
EXPERIENCE PORTLAND DURING ATA65!
The Oregon Society of Translators and Interpreters () and all of ATA’s Pacific Northwest residents are excited to welcome you to ATA65 in the beautiful city of Portland. We have created this guide to help you make the most of your time in Portland, including a list of sites to enhance your experience.
If you want to focus your visit on the area near the Oregon Convention Center, where ATA65 will take place, these two pages have excellent information for you:
But if you really want to experience everything Portland has to offer, here are some more suggestions curated by dedicated ĚÇĐÄvlogĂŰĚŇmembers who live in and LOVE the Rose City.
Please note that all suggestions and links are provided to ensure the most accurate and up-to-date information gets to you. Still, it is possible that any or all these suggestions may be outdated or inaccurate at the time of our conference. All suggestions are accurate at the time of writing. Please check before you go.
Work hard, play harder: the best of Portland
- is even bigger than the original location in San Antonio, TX. This family-friendly gallery, featuring interactive installations created by a diverse group of artists from around the world, is extremely popular. You will need to buy your tickets online ahead of your visit. Interested? Get them today!
- is one of the oldest continually operating amusement parks in the country. The historic Carousel and Oaks Park Train are free to ride. The is not only the oldest roller rink in the country but also has the largest skating floor west of the Mississippi! During the month of October and through November 2nd, this amusement park holds , the Northwest’s largest haunted house and Halloween event. Reserve your tickets early because the event will have a limited capacity and could sell out on specific nights. Discount deals will be available for October 30th.
- (OMSI) offers hands-on interactive experiences for the whole family. In addition to the exhibits, visitors can take a 45-minute tour of the U.S. Navy’s last active-duty diesel-electric or enjoy a show at the and movies at the . Typically held on the last Wednesday of the month, is a 21+ event that gathers local vendors, artisans, and science content for you to enjoy. Get ready to taste-test a local brew, catch a show, or try a science demo—all while exploring the museum’s permanent exhibit halls. If you are staying in Portland after ATA65, explore the museum’s permanent exhibit halls and labs for just $5 per person on the first Sunday of each month. Tickets for Empirical Theater and Kendall Planetarium shows, tours of the USS Blueback Submarine as well as select special exhibitions can also be purchased for $5 per person on .
- If you actually want to play games, offer special hours for the 21+ crowd in the evening. is a retro-arcade museum and pinball paradise with two full bars and a full food menu! is known for preserving games from the golden age of video arcade games. If you prefer pinball machines, take the to Hillsboro and go to . One of the largest arcades in the world, Next Level Pinball Museum features over 450 pinball machines and arcade games. Decorated floor to ceiling with collectable toys, signed movie items and vintage lunch boxes, it’s nearly 20,000 square feet of pop culture in the Museum. Those who enjoy board games will enjoy a board game store, restaurant and bar, offering fine food and drink alongside your favorite games.
Eat your way through Portland
Portland is consistently ranked as one of the top food cities in the country. Accessibility to farm-fresh produce and locally sourced ingredients foster a delicious culinary scene that is as diverse as Portland’s residents and visitors! While in Portland, you must visit one of the many , where the cities best food carts get together to give you a wider array of amazing options. If historical charm is more your style, go to the and order a Spanish Coffee, which it is made table-side. Have your camera ready! If you are curious about foraged and wild foods, is the place for you. This small restaurant is only about two miles away from the Oregon Convention Center, but you will need to make a reservation well in advance. If you like , there are several options, including located on the 6th floor rooftop of the Hotel Eastlund just across from the Oregon Convention Center. If you are not on a tight budget, treat yourself to a meal at any of the restaurants inside . is located on the 20th floor and the much more casual can be found in the hotel lobby. Would you eat on a boat? offers dining and sightseeing cruises on the Willamette River. If you have any dietary restrictions, you will easily find what you need. ? Portland has repeatedly been named one of the best cities for vegans (not only in the country, but in the world). ? In addition to gluten-free restaurants, you will find bakeries and gluten-free beer options. James Beard was born in Portland and there is no shortage of in this city. If you want to eat at one of the best restaurants in the country, make your reservation for today! This restaurant, owned by chef , offers Haitian cuisine and their entire menu is gluten- and dairy-free.
Music to your ears
Portland has a diverse and thriving live music scene and you will find all around the city. A five-minute walk from the ĚÇĐÄvlogĂŰĚŇconference hotel will take you to Portland’s largest music venue, the . , , and are scheduled to perform at the Moda the days ATA65 will be held in Portland. Are you looking ? Portland has it. shows? Portland has that, too! ? Yep! If you prefer musicals, the Broadway musical “” will be at the through November 3rd, “” will be at through November 3rd, and “” will be at the through November 10th. If you want to sing the night away, just head to one of the in the city, or dance the night away at a .
City of readers and writers
Portland boasts a number of , including the largest independent bookstore in the world selling new and used books: , which occupies an entire city block. You could easily spend an entire day there. Snag a free pass in the Pearl Room Information Counter to get into the , get a treat at the inside the bookstore, or check their in case your favorite author is in town at the end of October. Powell’s is also a great place to buy to take back home with you.
If you are a writer, check the calendar of events offered by . You will find events, classes, and seminars held at different venues across Portland.
Many have called or still call Portland home. For fans of Beverly Cleary’s beloved characters, head to the Hollywood Library in Northeast Portland. It’s the starting point for the  tour. The free, self-guided walk meanders past sites important to Cleary and inspiration for her books, including her homes, library, and a statue garden in Grant Park featuring Ramona Quimby, Henry Huggins and Henry’s dog, Ribsy.
Do some tax-free shopping!
Did you know that Oregon is one of the five states in the country with no sales tax? Now you do! Portland is a shoppers delight, and you will absolutely find something you were looking for (and probably something you never knew you needed but now can’t live without!).
- The is considered the largest continually operating arts-and-crafts fair in the United States, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Despite its name, it’s open Saturday and Sunday. With a variety of goods handcrafted by more than 250 vendors, the Saturday Market is a great place to score gifts and souvenirs. This large outdoor market features local makers, artisans, chefs, and live music with weekly sets of local musicians performing for marketgoers. From the market you can take pictures of the sign, which was the inspiration for the ATA65 logo, and it’s just a short walk or tram ride across the bridge from our conference hotel.
-  is home to the shopping center, where you can score tax-free savings on major brands. A few blocks away, you’ll find the only  store on the West Coast.
- If you are a thrifter, you will find a nice selection of and stores in Portland, too.
- If you want to shop at Portland-themed gift stores, you will find what you are looking for at , , , and .
- Neighborhoods with walkable shopping districts include , , , , and .
Museums and beyond…
Portland is a city of creatives, artists, and artisans, and , but if you like murals, is the place for you. Check out these other amazing art (and other) museums. In addition to art museums, Portland has a long list of .
- The is under construction due to a huge campus expansion and renovation project. While some parts of the PAM are closed to the public, the museum will feature these special exhibitions at the end of October, , , and .
- The is always free of charge.
- The is housed in “Portland,” the historic sternwheeler moored on the Willamette River. This working museum offers insight into the river-based history of Oregon and even a ride on the Willamette.
- The is Oregon’s first museum to celebrate Chinese American history, art and culture. This museum tells the stories of Portland’s historic Old Town Chinatown.
- The serves as a focal point for the preservation and sharing of the history and culture of the Japanese American community in Portland’s Old Town neighborhood.
- The celebrates Greek culture and how it has shaped this region. This museum features exhibitions highlighting Greek art and culture, from vases to poets and philosophers. Admission is free.
- At the you can explore the rich history and ongoing resiliency of Oregon’s diverse Jewish community with interactive exhibits and experiences for all ages.
- The is also free. The volunteer-run museum’s modern exhibit space showcases three vintage steam locomotives. Donated to the City of Portland by the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1958, the museum offers 45-minute from April through October.
- The houses displays of Bigfoot and other paranormal denizens of the Northwest and beyond. Nearly everything is for sale, from the sculptures and artwork to scoops of ice cream in the snack shop.
- The is your place to learn about all things puppet and let your inner child out! It’s fun for all ages, with special puppet exhibits and shows. The exhibit hall is free to the public.
Take a hike within Portland’s city limits
- boasts more than 80 miles of paths and is one of the largest urban forests in the United States. Take the Wildwood Trail all the way up to to enjoy views of the city and, on clear days, Mount Hood, or take it down to the .
- offers paved and natural-surface trails that wind through evergreen forest and to the top of a 636-foot , where you’ll enjoy great views of the city skyline. Pack a picnic, challenge yourself with some reps up the stairs near Southeast 69th Avenue or circle the picturesque reservoirs on the park’s west side.
- The is a self-guided tour that lets you explore the city—and see some of the best views—without a car. Instead, you’ll rely on the 4 T’s: trail, tram, trolley, and train. The tour takes about four hours and a bit of leg power. The route is well marked with signs and involves about 2.5 miles of walking.
- Located between the Willamette River and , is a haven for birds and walkers. The park’s Bluff Trail connects to the Springwater Corridor on the Willamette for a 2.3-mile loop that offers views of marshland favored by scores of great blue herons, as well as the vintage rides of .
- For more urban ambles, enjoy the sculptures, fountains and gardens along the riverside , , , and . Many of these areas include crossings over the .
Pamper yourself
Big conferences, such as the ĚÇĐÄvlogĂŰĚŇAnnual conference are exciting, but also overwhelming for some. If you need a break from networking or presenting, Portland offers different ways to decompress. Let’s start with a list of Portland’s most peaceful places.
- Perched atop Rocky Butte, comprises more than 62 acres of lush, treed gardens. Constructed in 1924 as an outdoor Roman Catholic sanctuary dedicated to Mary, Our Sorrowful Mother, the nonprofit center now hosts 300,000 visitors of all faiths each year. The Grotto’s unique aesthetic, which features tranquil paths dotted with intricately carved Catholic shrines, combines a traditional forested park with profound meditative bliss. Visit the upper level to access the and walk the .
- The is an authentic Ming Dynasty-style garden built by Suzhou artisans that brings together art, architecture, design, and nature in a 2,000-year-old Chinese tradition. The garden takes up an entire block of the city’s historic Chinatown district. Its covered walkways, bridges, open colonnades, koi-filled ponds, pavilions and richly planted landscape framing the man-made Zither Lake have created an urban oasis of tranquility and harmony. It’s an inspiring, serene setting for meditation, quiet thought, and tea, .
- The was founded in 1950 as a rhododendron test garden. Today, the park boasts more than 2,500 rhododendrons, azaleas, and other plants spread across 9.5 acres. Small placards identify the flora for visitors, and self-guided tour booklets are available on-site. One of Portland’s best waterfowl-watching spots, the garden is home to nearly 100 types of birds and other wildlife. Settle in on a bench by Crystal Lake and enjoy the sight of dozens of ducks and geese. Listen for the trills and squawks of scrub jays, red-winged blackbirds, songs sparrows, green-backed herons and many other bird species.
- The provides tranquility and inspiring views at one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Asia. The end of October brings beautiful autumn colors to the garden, and you will not want to miss it while in town. Founded in 1963 as a symbol of healing between World War II adversaries, the grounds feature five separate garden styles, working in harmony to create a sense of peace. The lush Tea Garden is focused on a stone walking path designed to help visitors shed their concerns about the outside world. The Strolling Pond Garden reflects the rich landscape, with a bridge zigzagging through beds of Japanese iris by the waterfall, Heavenly Falls. Designed before Zen Buddhism became popular in the U.S., the Sand and Stone Garden uses the elements as focal points for quiet contemplation.
- Go in the . The 189-acre arboretum features 12 miles of trails and more than 2,300 species of plants from six continents. It is home to three species of redwoods—totaling 70 trees in all. Most can be viewed from the park’s scenic Redwood Deck, which sits surrounded by the giant trees. In fall, colorful foliage covers large swaths of the park in bold hues of orange, yellow, and red. The Maple Trail is ground zero for leaf peepers and offers a close-up look at nearly 130 species of maple tree that grow at Hoyt Arboretum.
- If you don’t enjoy the great outdoors, get your pampering on at Portland’s fanciest spa, , located just one stop away riding the or the bus from the OCC. to the Knot Springs spa process, which also includes enjoying the views of the Willamette River and downtown Portland skyline. A couple of more affordable options for pampering are the and .
Explore Portland’s history
Incorporated in 1851, Portland may seem like a young city compared to many other parts of the country, but you can still find plenty of . Here are some features and .
- The were originally built to connect hotels and shops to the waterfront, so workers could bypass street traffic while stocking supplies. But legend has it they were also used to kidnap people through trapdoors still found in Chinatown buildings. The unsuspecting victims were then allegedly shipped out and enslaved as laborers on the high seas. Learn more about Portland’s dark history and decide for yourself whether or not the legends are true on a .
- With its first burial occurring in 1846, is the oldest cemetery in Portland and the final resting place of many of the city’s earliest settlers. Reconnect with the past through a quiet stroll or a guided tour. Lone Fir Cemetery is more than just a cemetery. It’s also one of Oregon’s most treasured historic places and Portland’s second-largest arboretum.
- is characterized by its impressive architecture and 23 art- and antique-filled rooms, where you can learn about the fascinating success story of early Portland moguls Henry and Georgiana Pittock, instrumental in the city’s development. The mansion offers picture-perfect views of the city and its surroundings (Mount Hood is visible on clear days).
- Discover Oregon’s fascinating history at the , located across the street from the . The museum features many permanent and rotating exhibits covering local history both before and after Oregon became a state in 1859. Among the museum’s robust collection of historic artifacts is the “”—the very coin tossed in the air by city founders Asa Lovejoy (from Boston, Mass.) and Francis Pettygrove (of Portland, Maine) to determine which of their hometowns would be the new city’s namesake (“Portland” beat “Boston” on two out of the three tosses). Visit the museum store to pick up a unique souvenir.
- The in downtown Portland’s Waterfront Park features 13 stone markers, which commemorate the history of the people who were deported to inland internment camps during World War II. The stones are engraved with short poems.
- The is set gracefully into a meadow in Portland’s beautiful . This free outdoor memorial features Holocaust history, quotes from survivors and the names of Holocaust victims and their surviving descendants in Oregon and Southwest Washington. A vault in the monument contains soil and ash recovered from six extermination camps of the Holocaust, brought back to Oregon by Portland residents.
- The wraps a wheelchair-accessible spiral path inside a meticulously landscaped bowl of greenery. Along the path, visitors are reminded of the Oregonians who sacrificed their lives and safety in the war and at the trail’s end, a curved, black granite wall outlines three years of the conflict, contrasted by local events that happened simultaneously.
Thank you to the Oregon Society of Translators and Interpreters (OSTI) for providing this information.
Make sure to visit the OSTI hospitality table at ATA65!
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Phone: +1-703-683-6100
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