FATHOM by Roboto Octopodo: in PDX through February 28th

While we were at A Walk in Winter Wonderland, my sisters mentioned something reminding them of Hopscotch, and someone nearby said if they liked that, they should check out FATHOM, which is similar but ocean-themed.

While looking into that, we found that this interactive art experience ends in February, meaning that if we wanted to go, we could not delay.

We also found that you can get in free within a week of your birthday (promo code Clamcake).

We went the day after my birthday.

I had thought it would be better to go within a week of their birthday, since then there are two free admissions. If we wanted to review it while people still had time to go, that was pushing it. 

We went the day after my birthday. 

I found Hopscotch more impressive. There may be two factors that influence FATHOM.

One is that when you go during the day, children are allowed, and there may be things that are more geared toward them.

We were given a checklist for a scavenger hunt at the entrance. I suspect that doesn't happen after 7:30.

Does it suddenly get much more sophisticated and adult after that? Probably not.

If it does, though, does it have to do with the giant clam bed?

You are given 5D glasses along with the checklist, but those are part of every session.

You are advised to wear them as much or as little as you wish. 

Wearing regular glasses I am not sure if I get the same effect, but what they did for me was make images multiply. They were most impressive with lights. 

The other potential influence is that this is temporary.

To be fair, even in permanent museums it is not unusual for exhibits to be rotated in and out. With this limited time available, I think there may have been a more relaxed attitude: Let's just have fun!

That doesn't mean that there were not things that were impressive, but I think a more permanent exhibition may have brought forth a different level of effort.

It is completely fine to have fun.

Some of the art reminded me of things I have seen at the Winter Lights Festival.

I mean, why not? Portland has a lot of creative people; there should be multiple creative outlets.

In fact, the gift shop features work by local artists.

It also has snacks that may be less local but work with the theme. 

FATHOM can be fun and interesting. Accept it on its own terms.

COVID: This is totally indoors and enclosed. Wear your mask.

Accessibility: This was mostly pretty good. There should not be anything totally inaccessible, but I do remember noticing one spot where the floor was not level. This is not unusual in older buildings, but with the decor it would be easy to miss.

 If you want to check it out, you have a little over a month.

I should mention that there is sort of a story about a portal and research, but I am not sure that it matters much. Otherwise, we should have been more motivated with the checklist.

https://www.roboocto.com/

PDX: Cookie McCakeface

Seeing this article shortly before heading downtown made it seem like a good idea to check out this cart.

https://www.oregonlive.com/dining/2025/01/portland-cookie-cart-serves-freshly-baked-cookies-the-size-of-baseballs.html

There is a fun appreciation of the cute.

This comes up in even very small details.

Cookies are baked when ordered, and ready in five minutes.

Getting them warm is one thing, but even more notable is the size and softness.

They taste good cool too; I did not try mine until I was at home with my sisters.

However, eating it right there with milk may be the preferred option.

Milk is on the menu.

Staff was very friendly, so you could probably ask for their advice. 

COVID: You are outside when you order, but there are also delivery options.  

Accessibility:  The shelf is at a reasonable height. The path around the carts is paved and seems pretty easy to navigate, though there are bumps where the cables run through. 

 https://www.cookiemccakeface.com/

PDX: The Skeleton Key Odditorium Museum & Oddity Shop

Although last week's review of the Clackamas County Winter Fair and Holiday Market is the last of the Christmas-specific blogging for the season, I wanted the review for the Odditorium to be adjacent. After all, Krampus was there.

Otherwise, one would tend to think of it as more of a Halloween activity.

In fact, we learned of it at the Halloween Culture Preservation Museum.

That being said, the most similar local attraction would be the Peculiarium, though the moods are different.

The self-guided tour takes you through different types of oddities, with signage on how one might view them as oddity.

Some are more convincing then others.

There are models but also actual artifacts, including some that might be haunted.

For example, here are jewels made of blood:

I appreciated that while the exhibits were not exclusively Oregonian, local weirdness was represented.

(Well, maybe being from the haunted house at the Enchanted Forest isn't that weird, but it wasn't the only Oregon thing.)

One reason I wanted to go was the exhibit on Victorian mourning, but it ended up being less interesting than most of the other exhibits.

I did not feel anything scary, at least not that way (though I appear to have no sensitivity to ghosts).

However, I will say that it is pretty dimly lit, and there were some sounds that were hard to account for. 

So, when there was a "Step Here" pad in front of this guy, I just didn't want to step on it without knowing how near he might approach.

Later I did it with this guy, because I was sure he would not go past the table and based on his arm length I wasn't worried.

There is certainly the potential to be more creeped out, but that also depends on where your interests lie.

COVID: The attraction is completely inside. While it was not crowded at all, I stayed masked.

Accessibility: While there were steps in some places, there did not seem to be anywhere that could not be accessed by ramp.

The low lighting could be an impediment, so that is something to keep in mind.

The Skeleton Key Odditorium is located at 930 SW 10th Avenue in Portland. They open at noon Wednesday through Sunday, but their closing time varies by day.

General admission is $15, but there is a discount for youth.

https://www.skeletonkeyodditorium.com/