Here’s a fun day trip: go from the bottom of Portland to the top!
If you’re looking for an afternoon of entertainment, queue up the music and hit play!
Song 1: “Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks
Photo by Christopher Chen
Ever been in a real submarine?
Our day starts at OMSI. This famous science museum includes a decommissioned US Naval submarine that is permanently stationed in the Willamette River. The USS Blueback Submarine is a nonnuclear fast attack submarine and was featured in the movie, “The Hunt for Red October.”
You can envision life underwater as you tour the submarine! Where did the sailors sleep? How did they steer the sub? How big were the torpedos? The tour answers all of these questions, and you get to look out the periscope!
There is a second tour available that is for the truly technical amongst us. These tours are led by retired Naval personnel, and all kinds of science questions can be answered. You must plan ahead and order these tickets in advance! For more info: www.http://www.omsi.edu/submarine
Feeling hungry? Try lunch at the new cafe, Theory. The cafe uses local ingredients and provides some science education along with excellent food. The theory of Heat Transfer is quite important in the making of a Grilled Cheese sandwich! Offerings include yummy sandwiches like the Bacon and Cheddar and the Oregon Albacore Tuna Melt! The kids menu is reasonably priced with most meals costing $3. Most other items are under $10. There is even a gluten free pizza option!
Song 2: “Dreams” by Van Halen
Photo by Tim Adams
The Portland Aerial Tram offers incredible views of Portland. Once in your tram cabin, you will travel 3300 linear feet. At the same time, you will be traveling 500 feet elevation.
How many mountain peaks can you see? How many rivers? How many bridges? It’s fun to make a list. It’s fun to take pictures and send them to your friends that aren’t in Portland!
The lower terminal is located at the corner of SW Moody and Gibbs. This is a major public transportation hub. You can also walk, bike, bus or take the Trimet Max train. It is important to plan your visit during the hospital “off hours.” The tram was not built for the pretty view. It was built to relieve traffic congestion to the main campus of the Oregon Health and Science University.
The tram ride costs $4.50. Tickets are available at the terminal. Once you reach the top, there are several patios and viewing areas. Once you have feasted your eyes, you can travel back down to the lower terminal.
Song 3: “Drink” by They Might be Giants
After you’ve gone deep beneath the surface and climbed up above everything, you’ll probably want to stop in for an adult beverage. So, check out The Groaning Board in the South Waterfront area.
Then, raise your glass to an afternoon well spent.
Portland is a beautiful city! Get out and explore! Hop on over to the OMSI website and book your tickets and go! www.omsi.edu/submarine Advance tickets aren’t required for the fantastic tram ride. Make some memories now!