Despite back-to-school week, my front door is still welcoming summer and so should you while you can.

If you’re a die-hard fan of summer like me, it doesn’t matter that school starts this week. The calendar, the forecast, heck–the sign hanging on my front door insists it’s still summer and I plan on celebrating it as long as the sunscreen holds out.

Our days may be numbered, but there is still time to squeeze in the summer fun you may have missed. Here are some ideas:

1. Spend an afternoon at the Lake Grove Swim Park. The park is open today, Sunday, August 28, (so is the Lake Oswego Swim Park) but then will close for the week and reopen for Labor Day weekend next weekend before shutting down for the season. If you haven’t made it there, make it a point. Check the boundaries to see if you reside in the original Lake Grove School District and thereby are deeded admission. If not, find a friend who does and get an invite. When my kids were little this was where they hung every summer afternoon and where we bid adieu to our favorite season by jumping off the deep-end dock holding hands.

2. Catch the last outdoor summer concert. The Moonlight and Music series closes with its swan song performance by the Norman Sylvester band tonight, August 28 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Millennium Plaza Park at First and Evergreen. You’re in for a treat—the band has been nominated for the best R&B group for the past 10 years by the Cascade Blues Association. The concert is free and family-friendly.

3. Eat outdoors…because you can! Check out my previous post on where to park yourselves as well as consider some of the newer options including: Hop n’ Cork with back patio seating at 17450 Lower Boones Ferry Road, 503.305.5903; Nicoletta’s Table with patio seating, weather permitting, at 333 S. State St., 503.699.2927; or one of the new spots at Kruse Village at the corner of Kruse Way and Carmen Drive.

4. Play tourist. Maybe you don’t have time for a long getaway, but how about exploring new places close to home? We recently tracked down four of the top french fry spots in Portland for a visiting fried spud lover (you could start your hunt at Tavern on Kruse or the Giant Burger right here in town). My wife and I visited two different coffee spots that are on Portland’s booming craft coffee map to taste and compare their brews. What’s your guilty pleasure? Take advantage of the last days of summer to indulge it.

5. Visit the Street of Dreams. If you haven’t already, today’s the last day to catch the show. There’s lots to like in this year’s event, starting with the vineyard setting as well as features to motivate you to start your own Pinterest boards for your extreme makeover like outdoor terraces, a spiral staircase, handcrafted balusters, infinity hot tub and a glass floor. 25700 SW Pete’s Mountain Road in West Linn, 503.603.4500. Admission: $17.

Once the kids are back in school, it’s a great time to start looking into whether or not now is the right time for you to buy a new home. I’d be happy to meet with you to discuss your options,  market conditions, and what your current home might be worth, if you already live here. I may be in a “summer state of mind” but I am still working and helping my clients move in, move up or move on. Give me a call at 503.939.9801 or check out my website.