30 Things About Portland: The Good The Bad The Interesting

30 Things About Portland: The Good, The Bad, The Interesting
By Ariel Villegas

Portland, Oregon. It's sometimes a misunderstood place. Yes, it's true it rains. But not as much as people might imagine. Here are a few things that make Portland, simply, Portland.

1. Portland is a great walking city. City blocks are 200 feet, half the length of those of many other cities.

2. Portland has great beer. There are more breweries in Portland than any other city in the world.

3. Portland's air is cleaner than a lot of other major cities.

4. Portland has plenty of beautiful, natural scenery. It's very green with lots of trees.

5. (Bad) Coastal region is said to be due with earthquake (tsunami) like activity. Are we prepared?

6. Portland was almost named Boston. A coin toss decided the name.

7. Portland is the largest city in Oregon.

8. (Bad) Perception that it rains here all the time. Really, it rains more in places like Atlanta, Houston, Indianapolis, and Seattle.

9. The International Rose Test Garden, located in Portland, is the oldest rose test garden in the US.

10. Portland has a World Famous Symphony. The Oregon Symphony was the first orchestra in the Western United States.

11. Portland has the nation's largest outdoor and crafts market, The Portland Saturday Market.

12.The Benson Bubblers are drinking fountains located at several locations downtown. They came about long ago because there was nothing else to drink in Portland but beer during the workday at one time. Beer sales at saloons dropped considerably when they were installed. Seriously.

13. Portland has one of the most authentic Japanese Gardens outside of Japan.

14. With 5000 acres, Forest Park is the nation's largest urban wilderness. In all, Portland has 37,000 acres of parkland with 150 miles of trails.

15. Dr. Marten's retail store, the only one in the country, is located in Portland.

16. Recently PDX was rated one of the best airports in the country.

17. You can't pump your own gas in Portland, in Oregon in fact. It's illegal.

18. Here are some interesting names that reference Portland: Bridgetown, Stumptown, City of Roses, PDX, P-Town, and Puddletown.

19. Portlandia is the second largest copper statue in the US. It's located on the Portland building downtown. The largest copper statue is the Statue of Liberty.

20. Portland celebrates the Rose Festival in June. 2 huge parades, dragonboat races, fireworks, and the crowning of the Rose Festival queen all takes place during this period. Several large ships from the Coast Guard and the Navy come to shore for tours.

21. The Columbia River Gorge, minutes from Portland, is considered the best place in the world for windsurfing.

22. Nike's world headquarters is located in Beaverton, minutes from Portland.

23. There is no sales tax in Portland. A matter fact, there is no sales tax in Oregon.

24. Portland is the first city in the US to remove a freeway, Harbor Drive, which was later replaced by Waterfront Park.

25. At 546 feet, the Wells Fargo Center is the tallest building in Portland. Height restrictions were placed after construction in 1972. The public did not want the view of Mt. Hood blocked by tall buildings.

26. The Flying Boat known as the Spruce Goose is located at the Evergreen Aviation Museum in McMinnville near Portland.

27. The submarine that featured in the movie Hunt for Red October is housed at OMSI in Portland.

28. In 1888, for Skidmore Fountains grand opening, Oregon brewer Henry Weinhard offered to pump beer from his brewery to the fountain via fire hoses. This never happened because city officials feared that residents would help themselves and poke holes into the city's only set of fire hoses.

29. The tunnels known as The Shanghai Tunnels are located under Old Town Chinatown in Northwest Portland. These tunnels connected to basements of bars and hotels. Way back then, bar and hotel customers were drugged and incapacitated from the very same bars and hotels that served them. The tunnels were a means to smuggle unsuspecting individuals for sale as slaves to ships docked at the waterfront.

30. Oregon State Hospital, an insane asylum, was built in SE Portland in 1862. The street it was built on was named Asylum Street. People protested the name. So the street was later renamed after one of the hospital's administrators. Asylum Street was later renamed Hawthorne Street, a very popular and thriving district today.

Ariel operates a Portland Oregon travel website - best-of-portland-guide.com. Did you like this article on The 30 Things About Portland? Check out the 101 list here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=ArielVillegas
http://EzineArticles.com/?30-Things-About-Portland:-The-Good,-The-Bad,-The-Interesting&id=349433

You Really Need to Visit Maui

You Really Need to Visit Maui
By Dave Huffman

Seen from above, the two shield volcanoes that make up the island of Maui look like the head and torso of the well-loved demigod for whom the island is named.

Maui was a tricky fellow who is said to have stolen fire from its supernatural keepers, gifting to the mortals. He also captured the sun with a rope woven from his wifes tresses and slowed its path so that we could enjoy more hours of daylight on his beautiful island.

Modern visitors to this most magical of islands still reap the fruits of his labors by making the most of sunny tropical weather, where the temperature rarely dips below 65 degrees and the lush vegetation and colorful animal life just add to the feeling that they've just arrived in paradise.

This second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands is host to Haleakala, the largest dormant volcano in the world, at 10,023 feet tall. The summit of Haleakala National Park provides awe-inspiring views of five of the eight major islands. Watching the sunrise on the summit of Haleakala is an experience that visitors carry with them the rest of their lives.

Wainapanapa State Park is another wondrous natural adventure. Discover the black sand beaches, sea arch and caves for yourself. Every year from mid-December through mid-May pods of humpback whales make their way back to the waters surrounding Maui. The Kai Kanani will take you out to Molokini Island as you marvel at the grace of these peaceful giants.

The Whale Discovery Center at the Maui Ocean Center helps visitors understand the humpbacks strange and beautiful life cycle as it takes them from the frigid waters of the Artic to the warm and soothing seas around Maui and back again each year.

The natural beauty of Maui will surround and envelope you as you explore its endless beaches. Swim the calmer waters of the west shore, including Maalaea and Kaanapali.

Or head up to North Maui Ho'okipa for some of the best surfing, boogie boarding and windsurfing in the world. If youre looking for a little privacy, try Oneloa Beach, the last undeveloped beach on Maui s leeward side.

During a daily sun shower, duck into the Hana Cultural Center, a traditional Hawaiian village showcasing hundreds of artifacts and books and thousands of historical photographs.

The Maui Arts and Cultural Center is a 12-acre visual arts center and the Tedeschi Vineyards in the Upcountry offers tours of a unique pineapple wine vineyard. Dont forget to try a sample!

Dining is another fabulous adventure in Maui. It won't take long before you run into the ever-popular plate lunch. Hawaii's version of fast food, a plate lunch is inexpensive and perfect to take to one of the island's breathtaking parks. Each shop's plate lunch is unique, so stop in at a few shops during your explorations.

For something a little more upscale, try the Tropica Restaurant and Bar at the Westin Maui or Vino Italian Tapas & Wine Bar in Kapalua. Mango Cafe Grill & Bar offers a fabulous buffet on Sundays that includes both traditional Hawaiian fare and mainland comfort foods.

Maui isn't just a visual and culinary delight, it's also a shopper's dream come true. Spend a few hours browsing for interesting island gifts at the Kapalua Shops, enjoy free Hawaiian entertainment while you shop at Queen Kaahumanu Center or do some power shopping in air-conditioned comfort at the Lahaina Cannery Mall.

Maui accommodations are just as diverse as its natural beauty and entertaining activities. Opt for an intimate and cost-conscious stay at one of the island's lovely bed-and-breakfasts, choose from an array of luxurious condominiums or find relaxation or lots of opportunities to play whatever your pleasure at one of Maui's golf resort hotels, spa resorts, beachfront hotels, family-friendly hotels or romantic accommodations perfect for honeymooners.

Another great option is to try a privately owned rental. There are a number of private owners who are willing to rent their home or condo. Many rental by owner websites are available to help you locate the perfect place to settle in for your stay in this little slice of heaven.

Like its mythological namesake, Maui Island is powerfully memorable and perfectly magical. Make it a part of your memories forever.

Dave Huffman is a travel writer and property manager for vacation rentals at the Lake of the Ozarks in Osage Beach, Missouri. For great lodging on Maui go to http://www.mauirentalbyowner.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=DaveHuffman
http://EzineArticles.com/?You-Really-Need-to-Visit-Maui&id=404064

Scintillating San Juan

Scintillating San Juan
By Caitlin Moore

Though it is known as La Ciudad Amurallada (the walled city), San Juan can hardly be described as uninviting. The citys rich history and its status as a busy and ideal port make it an intriguing destination for thousands of tourists each year. From its old Spanish buildings to its stunning beaches, the sights of San Juan are not to be missed.

Located on the Northern coast of the island of Puerto Rico, San Juan is divided into three different areas. Old San Juan is nearly 500 years old and was originally built to serve as a military stronghold. Today, visitors are welcomed to wander the cobblestone streets and marvel at the imposing architecture that now serves as the faade for residences and shops. Guided tours are always available, as the narrow roads and alleyways are best traversed by foot.

Old San Juans famous plazas make for great photo-ops and meeting places, and history buffs will delight in the commemorative statues of Ponce de Leon and Christopher Columbus. Puerto Rico played an important role in the expansion of colonialism and New World exploration, and as you soak in the atmosphere of this centuries old collection of squares it will be impossible not to feel affected by the strong vibes of culture wars and aspirations for land acquisition.

El Morro, the six-level fortress that has come to serve as a symbol of San Juans strength as a city, is located right on the coastline. The tunnels, barracks, and ramps make for a veritable maze, and the view from the top level is a stunning one. In other words, to truly appreciate all that San Juan has to offer, be sure to make time in your schedule to visit this historical landmark while youre here.

Dozens of other buildings, museums, and cathedrals will make visiting Old San Juan worthy of spending a substantial amount of time in, but youll doubtlessly be interested in seeing the beach and resort area, as well. Restaurants, nightclubs, shopping areas, and casinos make this a fun-filled adults playground. This is the place to enjoy a rum cocktail at a beach bar or head into the ocean for some surfing, swimming, or snorkeling. Night owls will find the vibrant after-dark scene more than satisfying, so be prepared to dance the night away.

San Juan also has a few suburban areas around it for quieter exploration, and located about 45 miles away youll find the lush and enthralling Yunque Rain Forest. Home to the famous coqui frog and brimming with flora and fauna of all kinds, this rain drenched area is like no other place on earth. Achieve a true Caribbean experience by checking out all that this beautiful island has to offer by taking a day trip here, and then return to the city in time to watch the sun set over the Pacific.

If this charming and vibrant location has caught your imagination and left you hungry to experience it firsthand, then start planning your trip as soon as you can. As far as lodging options, there are a number of hotels available. For a unique vacation, however, consider reserving a vacation rental within the perimeter of San Juan or nearby. Being close to all the action is important, as is having all the space and amenities that you need to make this trip truly worthwhile.

Imagine the level of relaxation youll achieve by choosing to stay in a villa located in the heart of Old San Juan. Every morning youll begin your sightseeing as soon as you step out of your door, and after stopping for breakfast at a nearby caf youll be ready to start off on a walk through the town. Or, just ten minutes away is the beach, so if youd prefer to get your sun tanning in early then grab your towel and head towards the sea.

As far as the property itself, high ceilings, ocean views, and modern furniture will make you feel pleased to simply spend some time relaxing indoors. Leave all your cares behind for a while as you live the life of a stylish world traveler, and be glad that you elected to stay in a one-of-a kind dwelling in a one-of-a-kind city.

Go online to start searching for the San Juan Vacation Rental that will match the adventurous spirit of this colorful destination, and prepare yourself for a different kind of vacation.

Visit www.homeaway.com to reserve a vacation rental that will complement your next fabulous vacation.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=CaitlinMoore
http://EzineArticles.com/?Scintillating-San-Juan&id=254292

Kauai Sights and Activities

Kauai Sights and Activities
By Judy Hardaway

Kauai is the oldest and most northern of the Hawaiian Island chain. Its lush tropical beauty has earned it the nickname the Garden Island. From the air it looks like an emerald cone rising out of the ocean. This thirty-three by twenty-five mile island is covered with acres of lush rain forests, waterfalls, and breathtaking gardens. Here are only a few of the hundreds of sights and activities you will have to choose from while you are on the island. This is only a tiny taste of what Kauai has to offer.

On the northern end of Kauai is Kilauea Lighthouse, which was built in 1913 and was in use until 1976. It is a picturesque landmark perched on a bluff. Well worth a visit. Visitors may not climb the lighthouse, but self-guided tours of the area are available. Adjacent to the lighthouse is the 200-acre Kilauea Point Wildlife Refuge on Mokuaeae Island. A must visit for bird lovers.

Would you like to see the Grand Canyon of the Pacific? Or so nicknamed by Mark Twain. Then you must see the spectacular Waimea Canyon. It is the largest canyon in the Pacific at ten miles long, two miles wide and 35 hundred feet deep. The canyon is marked with layers, each layer marking an eruption and lava flow. There are several vantage points from which to enjoy the canyon, but the one you must not miss is the Waimea Canyon Lookout.

Poipu Beach Park is the perfect place for family fun. It is Kauais most popular beach for swimming, snorkeling, boogie boarding, picnicking and having just plain fun. It has restrooms, showers, shady areas and lifeguards. Poipu has it all.

If you want to see lush native flora and fauna as well as exotic plants, then you will not want to miss Smiths Tropical Paradise located just 15 miles from the Radisson Kauai Beach Resort along the Waimea River. On this 30-acre complex, not only will you see beautiful manicured grounds, but you will also have the opportunity to see villages of the many cultures that represent Kauai. Tram tours are available as well as weekly luaus.

The spectacular Na Pali Coast is an awe-inspiring sight to see. Towers of rock climb from the sea and lush vegetation devours the landscape. There are only three ways to witness its beauty: from the air, by sea, or by taking a very strenuous hike known as Kalalau Trail. This hike is only for the adventuresome and should only be attempted by the serious hiker. If hiking isnt for you, you can still enjoy the thrill of its beauty with one of the ocean tours or helicopter tours. If you want to see breathtaking beauty that is like something from another world, you wont be disappointed.

Judy Hardaway is a contributing writer for Kauai Vacation Secrets dot com, a completely free, in-depth Kauai vacations guide. The site provides many useful and practical tips such as where to save money on gas in Kauai, the best time of year to visit Kauai, what you need to know about Kauai's weather and much more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JudyHardaway
http://EzineArticles.com/?Kauai-Sights-and-Activities&id=220146

Mexican Waves

Mexican Waves
By Sumit Sharma

Temples and cathedrals along with fully equipped beaches are attractions worth looking forward to on a Mexico tour. Lively and colorful is how one will describe the tourist attractions of Mexico.

Mexico City, the capital city is replete with many green spaces and quiet back streets which lend a special charm and atmosphere to the attractions. Next only to the Red Square in Moscow in size, is the Zocalo in the center of the Historic Center. Tourists can visit this place any evening to witness the Mexican army take down the giant Mexican flag flying in the middle of the square with grand ceremony. To the north of the square is another attraction, the Catedral Metropolitana which exhibits a surplus of architectural styles. A tour of the cathedral prominently figures the Kings Chapel and its altar. If you move a little east of the cathedral, the excavated site of the Aztec Templo Mayor (Great Temple) is an attraction in ruins. Keep a visit to the prettiest colonial villages Coyoacan and San Angel for the weekend. This is the time when you will find its attractive squares and streets come alive with an influx of students, artists, musicians and can purchase some fine good quality handicrafts and artworks.

An attraction you would not like to miss is Teotihuacn in South-central Mexico and known as the city where the Gods are born. Here, you can view the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, the citadel with the Temple of Quetzalcoatl (the plumed serpent) and the Palace of Quetzalpapalotl (the plumed butterfly).

http://www.stayresmexico.com/mexico-tourist-attractions.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=SumitSharma
http://EzineArticles.com/?Mexican-Waves&id=313836

You Say Hawaii And I Say Kauai Let's Go Have Some Fun

You Say Hawaii And I Say Kauai, Let's Go Have Some Fun
By Abbie Frank

Kauai Hawaii has been a popular tourist and vacation destination for literally decades. Planning a vacation to anywhere in Hawaii will deliver you onto beautiful, clean beaches, natural scenery and a huge number of things to do and see.

When traveling, the thing to remember is that the trip is about a holiday or vacation. From the minute you enter the airplane until getting back home, your vacation should be focused on lowering the stress level in your life and getting balance back in your world. Yes, it will cost more but in the end, the vacation will have done it's job and you will leave Hawaii refreshed and ready to go back to your career or business.

By lowering the stress level, we're talking about getting the services necessary to keep from having got concern yourself with any difficulties. Take for example getting around at your destination of Kauai. You could rent a car and try to find you way around unfamiliar territory. If getting lost, being late, dealing with traffic and the stress of other motorists is your idea of a vacation, go to New York City.

If however, getting to see the sights and enjoying the island is more like vacation time, consider using the services of a tour company, or even hire out a car and driver for an afternoon. Another potential possibility is public transportation. It runs on a regular schedule and you get to people watch while getting around for almost no cash. The car and driver is more expensive but they can get you around to see the local side of the island while the public transportation route takes you to the more popular areas. Maybe using both on different days can give you the benefit of an enjoyable vacation without the worry of a car rental, gasoline, accidents, parking etc.

If you plan on doing some Kauai island sightseeing and need a car rental, consider one with limited miles and leave it at home whenever possible. A weekly rental can cost a couple of hundred dollars but the you shouldn't feel a need to use it everytime a short trip is in order.

Another idea to lower the stress level is to consider getting a condominium or rental until with a full kitchen. This is especially good if you're traveling with kids. A quick trip to the neighborhood food store can take care of the childrens eating issues and take you off the breakfast, lunch and dinner, time schedule. Get food that's easy to prepare and let the kids fend for themselves at least sometimes. This gives them a sense of independence and allows you to sleep in occasionally during the vacation.

The key to a fun and enjoyable Kauai vacation or any Hawaiian vacation, is to get out of the rut and schedule that's your life back home. Do different things, experiment, see new sights, enjoy a different culture. In all, a Kauai vacation can recharge your batteries and give a new outlook on your world back home

Abigail Franks writes on a variety of subjects which includes home, family, and Travel. For more information on vacationing in Kauai visit http://www.tsonline.org

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=AbbieFrank
http://EzineArticles.com/?You-Say-Hawaii-And-I-Say-Kauai,-Lets-Go-Have-Some-Fun&id=234875

How To Plan Your Own Golf Vacation

How To Plan Your Own Golf Vacation
By NamSing Then

Playing golf is one of the passionate hobbies of the upper echelons of the society. Sometimes these people take a few days off their busy schedule and visit Golf courses or villas elsewhere in the country to enjoy the pleasures of playing Golf over there. They hardly mind packing off and traveling hundreds of miles just to play Golf; because they love Golf Vacation.

There are many places in US, which offer exotic Golf vacation, the list seems to be endless. From Palm Springs in California, Austin and Barton creek in Texas, Biloxi in Mississippi, Las Vegas in Nevada, Brooksville, Dayton Beach, Orlando, Miami and a dozen more in Florida there are several others located in different States of US.

There are clubs and organizations that specialize in offering Golf package tours and vacations. They take care to provide everything right from lodging, fixing tee times and arranging car rentals. Infact, you can select from over 600 Golf courses at over 250 different resorts and hotels. All you have to do is just get an online quote after you decide.

Plan your entire trip, in four easy steps
1.Select your destination
2.Select your hotel
3.Select your golf course
4.Optionally select your car rental
You can compare the prices of different packages and choose that which suits you best.

Of course, some would love to play Golf built on seaside shores as in Vero Beach, Florida which is a most charming coastal town. Here, Grand Harbor is a private, gated community golf course offering a wide variety of world-class amenities.

Its not only professionals who go on golf vacations, but even beginners who want to learn the game go one vacations to America's favorite Golf Schools, offering two, three and five day packages at over 50 locations across the United States. Every year, thousands of student graduates over 20 years passing out, these students return season after season to refine their playing skills, relax and enjoy the amenities that many of these locations have to offer. These clubs have dedicated teaching staff who sincerely care to teach and improve your golf playing skills. Their relaxed teaching structure lets you work and also have fun at your own pace, whatever your age or level of ability be Beginners and intermediates are just as welcome as low handicappers. Some of these clubs even offer discounts for senior citizens (60+) and military personnel. They can offer specialized private lessons and have golf schools for women, beginners and juniors.

In general, a Golf vacation could be as exciting and thrilling as any other vacation say to the sea-shore or mountains or water falls.

NamSing Then is a regular article contributor on many topics. Be sure to visit his websites Golf Vacation Resources, Golf And Spa Vacation and Orlando Golf Vacation

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=NamSingThen
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Plan-Your-Own-Golf-Vacation&id=367751