Portland, one of America’s most important gateways to the Pacific Rim, has a reputation as a well-planned, charming city. With 2,265,000 people, Portland ranks as the 23rd largest metropolitan area in the nation and, straddling the banks of the wide Willamette River, it’s one of the largest inland ports on the West Coast. It also has flower filled parks, efficient mass transit, excellent hotels and restaurants and restored historic buildings. The Rose Festival held in early June is a month long series of parades and events drawing more than 2 million people each year from around the world.

The 1930s-era Portland Art Museum is one of several interesting buildings that line the South Park Blocks, a tree lined boulevard of parks with statues and fountains. The museum contains 35 centuries of Asian, European and Native American art and is a regional venue for large traveling exhibitions.