Umbrellas are folding up, coats are being shed, people are trading jeans and sweaters for shorts and tank tops. The streets are flooding with bodies and everyone seems to be just a little bit happier. Ahhh, it's springtime in the city of rain!

In Portland, the winter rain makes the arrival of spring all the more enjoyable. For one thing, the rain keeps everything unbelievably green. When the long rainy season finally starts to lull and sunshine breaks through the clouds, you're surrounded by bright green grass and flourishing flowers. Portland is not a concrete jungle, like other cities its size. The downtown is sprinkled with trees and parks. Bike paths snake through the city to balance the busy streets. Portland's surroundings are picturesque: the beautiful Willamette River runs through the heart of the city, the west side is elevated on gently sloping hills, and the outskirts are littered with the most exquisite vineyards in the Northwest.

The rain also provides contrast for the coming of spring. After months of being indoors or rushing head-down through the rain, the warm air and sunshine are downright cathartic. You can't get enough of the outdoors.

Spring is also the time when Portland shows off some of its trademark gardening. Gardening in Portland is more than a pastime; it's an obsession. So much so that the prominent local newspaper, The Oregonian, started a whole section dedicated to home gardening. The project was a major expansion, forcing the publication to hire a whole team to facilitate the section. But the investment paid off. The section was an immediate success, proving that Portlanders love to garden. In springtime they receive the rewards of their labor. And of course, spring wouldn't be complete without making a trip to Portland's famous Rose Garden to see the buds begin to bloom. This was one of the first things I did when I moved to Portland. Walking through the renowned garden, perusing the huge variety of roses left an indelible impression upon me.

But in the spring the crowds seem to gather at Portland's Waterfront. The Waterfront features a long grassy null, interspersed with basketball courts, water fountains, and displays of art. A wide walking path extends along the entire distance of the Waterfront. With the expansive view of the Willamette, the path is a favorite for joggers and lovebirds. On the river, motor boats whip by with water skiers behind. On the grass impromptu games of volleyball and hackey sack break out. The Waterfront also features concerts, festivals, and flea markets. When the fair comes to town, this is where it sets up. The Waterfront is definitely Portland's hotspot in the spring.

In April, Portland is green, vibrant, and fresh. The city is filled with gardens and beautiful scenery. The calendar is jammed with outdoor activities. Come to think of it – what am I doing inside writing?!

Questions?
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