Attractions

Oregon: Seeing is Believing.
Portland and Area Attractions

While you're here...come see why Money magazine has heralded Portland as the "Best Big City".

Set against the backdrop of majestic Mount Hood, Portland combines a sophisticated, cosmopolitan atmosphere with refreshingly friendly, small-town warmth that makes it a natural for visitors of all types. Cruise the scenic rivers, stroll through gardens and parks, shop tax-free in our tempting array of stores and boutiques, then wrap up the day with a first-class meal at one of the many fine restaurants available.

After concluding business at the Farwest Show, extend your trip to explore the state. Feel like hiking in a national forest, white water rafting or deep sea fishing? Oregon is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds, and Golf Digest has rated two of Portland’s courses -- Eastmoreland and Heron Lakes -- among the nation’s top 75 public courses. Or perhaps you’re more inclined to go wine tasting at one of the many stunning vineyards. Whatever your preference, Oregon offers it all.

Garden Central

World-renowned gardens such as the International Rose Test Garden, Japanese Garden, Hoyt Arboretum and Classical Chinese Garden are all within an easy drive of the Convention Center. Outside the city, try visiting the Oregon Garden in Silverton, founded by members of the OAN.

Shopping

What you see is what you get in Portland. With no sales tax and a variety of charming shops and trendy boutiques, Portland has all the class of big city shopping without the extra tax eating into your travel budget. Visit neighborhoods such as Hawthorne or Nob Hill, where local merchants have created enticing offers. Take advantage of visitor discounts with some of Portland's top retailers through The Big Deal program, provided by the Portland Oregon Visitor Association. For more information, go to www.travelportland.com.

Museums & Popular Attractions

Portland offers a thriving cultural experience. See the impressive art collections at the Portland Art Museum and other galleries, learn the history of Oregon through the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center and at Fort Vancouver, historic headquarters of the Hudson’s Bay Company. For the scientist in your family, visit Oregon's premier museum on science and technology, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. Get a fresh perspective on Portland from the water aboard the Portland Spirit riverboat cruise ship or from the Pittock Mansion atop the West Hills.

Come see what is unique to the Pacific Northwest! Take in the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood, witness Mt. St. Helens, the Northwest’s most active volcano, hike in the High Desert or go crabbing along the Oregon Coast -- all before sipping a lush Oregon pinot noir. We have it all!

Start Planning Today

To plan your trip and benefit from valuable discounts, visit the Portland Oregon Visitors Association online at www.travelportland.com or call toll-free 800.962.3700. State tourism information is also available at www.traveloregon.com or by calling 800.547.7842.

Dining Out

Fodor's has heralded Portland as "loaded with energy" and says the "restaurant scene is vibrant and diverse."

Eating and drinking in Portland is a culinary adventure. It's not just the restaurants, emerging neighborhoods, markets, cooking schools, microbreweries and nearby wineries, it's an attitude that Portlanders have for what ends up on their plates. Fresh ingredients are key -- whether you’re talking microbrews or seafood. And anything caught, made or grown in the surrounding region is a source of tremendous local pride.

Speaking of microbrews, with more microbreweries and brewpubs than any other city in the world, Portland is often referred to as the "epicenter of America's craft brewing movement." Some 28 microbreweries thrive in Portland. That's more than one-third of the state's total. Add in all the pubs offering local microbrews on tap and the number of outlets climbs to 46.

You'll find the city’s most charming restaurants located in its many eclectic neighborhoods, such as Hawthorne, Nob Hill and the Pearl District. There are also many eateries that specialize in regional Pacific Northwest cuisine, including fresh seafood and local produce. For convenience, there are also restaurants located around the Convention Center for a quick break from the trade show floor. Below is just a sampling of what is available.

The Farwest Show offers a unique service that will allow you to make reservations at many excellent restaurants in the Portland area. To make those reservations now, please visit the Savvy Diner Web site at www.savvydiner.com/portland/portland/index.html.

For a Night Out

• The Blue Monk on Belmont: Funky neighborhood restaurant with East-Coast-style Italian fare in smoke-free surroundings and luxurious game room, call 503.595.0575 or visit www.thebluemonk.com.
• Huber's: Known for its Spanish coffees and juicy smoked turkey, call 503.228.5686 or visit www.hubers.com.
• Jake's Famous Crawfish: Serving fresh-daily Pacific Northwest cuisine since 1892, call 503.226.1419 or visit www.mccormickandschmicks.com.
• Montage: Located under the Morrison Bridge, serves spicy Cajun-style food and mac & cheese dishes. Open until 4 AM, call 503.234.1324 or visit www.montageportland.com.
• Oba!: Highly praised and innovative Nuevo Latino cuisine in the trendy Pearl District, call 503.228.6161 or visit www.obarestaurant.com.
• Portland City Grill: Enjoy fabulous views of downtown Portland’s skyline; serves steaks, seafood and sushi, call 503.450.0030 or visit www.portlandcitygrill.com.
• Ringside Steakhouse: One of Portland's oldest steakhouses, call 503.223.1513 or visit www.ringsidesteakhouse.com.
• Wildwood Restaurant: American-style market driven menu featuring fresh seasonal ingredients from local farms and purveyors; call 503.248.9663 or visit wildwoodrestaurant.com.

For a Bite Near the Convention Center

• BJ's Pizza Grill: Serves pizza, salads and sandwiches; 1.1 miles from Convention Center, 825 NE Weidler St.
• East Bank Saloon: Traditional pub fare, rated as one of USA Today’s Top 10 sports pubs; 1 mile from Convention Center, 727 SE Grand Ave.
• Grand Central Bakery & Café: Made-from-scratch soups, salads and sandwiches; 1 mile from Convention Center, 1444 NE Weidler St.
• Koji Osakaya Japanese Restaurant: Sushi, curry, tempura and teriyaki served in an upscale casual atmosphere; 1 mile from Convention Center, 1502 NE Weidler St.
• McMenamins on Broadway: Handcrafted ales and traditional pub fare; 1.2 miles from Convention Center, 1504 NE Broadway.
• Pastini's Pastaria: Italian Bistro; serves traditional and creative-style pasta dishes; 1.17 mile from Convention Center, 1426 NE Broadway St.
• Red Robin: American-style food; burgers and salads; three blocks from the Convention Center, 1139 NE Grand Ave.
• Stanford's: American-style food; serves fresh salads, steaks and seafood; .6 mile from Convention Center, 913 Lloyd Ctr.