Jetsettersblog

Portland Walking Tours is offering a series of walks providing a guided glimpse of the Rose City, Portland, Ore. From culture fiends and architecture buffs to wine lovers and foodies, the 2008 tour season will appeal to visitors and natives alike. Best of Portland –

the “Portland 101″ tour explores the city’s art and architecture, as well as issues of livability, transit and Portland culture. Underground Portland — a treat for lovers of all things sinister — crime, scandal and unsavory characters — the Underground Portland tour winds through Old Town, exposing the sordid side of the fair city of Portland. Beyond Bizarre — Armed with real ghost hunting equipment, walkers will meander down shadowy streets to reveal Portland’s weird, wacky and paranormal side. Epicurean Excursion — This culinary journey through the Pearl District leads walkers behind the scenes to taste, sip and savor some of our city’s finest flavors. From the award-winning Bridgeport Brewery to local ingredients in the back room of the Pearl Bakery.

Tours include: the Best of Portland — 10 a.m. daily; Underground Portland — 2 p.m. daily; Beyond Bizarre — 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. (21+) — Fridays and Saturdays; Epicurean Excursion — 10 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Tours start from three separate locations: Best of Portland Tour — starts outside the Broadway entrance of the Hilton Hotel at SW Broadway & Salmon; Underground Portland Tour — starts outside of Old Town Pizza at 226 NW Davis St. (between NW 2nd & 3rd Ave.); Beyond Bizarre — starts outside of Old Town Pizza at 226 NW Davis St. (between NW 2nd & 3rd Ave.); Epicurean Excursion –

Starts inside the Heathman Hotel on the mezzanine level (in hotel library) at 1001 SW Broadway & Salmon. The Best of Portland, Underground Portland and Beyond Bizarre tours are $19 for adults and $15 for seniors and youth. One child under 12 years old is free with any paying adult. These tours cover less than two miles and last less than two and a half hours. The Epicurean Excursion is $59 each for all ages and includes food, beverage and transportation. The Epicurean Excursion is limited to 16 people per tour, covers less than two miles and lasts approximately three and a half hours. Advance ticket purchase is recommended for all tours.

Portland Walking Tours, a division of Hometown Advantage, offers guided tours exploring Portland’s food, history, art, architecture, fountains, parks and neighborhoods. Private walking tours and school field trips are also available. Parent company Hometown Advantage, www.hometownadvantage.com, provides event and meeting planning services, including customized group tours throughout the Willamette Valley and Columbia Gorge, as well as step-on guides, transportation services and entertainment.

The 24-hour Portland Walking Tours information and ticketing line is 503-774-4522.

Additional information and online ticketing are available at http://www.portlandwalkingtours.com/