In turn, the city has several well-known gardens that celebrate this very activity. In addition, Portland offers amazing museums, zoos, and other cultural attractions that make this city a cultural treasure. As the "City of Roses," Portland is the home of The International Rose Test Garden, which offers over 8,000 domestic and international blooms. It is the oldest, biggest, most well-know rose test garden in the United States. Due to the ideal climate, roses are sent from around the world to be tested in the perfect environment. Admission to this garden is free and allows you to experience the beautiful, fragrant blooms and have gorgeous views of downtown Portland on clear afternoons. In addition, Portland Classical Chinese Garden and Japanese Garden are two additional spots in Portland that showcase plants and flowers that are indigenous to their respective counties, but are grown in Portland and available for viewing. These gardens all contribute to Portland's "green" reputation and continued effort to conservation. The Pearl District is a central part of Portland that is home to amazing restaurants, unique shops, and many different types of art galleries. It is a great way to spend an afternoon in Portland and get a great taste for all that the city has to offer. There is a monthly celebration there called "First Thursday," which occurs on the first Thursday of each month, and is a celebration both of the area and of the local artists. Portland's efforts to maintain itself as one of the most "green" cities in the world, speak to its integrity and allow visitors to experience something that is unlike any other city in the United States. Its world renown gardens and cultural offerings have made it a place that has become it a common Northwest travel destination and a model city for understanding how to conserve natural resources.