>> NEWS AND EVENTS > WHAT TO DO IN PORTLAND

A New Game in Portland

There are very few places that spell out the All-American first date like the Miniature Golf course. It isn’t over the top but nor is it completely vanilla. My sentiment got solidified back in 1984 with the classic film The Karate Kid. I know that sounds strange, but that film does indeed show the typical All-American first date. (Yes, I know that as we grow older, we are more likely to hit a bar and then the bed, but you just can’t avoid the charm of Miniature Golf)… Most major US cities have them… So, you’ll imagine my surprise when I first moved to Portland to learn that I needed to drive 40 minutes for some putt-putt fun. Thankfully, the folks behind the fantastic 13th Door Haunted House have changed all that… Right here in glorious downtown Portland with…

Glowing Greens indoor miniature golf…

With the same attention to detail paid to their haunted house attraction, Raymond and the staff at Glowing Greens have cut loose on their indoor miniature golfing theme… A sunken pirate cove! Slowly as we descend the 20 plus feet into the underbelly of Portland (which is ADA accessible), the environment undergoes a total change. Within seconds, you forget you are even in a city. The air is cooler. The images are surreal. The sounds of the sea fill your ears, while the ghostly pirates fill your eyes. With a lobby that can accommodate a large amount of guests, you’re met by extremely friendly and charismatic hosts. From there, you can take in the fantastic visuals within the waiting area or the meeting area that can accommodate large parties.

How does the course play?

Very well. There were a few missteps as we played when we couldn’t figure out where our next hole was. However, Raymond and his staff were quick to point out that it was just a simple mix-up, they had all the markers needed, but were so wrapped up in the Pre-Opening party, and they forgot to install them. As of this writing, you will not have that problem, so you can golf badly without getting lost. (Sorry, I was channeling my own lackluster putting skills there, much to the chagrin of my links-skilled grandfather). The difficulty depends upon the hole. Some are rather simple “aim it and shoot” holes, while others take a major in geometry to land the shot. I would question a couple of their Par Levels on some of the holes… Again, one might just chalk that up to my general golf suckness! If you want a real challenge, play through the Glowing Greens course wearing your provided 3D goggles…

Oh, those goggles…

Forgot about the annoying Red / Blue lines from the 1950s. All of Glowing Greens is painted with UV sensitive paints and the layering style used work directly with the prismatic goggles. You will find yourself taking your time as you play, if only to take in the stunning visuals throughout Glowing Greens… It takes a real skill to make a 2D medium and have them jump off the walls… However, don’t think Glowing Greens is all about gimmicky paint jobs. No, for in addition to the painted surroundings, Glowing Greens is populated with skeletal pirates, leaping sharks, sunken cities, drowned ships, and even an undersea graveyard… Considering Raymond’s horror event past, this shouldn’t come as a surprise. Depending on your hole, you might get a shaking skeleton or any other variation that I refuse to surprise… You’ll just have to go.

Go you shall…

For a night of entertainment, Glowing Greens is a good value for you and your family… General admission is $8.50 and is a complete 18 holes of Miniature Golf. Taking an average of 40 minutes to play through, this is a well worth the cost. (And, anyone who has played Miniature Golf lately will know this is in line with standard costs). Youths from ages 7 – 12 play for $7.50, kids under 6 plays for $5.00, and Seniors cost $6.00. (A second round played immediately after costs you a paltry $4.00). Glowing Greens also provides group rates for birthday parties and corporate events, give them a call at 503-222-5554 or email Glowing Greens at GlowingGreens@Hotmail.com to learn more.

There are very few places within downtown Portland where a family can have a night of fun. There are fewer still that allow someone to try and recapture that All-American first date… Raymond and the staff at Glowing Greens are taking steps to change that. They open July 20, 2007 and will run the course until 11pm… Give them a visit at 509 SW Taylor St. (Under the downtown Hilton, next to the downtown Qdoba and across from Pizza Schmitza).

I had a great time. I felt like a kid all over again… A feeling that is getting harder and harder to achieve… Check them out; I think you’ll feel the same.