LOCAL AREA

The Tom McCall Waterfront Park, named after a former Oregon governor, borders the west side of the Willamette River. It's a great place to walk, bicycle, people watch, or just hang out on the grass. Several Portland festivals, like the Blues Festival, are held in the park, and it's a popular place for families on weekends. The day we were there, some young artists were making chalk drawings on the pavement.

Mt. Hood and the cliffs of the awe-inspiring Columbia River Gorge look down on quaint riverfront towns, countless waterfalls and exhilarating windsurfing waters. Hood River Valley one the largest fruit-growing regions in Oregon with Vairous fruits,—even wine grapes that make for exceptional vintages. For those who prefer the indoors, historical wonders can be also be discovered in Troutdale’s Harlow House, The Dalles’ Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Wasco County Historical Museum.

Situated on the south bank of the Willamette River, Champoeg features a combination of history, nature, and outdoor recreation with water activities

Trek through the tropics amid the sounds of birds, monkeys and other creatures. You’re not in West Africa; you’re in Portland at the zoo’s African Rain Forest exhibit. After you’ve survived the steamy tropics, dry off in the savanna, where giraffes, rhinos and hippos graze. From the crest of the Cascade Mountains to the coastal waters of Peru, travel around the world in an afternoon. Open daily at 9 a.m.; closing hours are seasonal. Admission charged; children two and younger free.

Visit one of the largest and oldest rose test gardens in the country — for free. The International Rose Test Garden has 7,000 rose bushes, spectacular views of the city and an onsite Rose Garden Gift Shop (call for hours). Additionally, Peninsula Park Rose Garden has 6,500 rose plantings and is located in North Portland; and Ladd’s Addition Garden, which features 3,000 roses, sits in the historic Southeast Portland neighborhood of the same name.

With more than 250 of Oregon’s wineries calling the Willamette Valley home, it’s easy to find one to suit your taste. Whether you’re in the mood for Pinot noir or Pinot gris, experiencing the ambiance of a hip, metropolitan winery or admiring the legacy of a small town vineyard pioneer, you’ll find it in the Willamette Valley.

Slow down in a place where 14 knots is considered speedy. It's amazing what passing freighters, fishing vessels, and sailboats will do to relax and refresh your spirit. So help yourself to the maritime heritage, historical sites,restaurants, shops, and natural splendor at the mouth of the Columbia. Enjoy fun in the sun or make the perfect s’more by the beach fire. Pack a picnic or find casualdining. Share a lesson in nature’s or walk in the footsteps of America’s most famous explorers.

Find out why the oldest museum in the Northwest, the Portland Art Museum, is internationally renowned for exciting art experiences. Museum’s campus includes an outdoor sculpture court and historical interiors. Tour the world and travel through history in magnificent permanent collection galleries, six stories of modern art and special exhibitions. Each Sunday features activities for families. Visit www.portlandartmuseum.org for a schedule of lectures, tours and special events.

Spirit Mountain Casino lies on the Grand Ronde Tribal reservation, amid the ruggedly beautiful Oregon Coast. Surrounded by the breathtaking Coastal Range and the Pacific Ocean, Grand Ronde is a land rich in culture and recreational possibilities. Spirit Mountain Casino has it all – hot and scintillating slots, tempting table games and the laid back fun of Keno and Bingo.

The Oregon Garden welcomes visitors with more than 20 specialty gardens and features. You'll discover waterfalls, quiet ponds, fountains, a unique display of conifers, the 400-year old Signature Oak, a Northwest Garden, a pet garden, beautiful vistas and art. The Children's Garden is complete with an in-ground Hobbit house; a tree fort, furniture filled with colorful annuals, perennials and other kid-friendly plants. Kids should keep their eyes open for a new train display coming soon.

Bridgeport Village is the Pacific Northwest’s preeminent fashion and lifestyle shopping center. Consisting of 500,000 sq.ft., the center offers an outstanding and enviable array of the regions first and exclusive one of a kind and internationally renowned stores, boutiques and the largest Regal Cinema in the state — now with an IMAX Theater.

Is the Main Shopping center in the Wilsonviile area. Costco, target, Petsmart, Office Depot and Pier 1 Imports to name a few of the stores. Convenient freeway access and just a 10 minute walk from the hotel.

Ranked as the #1 Course In Oregon To Host Tournaments and rated four out of five stars by Golf Digest’s Best Places To Play for 2010, Langdon Farms Golf Club is home to 18 holes of stunning golf designed by John Fought and Robert Cupp.