Portland Oregon, The City Of Roses

Each spring since 1907, Portland has hosted The Portland Rose Festival. Go to: www.rosefestival.org for more information. Called the Rose City because: TA DA! Everywhere you look, roses bloom. April, however, boasts tulips, tulips and more tulips.

There are 95 neighborhood districts (more about one of them later,) public art, fascinating architecture, tax-free shopping (yes, there is no sales tax in Oregon.)There are bike trails, parks, lovely gardens, restaurants, galleries, entertainment and several wonderful farmers markets.

On a clear day, you can see the over 11,000 ft. tall, Mount Hood and possibly a glimpse of Mount St. Helens, Mt. Adams, Mt. Jefferson and even Mr. Rainer near Seattle. Good luck on that clear day thing, though. It is rainy and foggy a lot.While in Portland, put up the hood of your mandatory hoodie, jump on your bike, get a little wet and don't worry about it! Portlanders don't!