Walking on unpaved paths at the Gardens. Periods of standing at the historic home and museum. Getting on/off a motorcoach.
Full buffet breakfast at the hotel.
This morning’s field trips feature docent-led explorations of two exceptional gardens in Washington Park. We'll depart by motor coach to the International Rose Test Garden overlooking the city. Known simply as the Rose Garden, it covers 4.5 acres in Washington Park and features more than 650 varieties of roses, producing more than 10,000 flowers each year. The Portland Rose Society was established in 1888. In 1915 as World War I raged in Europe, newspaper editor Jesse Currey persuaded city officials to establish a “test garden” to protect and preserve European hybrid roses in danger of being destroyed. Fortunately, the roses outlasted the war. Portland today is known as the City of Roses. The primary purpose of the garden today is to serve as a testing ground for new rose varieties. The City of Portland Gold Medal Awards are issued annually to the best introductions. Afterwards, we’ll continue to the Portland Japanese Garden, acclaimed as “the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden in the world outside of Japan.” There are five distinct areas that establish a sense of peace, harmony, and tranquility. A docent will lead our exploration of the garden that includes a Japanese Tea House as well as arbors, bridges, pagodas, stone lanterns, water basins, and an unsurpassed view of Mt. Hood.
Following our visit to the gardens, we will enjoy a boxed lunch in Washington Park with sandwich, water and dessert.
After lunch, we will continue our morning with a visit to Pittock Mansion, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which was the magnificent home of Oregon Pioneers and owners of Portland's newspaper, "The Oregonian." Located on a cliff overlooking the valley, we will have another opportunity for fabulous views. We will then head back into downtown Portland, where we will discover an expansive collection of artifacts and exhibits at the Oregon Historical Society, whose mission is to preserve and interpret Oregon's past in thoughtful, illuminating and provocative ways.
Enjoy a delightful dinner at a neighborhood restaurant in the Pearl.
At your leisure.