Portland, Oregon...City Life

We took a walking tour of the city and as a "tourist" I discovered that Portland is one of those "cool" towns.

You know, the kind with a huge appreciation of the arts, youth, and green living.

There were people walking with their pets, riding their bikes, taking the trains, and drinking one of their favorite beverages...coffee.

I'm not a huge coffee drinker, but I drank my share of the delectable delight...

and what every Portlander knows, coffee goes better with some type of bakery treat.

The choices were limitless, I had the try this one...

...the Oregon Croissant.

And yes, it was as delicious as it looks.

We visited an amazing store, Powell's Book. It covered an entire city block and filled approximately 3 stories!

I would classify this place as a super-huge Half Price Books. There were previously read books and new books sitting side by side on the shelves.

We roamed and roamed...gotta love the smell of knowledge!

More Portland flavor...

...steps in the library.

Can you find the hidden words?

More attention to details.

This is an another example of the amazing spaces we found...

...two buildings connected to form a new space.

Stores took up shop in old warehouses,

and filled them nicely!

There were new items...

...and vintage items.

 My weakness...

... and their back-plates.

Basically, tons of inspiration!

The city was truly a feast for your eyes!

Portland's Japanese Gardens

I've never been to a "real" Japanese garden before...this one didn't disappoint, it was breathtaking.

Quiet pathways led you to special spots.

There were authentic structures...

...and rock gardens. 

Do you see the man and his "rake" on the right side of the photo below? He was actually making the checkerboard pattern. 

The patches of grass were representing sake and cup.

There were soothing waterfalls...

...and quiet resting areas.

Our day was a bit overcast, however this trellis was a treat to see.

 

It was another great day!

Rose City...Portland, Oregon

Before our trip to the Pacific Northwest, I had NO idea Portland was considered the Rose City.

However, after a trip to the Rose Gardens, it was apparent that the climate of this area was perfect for growing roses.

This was the little building that greeted us as we entered...ok, it was the restrooms, but they were the prettiest little restrooms you've ever seen!

The morning dew was still on a few special roses.

There were so many different varieties...

And, some of my favorites...climbing roses.

Enjoy!

Apparently there is a festival, the past queens' names were hand written!

As we continued our stroll, there was a special surprise.

It was a very calm and tranquil place.

Another special memory of our trip.

A bit of Traveling...

Can you guess where we went? 

Yep... Portland, Oregon.

It was our first trip to the Pacific Northwest and very special treat.

The sights were beautiful, the weather was perfect, and the sun was shining!

The above picture was taken at the Saturday Market...the representative said that the artists used all local themes and materials for the sign.

I thought it was a perfect way to begin this travel log.

Our first official stop was one if the many parks, Mt. Tabor.

My son is standing next to the massive trees for a bit of perspective.

The paths were easy to follow with my "street" shoes and well traveled by bikers as well.

There were different routes for different destinations...

...and plenty of beauty to digest.

One of the neatest surprises were the hydrangeas that grow wild.

There were a variety of colors...

...and sizes...

...all showing their glory.

Thanks to J and T for being amazing hosts!

Stay tuned!