Portland is a wonderful blend of urban parks, rolling hills, towering trees, and tantalizing views of nearby Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens. A population of 1.7 million in the metropolitan vicinity, and 503,000 within the city limits, is the perfect size for this earthy, yet cosmopolitan city.

Ever since 1888, when Georgiana Pittock and friends staged the first rose show on the grounds of her Washington Street mansion, Portland has been known as the "Rose City." From May through October, tens of thousands of roses blaze the terraced slopes of the International Rose Test Garden. Each year the Test Garden receives new, unnamed roses from all over the world, identified only by number. Prior to being officially christened and marketed, the roses are tested for hardiness, bloom size and fragrance. The majestically groomed Test Garden now covers four acres overlooking the Willamette River and downtown Portland.

With half-size city blocks, miles and miles of woodsy hiking trails, and expansive bike-friendly paths, it’s no surprise Portland has earned the distinction of being one of Walking Magazine’s and Bicycling Magazine's favorite cities.

An abundance of hip, trendy coffee houses, more than 40 microbreweries, a thriving arts scene and progressive politics create an eclectic feel to this nature-loving community. The history of the Portland is rich with explorers, pioneers and Native American culture.

In Portland, being outdoors is the number one pastime. The rivers and mountains provide a recreational wonderland. Cross-country and downhill skiing, backpacking, rock climbing, white water rafting, camping, fly fishing, swimming, boating, picnicking . . . all are popular. The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, a 60-mile stretch between Portland and Biggs, Oregon boasts basaltic cliffs 1,500 to 3,000 feet high, more than 77 waterfalls and an abundance of Florentine viaducts, making it a haven for wind surfers and, bar none, one of the most awe-inspiring places in the United States.

Dining in Portland is world class. James Beard, a Portland native, is credited with giving definition to American cuisine and taking it to new heights. Portland sits at the apex of a valley as fertile as the Normandy region of France. Portland’s cuisine is a natural outgrowth of the Pacific Northwest’s forests, waterways and orchards, which yield superb wild game, salmon, sturgeon and razor clams, as well as some of the most delicious mushrooms, horseradish, peppermint, berries, cherries, filberts and pears.

Oregon’s Yamhill County vineyards, just south of Portland proper, are second only in size and stature to California’s Napa Valley. Amidst the slate-blue Cascade Mountains, long summer days and temperate ocean breezes give birth to some of the most spectacular and internationally-renowned wines, including award-winning Pinot gris and Pinot noir.