PICMET '05 Guest Program

There is a very attractive "Guest Program" for the spouses and guests of PICMET '05 participants.  The guest fee ($250) includes:

  • Admission to PICMET's evening social events (the Sunday evening icebreaker, the Monday evening reception, and the Tuesday awards banquet).

  • Daily continental breakfast from 7:30 am to 9:30 am on Monday through Thursday (August 1-4), in Alexander's Lounge on the 23rd floor of the Hilton, where the view is spectacular.

  • Four daily excursions (Monday, August 1 - Thursday, August 4) described below.

  • (Please note that the value of this package is $445).

DAILY EXCURSIONS

Monday, August 1, 2005
10:00 - 12:00

Best of Portland Walking Tour
Portland Skyline/photo courtesy of Portland Oregon Visitors Association

This walk features all the best that Portland has to offer, including a plethora of artwork, bridges, architecture, parks and fountains.  You will learn the history of the fur trade, the Oregon Trail, and hear stories about early Portland as we stroll around downtown, the Cultural district, and Historic Yamhill.

While we walk along the riverfront, your guide will easily show you why Portland is known worldwide as Bridgetown.

This tour also features the stop that everyone loves-the world's smallest city park.

Other sites along the way include:

  • Bronze drinking fountains from 1912

  • Two weather machines

  • Over 30 public art pieces (including Portlandia)

  • A controversial marble statue with a unique nickname

  • The 1985 City Hall building

  • A fountain that changes every 15 minutes

  • A park that was for women only

  • A free electric car charging station

  • And a lot more!

(Tour fee included in PICMET Guest Registration)

Tuesday, August 2, 2005
10:00 - 12:00

Washington Park International Rose Test Garden and Japanese Garden

A trip to Portland, the City of Roses, would not be complete without visits to the Portland International Rose Test Garden and the Japanese Garden, both located in Washington Park.  Guests will board MAX (Portland's light rail) for a short ride to Portland's West Hills for a wander through one of the most visited and cherished locations in the city.

The Rose Test Garden is the oldest official, continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States.  Although July is not the peak time for roses, there will be some varieties in bloom, the grounds (just over 5 acres) are gorgeous, and the incredible view of the city from the park makes this trip worth doing.  Portland's internationally recognized Japanese Garden, open since 1967, represents a melding of Japanese international garden forms with American hurry.

(Light rail ticket and Garden entry fee included in PICMET Guest Registration)

Wednesday, August 3, 2005
10:00 - 13:00

Oregon Historical Society, Farmer's Market, and Lunch at Southpark Seafood Grill & Wine Bar

Portland Farmers Market

The first stop will be the Oregon Historical Society, which is just a few blocks from the Hilton, for a look at the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Exhibition.  This new exhibit commemorates Lewis and Clark's exploration of Oregon in 1805-1806 and focuses on the world's fair in Portland held 100 years ago, an event that drew 1.6 million visitors and changed Portland forever from a small-town port to an international city. A Fair to Remember re-creates the Expo with rare artifacts and images and full-size replicas of key fair structures.

The second stop for this excursion will be the Portland Farmers Market, where you can purchase locally grown produce and other items being sold by vendors.  Each week the market boasts organically grown produce, fresh-baked breads, seafood and seasonal flowers.  All products offered for sale at the market must be grown, raised, produced, or gathered by the vendor in Oregon or Washington.

The final stop will be lunch at Southpark Seafood Grill & Wine Bar. Located in the heart of Portland's cultural district, Southpark draws upon the freshest Northwest seafood and produce and the finest imported specialty foods to create dishes inspired by the culinary traditions of the Mediterranean.

(Historical Society entry fee and lunch are included in PICMET Guest Registration)

 
Portland Farmers Market

Thursday, August 4, 2005--Shopping on NW 23rd Ave.

The group will take Portland's streetcar to NW 23rd Ave., which is famous for its specialty shops, galleries and restaurants.  Enjoy shopping tax-free -- there is no sales tax in Oregon!