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.
George Washington Masonic National Memorial is located near King Street and Callahan Drive. George Washington Masonic National Memorial was established in 1920. This is more than just a memorial and a museum. George Washington Masonic National Memorial is also a research center, library, community center, performing arts center and also a concert hall. Admission is free for the first two floors.
This is a fun family-friendly farm. Kids can explore the many different stations, such as the the cowshed, horses, as well as ducks, geese and hens. There are swings and tractors for kids to play on and Wagner Farm's friendly staff give tours and lead activities for school groups and visitors.
Founded in 1937, Main Line Art Center is a nonprofit community art center located on Panmure Rd. in Haverford. Main Line Art Center is dedicated to bringing art eduction to and fostering creativity in people of all ages. Throughout the year, the Art Center offers art classes and workshops, exhibitions of regional artists, educational lectures and community outreach programs. Become a member today and enjoy 25% off classes, workshops and trips.
The Oak View Community Center is located on a tree-filled campus on the east side of Oak Lawn. Its field house contains many museum-quality nature displays of the area's early history, as well exhibits of sea creatures, animals, shells, rocks and minerals.
The center offers a diverse selection of programming, including art classes, fitness, recreation programs and pre-school classes.
The Oak Lawn Community Theater is also stationed at Oak View, staging four critically-acclaimed family musicals per year in a newly renovated gymnasium complete with stadium seating.
Rooms in the community center are available for rental for private parties. The center also has chairs and tables available for rentals. Room rentals range in price from $25-$59 per hour and can accommodate private parties of up to 200 people.
The outdoor park grounds include a baseball field, picnic grounds, playground and a sand volleyball court.
Residents can also register for park district programs at Oak View.
Unknown to most tourists outside the Ogden, Utah area, the Treehouse Children's Museum is a great place for kids of all ages to experience hands-on displays and interactive exhibits. Adults will also find the museum an engaging place to spend the afternoon with their families.
Best and Worst Time to Go to the Treehouse Children's Museum
The museum is open every day of the week except Sunday, and while it doesn't get overcrowded very often, it's best to avoid visiting on Saturday mornings during the school year or on rainy days when parents are looking for places to visit with their children. Visiting on school holidays should also be avoided.
Must See/Do at the Treehouse Children's Museum
One of the main focuses of the museum is literacy and the musical story time is a great opportunity for kids of all ages to engage in literary learning. Additionally, the main treehouse is a must-do for your children who are a bit more active. Finally, older kids with a political interest will enjoy getting their picture taken in the Oval Office at the American Dream Gallery.
Admission to the Treehouse Children's Museum
Admission to the museum is around $5 for both children and adults. The museum also offers various discounts on its website. In addition, the museum has memberships available starting at $50 per year.
Parking and Public Transportation to the Treehouse Children's Museum
While there is no dedicated parking lot for the museum, street parking is available for free around the building. In terms of public transportation, the museum is conveniently located only three blocks from the Utah Transit Authority Frontrunner train station. Cross Wall Avenue, Lincoln Avenue, and Grant Avenue until you see the Solomon Center. Turn north in front of the center until you see the museum.
Food at the Treehouse Children's Museum
There are no food options located directly at the museum. In fact, food is not permitted on the exhibit floor, although snacks are allowed in the lobby. However, there are plenty of food options within walking distance of the museum. Tickets for the museum are valid all day on multiple entries, so you can go for a couple of hours, leave to eat, and then come back.
Insider Tip for Visitors to the Treehouse Children's Museum
While the museum is geared towards providing hours of entertainment for children, it is not very stroller friendly. If you are going to bring a baby, it's best to wear a baby pack instead of trying to navigate the displays and groups of people with a stroller.
Author's bio: Clint T. has lived in Utah on and off for the past 20 years and will never grow tired of the great outdoors.
