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The
largest city in Oregon, Portland has something for everyone. Whether
visitors want to shop, grab a cup of java, explore the fantastic
rose gardens, or simply enjoy the "city life", Portland
has it all. With scenic bridges spanning the Willamette River to
the southeast and the mighty Columbia
River to the north, the City of Roses draws visitors with its
architectural beauty and huge variety of options for adults and
children alike.
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The
International Rose Test Garden, the Oregon Zoo, the Oregon Trail
Visitors Center (in nearby Oregon City), Powells Bookstore - the
list goes on and on of favorite stops in Portland. There's simply
so much to see! Given the inevitable traffic snarls that unfortunately
can accompany large cities, visitors are encouraged to use the light
rail to visit their favorite places. Or, if they prefer, they can
enjoy Portland by bike. Named one of the top three most bicycle-friendly
cities in the United States, Portland's well-marked and easily-navigable
bicycle lanes make travel much easier than to go by car.
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If
visitors do choose to drive around Portland, they'll probably soon
find themselves crossing one of the city's many bridges. The most
recent addition is the double-decked Fremont Bridge. Spanning the
Willamette River, this bridge was completed in 1973. Weighing over
6000 tons, it was lifted into place 170 feet in the air (a world
record lift at the time). In addition, the 902 feet long arch span
was actually built off-site and floated down the river before taking
its place atop this spectacular bridge.
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Inside
the city, Broadway shows during the summer and both planned and
impromptu blues and jazz shows can be enjoyed in the Pioneer Courthouse
Square, the Oregon Zoo, and in Tom McCall Waterfront Park. In addition,
with over forty breweries and brew pubs in the area, Portland has
also earned the nickname "Munich on the Willamette". Rounding
out this eclectic city, visitors can also enjoy a variety of traveling
shows at the 107 year old Portland Art Museum. Offering all this
and more, it's clear why Portland is such a favorite stop for visitors
of all ages.
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