Rose Test Garden, and other activities too!
Mt. Tabor Park - Located in the middle of SE Portland, this is an extinct volcano. Walk to the top for beautiful views of the city!
Tom McCall Waterfront Park - Portland made a first of its kind decision in the 80s to move the interstate (I-5) to provide a pedestrian experience along the Willamette River that holds events like the Saturday Markets, various concerts, and (back in the day) the Oregon Brewfest. Stretching for 3 miles, this mostly flat park provides an easy walking experience with downtown Portland just minutes away. Over the years, the waterfront path has grown past this initial park on both sides of the River and it's possible to walk a very long way if desired. Dane and Mary Beth used to walk along this park daily at lunch before they moved offices.
Northwest Portland
NW 23rd and NW 21st avenues are full of delicious restaurants and fun shops. Search out happy hour at Bartini or amazing dessert at Papa Haydn's for a good time! Note: streets running East/West are alphabetical in the NW district (Burnside, Couch, Davis, Everett, etc.) - it makes it easy to get around!
Food
The Portland food scene took a hit from COVID but it's coming back slowly. Look for spots that look good to you and have at least a four-star rating on Google, and they will knock your socks off! Pro Tip: don't sleep on happy hour!
Event Guides
www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Products-g52024-a_contentId.1183075416552010+268263019-Portland_Oregon.html
www.everout.com/portland/
www.pdxpipeline.com/
www.promotepdx.com/events
Seaside Beach
A mere hour from Portland, this beach provides a cute seaside town, a long sandy beach, and gorgeously fun tidepools if you walk all the way down to the south end.
Canon Beach
Known for Haystack Rock, canon beach is home to mist, sand, and tidepools. Checkout Public Coast brewing while you're there for a tasty (beer) detour.
Tillamook Cheese Factory
Everyone knows Tillamook has some of the best cheese in the country, and it's made right here in Oregon. In the factory you can see the cheese being made, sample some cheese curds, and eat in the cafe. Need something sweet? Their ice cream is pretty stellar too! (but nothing compared to WSU Pullman Ferdinand's. If you know, you know)
Multnomah Falls
On the way to Hood River you will see some of the most impressive falls in the state. Multnomah Falls is visible from the freeway (on the right side coming from Portland) but there's now timed parking in the lot that you'll need to reserve ahead of time. Oregon has a ton of other beautiful waterfalls, many in the area - if this is of interest Google will help you find the right one for you!
Fruit Loop
Named for the many fruit orchards, this area around Hood River will take you on a path of too many places to visit in a day. While you can purchase all manner of fruits and fruit goods, the loop is particularly popular for hard cider, mead & fruited beer flights.
Mt. Hood Ski Bowl
During the summer you can ride down on a burlap sack!
Gambling
Warm Springs, Ilani, Spirit Mountain
Hiking
There are tons of hikes for all skill levels in and around the entire state of Oregon. Browse Alltrails or reach out for some personal favs from the Bride & Groom!
Camping
Take a trip on the wild side! Many opportunities to relax in nature- reserve camping at Recreation.gov, or for a more rigorous adventure check out dispersed camping around the Mt. Hood National Forest at www.fs.usda.gov/main/mthood/.
Oktoberfest
Tap into one of the regions largest beer festivals. As a bonus check out world renown Alvar Aalto architectural works at Mt. Angel Abbey at the same time.
Can't wait to get to the Pacific Northwest? We can't wait to have you either! Take a digital stroll through the streets of Mary Beth & Dane's neighborhood from the comfort of your own home. Here's a list of movies and TV shows filmed in and around the Pacific Northwest:
★Grimm - filmed primarily in Portland, this show has episodes filmed in Mary Beth's office and the alley behind Dane's office! *Mary Beth's Favorite on this List
★10 things I hate about you - filmed in Tacoma and Seattle, much of this late 90's classic was filmed at Mary Beth's high school.
★Portlandia - an exaggeration of the Portland area in the mid 2000s. Best in YouTube clips, the show is a little overwhelming.
★To all the boys I've loved before - Netflix movie based on a book filmed in and around Portland
★The librarians - Filmed in and around Portland, but sparingly
★Leverage - Filmed in Portland, supposed to be some other city
★The Shining - Several scenes were filmed up at Timberline Lodge (Mt Hood)
★Old Joy - Filmed in Oregon. If banana slug action shots are your thing this movie might be for you. Watch at your own risk (we do not recommend)
★Kansas City Bomber - apparently a classic filmed in Oregon
★Night Moves
★Pig - Filmed in and around Portland
★Free Willy - Set in Astoria, Oregon with filming locations around the state
★Twilight - Set in Forks, Washington on the coast and filmed around western Washington. You either love it or hate it, sometimes both.
★The Goonies - A classic set in Astoria, Oregon
★Animal House - Filmed on campus at Eugene's University of Oregon campus (boo ducks?) but pretty campus
★Honorable Mention: Laika Animation is a world class animation studio based just outside of Portland