THINGS TO DO — PORTLAND AREA

Over 30 years ago, Walter Powell decided to stock all editions of books, whether they were hardback, paperback, new or used, side by side on the shelves of his bookstore. The inventory of Powells, is more than One Million Books.

On W Burnside Street you will find the biggest bookstore in America. It covers the entire city block, with an entrance on W Burnside and one on Couch St. As you enter the store, you can pick up a free map that helps you navigate your way through the floors and collections of books and magazines, videos and DVDs. It is open every day of the year, and you can find just about every book that is in print.

Location: 1005 W Burnside St., Portland, OR 97209
Phone : 503-228-4651 (International +1-503-228-4651)
Website : www.Powells.com

The Pittock Mansion is a beautifully furnished turn-of-the-century home in Portland. Once the home of Portland pioneer and owner of the Oregonian newspaper, Henry Pittock and his wife Georgiana lived in the mansion, from 1914 - 1919. The house remained in the family until 1958 when one of the Pittock grandsons sold the house. The house fell into disrepair and at the threat of demolition, the citizens of Portland funded the site and restored the house to its former beauty.

There are many tour options available or you can also just wander the house and grounds on your own - don’t forget to visit the Gate Lodge, where the steward of the estate lived from 1918 until 1953. It is a small and very charming building.

Location: 3229 NW Pittock Drive, Portland, OR 97210
Phone : 503-823-3624 (International +1-503-823-3624)
Website : www.PittockMansion.org

This amusement park opened in 1905 to celebrate the Lewis and Clark world Expo. A visit at the Oaks Amusement Park is like a quick trip back in time. Lots of old school rides and activities in a scenic setting! No admission and plenty of free parking, picnic tables right next to the river, and it's close to downtown. Rides for all ages and interests.

Location: East end of Sellwood Bridge Portland, OR 97213
Phone : 503-233-5777 (International +1-503-233-5777)
Website : www.OaksPark.com

In the summer months, this peaceful park comes alive with brightly colored rhododendrons.

Location: SE 28th Ave.and Woodstock St. Portland, OR 97214
Phone : 503 823 3640 (International +1-503 823 3640)
Website : www.TripAdvisor.co.uk/Crystal_Springs

Founded in 1944, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is one of the nation's leading science museums. OMSI offers 219,000 square feet of brain-powered fun through hundreds of interactive exhibits and hands-on demonstrations. OMSI has five exhibit halls, eight science labs, a giant screen OMNIMAX Dome Theater, the most technologically advanced planetarium in the Pacific Northwest, and the USS Blueback submarine, the last fast-attack diesel-powered submarine built by the U.S. Navy.

Location: 1945 SE Water Avenue, Portland, OR 97214
Phone : 503-797-6674 (International +1-503-797-6674)
Website : www.OMSI.edu

Founded in 1892 and the oldest art museum in the Pacific Northwest, the museum has a collection of over 35,000 works of art - from modern and contemporary art to European paintings, sculptures, American art, Asian art, African art and prints and photography. The collection begins with European Impressionism and continues through to current art. There is always something new to see whenever you visit.

Location: 1219 SW Park Avenue, Portland, OR 97205
Phone : 503-226-2811 (International +1-503-226-2811)
Email : info@PAM.org
Website : www.TheNewGallery.org

This is definitely a "must-see" while visiting Portland. There is no admission fee. Stroll through the gorgeous rose gardens here. Includes fountain, paths, public garden, rose garden, public art, and tours.

Location: 400 Southwest Kingston Avenue, Portland, OR 97201
Phone : 503-823-3636 (International +1-503-823-3636)
Email : PKweb@ci.portland.or.us
Website : www.PortlandOnline.com/parks

An aerial tramway/cable car, the tram cabins travel 3,300 linear feet between the South Waterfront terminal adjacent to the OHSU Center for Health & Healing, and the upper terminal at the Kohler Pavilion on OHSU's main campus. Traveling at 22 miles per hour, the Tram cabins rise 500 feet for the three-minute trip over I-5, the Lair Hill neighborhood and the Southwest Terwilliger Parkway.

If the weather cooperates, definitely spend the $4 for the round-trip ride. The tram itself is sleek and smooth sailing and it takes just a few minutes to get to the top. The views of Mt. St. Helens with her top missing (to the northeast of PDX) and Mt. Hood (slightly southeast of PDX) are phenomenal. Getting to the waterfront terminal by the free streetcar is a snap.

Location: Marquam Hill Campus at Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
Phone : 503-494-8283 (International +1-503-494-8283)
Email : info@PortlandTram.org
Website : www.PortlandTram.org

Website : www.TripAdvisor.ca

Website : www.PortlandOR.about.com