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- Destinations
- North America
- United States of America
- Portland Oregon
Portland Oregon
The city of Portland, situated at the navigable head point of
the Willamette River, was the major port on the American Pacific
northwest coast during most of the 19th century. Although not the
capital of Oregon, it is the largest city in the State and its
commercial centre straddles the Willamette River with its neatly
planned city blocks.
Portland is today recognised as a fun city for tourists,
essentially designed for outdoor living with miles of wilderness
trails, woods and waterways within the city limits, set against the
backdrop of the Mount Hood glacier with its ski resorts, less than
an hour away.
The city is known for its stunning gardens, particularly the
International Rose Garden where many thousands of rose bushes from
around the world thrive and bloom. Roses form the centre of the
city's Rose Festival in June, just one of the unique festivities
that fill Portland's annual calendar. The other most popular event
is the Oregon Brewers Festival, held annually in July, which
celebrates the dozens of local micro-breweries, vineyards and
distilleries in heady style.
A further attraction of Portland is its superb cuisine and
exceptional dining opportunities. The region is renowned for its
seafood, berries, pears, hazelnuts, wild game and fresh vegetables,
which are all put to good use by some inspired local chefs.
All things considered it is not surprising that Portland is
rated as an ideal place for modern travellers to stop and smell the
roses.
Information & Facts
Climate
Portland has a temperate climate with an average of 155 days of
rain a year. Winters are mild and wet, while summers are warm and
drier. Rain is generally rare between June and September, but the
weather is extremely wet between November and April. Temperatures
seldom drop as low as freezing point in winter, and summer highs
are pleasantly comfortable with the odd heat wave and plenty of
sunshine.
Getting Around
Getting around Portland is quick and easy on the city's
award-winning light rail system, nicknamed 'MAX' (Metropolitan Area
Express), which extends to the east and west of downtown with a
spur at the International Airport. MAX also connects to the popular
attractions at Washington Park in about 10 minutes from the city
centre. Portland has a streetcar system connecting the downtown
cultural district to the Portland State University, the Pearl
District and northwest 'Nob Hill' area. The 'Tri-Met' bus service
also covers the town centre and suburbs. All forms of public
transit are free in a 330-square block downtown, known as the
'Fareless Square'. Taxis are readily available with regulated
rates.
Language
English is the most common language but Spanish is often
spoken in south-western states.
Money
The US Dollar (USD) is the unit of currency and is divided into
100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are
widespread and credit cards and travellers cheques are widely
accepted. Travellers cheques should be taken in US Dollars to avoid
hassles. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.