Grotto

Thousands of people of all faiths stream through the Grotto during the Festival of Lights. What happens when the lights go away??? The Grotto still offers much for many! It still has a beautiful chapel on the lower grounds. And it still hosts a very peaceful coffeeshop. And it still hosts two religious gift shops with everything from jewelry to rosaries. What you get, however, the rest of year is even more special than the Festival of Lights. For a couple of bucks, you can ride the glass elevator up and visit an amazing chapel overlooking the city. Once up there on the hillside, you can visit the dozens of gardens complete with plant labels that produce vibrant, thoughtful gardens. I spent a whole afternoon there and didn't get through examining all the gardens. It's beautiful, and it's not just for Catholics! more

This is a really neat place that is too often out of sight out of mind. I have to remind myself that it's there, but once you visit you wonder how you could forget. It's a really gorgeous setting - I have been to a couple weddings there, as well as enjoyed their Christmas program. My children loved the lights, music and effects at the Christmas show, although the weather wasn't the best on the night we went. Aim for a cold, clear night! If you're looking for something you don't normally do in the Portland area, you should check this place out. more

The Grotto offers a beautiful sight tucked into the most unlikely place. Right off commercial Sandy Blvd. you will find large evergreen trees and amazing rock formations. They do a decent job of their Christmas program with lights, music and puppet shows. It is more than just a Catholic Sanctuary and is a wonderful place to enjoy for people of all faiths. more

Located in an area north of the city where beauty is not abundant, these botanical gardens are set amid 60 acres of land. Technically a Catholic sanctuary, The Grotto affords peace and quiet in place of the din of the surrounding area. Ponds statues, shrines, and wooded pathways round out the setting. After, visit the gift shop. more