Lake Oswego’s Hot August Night Promises a Dance Party on the Lake

Posted on July 21, 2019 by lovelakeoswego

Four of the happy faces enjoying the party atmosphere at last year’s Hot August Night. This year promises more of the same.

Lake Oswego’s “Hot August Night” is bringing back last year’s popular band, The Hit Machine, for this year’s annual party on the lake set for Saturday, August 10 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

There’s a reason why The Hit Machine is coming back. They play popular songs that get everybody on the dance floor (and yes, there is a floating dance floor at this party). Their playlist draws from a variety of genres (disco/funk, jazz/swing, classic rock) and time periods going back to the 50s all the way up to today. Their energy is infectious—it’s impossible to listen to them and not move—so yes, get your sea legs on because you’ll want to be moving!

This year there will be three rows of 100’ dock on each side of the main dock to accommodate the ever-growing lineup of boaters who want to join in the fun. Last year around 150 boats were able to tie-up. There will not be any rope tie-offs this year.

Here’s what else you need to know to get the most out of Lake Oswego’s Hot August Night:

  1. Buoy lines open at 5:30 p.m. at the entrance to Half Moon Bay at the east end of the main lake.
  2. Finger docks hook up to a central dock, allowing people to exit their boats, visit other boaters and hit the dance floor.
  3. Boaters are advised to bring an anchor and at least 20 feet of line to secure your boat if you’re not able to tie off on the buoy lines.
  4. Music starts at 6:30 p.m. on the stage at Pat and Pam Kearney’s home. A DJ will entertain you until then.
  5. BYOS (Bring Your Own Stuff). It can be a long night, so be sure you don’t leave home without being well stocked with food and drink to enjoy and share. Boat hopping is a thing and you don’t want to show up empty-handed.
  6. BYOT (Bring your own transportation) There will be porta-potties located at the end of the central dock so boaters that are tied in can walk to them, but a paddle board, canoe or kayak will be necessary if you’re anchored nearby.
  7. Have a designated driver to ensure the safety of your guests as well as others.

Want to get in on the fun? Give me a call and I can help you find a home in Lake Oswego so you can start living and enjoying the lake lifestyle. Reach me at 503.939.9801 or check my website.

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Fun Free Entertainment in Lake Oswego: Movies in the Park and Masque Alfresco

Posted on July 14, 2019 by lovelakeoswego

Looking for some free entertainment? Then get thee to a park in Lake Oswego over the next few weeks to catch Movies in the Park (in Millennium Plaza) and Masque Alfresco theater performances at George Rogers.

Here’s the schedule. ue

MOVIES IN THE PARK. For the next three Thursdays, you can enjoy a PG rated movie outdoors in one of Lake Oswego’s popular parks beginning at dusk (between 8:30 to 9:00 p.m.)

Round up the family for what has turned out to be a popular Lake Oswego summer tradition. Armed with blankets, pillows and low sand chairs you can enjoy a night of free entertainment. Popcorn and other treats are available for purchase.

Here’s the schedule:

Thursday, July 18 Kung Fu Panda 3 Millennium Plaza Park, First and Evergreen. Popcorn and other treats available for purchase.

Thursday, July 25 Ralph Breaks the Internet Millennium Plaza Park, First and Evergreen. Popcorn and other treats available for purchase.

Thursday, August 1 The Incredibles 2 Westlake Park, 14165 Bunick Drive. Food trucks, ice cream, face painting, balloon artist and more!

MASQUE ALFRESCO. This popular theater group will be performing their commedia dell-arte rendition of Oscar Wilde’s satiric comedy The Importance of Being Ernest outdoors on the Memorial Garden in front of the Iron Foundry at George Rogers Park on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from July 19 through August 4. Performances begin at 7:00 p.m.

Complete with slapstick antics, stock characters, colorful period costumed and family-friendly current social and political jokes, the play is sure to engage even the youngest ones in your family. Pack a picnic dinner and make it a night!

Click the “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column and receive weekly updates in your inbox of “52 Reasons to Love Lake Oswego.”

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Lake Oswego Summer Concert Series Kicks Off This Week

Posted on July 7, 2019 by lovelakeoswego

Lake Oswego’s popular summer concert series kicks off this week with Moonlight and Music debuting Sunday evening in Millennium Plaza Park. A special concert to honor Lake Oswego City volunteers is set for Wednesday evening at the Municipal Golf Course after which the Sounds of Summer Wednesday night concert series will switch to Foothills Park until July 31 and then to Westlake Park.  From Jazz to Rock, there is something for everyone’s musical tastes.

So grab a picnic, get your beach chairs and blankets and head out to one of the city’s parks for an enjoyable evening.

DATE TIME PLACE* BAND TYPE OF MUSIC
Sun. July 7 6-7:30 pm MPP Ken DeRouchie Band Soul, Rhythm and Blues
Wed. July 10 7-9:00 pm MGC My Happy Pill & Stone in Love Funk & Rock

Journey tribute
Sun. July 14 6-7:30 pm MPP Mbrascatu Italian folk
Wed. July 17 7-9:00 pm FP Cloverdayle Country
Sun. July 21 6-7:30pm MPP The Rock Bottom Boys Bluegrass
Wed. July 24 7-9:00 pm FP Big Night Out Rock, pop show band
Sun. July 28 6-7:30pm MPP Michael Allen Harrison Piano
Wed. July 31 7-9:00 pm FP Paul Creighton Project’s Tribute to Jamiroquai Pop
Sun. Aug. 4 6-7:30pm MPP 3 Leg Torso Chamber/World Music
Wed. Aug. 7 6:30-8:30pm WP Stump City Soul Soul and Funk
Sun. Aug. 11 6-7:30pm MPP Todd Haaby Latin
Wed. Aug. 14 6:30-8:30pm WP Precious Byrd Dance/Rock
Sun. Aug. 18 6-7:30pm MPP Norman Sylvester Rhythm & Blues
Wed. Aug. 21 6:30-8:30pm WP Jennifer Batten & Full Steam Rock
Sun. Aug. 25 6-7:30pm MPP Joe Powers Harmonica Jazz, Classical, World
Wed. Aug. 28 6:30-8:30pm WP Radical Revolution 80s Tribute Band

*MPP – Millennium Plaza Park, 200 First Street

*MGC – Municipal Golf Course, 17525 SW Stafford Rd.

*FP – Foothills Park, 199 Foothills Road

*WP – Westlake Park, 14165 Bunick Drive

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How to Celebrate the 4th of July in Lake Oswego: Let Me Count the Ways

Posted on June 30, 2019 by lovelakeoswego

Lake Oswego is decked out in red white and blue for all of the 4th of July festivities.

Lake Oswego pulls out all the stops when it comes to celebrating the 4th of July. From pancakes in the park to a pie-eating contest, to a parade down main street as well as one on the lake, it’s not to be missed. And this year the city is adding an Illumination Drone show in Millennium Plaza Park to its lineup. It’s no wonder that residents don’t schedule vacation getaways until after the 4th and visitors make it a point to show up just in time for the festivities to begin.

Here’s a schedule of this year’s events:

  1. Millennium Concert Band. Get in the flag-waving mood with your patriotic favorites on Wednesday, July 3, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Millennium Plaza Park. (In case of inclement weather, the concert will be held at Lakeridge High School auditorium).
  2. Lions Club Pancake Breakfast. This is the one time of the year my wife eats pancakes so they must be good (and hers are gluten-free)! Early birds make sure they get the marionberry syrup. Line starts forming at 7:00 a.m. and grows until closing time at 12:00 noon. George Rogers Park, 611 S. State Street. $9/Adults; $6/Kids 12 and under. All proceeds go towards supporting the Lions Club’s charitable efforts throughout the year.
  3. Star Spangled Parade and Celebration. What kid doesn’t love a parade? Apparently none in Lake Oswego as it seems every child under the age of 10 is either walking down A Avenue or cheering those on who are. Parade begins at 10:00 a.m. and finishes at Millennium Plaza Park with a Star Spangled Celebration complete with face painting, music, food trucks, and a pie eating contest at 12:00 noon. Things wrap up at 1:30.
  4. Lake Oswego Corporation Boat Parade. Where else can you see one parade on land and one on water all in the same day?! Boats will leave from Lake Grove Swim Park at 3800 Lakeview Boulevard at 12:00 noon. While you’re there, reserve your spot for fireworks viewing later that night.
  5. Independence Day Illumination: A Light Show in the Sky. Catch the inaugural illumination drone show over Millennium Plaza Park. Festivities include DJ Danny Dwyer, balloon animals, face painting, and cuisine from Dogs & Fries, Koi Fusion, Kona ice and MexiRican. Bring your blankets, pillows, and low sand chairs and get comfortable for a fun night. 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. First and Evergreen.
  6. Fireworks Show on the Lake. The show begins around 9:45 p.m. on the west end of Oswego Lake so best to be at the Lake Grove Swim Park, on the Oswego Canal bridge, in a boat on the lake, or at a lakefront party if you can get an invite.
  7. Skiboard and Wakeboard Show. Grab a viewing spot of the action in Lakewood Bay at Sundeleaf Plaza, Stickmen’s Brewery & Skewery, the Lake Theatre and Café, or Millennium Plaza Park on Saturday, July 6 beginning at 10:00 a.m. in Lakewood Bay.
  8. Author Book Signing at Bridgeport Barnes & Noble. My daughter will be signing copies of her book, Waiting at Hayden’s, on Saturday, July 6 at 12:00 noon at the Bridgeport Barnes & Noble, 7227 SW Bridgeport Road. It was recently named one of this season’s “best beach reads” so is a perfect pick for our hot summer weather.

Lake Oswego has a lot more going for it than just its 4th of July celebrations. If you’re thinking about moving here, let me show you around and explain our local housing market. I’ve been a Realtor® in Lake Oswego for over 25 years and would love to put that experience to work for you in finding you a home (or helping you sell one if you already live here and want to move up, down, or on). Give me a call at 503.939.9801 and/or check out my website. 

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When the going gets hot, check out these swimming holes in Lake Oswego

Posted on June 23, 2019 by lovelakeoswego

My two daughters enjoyed summers hanging out with the lifeguards at the Lake Grove Swim Park until they got old enough to become lifeguards themselves. Licensed lifeguards are just one of the perks you’ll find at this popular swimming hole open to residents of the original Lake Grove School District.

Temperatures are starting to rise so you may be looking for the closest place to cool off in Lake Oswego. Here’s an updated roundup of swimming holes in Lake Oswego.

Lake Oswego Swim Park. All you need is proof of residency in Lake Oswego to cool off in this lifeguard-supervised swim park which features diving platforms, water sprayers, inner tubes, outdoor showers, and lounge chairs. Park is open 7 days a week from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (weather permitting) from July 1 to August 25. 250 Ridgeway Road, 503.953.9325.

Lake Grove Swim Park. The Lake Grove Swim Park is run by the Lake Oswego School District and is open to residents who live within the boundaries of the former Lake Grove School District according to the original deed spelled out by Oregon Iron & Steel Company.(Check to see if you live within the boundary).  While that district is now part of the LOSD, residents within those original boundaries still pay an additional property tax to support the park.

The park opens the first Saturday after the last day of school which this year is June 8 and remains open through August 23. You must have a park pass to enter the park. Passes can be obtained at the park with a picture ID and proof of residency. Once inside you can enjoy three roped off swimming areas, lifeguard supervision, playground, wading pool, badminton, tetherball, basketball, picnic tables, shady spots for picnicking, and a very popular concession stand.

The Lake Grove Swim Park also offers swim lessons to all Lake Oswego school children but they fill up fast. You must register in person at the swim park on a first come, first served basis for two week sessions.

And check out earlier posts on the swim park for more reasons why it’s such a popular spot.

George Rogers Park. Lake water isn’t the only fresh water available for cooling off on a hot summer day. The Willamette River beach at George Rogers Park is a perfect place for both man or woman and his or her dog to get their feet wet. Once you’ve cooled down, enjoy some of the other things the park has to offer including a playground for the kids, two outdoor tennis courts, picnic tables and recreational fields.

Foothills Park. The city’s newest riverfront park offers Willamette River views and also access for taking a dip, chilling on a floatie, laying out in the sun, and watching the boaters cruising down the river.

Lake Oswego School District Pool. This indoor pool is located on the Lake Oswego High School campus. Be sure to check the schedule as this is a busy place with allotted times for lap swim, swim club practice, masters and lessons. One-time use fees range from $2.75 for preschoolers to $8.75 adult (residents). Passes are also available for 30 days, four months and annually. 2455 Overlook Drive, 503.534.2330.

Plaza Fountain. Not really a swimming hole, but the fountain at the base of Millennium Plaza Park on State Street, is a quick and fun way for little ones to cool off on a hot day. Follow the stairs down from the park. First and Evergreen.

NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION/COMMUNITY/PRIVATE POOLS

Bryant Woods. This pool is open to members of the Bryant Woods Homeowners Association from Memorial Day through September annually. Check site for membership boundaries. 18275 Indian Creek Drive, 503.639.2732 (during season) $644/annual dues.

Greentree Pool. The Greentree Pool is a private neighborhood pool open to residents who live within the Hallinan and Palisades school boundaries. Membership is capped at 150 families. 1773 Greentree Road. 503.303.5285 (during season)

Blue Heron Community Pool. This small outdoor neighborhood pool is open to the Blue Heron Neighborhood Association. Fees go towards pool maintenance and lifeguard supervision. 17791 Blue Heron Drive. 

Mountain Park Recreation Center. The aquatics center here features a leisure pool, lap pool and therapeutic spa which are open to members of the Mountain Park Homeowners Association. People living outside the Mountain Park HOA boundaries may pay for a patron membership in order to use the facilities.  2 Mt. Jefferson Terrace. 503.635.3561

Lake Oswego Country Club. The outdoor pool and lanai here are open from Memorial Day through Labor Day for club members. You’ll find private, adult swim, open swim and tier level swimming lesson opportunities. 20 Iron Mountain Blvd., 503.636.3631.

NEARBY PRIVATE POOLS

The Bay Club Portland. Members can enjoy year-round swimming in the indoor junior Olympic lap pool as well as summertime use of the outdoor recreational pool with playful slide. The club offers private and group swim lessons, acqua fitness classes, lap and recreational swimming. 18120 SW Lower Boones Ferry Rd., Tigard, 503.968.4500.

24 Hour Fitness. A three-lane indoor lap pool is available for members’ use. 17942 SW McEwan Rd., Tigard, 503.670.0400.

The Stafford Hills Club. Members have access to a six-lane, 25-yard saline outdoor pool year-round that is heated to a temperature of 82 degrees. Amenities include recreational and lap swimming, masters, swim club, lessons and water aerobics. 5916 SW Nyberg Lane, Tualatin, 503. 6112.2400

LA Fitness.  Offers a three-lane indoor pool with both acqua fitness classes as well as lap swim. 7405 SW Nyberg St., Tualatin, 503.404.0126.

If you want to make sure you live in a Lake Oswego neighborhood that has access to one of these swimming holes, give me a call at 503.939.9801 or check my website and I can help you find the right home. I’ve been a Realtor in Lake Oswego for over 30 years so would love to put my expertise to work for you!

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See Comics as Art at Lake Oswego’s Festival of the Arts This Week

Posted on June 16, 2019 by lovelakeoswego

I was born at the tail end of the Golden Age of Comics and grew up in the Silver Age reading titles like The Incredible Hulk, The Amazing Spider Man and Archie and Jughead. Leave it to the Festival of the Arts to take my limited comic books experience and stretch and expand it with their special exhibit for this year’s event: Origin Stories: Comics & Identity.

Despite my own experience, comics is not just kid stuff. I learned that quickly listening to some episodes of curator Andréa Gilroy’s Comics Crash Course. For example, consider these tidbits of comic books history:

  • The term “yellow journalism” (referring to newspaper reporting that emphasized sensationalism over fact) had its roots in a comic strip war between newspaper publishers Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst. Richard Outcault created the popular “Yellow Kid” character in the Hogan’s Alley comic strip for Pulitzer’s New York World in 1895. It featured a bald, buck-toothed boy who always wore an oversize yellow nightshirt bearing his dialogue in a characteristic slang. The strip’s popularity helped boost newspaper sales and gave way to what some consider the first example of modern merchandising with images appearing on playing cards, dolls, and cigarettes. In 1986, Hearst lured Outcault over to his New York Journal by offering him a much higher salary which added flames to an already fire of competition between what became known as the “yellow kids” who were practicing “yellow journalism.”
  • Believe it or not there was a moral panic about comic books in the 1950s calling into question many of the issues parents today have about television, movies and video games. A U.S. Senate subcommittee on juvenile delinquency held a hearing on comic books and were heavily influenced by Dr. Frederic Wertham, a child psychologist, who claimed that the crime and violence present in many comic books influenced children’s behavior. As a result a Comics Code was established in 1954 with editorial content guidelines such as this:
  1. Policemen, judges, Government officials and respected institutions shall never be presented in such a way as to create disrespect for established authority.
  2. In every instance good shall triumph over evil and the criminal punished for his misdeeds.
  3. Although slang and colloquialisms are acceptable, excessive use should be discouraged and, wherever possible, good grammar shall be employed.
  4. All characters shall be depicted in dress reasonably acceptable to society.
  5. Respect for parents, the moral code, and for honorable behavior shall be fostered.
  6. Passion or romantic interest shall never be treated in such a way as to stimulate the lower and baser emotions.

Let’s just say that put the kibosh on a lot of comic book storylines and by 1959 the number of comic book publications decreased by 50 percent.

  • Underground comix rose up in the 50s and 60s in response to the political climate at the time. A thriving underground press started putting out small print runs of comics dealing with the environment, racism, women’s rights, war, and the drug culture which were sold directly to shops willing to carry them. When those same shops faced the threat of being held liable for obscenity charges due to a court ruling, many of them took the publications off their shelves.

So, you see? There’s a lot about comic books you probably don’t know which is just one reason why you should attend this year’s Festival of the Arts.  Here are some others:

KIDS’ ACTIVITIES. On Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. kids can enjoy special arts and craft activities, face painting, demonstrations, and interactive entertainment.

MUSIC. Enjoy music as you wander through the Open Show in the Pavilion tent or head over to George Rogers Park for afternoon/evening concerts by the likes of Mario Carboni, Sequel, Ural Thomas & The Pain, Patrick Lamb Jazz Quartet and Tony Starlight.

ART IN THE PARK. Stroll down aisles of hand-made fine art and craft and meet the artists.

THEATRE. The Missoula Children’s Theatre returns with local talent on stage presenting Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs for a free performance on Friday, June 22 at 4:00 p.m. in George Rogers Park and again on Saturday, June 23 at 10:00 a.m. with a $5 admission charge.

FOOD. There will be food booths both at the Lakewood Center and  in George Rogers Park with favorites like 3 Guys Grilling, Oregon Beignet, and Tall Boy Fish & Chips as well as newcomers like Chunky Monkey and S&J Original Oriental Food.

Check online for a complete schedule. Festival hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Events are held at the Lakewood Center for the Arts, 368 S. State Street and George Rogers Park, 611 S. State Street. Parking is limited so consider using the shuttle service from designated parking lots. Suggested donation is $5/person; $10-$20/family.

If you’re thinking of moving to, within or out of Lake Oswego, give me a call and let’s see how I can help. I’ve been a Realtor in Lake Oswego for over 30 years so I know the market and can put that knowledge to good use for you! Give me a call at 503.939.9801 and/or check out my website. 

 

 

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7 Ideas for Celebrating Father’s Day in and Around Lake Oswego

Posted on June 9, 2019 by lovelakeoswego

They say it takes one to know one and since I’m a Dad, I thought I might be able to give you some suggestions for what to do for the Dad in your family for Father’s Day in and around Lake Oswego. Here are a few things that I’d enjoy and chances are the man of honor in your household would too.

Get him out on the water. You can rent kayaks, canoes and stand up paddleboards at George Rogers Park but note rentals are on a first-come first-served basis so you’ll want to get there early. Prices for single kayaks and SUP boards: $19/1 hour; $29/2 hours; $39/for ½ day; $60/24 hour day. Prices for double kayaks or canoes: $29/1 hour; $39/2 hour; $49/ for ½ day and $70/24 hour day. Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekends until June 29 when open 7 days a week. 611 S. State Street. 541.705.0283. Be sure to check online for waiver information.

If you want to get your feet wet in Lake Oswego, then check into the Lake Grove Swim Park which is now officially open. To enter you have to live within the original Lake Grove School District boundaries or be with someone who does. Check out one of my earlier blogs on this popular swimming hole in Lake Oswego. I spent many an afternoon here with my kids and let me tell you, they are some of my favorite memories.

Run a race together. The Grateful Dad Half Marathon, 10K and 5K race is being held on Saturday, June 15 featuring a flat course that runs along the Columbia River with views of the Cascade Range. You and Dad will be rewarded for your efforts with a Grateful family breakfast, beer garden and Grateful Dead tunes after the event. Online registration deadline is June 13. Cost: $89/Half Marathon; $64/10K run-walk; $51/5K run-walk.

Hop on the trolley. The Willamette Shores Trolley started back up end of May with two roundtrips from the Lake Oswego Depot heading up to Portland every Saturday and Sunday until they start adding Friday excursions July 5. It’s a scenic and stress-free way to head up to Portland, maybe for one of those scavenger hunts I mentioned earlier. It lets you off at Bancroft and Moody so you’ll have to take a Lyft or public transit to get further into town. Or just pack some treats and make the journey your destination.

Take him to breakfast. There are lots of great breakfast spots to celebrate Dad’s day in Lake Oswego—here are a few of my favorites:

  • La Provence Boulangerie and Patisserie. Ever since this breakfast spot relocated to the renovated Lake Grove Shopping Village, it has been hopping. Get there before you’re starving as sometimes you’ll have to wait. What keeps the crowds lining up? Outdoor seating is popular as well as favorites like the Wild Northwest Salmon Hash, Risotto Cakes and Eggs, Roasted Oatmeal Brûlée, Croque Provence and their croissants. Gluten free options are available, including gluten-free bread. 16350 Boones Ferry Road, 503.635.4533.
  • Babica Hen Café. Feel the love with fresh, from-scratch food, sourced locally. Goodiesinclude: Lemon Berry Almond Crumble Waffles, Blueberry Brûlée French Toast, and Fire Roasted Tomato Eggs Benedict. Gluten free options (waffles and bread) mean no ones feels deprived. 15964 Boones Ferry Road, 503.636.4012.
  • St. Honoré Boulangerie. See for yourself why this was voted the Best Bakery in Portland by Willamette Week readers. The Lake Oswego location serves brunch on the weekends from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with specials like Mimosa pitchers, Croque Monsieur and Brioche Cocotte. Several variations of croissants to choose from and don’t miss out on their café au lait. 315 1st Street, 503.496.5596.
  • Kyra’s Bake Shop. Gluten free eaters can have their breakfast and eat it too—everything here is 100% gluten free, and breakfast is served all day. Offerings include: a breakfast sandwich on housemade ciabatta bread, french toast, biscuits and gravy, quiche and yogurt parfaits. Sweet muffins may sound like dessert, but since they’ve won the Food Network’s Cupcake Wars, you may want to try one. 599 A Avenue, 503.212.2979.
  • Biscuits Café. Breakfast eaters weigh in on Yelp with rave reviews for their biscuits, gravy, chicken fried steak and fresh strawberry jam. 4200 Mercantile Drive, #790, 503.305.8058.
  • Tavern on Kruse. Weekends this popular spot opens early for breakfast at 9:00 a.m. And lucky for you—they take reservations! Dad will find many of his favorites on the menu including eggs benedict, steak and eggs and breakfast burrito with maybe a mimosa or Ramos Gin Fizz to toast the occasion with. 4835 Meadows Rd., #133. 503.303.5280.  http://www.tavernonkruse.com

Take him on a picnic. Gather up your picnic supplies at one of our gourmet groceries, both with extensive deli cases, fresh bread and wine selections: Zupan’s at 16380 Boones Ferry Rd., 503.210.4190 or Bales Marketplace Palisades at 1377 McVey Avenue, 503.636.2213. And then pick your spot from a long list of parks which I featured in this blog.

Take him on a scavenger hunt. You can create a DIY version for Lake Oswego or head into Portland and register for one of the app-led interactive tours. For 2-3 hours you and your Dad will receive clues, complete challenges and explore Portland on foot in a way you have never done before! Before you’re done you will probably have learned a thing or two and had many laughs. Couple sites to check out include Urban Adventure ($49 for 2-5 team members) and Scavengerhunt.com ($24.45/ person).

Take him wine tasting.No, you don’t have to battle the McMinnville traffic to do a little wine tasting on Father’s Day. Just head over to Oswego Hills Winery. Located just past Luscher Farms on Rosemont Road sits this family run vineyard that was planted in 1997 with Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Marechal Foch. Tastings are offered every Sunday from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. showcasing their latest vintage. For additional tasting sites in town, check out the Things to Do in Lake Oswego in my blog’s sidebar. 450 S. Rosemont Road, 503.655.2599.

If the Dad in your family likes to go house-hunting let me be of service! I’d love to show him and you around in search of the perfect home for you in Lake Oswego, West Linn, or anywhere in the Portland metro area. Give me a call at 503.939.09801 and check out my website.

Image by ElisaRiva from Pixabay

 

 

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7 Portland (and Lake Oswego) Doughnut Spots to Help You Celebrate National Doughnut Day

Posted on June 2, 2019 by lovelakeoswego

Friday is National Doughnut Day and I know one person who will be celebrating. My son is on a quest to discover the best donut stops in the world and makes it a point to compile a list of places to try wherever his travels take him.

He has been to Portland many times, and tries to add a new one each visit. Just in case you are a donutphile like him and are looking for places to honor this epicurean holiday, here’s a list to get you started.

NOLA’S DOUGHNUTS. Your first stop should be right here in Lake Oswego at our own homegrown best-of-the-best contender. All the offerings here feature Nola’s signature La-ssant dough which is three days in the making (our son’s favorite is the Madagascar Vanilla).  The exception is the New Orleans style beignet, that comes to you soft and warm as it’s made-to-order. Be prepared to experience doughnuts like no other. Hours: Monday-Sunday, 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. 365 N. State Street, 503.278.7312.

VOODOO DOUGHNUT. This is where the Portland area’s doughnut obsession began—with the wacky concoctions this “keep Portland weird” shop dreamed up. From the Fruit Loop topped “The Loop” to the cock-n-balls shaped creation filled with Bavarian cream, to the Voodoo doll shaped doughnut filled with raspberry jelly and topped with a pretzel stake, nothing appears off the table for inspiration. One of my son’s friends even used a Voodoo doughnut as a prop to ask a girl to the prom—I’m not going to ask him which one! Warning: the lines here can be ridiculous so just factor that into part of the experience. And our resident doughnut expert thinks they could go lighter on the frosting at times. Hours: 24/7 except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and their company party. 22 SW 3rd Avenue, 503.241.4704.

BLUE STAR DONUTS. Designer donuts meet gourmet ingredients at this “fresh off the press” shop which explains such flavors as Caramelized Pear Pine Nut and Sage Fritter, Blueberry Bourbon Basil and Cointreau Crème Brûlée. Brioche dough serves as the base for these gourmet creations that eventually wind up on most visitors’ must-try lists. With a location at the Portland airport, making that happen is easy. The only downside our doughnut aficionado found with Blue Star is that they need to be eaten fresh—if you let them sit too long they go from spectacular to average pretty quickly. There are seven locations in the Portland metro area, and three in southern California.  Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. or until they run out, which is usually much earlier so a breakfast stop is recommended.

PIP’S ORIGINAL DOUGHNUTS & CHAI. Small is beautiful at this location specializing in fresh made-to-order mini doughnuts whose size make it easy to eat more than one without feeling guilty. Seasonal flavors keep things interesting with choices like Strawberry Rhubarb Pie and Meyer Lemon Pear Butter. Bonus points for the fact you get a free dozen within a week of your birthday. Chai lovers have five unique flavors to choose from, and don’t even have to choose with the option of ordering a flight! Their mobile catering van can bring the goodies to your next party or company event. Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. seven days a week. 4759 NE Fremont St., Suite C. 503.206.8692.

COCO DONUTS. There’s a reason we all have fond doughnut memories of growing up. There’s something about those classic flavors—glazed, frosted cake, maple bar, apple fritter, old-fashioned—that hit the spot. If you prefer classic over innovative, then Coco Donuts is your place using a family recipe handed down for over 30 years. Add to that in-house roasted coffee and now you only have to make one stop to get your morning going! Six locations: Uptown, Downtown, NE Broadway, N. Williams, SE Milwaukie Ave. and PSU campus. Hours vary by location.

SESAME DONUTS. Here’s another spot for classic doughnut lovers. The signature item here is a glazed doughnut dipped into toasted sesame seeds but fans praise their buttermilk bars, glazed doughnuts and apple fritters. Seven locations in Portland. Hours vary by location.

DELICIOUS DONUTS. This mom and pop shop is another throwback to the doughnut shop you probably grew up with. The apple fritter won first place in its category in the Oregonian’s recent blind doughnut taste test with descriptions like “crazy crunchy” and “big fruit flavor.” And the chocolate old-fashioned came out on top in its category too. So if you’re willing not to get caught up in the trendy rush to crown the most original doughnut the best, give this place a try and see what you think. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 5:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 12 SE Grand Avenue. 503.233.1833.

P.S. The origin of National Doughnut Day? It was established in 1938 by the Chicago Salvation Army to honor women who served doughnuts to soldiers during World War I.

Any of your favorites not make the list? Chime in with a comment! Would love to hear from you.

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Read this before you move to Lake Oswego

Posted on May 26, 2019 by lovelakeoswego

If you’re thinking of moving to Lake Oswego or moving within if you already live here,  let me tell you a little story that could have a happy ending if you choose the right Realtor.  🙂

You decide you want to move to Lake Oswego so you go online and start looking for houses.

But soon you feel overwhelmed because you don’t know what’s a good neighborhood, what’s a good price…

So you start calling Realtors but some are too pushy

Some just sound like they’re trying to sell you one of their listings

Some suggest you meet with one of their assistants to get you started because they’re so busy right now.

Then you reach Kevin Costello who is professional, experienced and comes highly recommended by his clients.

If you have the time he offers to meet with you in person and show you around, “the Chamber of Commerce” tour as he puts it.

And he really knows what he’s talking about–he has lived in Lake Oswego for over 30 years, been a Chamber of Commerce president, honored as a Community Leader of the Year, president of the high school PTA and on and on.

He takes the time to listen to what you’re looking for

And before you know it, you’ve found the perfect house!

See! I told you your house hunting story could have a happy ending! Check out my website or give me a call at 503.939.9801. Let me put my over 30 years experience helping people move in, out and within Lake Oswego to work for you. I’d love to show you around and find the best fit for your needs.

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Lake Oswego Foodies Have Lots to Choose From in Award Winning Portland Food Scene

Posted on May 19, 2019 by lovelakeoswego

While I love Lake Oswego and often feature its highlights including food spots like my guides to gluten-free dining, outdoor eating, and the iconic Giant Drive-In, I feel I’d be remiss not to mention that Lake Oswego is practically next door to one of the world’s current culinary hot spots.

Portland Oregon has been featured on some very prominent “Best of” lists recently that speak to the foodie destination spot it has become in the eyes of the rest of the world. Sometimes we tend to take the things closest to us for granted but the next time you have a hankering to go out to eat, or get a cup of coffee, maybe you should head up to Portland—it’s only a 15-minute drive (okay, maybe a little longer than that during rush hour). Time it right and you’ll be there before the food cravings get out of control.

Jetsetter named Portland best food city in the U.S. When I mention this to people they look at me incredulously and say, “Above New York?” (Yes, it came in second), “Above San Francisco?” (Yes, it came in third). How did our little hipster haven upstage these behemoths? With a plethora of coffee shops, food trucks, craft breweries, urban wineries, donut improvisers, ice cream experimenters, chocolate purveyors and artisanal cheese producers. Some of the spots they call out are Pok Pok Thai, Le Pigeon,  and Stumptown Roasters. Those of us who live here know that list is already outdated with newcomers like The Harry Lobster shared plate dining, PushXPull coffee roasters and BreakBreadPDX sandwich shop.

WalletHub named Portland best foodie city in the U.S.  WalletHub’s criterion is a little different—they’re looking for where you can get the best food on a tight budget. The things they look at include the cost of groceries to the affordability and accessibility of high-quality food products. Some of the rankings that boosted Portland’s score included the number of craft breweries and wineries per capita (Portland came in second behind Santa Rosa, Ca), the number of coffee shops (third place behind New York City and San Francisco but in front of Seattle), and coming in fifth in terms of diversity, accessibility and quality. Where Portland took a hit in the analysis was coming in as the city with the highest average beer and wine prices.

SmartAsset named Portland best coffee city in the U.S. This personal finance tech company gave Portland its top honors in its third annual survey last year. Influential factors included average Yelp ratings for coffee shops and the overall number of coffee shops and roasters. At the time of the survey, they counted 20 dedicated roasters within the Portland city limits (think Heart, Sterling, Coava and Nossa Familia).

The Daily Meal listed Portland as the home of the World’s Best Ice Cream Parlour. That honor goes to Salt & Straw, which just this past year staked a location in Lake Oswego. Part of its notoriety relies on its imaginative flavors which have been known to incorporate jaw-dropping ingredients into their frozen concoctions, most notably chocolate covered crickets and pig’s blood as part of last October’s Spooktacular Series. Known for sourcing local ingredients, Portlanders found Hibiscus with Rosé Lemon Curd as an April flavor featuring pinot noir rosé from Sokol Blosser Winery while the San Francisco menu incorporated green tea buds from the local Red Blossom Tea Company into its Jasmine Blossom Milk Tea and Chocolate flavor. Honorable mention also goes to #13 on the world’s best list: Portland’s Cool Moon Ice Cream.

Best Life gave Portland top honors as the most caffeinated city in the U.S. It is easier and cheaper to get your caffeine fix if you live in the Portland area according to Best Life’s valuation which looked at four factors: the number of coffee shops, the number of coffee shops per 100,000 people, the annual value of sales, shipments, receipts, revenue and business done and the average price of a cappuccino. Next time you grumble about how much that cup of java is costing you, count your blessings. The average price of a cappuccino in Portland is $3.94 compared to $4.46 in San Francisco and $4.43 in Seattle.

Looking to move to Lake Oswego? Or thinking about selling your home in Lake Oswego? Let’s talk! Maybe over one of those crafted cups of coffee this area is so well known for–my treat! Give me a call at 503.939.9801 and/or check out my website. I’d love to put my over 30 years experience as a Realtor to work for you. 

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