How to Plan Your Portland Hidden Histories Walking Tour

Are you planning a trip to Portland and looking for a unique way to explore the city’s rich history and culture? Look no further than the Portland Hidden Histories Walking Tour! This two-hour guided tour will take you through the Old Port and Downtown areas, revealing the city’s hidden stories and secrets. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to plan your perfect tour.

Overview of the Portland Hidden Histories Walking Tour

The Portland Hidden Histories Walking Tour is a fully narrated two-hour tour through the Old Port and Downtown areas. You’ll learn about the city’s history, including the role of the maritime industry, the abolitionist movement, and even pirates. The tour also includes a donation towards restoring the Abyssinian Meeting House, America’s third-oldest standing Black church, and a tip for your guide.

What’s Included

The Portland Hidden Histories Walking Tour includes:- Two-hour fully narrated guided tour

– Donation toward restoring the Abyssinian Meeting House

– A tip for your guide

Meeting and Pickup Details

The tour meets at Post Office Park, located at 167 Middle St Portland ME 04101 USA. The meeting point is at the corner of Middle and Exchange Streets in the park near the stone seating. You should arrive 10 minutes early so that you can leave on time.The end point of the tour is Bell Buoy Park, located at 54 Commercial St Portland ME 04101 USA. Bell Buoy Park is on Commercial Street at the Casco Bay Lines ferry terminal. If you need to head back to where you started, it’s only 0.3 miles (6-minute walk) away. It’s also next door to the cruise ship terminal, so it’s a great option if you’re visiting Portland on a cruise.

What to Expect on the Tour

During the Portland Hidden Histories Walking Tour, you’ll explore the Old Port and Downtown areas of Portland. You’ll learn about the city’s history and culture, including its maritime industry, the abolitionist movement, and even pirates. You’ll also get a glimpse into some of the city’s hidden stories and secrets.The tour is broken up into two parts, each lasting about an hour. The first part is a tour of the Old Port, while the second part is a tour of the Downtown area. You can expect to walk about two miles during the tour, so wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.

Additional Information

– Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.

– The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

– Transportation is not included in the tour.

Booking Your Portland Hidden Histories Walking Tour

To book your Portland Hidden Histories Walking Tour, visit the Viator website at book the tour here. Follow the instructions on the website to select your date and time, and complete your booking. You’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details of your tour.

Conclusion

The Portland Hidden Histories Walking Tour is an excellent way to explore the city’s rich history and culture. With its fully narrated tour, donation to a worthy cause, and knowledgeable guide, you’ll get an immersive and unforgettable experience. Book your tour today and discover the hidden stories of Portland!

Frequently Asked Questions about Portland

Portland is a beautiful city located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Known for its natural beauty, green spaces, and thriving food scene, Portland is a city that draws millions of visitors each year. As with any popular tourist destination, there are often a lot of questions that people have about Portland. In this post, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Portland.

1. What is the best time to visit Portland?

Portland is a city that can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit really depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for mild temperatures and fewer crowds, then the best time to visit is during the spring or fall. March through May and September through November are great times to visit. However, if you’re looking to experience Portland’s outdoor scene or festivals, then the summer months (June through August) are the way to go.

2. How do I get around Portland?

Portland is a city that is easy to get around. The city has a well-connected public transportation system that includes buses, streetcars, and light rail trains. Visitors can also rent bicycles from various bike-share programs or explore the city on foot. Car rentals and ride-sharing services are also available, but due to traffic and limited parking, these options may not be the best choice for exploring the city.

3. What are some of the top attractions in Portland?

Portland is home to many attractions that draw visitors from near and far. Some of the top attractions in Portland include:

Powells City of Books:

This iconic bookstore has been a Portland fixture for over 40 years. The bookstore spans an entire city block and houses over 2 million books.

Portland Japanese Garden:

This beautiful garden is a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city. Visitors can stroll along the garden’s winding paths and take in the stunning scenery.

Voodoo Doughnut:

This quirky doughnut shop is known for its offbeat flavors like bacon maple bars and bubble gum doughnuts. A trip to Portland isn’t complete without a stop at Voodoo Doughnut.

Portland Art Museum:

With over 42,000 works of art, the Portland Art Museum is the oldest art museum in the Pacific Northwest. The museum’s collection includes everything from contemporary art to Native American artifacts.

4. What is Portland known for?

Portland is known for many things, but some of the things the city is most famous for include:

Food and drink:

Portland has a thriving food and drink scene that includes everything from farm-to-table restaurants to craft breweries.

Nature:

Portland is known for its natural beauty and green spaces. The city is home to Forest Park, the largest urban park in the country, and is surrounded by the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood.

Bicycles:

Portland is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country. The city has over 350 miles of bike lanes and has been named the #1 cycling city in the United States by Bicycling magazine multiple times.

5. What is the weather like in Portland?

Portland has a mild, oceanic climate with cool, wet winters and dry, warm summers. The city averages around 43 inches of rain per year, with most of the rain falling between October and May. Summers are warm and dry, with temperatures averaging around 82 degrees Fahrenheit in July.

6. Is Portland a safe city to visit?

Like any city, Portland has its share of crime, but it is generally considered a safe city to visit. Visitors should take the same precautions they would in any major city, such as being aware of their surroundings and not carrying large amounts of cash or valuables with them.

7. What should I pack for a trip to Portland?

Packing for a trip to Portland depends on the time of year you’re visiting. In the summer months, lightweight clothing is key, along with good walking shoes and a light jacket for cooler evenings. In the fall and winter months, be sure to pack layers as temperatures can vary widely throughout the day.

8. What are some good day trips from Portland?

Portland is surrounded by beautiful scenery and there are many great day trips to take from the city. Some popular day trips include:

Columbia River Gorge:

Located just outside of Portland, the Columbia River Gorge is a scenic area that is perfect for hiking and exploring waterfalls.

Mount Hood:

Mount Hood is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding in the winter months and hiking and camping in the summer months.

Oregon Wine Country:

Located just south of Portland, Oregon Wine Country is home to over 700 wineries and is known for its Pinot Noir.

Conclusion

Portland is a beautiful city that has something for everyone. From its food and drink scene to the great outdoors, Portland is a city that should be on every traveler’s list. We hope this post has answered some of the most frequently asked questions about Portland and has inspired you to plan your next trip to this great city.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Portland

Are you planning a trip to Portland and wondering what things to do and see while you’re there? Well, you’re in the right place! Portland, also known as the City of Roses, is famous for its charming neighborhoods, bustling nightlife, natural beauty, and foodie culture. To make the most of your time in Portland, here is a detailed guide on what to explore and do in this vibrant city:

1. Visit the Portland Art Museum

One of the best ways to experience the city’s cultural scene is by visiting the Portland Art Museum. Located in the heart of downtown, the museum boasts a vast collection of more than 42,000 artworks, including American, European, and Asian art. The museum also showcases special exhibitions featuring famous artists from around the world. Admission fees vary based on the exhibitions, but there are free admission days for all visitors.

2. Explore the International Rose Test Garden

Portland is famously called the “City of Roses” for a good reason. The International Rose Test Garden is a must-visit place for every tourist. Located within Washington Park, the garden occupies ten acres of land and is one of the largest rose test gardens in the world, featuring over 10,000 roses of 650 different varieties. The best time to visit the garden is usually between June and September.

3. Stroll Through the Historic Neighborhoods

Portland is home to many historic neighborhoods that are worth exploring, such as the Northwest District, the Pearl District, and Alberta Street. These neighborhoods offer a unique blend of architecture and culinary experiences, with numerous boutiques, shops, restaurants, and cafes that reflect the city’s diverse culture.

4. Take a hike in Forest Park

Forest Park is one of the largest urban forests in the country, occupying over 5,000 acres of land. Within the park, there are over 80 miles of trails that offer stunning views of the Cascade Mountains, the Willamette River, and the city skyline. Visitors can hike, walk, bike, or even horseback ride through the park.

5. Explore the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, known as OMSI, is another popular attraction for tourists visiting Portland. The museum features a variety of hands-on exhibits, planetarium shows, and interactive displays that make science fun for all ages. OMSI is located on the east bank of the Willamette River, near the Oregon Convention Center.

6. Visit Powell’s City of Books

Powell’s City of Books is the world’s largest independent bookstore, known for its vast collection of new and used books. The store occupies a city block and features multiple floors, each with different genres of books. Visitors can spend hours browsing through the stacks of books and discovering new authors.

7. Have a Foodie Experience

Portland is famous for its foodie culture, with plenty of restaurants, food carts, and coffee shops to try. The city’s vibrant culinary scene features diverse cuisines, including Thai, Vietnamese, Mexican, and Italian, among others. Some notable food cart pods include the Alder Street Food Cart Pod and the Mississippi Marketplace.

8. Visit the Portland Japanese Garden

The Portland Japanese Garden is a tranquil oasis located within Washington Park, just a short distance from downtown. The garden offers visitors an opportunity to experience Japan’s traditional design, architecture, and nature through its five distinct garden styles, a tea house, and a cultural center.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Portland has something to offer for every tourist, from art lovers, nature enthusiasts, foodies to science geeks. With numerous cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and culinary experiences, Portland can be the perfect vacation destination for everyone. By following this guide, you can make the most of your time in this unique city.