Part of a great conference is a great location.
For the first time ever, LERN is heading to Portland, Oregon for the 2017 Annual Conference, and we hope you're as excited as we are to explore this quirky, cutting-edge city.
We've rounded up a few suggestions - including sights, smells, sounds, and tastes - that are all a short walk or short Uber ride from the Hilton Portland Downtown.
We've ranked our picks by distance, starting with the closest.
Portlandia
No, not the show. The Portlandia statue by Raymond Kaskey is the second-largest copper repoussé statue in the United States, second only to the Statue of Liberty.
Mill End's Park
The world's smallest park is also the the only dedicated colony for leprechauns west of Ireland (really!) . Stop by for a picture with the park's single tree.
Mother's Bistro & Bar
This Portland institution serves up comfort food in a country-chic atmosphere. The restaurant features " authentic cooking from mothers around the world, signature dishes include pot roast, chicken and dumplings, meat loaf and crab cakes, as well as featured dishes from a different mother each month," according to the Mother's website. Reservations are recommended.
Open daily, 7 a.m. - 2:30 for breakfast and lunch, Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, and at 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday
Voodoo Doughnut
Yes, there will likely be a line but the treats offered by this world-famous doughnut shop couldn't be more "Portland."
Open 24/7
Powell's City of Books
This bookstore is a Portland landmark and for good reason. According to the Travel Portland website, the store covers an entire city block and contains more than 1 million books in 3,500 different sections, making it the largest independent used and new bookstore on Earth.
Open daily, 9 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Historic White Stag Sign
Although it has changed some over the years, the White Stag Sign is part of Portland's identity and history.
Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade
For a little friendly competition and some KISS Pinball, head to Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade which serves a full food and drink menu, along with 60 classic video games and 27 pinball machines.
Open daily, noon - late
Deschutes Brewery & Public House
Made-from-scratch dishes and more than 26 beers on tap, this brew house has a distinct Northwest feel.
Open daily, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Cathedral Park
Believed to be one of the 14 landing sites of Lewis and Clark in the area, Cathedral Park is steeped in history and is now home to stunning views and beautiful cathedral-like arches.
Open daily, 5 a.m. - midnight
You could also visit one of Portland's many museums, the Portland Japanese Garden, or one of the many parks in the city.
If you're interested in a guided tour of the city, consider signing up for the Best of Portland Walking Tour, from 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 15, or the Portland Highlights Bus Tour, from 3:15 p.m.- 5:45 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17. Tours are $25 and $35 and you can register when you sign up for the 2017 LERN Annual Conference, or by calling (800) 678-5376 or sending an email to info@lern.org.
