Pittock Mansion is a look back at Portland's history. The family home of the influential Pittock family, one of the city's founding families, the home and grounds are now open to the public. The historical home, which was a private residence well into the last century, is set amidst some of Portland's most popular hiking trails and picnic grounds. The former home includes rooms that have been restored into their original time period as well as exhibition rooms with rotating exhibits that tell stories of Portland's past.
Best and worst time to go to Pittock Mansion
The area surrounding the Pittock Mansion is filled with hiking trails and weekend warriors on bike rides. Avoid visiting on weekends if possible and aim for a quiet afternoon during the week so that you can explore both the home and the grounds at your leisure. Rainy days are best because the home tour is indoors and there will be far few hikers and bikers to hit on your way up to the mansion.
Must see/do at Pittock Mansion
Although it can be tempting to skip the admission fee and tour the grounds, go ahead and pay the fee and explore the mansion's many rooms. From kitchens to bedrooms, each room has been recreated to look and feel like it would have been when it the home was built in 1914. If available, take a guided tour to get more details about the mansion's historical relevance in Portland as well as the family. Guided tours are random, according to volunteer availability and the number of visitors to the mansion.
Admission to Pittock Mansion
Admission to Pittock Mansion is free for members and then varies in price according to age.
Parking and public transportation to Pittock Mansion
Free parking is available outside of the mansion, part of the Pittock Acres Park. The Pittock Mansion is also accessible via Tri-Met bus, but there is an uphill hike of half a mile from the bus stop on West Burnside to the mansion itself.
Food at Pittock Mansion
Due to the small size, there are no dining options at Pittock Mansion. However, the beautiful grounds and stunning views have made Pittock Mansion a favorite place for picnics.
Insider tips for visitors to Pittock Mansion
If you plan a trip to Pittock Mansion, also take time to explore the surrounding hiking trails and have a picnic. There is also a gatekeeper's cottage, which is only open when there is a volunteer, so if it is open during your visit, be sure to check it out. Before you go, search local coupon sites for discounts on admission prices.
Author's bio: Carly Zinderman is a freelance writer from Los Angeles that loves to travel. She has written for many websites on topics including travel, food and drink.
Bethel Hebrew Congregation welcomes the community to attend services and embrace Jewish learning, prayer and celebration. The church runs a full-time preschool to help teach the community. In addition, workshops, post-confirmation learning, inter-faith outreach and other education classes are offered.
Temple Israel is located at the south side of Walnut Lake Road, just east of Drake Road. This reform Jewish temple offers the daily minyan service, the traditional Shabbat evening service and Shabbat morning services outdoors in the summer, in addition to community gatherings including bar mitzvahs, bat mitzvahs, tish, Brotherhood and Sisterhood meetings, and sponsored travel for mission and recreation. Temple Israel offers a strong emphasis towards interfaith outreach as well as classes in Jewish education for every age range, music groups and senior groups, which meet on-site.
Shem Creek Music Center offers instruments ranging from guitars to drums. Shem also offers product repair.
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum has two miles of walking trails meandering over the property where visitors can see living animals from reptiles to bears and mountain lions -- including an aquarium and a cave. Docents give free demonstrations of plants and small animals.
Best and worst times to go to Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Saturdays offer extended hours to 10:00 PM. This is special fun for those who like to find shiny scorpions with black lights. It also gives a chance to see the nocturnal animals. The worst time is after 4:00 PM, when no discounts are available. Afternoons in the summer are very hot. Bring your own bottled water; fountains provide free refills.
Must see at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Many events are scheduled throughout the year. Don't miss the hummingbirds, who are so accustomed to people that the nests are easily seen. Children love the snakes and frogs just within the gates. You may be fortunate enough to catch a docent showing them and letting kids touch them.
Admission to Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Admission varies for those 4 and above from about $6:00 to $25.00. Buying a membership gets you in and gives a chance to come back often. Military and student discounts are available; ask at the desk.
Parking at Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Unpaved parking wanders among the cactus and mesquite. Handicapped parking is near the entrance. Bus and RV parking is available. If there is an advertised event, nearby parking may fill up early.
Food at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Near the entrance a selection of foods from snacks to fancy dinners is available. Some snacks are available along the trail. Snack prices are a little above in-town prices. The dinners are relatively equal to a good dinner in town.
Insider tip for visitors at Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Try the Native American dishes made from cactus and desert plants, a special late-spring event. If you can drive mountain roads, go over Gates Pass, you can see for miles and miles across the desert. Do not touch the soft looking jumping cactus, or the fuzzy looking prickly pear; you'll get a handful of thorns. No pets are allowed, even in the parking area.
Author's bio: Joanne Birch is a freelance writer from the southern mountains of Arizona. She writes tips for parents and about the history of Arizona.
