Classical Chinese Garden
An urban, all-season oasis built by artisans from Suzhou, China.  The Garden is never twice the same.  Serpentine walkways surround foliage, pavilions, courtyards and lakes.  503-228-8131.

Columbia River Adventures
Step on board the Columbia River Adventures and experience riverboat hospitality.  The authentic triple-decker Sternwheeler boards from the heart of the Columbia River Gorge at Cascade Locks.  Daily sightseeing  excursions, weekend champagne brunches, dinner cruises, and a variety of holiday and special event cruises are offered.  503-224-3900; www.portlandspirit.com

Grotto, The
A natural gallery in the woods, The Grotto is an internationally renowned Catholic sanctuary set  among 62 acres of botanical gardens offering a place of peace and quiet reflection for all people.  More than 100 beautifully sculpted statues, reflection ponds, spectacular views of the Cascade Mountains and award-winning architecture offer inspiration for all who visit.  And each year, The Grotto's Christmas Festival of Lights blends the sights, sounds and emotions which are so intrinsically a part of the holiday season.  503-254-7371; www.thegrotto.org

Muzzet Towncar Services & Sightseeing Tours
In addition to towncar/shuttle service to and from Portland International Airport, Hillsboro, Troutdale, and any point in between, Muzzet offers first class sightseeing tours, both within Portland and for various out of town sights—you choose and see what you want to see. (503) 890-1087; muzzettowncarservice@gmail.com

OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry)
Climb aboard a real submarine, touch a tornado, explore the outer reaches of the galaxy in the Harry C. Kendall Planetarium, experiment in one of the seven labs, surf the web, experience the power of an earthquake, or travel around the world in OMSI's 5-story high OMNIMAX Theater.  Over 200 hands-on exhibits.  503-797-4000.

Oregon Historical Society, The  
The 105-year-old Oregon Historical Society houses one of the country's most extensive collections of state history materials, and now boasts an elegant new entrance building on the Southwest Park Blocks in the heart of Portland's Cultural District.  503-222-1741. www.ohs.org

Oregon Zoo
An innovative zoo with award-winning exhibits.  From Alaska to Africa, from Australia to South America, discover new worlds in one afternoon at the Oregon Zoo.  Now, see the newest exhibit opened in May--Eagle Canyon featuring bald eagles and endangered salmon cohabitating for the first time ever in any zoo.  503-226-1561; www.oregonzoo.org

Pittock Mansion
Escape the fast-paced world in a vanished era of grace and beauty by visiting this renowned National Landmark located atop Portland's West Hills.  Revealing sweeping views of mighty rivers and Cascade peaks, this historic 1914 mansion features old world craftsmanship in a spectacular natural setting.  503-823-3624

Portland Art Museum
One of the top 25 museums in the country and the oldest in the Northwest, the Portland Art Museum offers special touring exhibitions in addition to permanent collections of American, European, Asian, Native American and contemporary art.  Also home to the Northwest Film Center.  503-226-2811; www.portlandartmuseum.org

Portland Children’s Museum
Operate in the kid's clinic, experiment with different materials in the art studios, act out a fairytale--let your imagination go wild!  Designed for kids from 6 months to 10 years old, the non-profit museum's mission is to inspire imagination, creativity and the wonder of learning in children and adults.  Located in Washington Park.  503-223-6500; www.portlandcm.org

Portland Japanese Garden
A serene beauty and haven regardless of the season and nestled in the scenic west hills of Portland, a few short blocks from downtown.  It has been acclaimed as one of the most authentic Japanese Gardens outside Japan.  Explore five traditional garden styles on 5.5 acres recapturing the mood of ancient Japan.  503-223-1321; www.japanesegarden.com

Portland Saturday Market
The largest continuous open-air, handmade crafts market in the nation with a main stage in the food court area.  Open the 1st weekend in March and runs through Christmas Eve Day.  503-222-6072.

Portland Spirit
Explore the Willamette's magnificent waterways aboard Portland's only luxury cruise dining ship, the Portland Spirit.  Enjoy a Brunch or Lunch cruise, a romantic Dinner cruise, or a sightseeing excursion.  And, new for 2004, try the Lewis & Clark exploration cruise!  503-224-3900; www.portlandspirit.com

Uwajimaya Plaza
Find Oregon's Asia at Uwajimaya Plaza (Beaverton)--the state's largest Asian shopping center.  A grocery super-store, Uwajimaya offers a vast variety of quality gifts, products and services--Kinokuniya Bookstore, Azumano Japan Travel Center and Sambi Restaurant.  Minutes from downtown.  503-643-4512; www.uwajimaya.com

Willamette Jetboat Excursions
See Portland's waterfront and more with the original Portland jetboat, entertaining and trilling passengers since 1997.  Enjoy sights, history and scenic beauty while experiencing the fun and excitement found only on a jetboat.  Two hour excursions start at $33 (lower prices for children).  503-231-1532; 888-JETBOAT (538-2628); www.willamettejet.com

World Forestry Center Discovery Museum
Raft on white-water rapids without getting wet, try smoke-jumping without singeing your eyebrows, take a video journey to Russia, China, South Africa and Brazil to see amazing forests all over the world.503-228-1367; www.worldforestry.org