AMC Tours

Lan Su Chinese Garden

Available Friday

A 12 minute, 0.6-mile walk from The Nines Hotel or alternate non-bus transportation will be provided. 

Feel as if you’ve traveled through time at one of Portland’s most prestigious attractions. Modeled after the breathtaking gardens of the Ming Dynasty, Lan Su Chinese Garden was created as a collaboration between Portland and Suzhou, its sister city in China’s Jiangsu province. Designed by Suzhou artisans, the garden reflects 2,000 year-old Chinese tradition by combining art, architecture, design, and nature. More than 500 tons of stone and rock were included, most notably the coveted Lake Tai stones from one of China's largest freshwater lakes, which appear as tall mountain peaks throughout the garden's landscape. Stroll back into ancient times as you experience the sounds of cascading water and fragrant jasmine, wintersweet, and Osmanthus blossoms. Wander along meandering pathways filled with poetry inscriptions throughout rocks, pavilions, and buildings; an essential element of Chinese gardens. Afterwards, enjoy a cup of traditional Chinese tea in the Teahouse in the Tower of Cosmic Reflections to take in the tranquility of the garden.  

Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) Knight Cancer Institute

Available Thursday and Friday

Bus transportation provided*

Step into the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Knight Cancer Institute and breathe in the atmosphere of medical breakthrough, of collaborative, groundbreaking research, and experience the cutting edge in cancer treatment. Just opened in September 2018, the Knight Cancer Research Building (KCRB) is home to the international leader in personalized cancer research and treatment. It’s also the only National Cancer Institute (NCI) Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center between Sacramento and Seattle. The buildings' unique design brings together people from different scientific disciplines with the goal of accelerating progress in cancer research. Key features include intellectual and social hubs, centralized, shared equipment and research facilities, and an open laboratory design, all with the intent to foster collaborative work. On this tour, ARCS Scholar Alumns will showcase labs conducting research in all areas of cancer care. Enjoy light refreshments followed by a presentation from Joe Gray, PhD, the director for the Center for Spatial Systems Biomedicine, on developing therapeutic strategies to control advanced cancers. Afterwards, attend a presentation on overcoming resistance to cancer therapy by Zahi Mitri MD, MS, the assistant professor of medicine at OHSU School of Medicine.  

*The bus will begin loading at 1:00 pm and depart by 1:15 pm for approximate arrival at 1:30 pm (Roundabout at Moody & Meade St.) The bus will reload at the same roundabout at 4:00 pm with a departure at 4:15 pm to return to The Nines Hotel by 4:30 pm. 

Oregon Historical Society Museum

Available Thursday

10 minute,  0.4 mile walk from The Nines Hotel

If you are a history-lover, The Oregon Historical Society (OHS) offers the perfect attraction for you. Founded in 1898, the museum’s sole mission was to collect and preserve pieces of history vital to the state. This venue allows you to experience the interactive exhibits, digital platforms, lectures, and events that make up Oregon’s rich history. Kerry Tymchuk, executive director of OHS, will greet us as we embark on our journey through Oregon's captivating past. We will explore three floors of rare artifacts, photographs, films, manuscripts, books, and oral histories that tell the story of Oregon and America. Be sure to visit staple exhibits like "Experience Oregon" and new exhibits like "Ladies and Gentlemen...The Beatles!" Stop by the Museum Store for a copy of the Oregon Historical Quarterly, a public history journal published since 1900. 

Click below for a video of the Oregon Historical Society Museum and watch the story of Oregon come to life:

Oregon State University Food Innovation Center: Food Production: From Idea to Shelf

Available Thursday

Bus transportation provided**

Ever wondered what is involved in creating a new food product? At the Oregon University State Food Innovation Center (FIC), you’ll see how culinary innovations are turned into best-selling products and what it takes to make them last on a retail shelf. David Stone, associate professor and director of the Center, will host us. Explore behind the scenes of research and testing, packaging design, marketing, and business plan development. Experience consumer sensory testing and see firsthand the center’s commitment to advancing food products in the Northwest.  

**The bus will begin loading at 1:00 pm and depart by 1:15 pm. Approximate arrival will be 1:30 pm in OSU's North Lot. The bus will reload in the North Lot at 3:45 pm with a departure at 4:00 pm to return to The Nines Hotel by 4:15 pm. 

Portland Art Museum

Available Thursday and Friday

A 10-minute, 0.4 mile walk from The Nines Hotel

In 1892, the Portland Art Museum was founded with one goal in mind: make a first-rate art museum that would be accessible to all citizens. Today that dream lives on in what has become the 7th oldest museum in the United States and the oldest in the Pacific Northwest. Join this docent-led, small group tour and experience the internationally recognized permanent collections and special exhibitions. Specifically, you will get to browse through the museum’s most distinguished art pieces from the Native American, English silver, and graphic arts collections.  

Check out the video below for an inside look into the Portland Art Museum: 

Portland Japanese Garden

Available Thursday and Friday

Bus transportation provided (arrival and reload on SW Sherwood Blvd.)***

Escape the hustle and bustle of today’s world in one of Portland’s most peaceful attractions. Referred to as “the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden in the world outside of Japan,” the Portland Japanese Garden offers a glimpse into the traditional world of Japanese culture. With more than 12 acres and 8 gardens, you’ll enjoy classic Japanese elements like koi ponds, ornate stone features, scenic greenery, and meandering streams. Find your zen among the winding walkways and scenic views of Mt. Hood, as Japanese harp and flute sounds play throughout the gardens. There will also be time to visit the nearby Rose Garden. You will certainly want to bring home a memory from what is sure to be an unforgettable experience at the Portland Japanese Garden! 

***The bus will begin loading at 1:00 pm and depart by 1:15 pm for approximate arrival at 1:30 pm. The bus will reload on the same street (SW Sherwood Blvd.) at 4:00 pm with a departure at 4:15 pm to return to The Nines Hotel by 4:30 pm. 

See the video below to experience a day in the Portland Japanese Garden: