20 TIPS

What not to miss: Tips from a native Oregonian

Native Oregonian Brian Egger offers these suggestions. Brian, the 2005-06 International President, is the 2007 Convention Host Committee Chairman.

For the shoppers: I recommend Pioneer Place. In the heart of downtown Portland, Pioneer Place provides a number of leading retailers, such as Express, GAP, J.Crew, Sak’s Fifth Avenue, and Tiffany’s, plus an outstanding food court. Also, hit Powell’s City of Books, where you’ll find more than a million books for sale. Powell’s claim to fame: It bills itself as the nation’s largest bookstore.

• For the health-conscious: Tom McCall Waterfront Park is an excellent setting to run, walk, jog or simply enjoy the sights and soundsof the Portland Skyline and Willamette River.
• For the history buff: The Pittock Mansion offers a breathtaking view of Portland and daily, guided tours. It is a must-see for people interested in architectural engineering.
• For the laid-back: Pioneer Courthouse Square, a.k.a. Portland’s Living Room, is a great spot to get a cup of coffee and get a taste of Portland’s culture.
• For the art lover: Your trip to Portland would not be complete without visiting the Portland Saturday Market and Skidmore Fountain where more than 300 artisans await discovery.
• For the adventurous: I would encourage Circle K’ers to take part in an outing to Columbia River Gorge on Sunday, August 5, sponsored by the Host Committee. The tour will include Lewis and Clark State Park,Crown Point, Vista House, Multnomah Falls and the Bonneville Dam. Buses will depart at 4 p.m. and return no later than 10 p.m.Additional information will be available on the district Web site.

--Brian Egger, Host Committee Chair, 2005-06 International President

What to do? Travel Portland’s must-see list

The Japanese Garden. This five-plus-acre garden is thought to be the most authentic Japanese garden outside Japan. www.japanesegarden.com

• Oregon Zoo. While in Portland celebrating ways Circle K and Kiwanis International have served the children of the world, why not take a stroll through the zoo grounds, visiting animals from all around the world? www.oregonzoo.org
• Portland Art Museum. This museum features the new Jubitz Center for Modern and Contemporary Art. www.portlandartmuseum.org
• Portland Classical Chinese Garden. After a trip to the Japanese Garden, hop over to the Chinese Garden, where an authentic Ming Dynasty garden awaits, complete with a teahouse. www.portlandchinesegarden.org
• The Pearl District. A streetcar ride or short walk from downtown Portland will get you to the area’s premier shopping district—abundant with interesting retail finds, restaurants, galleries, and more. The shops are open seven days a week. www.shopthepearl.com
• International Rose Test Garden. Just minutes from downtown, this rose test garden features about 7,000 rose bushes, spectacular views of the city, and an on-site gift shop. www.portlandparks.org/gardens/introsetestgarden.htm

Did you know?

• Portland is known as “The City of Roses” or “Rose City” because its climate is ideal for growing the fragrant flowers.
• Portland is the largest city in Oregon, and the third largest in the Pacific Northwest, after Seattle, Washington, and Vancouver, British Columbia.
• Portland is divided into five sections: Southwest, Northwest, North, Northeast, and Southeast. Knowing this could come in handy if you head out on the town.
• That snow-capped mountain on the horizon is Mount Hood, Oregon’s tallest peak (11,237 feet). It is a dormant volcano.
• The Columbia River forms most of the northern border between Oregon and Washington. The Snake River forms over one-half of the eastern boundary with Idaho.
• The Nike “swoosh” logo was designed by Portland State University student Caroline Davidson in 1971. As a student, Caroline did freelance work for a professor’s company. She was asked to design a logo to be placed on the side of a shoe—and the rest is history. Caroline was paid $35 for her design.
• The Columbia River gorge is considered by many to be the best place in the world for windsurfing.
• Oregon is one of only two states without self-serve gas stations. The other is New Jersey.

Sources: www.nike.com, www.travelportland.com, www.oregon.com