Pumpkin Patches Near Lake Oswego

Posted on October 8, 2023 by lovelakeoswego

‘Tis the season of all things pumpkin from the Pumpkin Spice Pecan Old-Fashioned donuts at Blue Star to the ubiquitous Pumpkin Latte found at your favorite coffee shop. But what about a pumpkin cannon that catapults the season’s favorite orange gourds as far as 400 feet away or a pumpkin pyramid? You can find all things pumpkin both edible and fun at many of the pumpkin patches located within a short driving distance from Lake Oswego.

Here are some spots to check out:

FIALA FARMS. You won’t have to travel too far to hunt for pumpkins at Fiala Farms.  Located in West Linn, it’s the closest pumpkin patch to Lake Oswego. And it comes with a five-acre corn maze that’s designed to challenge you. Expect it to take at least 35 to 40 minutes. Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission to corn maze is $7/adults; $5/ages 6-12; Free for kids 5 and under. 21231 SW Johnson Road, West Linn. 971.777.3727.

LEE FARMS.  Located in Tualatin, Lee Farms is also close by. The Fall Harvest Pumpkin Patch Festival is underway through October 29 with lots of activities for kids to enjoy. Admission to the farm is $15 for ages 1 and older with access to hayrides, corn maze, and animal viewing pen. By purchasing an activities wristband for $29.99, you can enjoy those activities as well as unlimited time on: hay maze, super mega slide, bounce pillow, jump pad, barrel wagon rides and tricycle rides. Guaranteed to wear your kids out! Tickets can be purchased online or onsite. Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday. 21975 SW 65th Avenue, Tualatin. 503.638.1869.

FROG POND FARM. This location has plenty to get you in the autumn vibe with over  farm activities and attractions like bounce houses, games, and slides in addition to the pumpkin patch and close to 60 animals on site. The farm is open seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and admission is $12/person for ages 2 and older. Season passes can also be purchased online. 2995 SW Advance Road, Wilsonville. 503.475.5997.

THE PUMPKIN PATCH. Unlike many locations, there are a few activities you can enjoy here for free including the daily hayrides out to the pumpkin patch and visiting the animal barn. The corn maze will cost you $10 for ages 13 and older; $8 for children 6-12, and should take 30-40 minutes to complete. Rides on the Cow Train (operating on weekends in October only) are $3/person. Hours: Pumpkin patch and most activities 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Maze: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily, ‘til 10:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday and Cow Train from 10:00 a.m. to 530 p.m. on weekends. 15611 NW Gillihan Road, Portland. 503.621.3874:

TOPAZ FARM. If you’re feeling like “corn mazes—been there, done that,” then try the Sunflower or sorghum mazes (great for kids) at Topaz.  Here’s what you’ll find Wednesday through Sundays: a market, bar, grill, pre-picked pumpkins, farm animals, hay pyramid, playgrounds, tire swing, and sunflower maze ($7). Weekend activities include hay rides, sorghum mazes, cow train ($5), mini-diggers, u-cut flower, u-pick pumpkin field, duck races, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin tic tac toe, tractor trikes, horseshoes and cornhole. Admission on Saturdays and Sundays and select weekdays is $10, ages 2 and up, with entry every ½ hour; $15 if purchased onsite.  Hours: Wednesday through Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 17100 NW Sauvie Island Road. 503.621.3489.

BELLA ORGANIC PUMPKIN PATCH AND WINERY. The corn maze comes both regular and haunted depending on whether you catch it by day or by night. Should take you about an hour to complete. Tickets are between $10 and $12 for the regular maze; $30-$40 for the haunted experience on Friday and Saturday nights. Enjoy free hayrides to the pumpkin patch. Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 16205 NW Gillihan Road. 503.621.9545.

PLUMPER PUMPKIN PATCH. If you want to wear your kids out, this is the place. Activities included in the $13 admission price are the corn maze, playgrounds, animals, walking loops, hobbit house, hay pyramid and access to the pumpkin patch. Pony rides, face painting, and pumpkin and apple cannons are extra. Reserve your time slot online. Season passes are available for $36. Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. 11435 NW Old Cornelius Pass Road. 503.645.9561.

FIR POINT FARMS. Weekends is when this place kicks into high gear with Harvest Festival activities including a corn maze, pumpkin painting, cow train, paint ball gallery, bounce houses, hay rides, pumpkin patch, petting zoo. Free admission includes petting zoo, tetherball, volleyball, badminton and cornhole. There are separate fees for other activities like the corn maze, hay wagon, cow train, bounce house, mini pumpkin painting or you can purchase an all-day wristband for $28Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 14601 Arndt Road, Aurora. 503.678.2455.

BAUMAN FARMS. This family farm turns into a fun zone for its annual Harvest Festival complete with 40 acres of pumpkins to choose from as well as over 30 activities including mazes, animal barn, obstacle course, apple cannon, giant slide, hayrides, pumpkin hill, and the popular apple cider dumplings. Admission price varies depending on the day and the number of activities you choose (15-30). Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday through October 29. 12989 Howell Prairie Road, NE, Gervais. 503.792.3524.

Don’t miss out on things to do in and around Lake Oswego. Subscribe to my blog by clicking the “Sign me up” button in the top right-hand column and receive weekly updates. I’m a Realtor in town and enjoy sharing all Lake Oswego has to offer with its residents and people looking to move to Lake Oswego. Give me a call at 503.939.9801, email me at kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com and/or check out my website. I’d love to help you in your home buying or selling journey.

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What’s to Love About Lake Oswego in October

Posted on October 1, 2023 by lovelakeoswego

There’s lots to love about Lake Oswego in October from the fall colors to spooktacularly decorated homes. Here are some other things to check out.

First Sunday Market in Lake Grove. This month’s themed event is Barks and Brews featuring a lively pet parade/costume contest (at 1:00 p.m.) and pet-friendly shopping, dining, and a beer garden featuring local craft beers. Sunday, October 1 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Hallmark Drive in Lake Oswego.

Gallery Without Walls Celebration. Learn all about the 12 new sculptures joining the temporary collection to our public outdoor art exhibit. Docent-led tours starting at 4:00 p.m. are already full, however, you can join the program from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at ARTspace, 380 A Avenue. Friday, October 6.

National Banned Books Week in Lake Oswego. In response to the exponential increase in instances of attempted book banning and censorship in Oregon as well as national libraries, the Lake Oswego Public Library has planned some activities. First on tap is a presentation by Emily O’Neal, chair of the Oregon Library Association’s Intellectual Freedom Committee on the current situation in Oregon and elsewhere and what members of our community can do to help combat these occurrences. Check the link for more information about Banned Books activities at the Lake Oswego Public Library. Saturday, October 7 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Who Who Is Active in the Park at Night? Lake Oswego’s Ranger Ben will be your host for this family-friendly event in Springbrook Park as he shares about the animals and action that happens while we sleep. Saturday, October 7 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Residents $5/Non-Residents $7. 2899 Diane Drive

Lakewood’s Annual Costume Sale. Take advantage of the Lakewood Theater Company cleaning out their closets—there are some real treasures to be found! Friday and Saturday, October 13-14 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room. 368 S. State Street.

Lake Oswego and West Linn Wellness Fair. Enjoy a day of mini-demonstrations, exhibits, and connections all benefiting your body, mind and soul! Over 40 vendor booths will be open from 10:00 am. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 14 at Millennium Plaza Park, 200 1st Street.

Side Door Stage: Lost Treasures Presents Weird Romance. Enjoy the cabaret-type venue of this two one-act 1992 musical that weaves in traditional themes of the generation gap, a love triangle and the conflict between those who have power and those who have none through a science fiction framework. Friday, October 20 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 21 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on the Side Door Stage. $20/person. 368 S. State Street.

A Haunting History. Enjoy a spooky night of history and hauntings if you dare! The Oswego Heritage Council is offering fear-filled activities to learn more about the culture of death in the early 20th century, refreshments of the most spooky order, a sneak peek at their new exhibit on death and dying and an Edwardian reenactment of a seance. Tickets are available online for $12/members; $15/non-members. Saturday, October 21 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 28 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. 398 10th Street.

High School Rivalry Game. Whether you’re a Pacer or a Laker fan, you can cheer for your team on Friday, October 27 when both football teams face off on the Lakeridge football field. Kickoff at 7:00 p.m. This is hometown football at its best! 1235 Overlook Drive.

The Gin Game. The Lakewood Theater is bringing back this Pulitzer-Prize-winning play about an elderly man and woman, both residents of a nursing home, whose gin rummy games bring out the best and the worst in both of them. October 27 and November 2 and 3 at 7:00 p.m. and 2:00 matinees on October 28, 29, November 4 and 5. Performances are on the Side Door Stage and tickets are $20/person.

Drug Take Back Event. Time to properly dispose of unwanted or expired medications! The City of Lake Oswego is holding a one-day-only drug take-back event on Saturday, October 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Mary’s Woods (Gallagher Builder, 17550 Provost Street). This is a drive-thru collection. All you need to do is put all pill/table medications into a sealed plastic baggie or leave them in their original container, with personal information crossed out. Further information is available online.

Monster Mash Spooktacular. Bring your costumed kiddos to this family-friendly event with treats, sweets, toys, trinkets, spooky decorations and tunes and ghostly crafts. Geared for ages 0-12. Tuesday, October 31 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Christ Church Parish, 1060 Chandler Road.

Don’t get spooked by today’s housing market. Give me a call at 503.939.9801 or email me at kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com and let me answer any of your questions. I’ve been in the business long enough to have seen it all so I can bring my perspective as well as my current market knowledge to address any concerns you may have. I look forward to hearing from you!

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Sip Sip Hooray! LO Wine Walk Set for October 7

Posted on September 24, 2023 by lovelakeoswego

It’s wine harvest season but luckily you don’t have to travel far to celebrate. The Lake Oswego Wine Walk is set for Saturday, October 7 where over 35 downtown Lake Oswego businesses will be bringing the wine to you!

Here’s a good game plan to make the most of the event.

  1. Buy your tickets early. Follow this link and make sure you’re in for this year’s popular event. Tickets are $60/person and entitle you to twelve one-ounce pours. By signing up early, you’ll be sure to receive an email confirmation once the wine list has been curated so you can start strategizing your game day timeline. AND you guarantee you’ll snag a ticket as the event has SOLD OUT the last two years.
  2. Make a day of it. Start the day off at the Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market. Grab lunch at one of our downtown spots before the first pour at 1:00. Then be sure and make dinner reservations for afterwards. They’re expecting over 600 visitors so you’ll want to plan ahead.
  3. Check-in early. Check-in opens at 12:00 noon with tastings beginning at 1:00 p.m. An early check-in gives you time to grab lunch in the interim and plan your tasting route accordingly. Put your favorites at the top of your list just in case supplies run out towards the end of the afternoon.
  4. Check the weather and dress appropriately. Past events have run the gamut from sunny and warm to wet and windy so be sure you’re prepared for whatever Mother Nature has in store. And bring a tote bag to hold any purchases you may pick up along the way.
  5. Make sure to factor in some water stops along the way since as good as wine is, it does dehydrate you. You’ll thank yourself the next day for making sure you’re sipping water as well as wine on your walk.
  6. Be adventurous. This is the perfect excuse to try new things—from wines you may have never tasted to businesses you have never visited. The lineup is still being put together but already it’s a quite a list of Who’s Who in the downtown chamber membership roster including: Willamette Valley Vineyard, Wishbone Home and Design, The Windward, Wizer’s Fine Wines, beso bar and bottle, Blue Star Donuts, Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty, Director’s Mortgage, glassybaby, Grapevine, Harnish Company Realtors, Lola’s, Lucky Me, Luxe Forbes Luxury Properties,, R. Bloom’s, Stretch Lab, Citrus, City Home, Cougar Crest Estate Winery, The Dullahan, Lions Capital Mortgage, Lake Oswego Review, Ingrid Dohm Artist Studio, Travel and Cruise Desk, Mapel Boutique, SkinSpirit, State Farm Insurance, Simply Posh, Meraki Medical Aesthetics, Domaine Serene, Eleete Real Estate, Exceptional Homes by John L. Scott. There will be over 35 pouring locations, each featuring two different wines as well as a range of food items and entertainment to complement the tasting experience.
  7. Take pictures. What better way to commemorate the event and also to remember the wines you really liked! That way next time you’re at the store, you can just open up your photo library and know what you want to purchase.

Don’t miss out on a reason to Love Lake Oswego. Click the “Sign me up” button in the top right-hand column and receive weekly updates to my blog. And if you’re in the market for a house where you can drink all that wine, give me a call at 503.939.9801 or email me at kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com. I’d love to help you discover your own reasons to love this town I’ve called home for over 30 years.

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Lake Oswego Housing Market Update

Posted on September 17, 2023 by lovelakeoswego

Some stories are best told in numbers. Others in anecdotes. So to give you an update on the housing market, I’m going to give you a little bit of both.

Activity has slowed in Lake Oswego and that is spelled out in the numbers. 58 homes sold in August which was 12% less than in July and a 13% decrease from August of 2022.

The days on market is even more telling. In August of this year, the median number of days a house sat on the market was 24 compared to 10 in July and 6 in August of last year; however, that range stretches from one day on the market for a home in the $4.5-$5M range to 211 days for homes in the $3.5M to $4M price range.

Despite all that, the median sale price has actually gone up 16% from $830,000 in 2022 to $965,000 in August of 2023. However, only 24% of properties sold over the asking price as compared to last year at the same time when 46% sold over asking.

As for anecdotes, I have an interesting one from the greater Portland metro housing market and it concerns price reductions.

A house in Northeast Portland was listed for $495,000 in 2021 and ended up selling for $621,000 due to a bidding war. It went back on the market in June of this year for $650,000 and to-date has experienced three price reductions to $625,000 followed by $599,000 and then $575,000.

That is just one example, but I’ve mentioned here before that the competitive pricing that fueled the seller’s market coupled with historic low interest rates during the pandemic created inflated prices in some cases. And to realize a profit in those situations, a homeowner would need to hold on to the house for a few years for the market to catch up.

And when homeowners are listing their homes today, they need to use realistic comparative market values, not inflated ones to determine what to price their homes at.

We are seeing some price reductions in Lake Oswego too in an effort to nudge buyer activity where higher interest rates are keeping some buyers on the sidelines.

As you can see a lot goes into making a SMART home buying or selling decision. If you’d like some help making yours, please give me or my daughter a call. We have lived and worked in Lake Oswego for more than 30 years so we have the insight and perspective that can help you decide when, what, where and for how much to buy in and around Lake Oswego.

Kevin Costello. 503.939.9801. kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com

Riley Costello. 971.322.6205. riley.costello@cascadehassonsir.com

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City Slogans Reinvented with Lake Oswego in Mind

Posted on September 10, 2023 by lovelakeoswego

Lake Oswego has come a long way from the 1860s when it was heralded as the “Pittsburgh of the West.” That slogan may have been good for business but it wouldn’t do much for me as a Realtor trying to sell a way of life here in Lake Oswego.

Instead I took a look at how other cities in the U.S. are trying to market themselves and adapted their slogans to fit Lake Oswego. There’s a lot to work with here, so coming up with variations was easy.

New York, NY: The City That Never Sleeps

Lake Oswego: The City That Lets You Sleep

Baltimore, MD: A Great Place to Grow

Lake Oswego: A Great Place to Grow Up

Las Vegas: What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas

Lake Oswego: What Happens in LO, Shows up in The Police Blotter

Hershey, Pa: The Sweetest Place on Earth

Lake Oswego: The Safest Place on Earth

Austin, Tx: Keep Austin Weird

Lake Oswego: Keep Lake Oswego Beautiful

Santa Fe, NM: The City Different

Lake Oswego: The City Done Well

Adamsville, TN: The Biggest Little Town in Tennessee

Lake Oswego: The Little Town That Could in Oregon

Ann Arbor, MI: Tree Town

Lake Oswego: Tree City USA

Baltimore, MD: The City of Reads

Lake Oswego: The City That Reads

Boston, MA: City of Notions

Lake Oswego: City of Visions

Danbury, CT: Hat City

Lake Oswego: Flower Basket City

St. Petersburg, FL: Always in Season

Lake Oswego: Always a Reason

Encinitas, CA: More Than Just a Pretty Beach

Lake Oswego: More Than Just a Pretty Lake

Severance, CO: Where the Geese Fly and the Bulls Cry

Lake Oswego: Where the Geese Fly and the Crickets Sing

Winnemucca, NV: City of Paved Streets

Lake Oswego: City of Flower-Art-and-Tree-lined Streets

Jim Thorpe, PA: The Switzerland of America

Lake Oswego: The Lake Como of America

Coachella, CA: City of Eternal Sunshine

Lake Oswego: City of Best Summertime Nights

Porterville, CA: Welcome to the Good Life

Lake Oswego: Welcome to the Best Life

If any of these slogans have won you over, let me know. I’d love to help you find a way to call Lake Oswego home. Give me a call at 503.939.9801 or email me at kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com. I’ve lived here for over 30 years and have been a Realtor in Lake Oswego for just as long. I believe in what I’m selling—Lake Oswego has been a great place for my family and I’d love it to be the same for yours.

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Enjoy Fun Close to Home in September

Posted on September 3, 2023 by lovelakeoswego

With the kids back in school, you might need to look closer to home for fun and entertainment. Luckily the Portland metro area has a lineup of offerings this September that range from artistic and culinary to family-friendly and canine. Take a look:

ART IN THE PEARL. This free Labor Day destination is Portland’s largest outdoor art fair and takes place under the canopy of trees in the North Park Blocks of the Pearl District. A juried event, artists come from all over the country to exhibit here as well as demonstrate their craft in person. September 2-4 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.

ROSE CITY COMIC CON. This fun, family-friendly event provides attendees access to comics, comic creators, gaming, sci-fi, cosplay, anime, fantasy, and everything in between. September 22-24 at the Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE Martin Luther King Blvd. Check online for ticket prices ranging from $48-$90 and times.

CHAPMAN SWIFT WATCH. If you’re looking for flocks of people watching flocks of birds, put this on your calendar when the smokestacks of Chapman Elementary School in Northwest Portland attract as many as 11,000 swifts looking for a place to roost for the night. The birds begin gathering in the sky above the school about 40-60 minutes before sunset. Closer to sunset, they start circling directly above the chimney in a large swirling flock, entering the chimney within 10-30 minutes after sunset. Onlookers (more than 2,000 on some nights) bring blankets or chairs, and often set up picnics to watch the spectacle. September 1-30, daily. Plan to arrive one hour before sunset and be aware that parking is limited. 1445 NW 26th Avenue.

DAHLIA FESTIVAL. Stroll through over 40 acres of 370 varieties of dahlias, take some home, and place an order for your favorites for Spring delivery. Food carts and picnic spots daily; live music on the weekends.  9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Free admission and parking. 995 NW 22nd Avenue, Canby.

THE BIGGEST CLOTHING SWAP IN THE NORTHWEST. The ultimate treasure hunt for thrift store shoppers takes place on two full floors of McMenamin’s Crystal Ballroom! $10 and a bag of (clean, wearable, odor-free, adult) clothes can get you a whole new wardrobe. September 17 from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. 1332 W. Burnside.

DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL. Watch as many as 96 dragon boat teams from all over the world compete in Hong Kong-style dragon boats along the Willamette River. Enjoy food vendors, a beer garden and more. September 9 – 10 at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, 98 SW Naito Parkway.

THE CORN MAIZE AT THE PUMPKIN PATCH. Celebrate the 25th anniversary of Portland’s original corn maize set on 8 acres of farm-filled fun that includes the animal barn, hayrides, pumpkin patch, hay pyramid and more. Opens September 2 and runs through October 31 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. Purchase tickets online. 16511 NW Gilligan Road on Sauvie Island.

BELMONT STREET FAIR. Enjoy food and retail vendors of all kinds, show-stopping performances and activities for all ages at one of the largest-attended street fairs in Portland. September 9, SE Belmont Street from SE 33rd to SE 39th.

MT. ANGEL OKTOBERFEST. The largest folk festival in the Northwest takes place just a little more than 30 miles south of Lake Oswego in the town of Mt. Angel. Somehow the small town of 3,400 people opens its arms wide enough to entertain over 300,000 for music, dancing, beer and brauts. Free admission to most activities; however, three of the venues have a cover charge. One wristband gets you in all venues. Enjoy arts and crafts, a car show, Oktoberfest Olympics, street dances, wiener dog races and more. Check the full schedule and ticket prices online. September 14-17, downtown Mt. Angel.

OAKS PARK OKTOBERFEST. “Willkommen” back to the first Oktoberfest since 2019. This popular fall family festival returns with three days of authentic German food and beer, polka music, dancing, kids’ activities, cooking shows, thrill rides and more. September 22-24. Hours and ticket prices vary. 7805 SE Oaks Park Way.

THE WEDGE. Calling all cheese lovers! This event is a farmers market-style festival celebrating cheese and everything that goes with it. Sample and purchase local artisan cheese, specialty foods, beer, wine, and cider. Tickets include all cheese, accompaniment, and non-alcoholic beverage samples. Adult beverage sampling is an additional $15 and includes a commemorative glass. Tickets come with a $5 voucher to purchase your favorite new cheese. September 30 from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. at 100 SE Alder.

DOGTOBERFEST. What’s good for man, is good for man’s best friend, right? Celebrate your canine friends with a day full of pampering and dog-friendly activities. Enjoy music, food, beer, and pet-loving vendors, all while your pup receives a wash and nail trim. Donations and proceeds go towards Dove Lewis Blood Bank. September 30 from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. at the Lucky Lab Brew Pub, 915 SE Hawthorne.

Access to activities like these is just one of the many reasons to Love Lake Oswego. Subscribe to this blog to learn more. And if you want to talk to me in person to explore how you might move to Lake Oswego, give me a call at 503.939.9801. I’ve been a Realtor and resident here for over 30 years and would love to share my experience and expertise with you!

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Things We Love About Lake Oswego in September

Posted on August 27, 2023 by lovelakeoswego

LAKE GROVE MARKET. Lake Oswego’s “other” Farmer’s Market returns in the Lake Grove neighborhood with an expanded lineup of artisans, kids’ activities, live entertainment and more. Held on these first Sundays: September 3, October 1 and November 5 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Hallmark Drive, between Mercantile Drive and Collins Way.

TEEN LOUNGE OPEN HOUSE. From September 5-29, all club events and classes are free to attend for kids in grades 6-12. It’s a great opportunity for your teen to check things out. Find out more online.

ARIRANG: KOREAN FOLK SONGS ON KAYAGEUM BY DOYEON LIM. The Oswego Heritage Council invites you to this free event featuring Arirang, a representative Korean folk song, of which there are about 3,600 variations. Doyeon will play several on Kayageum, introducing the background story and lyrics and participants will have the opportunity to play Korean drums as well. Wednesday, September 6. Refreshments at 5:00 p.m.; performance from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. 398 10th Street.

ARSENIC AND OLD LACE. The Lakewood Theatre Company kicks off its 2023/24 season with an oldie but a goodie featuring a zany cast of characters sure to keep you laughing. Opens September 8 and runs through October 15. Check online for schedule and tickets.

PINTS FROM THE PAST. Cheryl Hill, author of Fire Lookouts of Oregon, will talk about the history and background of Oregon’s fire lookouts, from their heyday to their decline, and of the effort to save the ones that are left. Admission is free and no tickets are required but attendees are encouraged to purchase food at the café to offset the cost to the Lake Theater. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; presentation begins at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 12. 106 State Street.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FAIR. In honor of National Preparedness Month, the city is hosting a free family-friendly event featuring close to 20 informational booths, along with programs and activities designed to help residents be prepared in case of a natural disaster. Programs and activities include: learning about water storage and emergency food options, sandbag demonstrations, hands-only CPR training, water container and bag giveaway, information on Lake Oswego Fire Department’s Home Assessment Program, meet LOPD’s K9 team and more! Thursday, September 14 between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. at Lake Oswego City Hall, 380 A Avenue.

PRUNOTTO WINE DINNER.  Enjoy wines from this esteemed Piedmont Winemaking estate with a great meal served banquet style in the breezeway alongside Zupan’s. Saturday, September 16 beginning at 6:00 p.m. $125/person. Buy your tickets online. 16380 Boones Ferry Road.

CULTURAL EXCHANGE FESTIVAL. Celebrate the different cultures of our community and world at this festival featuring dance and music performances, artisan and food vendors, nonprofits and more! Sunday, September 17 from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Millennium Plaza Park, 200 1st Street.

BEER 101 – ALES. Step into Cellar Z at Zupan’s for a rundown and tasting of different ales. Sunday, September 17 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tickets $40/person. Purchase online. 16380 Boones Ferry Road.

LOBSTER AND CLAM BAKE. I think this is the third time Zupan’s is offering this popular dinner this summer, so hopefully you can buy your ticket before it sells out (which it always does!) Enjoy a four-course dinner with wine pairings. Saturday, September 23 beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the breezeway. Tickets are $150/person and available online.

Don’t miss a reason to Love Lake Oswego! Subscribe to my blog by clicking on the “Sign me up” button in the top right-hand column. And if you’re thinking of buying or selling a home in Lake Oswego, give me a call at 503.939.9801 – I’d love to help you navigate today’s housing market in Lake Oswego.

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How to Squeeze More Summer Fun Into Your End-of-Summer Plans in Lake Oswego

Posted on August 20, 2023 by lovelakeoswego
We won the Lake Oswego photo contest in 2014 with this picture.
Capture some of your summer fun in a photo and enter this year’s contest! Information below.

The days of summer are numbered but there is still fun to be had in Lake Oswego. Here are a few ways to make summer lovin’ last:

LAKE OSWEGO SWIM PARK. The city-operated swim park open to all Lake Oswego residents is open through August 31 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily at 250 Ridgeway Road. 503.953.9325.

LAKE GROVE SWIM PARK. The swim park open to residents of the original Lake Grove School District is open through August 27 from noon to 8:00 p.m. at 3800 Lakeview Blvd. 503.635.03566.

SUMMER OF MUSIC CONCERT SERIES is still offering evening entertainment on these dates:

August 20 featuring Reb & the Good News at Millennium Plaza Park from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

August 23 highlighting Taken By The Sky at Westlake Park from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

August 30 with Foreverland at Westlake Park from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

ROVER POP-UP LIBRARY. Don’t miss your last chance to visit Lake Oswego’s pop-up library on Tuesday, August 22 at 4:00 p.m. at Westlake Park. 14165 Bunick Drive.

OSWEGO HERITAGE COUNCIL’S 22nd ANNUAL COLLECTOR CAR AND CLASSIC BOAT SHOW. Explore over 200 collector cars and motorcycles at George Rogers Park and over 25 classic boats at Sundeleaf Plaza on Sunday, August 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Breakfast and lunch options will be made available by the Lake Oswego Lions Club at George Rogers Park.

LAKE OSWEGO CORPORATION POP-UP CONCERTS finish up with Andrew Paul Woodworth on September 1 at 6:00 p.m. Expect a balance of soulfully performed originals and reimagined covers of anything from Prince to The Doobie Brothers…..from Marvin Gaye to Elton John. Location will be announced shortly before the concert begins.

LAKE OSWEGO FARMERS’ MARKET happens every Saturday in Millennium Plaza Park from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. through October 7. 200 First Street.

LAKE GROVE MARKET. Lake Oswego’s “other” Farmer’s Market returns in the Lake Grove neighborhood with an expanded lineup of artisans, kids’ activities, live entertainment and more. Held on these first Sundays: September 3, October 1 and November 5 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Hallmark Drive, between Mercantile Drive and Collins Way.

15th ANNUAL CITY OF LAKE OSWEGO PHOTO CONTEST. Enter to win by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 6. In each category, first-place winners will receive a $150 gift card; second-place winners a $100 gift card; and third-place winters a $50 gift card. Categories include: Life in Lake Oswego, Places in Lake Oswego, Positive Aging in Lake Oswego, Plants and Wildlife in Lake Oswego, Pets in Lake Oswego, and Digitally Altered Photographic Images. Entry form online.

ADULT PROGRAMS AT LUSCHER FARMS. 125 Rosemont Road

Everlasting Floral Wreaths, Saturday, September 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Class #26301, $60 Residents/ $75 Non-Residents.

Summer Bounty Preservation Workshop, Sunday, September 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Class # 26300, $60 Residents/ $75. Non-Residents.

Seed Saving Workshop Saturday, September 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Class #26296 $16 Residents/$24 Non-Residents.

If buying or selling your home is part of your end-of-summer plans, give me a call at 503.939.9801. I’ve been a Realtor in Lake Oswego for over 30 years and would love to put my experience to work for you!

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Seeing Lake Oswego Through Visitors’ Eyes

Posted on August 13, 2023 by lovelakeoswego

When it comes to Lake Oswego, seeing is believing.

Our son recently got married in our backyard, bringing many out-of-towners to Lake Oswego, several for the first time. It was over the 4th of July weekend so the weather was perfect, the town was in high gear, the trees were green and the flowers were blooming.

Here’s what we kept hearing:

“Lake Oswego is so beautiful!”

“I can’t imagine a better place in the summer!”

“You have so much natural beauty here!”

“It’s so green!”

“What a lovely spot!”

“I want to move here!”

“What a great place to raise a family!”

Those of us who already live here, know these things to be true. But it helps to see our town once again through the eyes of newcomers to be reminded of what drew us here in the first place.

I experience the same reaction when working with out-of-town clients. In fact, one young woman recently broke into tears after a day of touring, excited at the prospect of relocating her husband and children to our community. This was after visiting homes for sale, driving through different neighborhoods, checking out the Lake Grove Swim Park, and exploring different schools. It’s easy for clients to see themselves here because of the beauty, the amenities, the resources and the possibilities.

Luckily for me as a Realtor in Lake Oswego, the town sells itself. My job is to find the right fit in terms of home, affordability and neighborhood. And it’s a job I have been doing for over 30 years, now joined by my daughter, Riley, who knows just what it means to live in Lake Oswego because she grew up here! If you’re considering moving to Lake Oswego, please get in touch. We’d love to show you around and help make this fantastic community your home!

Phone: 503.939.9801 (Kevin) 971.322.6205 (Riley)

Email: kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com  riley.costello@cascadehassonsir.com

Website: https://www.costellorealestategroup.com/

Posted in buying a home in Lake Oswego Oregon, Lake Oswego housing market, Lake Oswego lifestyle | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Low Inventory Continues to Fuel Seller’s Market in Lake Oswego for Well-Priced Homes in Good Condition

Posted on August 6, 2023 by lovelakeoswego

Higher interest rates would have you believe that it’s a buyer’s market out there. But low inventory, particularly in the under $2.75M price range, means that well-priced homes in good condition are in demand.

Who are these buyers? Just within our clientele in the last month, we have a young couple moving up from California, a Lake Oswego resident looking for an investment on the lake, and another young couple relocating from Portland. We’re also working with an older Lake Oswego couple looking to downsize in a home with a view.

And they are not alone. In many of the homes they considered, there were multiple offers. So while the number of buyers at large is smaller than in 2021, the competition for a home priced at fair market value can still be stiff.

The chart below shows that the discrepancy in home sales between now and this time in 2021, is significant, and still falls 28% lower than where we were in 2022 with 297 homes sold year to date in 2023 compared to 412 in 2022.

How can buyers increase their chances of finding and getting the right house in this market?

First of all, work with a hyperlocal Realtor. Two of our recent sales were of off-market homes that we knew about because we are plugged into the local network of Realtors and residents. We also understand Lake Oswego value because we’ve worked this market for over 35 years.

Have a list of what’s most important to you in a home. In Lake Oswego is it a certain school? Easements? Being on the water? Close to the freeway? Big backyard or no yard maintenance? Main floor master? And then rank your criteria because in this market, you may have to make some concessions and it helps to know what you’re not willing to negotiate on.

Make your offer as attractive as possible. That doesn’t always mean offering the highest price. Sometimes the terms and conditions are what make or break a deal, like offering free rent back if that’s important to the seller. Again, an experienced Realtor can flesh out what might be the winning combination of price and conditions to put you in first position.

My daughter Riley and I would be more than happy to help you navigate today’s housing market and help you price your home effectively (if you’re looking to sell) or be a competitive buyer if you’re looking to move. Give us a call and let’s go over your situation. We’d love to make your next move your best one!

Kevin  503.939.9801 kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com

Riley   971.322.6205 riley.costello@cascadehassonsir.com

CHRISTMAS IN AUGUST ALERT –

We know it’s only August but the popular Tinseltown Trolley yuletide ride on the Willamette Shore Trolley complete with holiday lights, games, carols and a visit from a North Pole guest regularly sells out so we’d suggest you purchase your tickets as soon as registration opens at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow, August 7. Visit www.loparks.org or call 503.675.2549.

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