Neighborhood lemonade stands are one of the things that will disappear with summer so support your local entrepreneurs while you can. Back in the day our kids put in their time peddling their goods.

Much as I hate to admit it, summer is winding its way to a close, so go out and grab the sweetest tastes of the season you can find while they’re still around. Here are some places to consider:

Swim parks. Staffed by teachers, students and school district alumni, these parks close once school starts so get there while you can. The Lake Oswego Swim Park at 250 Ridgeway Road is open to all Lake Oswego residents from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. through August 31. The Lake Grove Swim Park at 3800 Lakeview Boulevard is open to all residents who live within the boundaries of the former Lake Grove School District (see map).
Hours are 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. through August 30. The park will reopen for Labor Day weekend and close for the season at 5:00 p.m. on September 7.

Salt and Straw cart in the Wizer parking lot at First and Evergreen. If you haven’t had the Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons, you are really missing out. Sure, you could drive into Portland, and visit one of Food Network’s Top 5 Ice Creameries in the nation, or you could just pull up to their food cart right here in Lake Oswego. But hurry—they’re only around until August 30. Hours are 12:00 noon to 10:00 p.m.

Eat outside. Take in the outdoors while you eat at one of Lake Oswego’s restaurants while you still can. There are lots of options including those listed in a round-up I did a couple years ago as well as some new additions including: Aji Tram at 4477 Lakeview Blvd., and Kyra’s Bake Shop at 599 A Avenue.

Outdoor concerts. Lake Oswego’s summer outdoor concert series is wrapping up this week with the final Moonlight and Music performance in Millennium Plaza Park at 200 First Street today, August 23, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. featuring the Latin to Funk sounds of Sabroso. Radical Revolution will bring back the 80s as they close out the Sounds of Summer series on Wednesday, August 26, in Westlake Park, 14164 Bunick Drive, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. You can still catch live music at the Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays through October 10.

Village Flower Baskets. Don’t take these baskets for granted—they’re only around until the first weekend in October so take the time to really appreciate them while they’re in their glory.

Neighborhood lemonade stands. Local budding entrepreneurs will be back in school soon without the lazy days of summer to peddle their wares. So be sure to stop and support the vendors you walk or drive by in the next couple of weeks. It’s an easy way to make a kid’s day (and consequently make yours too).

Street of Dreams. You could find inspiration for some winter home improvement projects at this year’s Street of Dreams which just happens to be conveniently located in Lake Oswego at Knauss Road and Goodall. Last day is Sunday, August 30.

If you want to grab the best of Lake Oswego, subscribe to this blog. Click the “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column. If you’re thinking of moving to Lake Oswego, let me show you around. Give me a call at 503.939.9801.