(Image by Justin Katigbak via Travel Portland)
The Annual Conference Planning Committee is so excited to host your visit to Portland for the NACADA Annual Conference this October. The weather is likely to be pretty great: low 60’s during the day, high 40’s at night, not much rain (yet) and wonderful fall colors! We wanted to showcase a few activities for your consideration as you plan your trip to Bridgetown (home to no less than 12 bridges on the Willamette River).
History
What we now call Portland, OR and Multnomah County were the traditional lands of the Cowlitz, Multnomah, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Tumwater, Tualatin Kalapuya, Wasco, Molalla, and Watlala bands of the Chinook, and many other nations of the Nch’i Wána (“The Big River”), also known as the Columbia.
We invite you to learn more about Portland’s history (Oregon Trail, Stumptown, etc.) here: https://www.travelportland.com/culture/history/. And perhaps consider a visit to the Oregon Historical Society!
Outdoor space
For folks who would prefer to spend time outside, you may be glad to see that Portland has truly embraced outdoor eating! Check out this Patio Finder Guide to find an eatery that appeals to you. Interested in some outdoor activities?
There are a number of gardens in the city of roses that are worth a visit: Peninsula Park & Rose Garden, Portland Japanese Garden, Portland International Rose Test Garden. If communing with nature is more your speed, here are some outdoor options to consider: Lan Su Chinese Garden, The Oregon Zoo, Washington Park, and Forest Park. Those who have extra time to venture a little farther outside the city might enjoy Multnomah Falls (the website includes some transportation options).
Portland Landmarks
Looking to check some iconic Portland locations off your bucket list? Tour the historic home and take in the city views at the Pittock Mansion. Ride the Portland Aerial Tram from the southwest waterfront to Oregon Health Science University - these are some of the best views of Mt. Hood. Science lovers can visit OMSI: Oregon Museum of Science & Industry. Bookworms should set aside time to stroll the aisles of Powell’s City of Books. The Portland Art Museum will be featuring an exhibit titled Jeffrey Gibson: They Come From Fire during October. Cruise the Willamette River and take in all Portland’s bridges aboard the Portland Spirit. Visitors looking for a guided experience may want to book a themed tour from Portland Walking Tours.
Sports
The Rose City is home to a number of professional sports teams: in particular the Timbers, Thorns, and Blazers! The Trail Blazers are in town Friday, October 21, Monday, October 24, and Wednesday, October 26. Click here to purchase discounted tickets! The Rose City Rollers are hosting a double header at Oaks Amusement Park! For those that prefer to consume sports at a bar, check out the Sports Bra, a sports bar dedicated solely to women's sports, or Spirit of 77, a Portland sports bar across the street from the Convention Center.
Food
Portland is home to an amazing food scene! Guided food tours are available through Eat Adventures. For those that want to venture onto Northeast Broadway, which is close-ish to the Convention Center, check out this Eater feature. Travel Portland features a downtown Portland Coffee Crawl as well as a comprehensive searchable list of Food Carts. Cartside Food Carts (home to Midcity Smashburger and Ko Sisters Korean Soul Food) is relatively close to the Oregon Convention Center. Don’t forget to check out the Black-Owned Restaurants in Portland while you are out and about. And last but not least, as many of you readers may already know, Portland is home to over 70 breweries! Check them out here: https://www.travelportland.com/culture/beer/
Just for NACADA: Walking Tour!
NACADA members can reserve a space on a group walking tour of Portland’s Broadway and Midtown. The tour is focused on architectural history and will be a great way to stretch your legs while you get a little introduction to the area. This is a special tour just for conference attendees, and space is limited. Tour details:
Date and time: Sunday, October 23rd. Tour begins at 10 am and lasts 2 hours. You’ll need to allow about 15 minutes to get to the tour’s starting point - it does not depart from the Convention Center. Please note that the walking tour may conflict with some pre-conference sessions on Sunday morning. Check your pre-conference commitments to be sure you don’t miss a session!
Cost: $25 to be paid when you sign up for the tour.
Please direct any questions to Avi Rosenzweig: victorr@eecs.berkeley.edu
Registration: https://architecturalheritagecenter.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/architecturalheritagecenter/eventRegistration.jsp?event=5480&
Description: Portland Architectural Heritage Center’s Broadway & Mid-Town Tour. Beginning in the 1890s, the area downtown between Southwest Broadway and Ninth Avenue, underwent a dramatic change from a residential neighborhood on the edge of town to a bustling commercial and cultural district. This tour takes a look at what are today, some of the most well recognized and architecturally significant buildings in the city. You’ll see the work of some of the premier Portland architects of the early 20th century, including A. E. Doyle, John V. Bennes, and Morris Whitehouse, while also hearing stories about the city’s first public library and one-time park blocks that were lost to development.
Directions: This tour begins at SW Broadway & Yamhill near the Nordstrom store. From the Oregon Convention Center MAX station (at NE Holladay St. near Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.), take either a Blue or Red line Max train into downtown. It is approximately 11 minutes to the Pioneer Square MAX station at SW 6th & Morrison. Exit the train and walk west to SW Broadway. Nordstrom should be in front of you just across the street. Cross Broadway at Morrison and turn left. Walk one block south to the corner of SW Yamhill St. to meet your tour docent(s) near the south entrance to the Nordstrom store.
Dinner Groups
Looking for dinner companions? Stop by the Hospitality desk to sign up for a dinner group on Monday or Tuesday evening.
Note: All costs associated with the above activities are the responsibility of the participant and should be paid and booked directly with the specific entity. Any requests to change reservations/tickets must be handled directly with the location. Transportation to and from location will be the responsibility of the participant. NACADA is not responsible for lost payments if participant(s) is unable to attend.