S#%! Lake Oswegans Don’t Say in Summer

monkey-236861_640Because of the special place Lake Oswego is to live, chances are there are a few things you won’t catch Lake Oswegans saying during the summer. Check them out.

  • I’m bored. Check out the “Things to do this week in Lake Oswego” sidebar to my blog and you’ll see that there is little chance Lake Oswegans can be bored during the summer. Kids can dive into the lake at either of our swim parks, while families can watch Cinderella under the stars at Millennium Plaza Park. Adults can choose from a Foot Golf Championship or wine tasting at World Class Wines.
  • I’m leaving town for the summer. Anyone who lives here year-round knows that summer is our reward. It makes those spring showers and long-lasting winters worth it. From the beautiful weather, warm summer bug-free evenings to the ongoing lineup of activities, it’s no surprise that when you ask a Lake Oswegan if they have any summer vacation plans, chances are they’ll say, “I’m sticking around here!”
  • I wish I could eat outside. I’ve been on the California coast where the fog rolling in and sea breeze makes outdoor dining something you “wish you could do.” And I’ve been back east where the bugs drive you inside or at best, into a screened porch, when what you’d rather do is just sit outside on your deck and enjoy a summer meal. Here in Lake Oswego, you don’t have to “wish” to eat outdoors–you just do. From June through September, our family eats most of our evening meals outside, either on our deck or by our outdoor fireplace—bug-free and warm. And local restaurants offer outdoor dining options too.
  • I wish it would rain. Okay, maybe come late August, when parents are trying to coax their kids back into study-mode, they might wish for a rainy day to make their sales job a little easier. But honestly, we all know the rain will settle in in due time. In summer, it’s time to “savor the moment,” and in our ideal world, that moment is dry and sunny.
  • I wish I lived somewhere else. I’ve been selling homes in Lake Oswego for over 25 years and realize I have an easy product to move. But come summer, the sales pitch gets even easier—as the town basically sells itself. At the end of June, my son had about 10 friends over who were visiting from out-of-town. After an evening of hanging out on the lake, most of them assured me that in a few years, they’d be back—to settle down! From an excellent school district to a convenient location, there are lots of reasons to love living in Lake Oswego (52 a year, to be exact). And come summer, we are reminded of just that!

If you find yourself saying, “I want to move to Lake Oswego,” or you’d like to look at some other options if you already call Lake Oswego home, give me a call at 503.939.9801 or check out my website. I’d love to show you around!

 

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Lake Oswego’s Hot August Night Keeps the Crowds Coming

What keeps people coming back to Lake Oswego’s Hot August Night?

    • The music?
    • The setting?
    • The ambiance?
    • The sight of hundreds of people rocking out on their boats, paddleboards, and kayaks?
    • The party atmosphere that feels like you’ve been transported back to college?

Chances are it is all of the above. This year’s concert on the lake is set for this Saturday, August 6. Here’s what you need to know to make the night a success.

  1. Buoy lines open at 5:00 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. Additional finger docks are being added this year to accommodate the growing attendance.
  3. There will be about 125 spots for boats to tie up on three buoy lines so party-goers are advised to “buddy boat” if possible.
  4. 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.
  5. Music starts at 6:30 p.m.on the stage at Pat and Pam Kearney’s home. A DJ will entertain you from 5:00 p.m. until then.
  6. The Beatniks return for this year’s performance. Playing tunes that are instantly familiar from the 60s, 70s, and 80s, they get the crowd rocking (and dancing too on a floating dance floor).
  7. 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.
  8. BYOT (Bring your own transportation) You’ll need a paddle board, canoe or kayak to get to the port-a-potty if you aren’t tied up to one of the docks.

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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Get Your Laughs and Your Exercise in at Howl at the Moon Adventure Run This Friday

howl at moonOver 500 people had so much fun at last year’s Lake Oswego 5K Adventure Run that the city is offering it again on Friday, July 29 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Luscher Farm.

Lake Oswego’s Assistant Fire Chief, David Morris, wouldn’t miss it. Having participated last year he reports, “Now that I know what a great time it is, I’m all in.” Chances are his 15 year old son, will join him. Apparently last year once wasn’t enough. He ran it three times in a row, joining up with friends just starting out each time he crossed the finish line.

This year’s “Howl at the Moon” event features a 3.1 mile rolling hill course that works participants through 16 obstacles that include a hay pyramid, tire crawl and plank walk. The slip n’ slide and mud pits were popular stops last year and the hills of torture give all finishers bragging rights.

Organizer Jamie Inglis points out that participants can repeat popular challenges and skip more difficult ones, if they wish. The point is to have fun. Currently registered participants range in age from 10 to 66 with everything in between.

While the 5K course is open to those 10 and older, the Fire Department is helping to organize a Fire Fit course for ages 3-10 located near the Children’s Garden.

The after party is open to everyone with live music from Country Rocker, Briana Renea, a mechanical bull, food from Koi Fusion and PDX sliders and more.

Register online. $40/person in a team of 4; $50/person July 28-29 or $45/individual; $55/individual July 28-29.

Summer is chock-full of things to do in Lake Oswego. Don’t miss out. Subscribe to my blog by clicking the “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column.

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Movies in the Park Debut This Week in Lake Oswego, Oregon

film-1328405_640Summer nights in Lake Oswego—what’s not to love? And starting this week, the city of Lake Oswego is giving you one more reason to savor the season with its outdoor movie schedule debuting in Millennium Plaza Park. Round up the family for the next four consecutive Thursday evenings to enjoy Lake Oswego’s very own “walk-in” theater featuring family friendly movies beginning at dusk (between 8:30 to 9:00 p.m.). Here’s the schedule:

July 21– Inside Out (PG).

July 28 – Cats and Dogs (PG).

August 4 – Cinderella (G).

August 11 – Monster University (PG).

Popcorn and other treats are available for purchase. Bring your blankets, pillows and low sand chairs so everyone can enjoy the show! Millennium Plaza Park is located at First and Evergreen.

If you haven’t already, click the “Sign me up” button in the right hand column to receive weekly updates on “52 Reasons to Love Lake Oswego.”

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Swimming Holes in Lake Oswego Oregon

Our three lake rats with one of their favorite lifeguards, Chad Carter, currently a reporter with KOIN Local 6.

You could always find our lake rats at the Lake Grove Swim Park on a summer afternoon.

With average temperatures for July and August in Lake Oswego hovering in the 80s, it’s good to know where the closest place to cool off is. Here’s a 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 28. 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.

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, shuffleboard, 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.

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 $2.50 for preschoolers to $7 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

Clubsport Oregon. 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 25 years so would love to put my expertise to work for you!

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Lake Oswego Summer Concert Series Starts This Week

summer concertsWhatever your musical taste–from oldies to pop to the blues, there is a concert in Lake Oswego’s Summer Concert Series to get your toes tapping. Performances rotate among three different parks: Millennium Plaza (MPP), Foothills (FP) and Westlake (WP). Each has its own personality so try them all!

Remember: admission is free and low sand chairs are recommended. Pack a picnic or take advantage of the food and beverage offerings available on site.

Here’s the schedule:

LAKE OSWEGO SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

DATE TIME PLACE BAND GENRE
Wed., 7/6 7-9:00 p.m. FP Johnny Limbo and the Lugnuts Classic hits from 50s and 60s
Sun., 7/10 6-7:30 p.m. MPP Michael Allen Harrison with Julianne Johnson Classical Contemporary Piano and Vocals
Wed., 7/13 7-9:00 p.m. FP Andy Stokes Band Soul
Sun., 7/17 6-7:30 p.m. MPP The Senate Acoustic
Wed., 7/20 7-9:00 p.m. FP Will Kinky Band Blues, Soulful
Sun., 7/24 6-7:30 p.m. MPP Tracy Fordice Band Blues
Wed., 7/27 7:00-9:00 p.m. FP Petty Fever Tom Petty and Heartbreakers hits
Sun., 7/31 6-7:30 p.m. MPP Quadraphones Funk
Wed., 8/3 6:30-8:30 p.m. WP Hit Machine 70s and 80s hits
Sun., 8/7 6-7:30 p.m. MPP Todd Haaby Latin
Wed., 8/10 6:30-8:30 p.m. WP Catch a Wave Beach Boys hits
Sun., 8/14 6-7:30 p.m. MPP Hot Club Sandwich Jazz
Wed., 8/17 6:30-8:30 p.m. WP Dancehall Days Pop/Rock
Sun., 8/21 6-7:30 p.m. MPP The Junebugs Americana to Hip Hop
Wed., 8/24 6:30-8:30 p.m. WP Stone in Love Journey Tribute
Sun., 8/28 6-7:30 p.m. MPP Norman Sylvester Soul

*MPP – Millennium Plaza Park, 200 First Street
FP – Foothills Park, 199 Foothills Drive
WP – Westlake Park, 14164 Bunick Drive

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Lake Oswego’s Reputation as a Great 4th of July Town Grows

This year we'll need to reserve an entire picnic table to hold our visiting 4th of July crowd!

Last year’s visitors spread the word–this year we’ll need to reserve an entire picnic table to hold our visiting 4th of July crowd!

“I bet Lake Oswego has more kids that come back for the 4th of July than any other small town,” proclaimed my daughter the other day as we finished talking to yet another twentysomething who said he was flying home for the holiday (from Texas).

Add him to the plus 15 that my son is bringing from San Francisco and Philadelphia (this is up from four last year) and the four cousins coming up from Orange County, and you could say she just might be right.

The 4th of July in Lake Oswego has that effect on people. They want to be a part of it. They want to feel like there is something to celebrate and people to celebrate with. They want to get swept up in small town Americana at its patriotic best. And that’s what Lake Oswego dishes up beginning the day before. Here’s what to look for.

●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 Sunday, July 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

●Portland Waterski Spectacular. Check out the stunts and the showmanship as these skiers dazzle you on the water in Lakewood Bay, Sunday, July 3 at 5:00 p.m.

●Millennium Concert Band. Get in the flag-waving mood with your patriotic favorites on Sunday, July 3, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Millennium Plaza Park.

●Lions Club Pancake Breakfast. This is the one time of the year my wife eats pancakes so they must be good (and her are gluten-free)! Early birds make sure they get the marionberry syrup. Line starts forming at 7:00 p.m. and grows until closing time at 12:00 noon. George Rogers Park, 611 S. State Street.

●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…and pie eating contest at 12:00 noon. Things wrap up at 1:30.

●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.

●Fireworks Show. 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.

If any of your out-of-town guests fall in love with Lake Oswego while they’re here, and want to explore buying a home, give me a call at 503.939.9801 or check out my website. I’d love to show them around!

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Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts Stretches the Boundaries of Paper Art

festival 2

Book excavations such as “Kingdom of the Seashell” by James Allen will be on display at the Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts. Allen created this piece by cutting through the pages of a found book, revealing layers of seashell images.

Google “paper” and Wikipedia will tell you that it is a material used for “writing, printing, packaging, cleaning, and a number of industrial and construction processes.” Come to this year’s Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts, with its theme, “Chasing Paper—Stretching the boundaries of paper as an art form,” and you’ll learn that it can be used for so much more.

The Special Exhibition Gallery and demonstrations will highlight papier-mâché, 3D sculpture, recycling, marbling, collage, paper making and what is called “book excavation.”

festival 1

This work by Allen called “Fashion” from a purchased book reveals several decades of illustrations of American fashion advertising from the early 20th century, including three silhouetted women running in Jantzen swim suits.

Artists, like James Allen, create sculptures out of books. Using a scalpel or x-acto blade, he makes selective cuts throughout the pages, revealing another narrative that gives the book a new story (and in many cases, a new life, as these books are often found on the street, in recycling bins and in used book stores). Allen will be giving a demonstration on Friday, June 24 at 12:00 noon in the Exhibit Gallery located downstairs in the Lakewood Center.

Here are some other highlights:

  • Kids Get Creative activities in George Rogers Park, Friday, June 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
  • Missoula Children’s Theater performance of Rumpelstiltskin on the stage in George Rogers Park on Friday, June 24 at 4:00 p.m. (free) and Saturday, June 25 at 10:00 a.m. ($5)
  • Artists’ Reception, Friday, June 24 at 6:00 p.m. in the Lakewood Center Pavilion Tent
  • Hands-on Paper Making, Friday through Sunday, June 24-26 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Lakewood Center Pavilion Tent
  • Paper collage demonstration with Beth Yazhari, Saturday, June 25, at 2:00 p.m. in the Special Exhibit Gallery
  • Live musical performances covering Country, Rock, Blues, Gospel, Jazz and Alternative Rock on the stage in George Rogers Park all weekend long
  • Art in the Park featuring regional artists daily in George Rogers Park
  • K-12 Student Exhibit highlighting Art Literacy projects at the Lakewood Center for the Arts

For a full schedule check here. And to read previous posts on why the Festival of the Arts is not to be missed look here.

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5 Reasons to Ditch Zillow and Trulia for This

website 2According to the National Association of Realtors 42 percent of last year’s homebuyers started their search online. If they happened to land on a national site like Trulia, or Zillow, I have a word of advice, “Buyer beware.”

When it comes to looking at real estate listings in Lake Oswego and the Portland metro area, it’s best to “Search local,” which is why the Hasson Company has refined our real estate search tools and why you should check them out on my website when you’re in the market.

  1. Property search information is updated every 15 minutes. In a hot market, timing can be everything and so it’s reassuring to know you are getting up-to-date listings at www.kevincostello.hasson.com to give you that competitive edge. I’ve had houses sell in a day so if you aren’t getting your info in real-time, you could be out of luck.
  1. You can neighborhood shop on the Hasson Company platform. Have several neighborhoods you are considering? Want to hone in on the neighborhoods you can afford? When you do a property search on my website you can set your preferences to include the neighborhoods you’re most interested in. It’s a hyper-local approach you can’t always find on the national aggregates.
  1. Get a better sense of value. Click on the “Market Trends” tab on my website, and you’ll be taken to a page that gives you hyper-local information once again on over 265 neighborhoods located in the Portland metro area, Southwest Washington and Central Oregon. Narrow your search to just the neighborhoods you are interested in, and know you are getting stats that are updated every month. For example, in the month of April, there were 35 homes for sale in the Palisades neighborhood in Lake Oswego. Of those that sold, the average sales price was $797,208 which represented 96.9 percent of the asking price, taking an average of 23 days to sell.
  1. Take advantage of an interactivity that facilitates the home search process. My home search system syncs with my mobile app so you can be driving by a listing, favorite it, and I’ll get notified. While driving around, you’ll be able to see on your phone, the available listings in the area, and keep me posted as to what you’re interested in seeing. This type of connection keeps me plugged in as your Realtor to what it is you’re looking for in your dream home, making it that much easier to find you the perfect match!
  1. Enjoy a personal connection with a professional with hands-on market knowledge. When visiting a new city, don’t you really want to know where the locals go to find the best restaurants, night life, places to go? That same local approach applies to real estate.

Case in point: I recently listed a house on Delenka Lane in Lake Oswego at $750,000. It sold for $742,000. The Zillow Zestimate was $845,426. Another home on one of the Lake Oswego canals sold for $980,000 despite the fact the Zestimate was $736,513. The variances between true market value and these estimated values put out by national firms can be even greater, sometimes as much as 60 percent.

That leads to false expectations both in the eyes of the seller as well as the buyer which doesn’t serve anyone well. People in the home buying market are better served by meeting with a professional Realtor with hands-on experience in their local area to determine a home’s true value. Pulling it off the Internet may be easy but it’s not always accurate and can set a buyer as well as a seller up for a frustrating experience because they’re armed with misinformation.

My 25 plus years experience in selling homes in Lake Oswego and the Portland metro area is just a click or phone call away when using my property search platform. Check it out at www.kevincostello.hasson.com. I hope I can help you the next time you’re in the market to move on.

 

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What to Do with Out-of-Town Guests in Lake Oswego This Summer

summer visitorsOne of the things you need to know about living in Lake Oswego is this: when it comes to summertime, you need to make room in your calendar for out-of-town visitors. The combination of beauty, weather, lake, and special events makes it a popular stop for both first time and repeat guests. Here are some ideas for keeping everyone happy (but be warned: they will want to come back!)

Go jump in the lake. Just show proof of residence in the city of Lake Oswego, and escort your guests into the Lake Oswego Swim Park on Ridgeway Road. Park is open from July 1 through August 28. 250 Ridgeway Road, 503. 953.9328.

If you live within the original Lake Grove School District boundary, you and your guests can enjoy the Lake Grove Swim Park located at the corner of South Shore and Lakeview Boulevards. The park opens June 11 through August 28 and then re-opens for Labor Day weekend. 3800 Lakeview Boulevard, 503.635.0356.

Take a hike. As a Realtor I’ve found that in many cases, Lake Oswego sells itself. Out-of-towners are just awestruck by its natural beauty. So lace up your shoes and take them out on one of our scenic pathways either around the lake (about 7 miles with vantage points along the way), or the Iron Mountain Trail that climbs up behind the Lake Oswego Hunt Club.

Go To Market, To Market. Voted Oregonian readers’ favorite metro area farmers market, this is a great place to start your Saturday, or as the finish line to one of those hikes you need to take. Get there after 10:00 a.m. and enjoy live entertainment. Plan on refueling with lots of made-on-the-premises food choices to save you cooking in the kitchen.

Get a sugar high. Portland may have Voodoo, but Lake Oswego has Nola’s. Pastry chef Robert Herkes’s creations borrow from the French tradition of layering dough and are a delicious marriage of croissants and doughnuts, called “La-ssants.” We had one visitor proclaim the Madagascar vanilla, “the best thing I’ve ever tasted.”

If cupcakes are more your crowd’s weakness, then take them to Kyra’s Bake Shop, now the only four-time winner of food network’s Cupcake Wars. (You don’t even have to tell them they are gluten-free because they’ll never notice!)

Wine tasting. While Lake Oswego is only about an hour away from famous wineries in spots like Newberg, Dundee and McMinnville, several local businesses have made tasting even easier by bringing the wine to you. Bring your wine lovers to one of these spots and depending where you live, you can even walk home!

  • World Class Wines. Features “Summer Sips” on Wednesdays from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sample different wines for $5/glass. On Fridays from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., you can enjoy six different wines for $15 or add on two bonus pours for $5 more. 149 A Avenue, 503.974.9841.
  • Wizer’s Fine Wines. Treat your guests to free wine tastings every Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Check their Facebook page to see what wines they’ll be pouring that day. 269 A Avenue, 503.636.1414.
  • Vin Italy. For the Italophiles in your group, head over to Vin Italy on the second Saturday of the month to enjoy Italian wines and appetizers from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. for $5. 16035 Boones Ferry Road, 503.636.4104.
  • Oswego Hills Winery. Do your tasting amid the spectacular setting of the Oswego Hills Winery, located just outside of town. Tastings are held every Sunday from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. 450 S. Rosemont Road, West Linn, 503.655.2599.

Get crafty (as in beer). If Portland is considered the beer capital of the world, and Lake Oswego is only 12 miles from Portland, then we must have some of our own bragging rights, right? Let’s just say the craft is honored here as well with several establishments filling their taps with some of the best local brewers have to offer. Here are a few places to try.

  • Hop n Cork, 17450 Lower Boones Ferry Road, 503.305.5903.

Hop on the trolley. The Willamette Shore Trolley is making runs on summer weekends beginning in July and running through the first weekend in September. The seven mile, 40 minute round trips depart at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Tickets are $6/Adults, $5/Seniors 55+, $3 Children, and Free for 2 and under.

Read 52 Reasons to Love Lake Oswego. Subscribe to my blog by clicking on the “Sign me up” tab on the top right hand column and receive weekly updates right to your inbox on things to do in Lake Oswego. Then, no matter when your guests show up on your doorstep, you’ll be prepared! (And if they fall in love with Lake Oswego, and decide they want to move here, give me a call at 503.939.9801 or check out my website. I’d love to show them around.)

Photo credit: digitalart at freedigitalphotos.net

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