Running around Portland

On Saturday we went with Christy, Seann, and Megan to different places around Portland.  The weather was beautiful and couldn't have been better.  First we went to the Portland International Rose Test Garden (Portland's nickname is the "City of Roses").  Here there are over 7,000 roses spread across 550 different varieties.  Many different colors (except blue) and many different fragrances.  Plenty of photos below.  After the garden, we went downtown to Kenny and Zuke's Delicatessen for lunch.  Their pastrami and potato salad were absolutely delicious!

Then we went a couple blocks down the street to Powell's City of Books.  I had heard it was big but had never been to it before - you know you are in for quite an experience when there is a stand offering maps of the store when you walk in.  Powell's occupies an entire city block of downtown Portland and offers more than 1 million books.  They also have a rare book collection, which contains hard-to-find, autographed, old, and other collectible books.  The oldest book they have in the collection was printed in 1480.  Their most expensive book is from the Lewis & Clark expedition and is valued at $350,000.

After getting lost in the bookstore a few times we headed across the river to Voodoo Doughnuts, a popular Portland destination, for some of their amazing doughnuts.  Their selection of doughnuts is quite interesting, to say the least.  There's always a long line, but I've never been disappointed by their doughnuts.

To end the day we went to see the Pittock Mansion, another Portland landmark.  The Pittocks were known for their pioneering spirit and for their community service and involvement in the Portland area.  Henry Pittock was not only heavily involved with the Oregonian newspaper and several other local businesses, he was also a member of the first group to climb Mt. Hood.  The mansion was built in 1914 and was nearly demolished in the early 60's before the City of Portland purchased it in 1964 and restored it.  Not only was the mansion itself beautiful, but the views were incredible as well.  The mansion is on top of a hill 1000 feet above Portland and provides stunning views of downtown Portland, Mt. Hood, Mt. Saint Helens, and even Mt. Rainier on a really clear day.

-Brandon

Pictures of the Rose Garden:

Lauren standing by an archway of roses

The yellow roses had a nice lemony scent.  It was one of my favorites

This is the blackest rose in the garden, a type known as "Black Magic" 

These are the oldest roses in the garden, planted in 1943 by Grand Duchess Armstrong.

These roses are in memorial of the firefighters from the 9/11 attacks.

Pittock Mansion pictures:

Lauren, Seann, and Christy approaching the mansion.

The view of the north side of Portland from the mansion.  The views from the master bedrooms were even better, offering views of downtown Portland, Mt. Hood, and Mt. St. Helens.

The main staircase, made of marble and eucalyptus wood.  It provides access to the upper floors for when you don't feel like taking the elevator.

The rear of the masion.  We weren't allow to go out on the balconies due to "safety reasons".  Apparently OSHA thinks the railings are too short.

The back yard of the mansion.  Around the side there are flowers and a nice little garden.

The Gay Bar, from Voodoo Doughnuts.  A raised yeast doughnut filled with cream, topped with vanilla frosting and Froot Loops.