The Grotto

After visiting the Rose Garden, we headed to the other side of the city (east) to see the Grotto. I had heard great things about this gem located in Portland, but had never taken the time to visit. You especially hear about this place at Christmas time when they have a festival of lights.

There are two levels....the main (parking lot) level and the upper gardens. On the main level there is a bookstore, visitor center, chapel, Stations of the Cross and the grotto. In order to reach the upper level gardens you have to ride this elevator.

We stepped off the elevator and saw this sign.

Then 2 minutes later a groundskeeper called us over to check out the butterfly that was resting on the ground.

This meditation chapel was really cool. There were a few chairs and benches inside and the entire other side was glass windows. The view overlooked the city and you could see Mt. St. Helens.