This Halloween Be an Original: Shop at Lakewood Theatre Company’s Costume Sale

Posted on October 6, 2013 by lovelakeoswego

Finds from the Lakewood Center Costume Sale were popular choices when our son and his friends would raid our costume closet for school spirit events.

Finds from the Lakewood Center Costume Sale were popular choices when our son and his friends would raid our costume closet for school spirit events.

If you’re going for an original look this Halloween, check out the  the Lakewood Theatre Company Costume Sale this weekend in the Lakewood Center’s Community Meeting Room located downstairs at 358 S. State Street. Hours are Friday and Saturday, October 11 through 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, October 13 from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m.

You won’t find the generic polyester witch or ghost garb lurking on the hangers at this event. Instead, you’ll find inspiration to assemble your own unique look (see photo above and check out my son, Brady’s drum major hat getup).

This event was circled in red on our family calendar back in the day when costumes were needed not just for Halloween but for spirit school days, class projects and my wife’s Art Literacy presentations.

We had a closet designated just for dress-up and it was the first place our kids and their friends would rummage through when the need to assume an alter ego arose.

Besides costume hunting, here are a few other activities to consider to get you in the howling mood.

Fright Town Haunted House Friday Night Field Trip sponsored by McKenzie Teen Lounge for ages 11-17 on October 25. Leaves from the West End Building at 5:00 p.m. Returns at 9:00 p.m. $34 Residents/$51 Non-residents. Register for #4285551

Scary Story Swap with Will Hornyak, part of the Lake Oswego Storytelling Festival. Friday, October 25, from 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. at the Waluga Masonic Lodge, #181, 417 2nd Street.

Serve Chilled with Kim Weitkamp, another Lake Oswego Storytelling Festival offering features spine tingling tales by nationally acclaimed storyteller, Kim Weitkamp.  Friday, October 25 from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Waluga Masonic Lodge, #181, 417 2nd Street.

No Carve Pumpkin Decorating for ages 7+ offered at Luscher Farm on Saturday, October 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. $10 Resident/$15 Non-resident. Register through Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation for #4229330

Halloween Night at Lakeridge High School featuring games and activities for young children. Tuesday, October 29 from 5:00 p.m .to 8:00 p.m. 1235 Overlook Drive. 503.534.2319.

Luscher Farm Scarecrows. Take a tour of the more than 90 scarecrows and cast your vote for your favorite. 125 Rosemont Rd.

Trick or Treat at the Lake Oswego Public Library. Librarians will be handing out candy to trick-or-treaters so bring your little ones in and don one of those Lakewood Theatre costumes and get some sweets for yourself too! 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at 706 Fourth Street.

Don’t Miss 40th Annual Lake Oswego Ski and Snowboard Swap

Get outfitted for the slopes at this popular event featuring ski and snowboard equipment, gear, and apparel on Saturday, October 12 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Drop off used gear for consignment sales (30% goes to benefit Lakeridge and Lake Oswego High School ski teams) on Friday, October 11 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Lake Oswego High School, 2501 Country Club Road, East Gym. 503.534.2313.

If you don’t want to miss out on what’s happening in Lake Oswego, subscribe to my blog by clicking on the “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column.

Posted in Seasons in Lake Oswego Oregon, Things to Do in Lake Oswego | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Why Luscher Farm Would Have Dorothy Saying, “Toto, I’ve a Feeling We’re Not in Kansas Anymore.”

Posted on September 29, 2013 by lovelakeoswego

rsz_img_1550If Dorothy were to check out the scarecrows at Luscher Farm in Lake Oswego, Oregon, I’m sure she’d look around and say, “Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.”

Instead of the straw-stuffed bird-scarer who followed her through Oz, she’d find everything from a glamorous blonde bombshell to an Oregon Duck and Oregon Beaver fan.

This is garden art that the whole family can enjoy. So get yourselves out to the farm at 125 Rosemont Rd. and cast your votes for your favorite while you still can (scarecrows are up only through October). Ballots are in the old metal toolshed next to the barn.

Help your kids to find Sneaky Pete who is hiding behind one of the other scarecrows. They’ll earn an “I Found Sneaky Pete” sticker for their efforts.

rsz_img_1549rsz_img_1536rsz_img_1539rsz_img_1553rsz_img_1554rsz_img_1560rsz_img_1556rsz_img_1563rsz_img_1566rsz_img_1568-1rsz_img_1557

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Why Kids Aren’t the Only Ones Learning New Things this Fall in Lake Oswego, Oregon

Posted on September 22, 2013 by lovelakeoswego

Meditation is just one of the many new things you can learn in Lake Oswego, Oregon this fall. Check out some of the other offerings.

Meditation is just one of the many new things you can learn in Lake Oswego, Oregon this fall. Check out some of the other offerings.

It seems the Lake Oswego Public Library, Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department, and local businesses refuse to buy into the saying that “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”

They have a lineup of learning opportunities for adults that range from learning how to meditate to discovering the artist within.

Take it from me. My daughters are in the midst of teaching me how to line dance. My wife took a one day meditation workshop last year which gave her the tools to incorporate this practice into her daily routine.

We may be old dogs but we’re learning new tricks and our lives are richer for it. Thankfully, we live in a town that recognizes that and makes it easy for adults to learn something new.

Consider these offerings:

Magic for Everybody. Provide the entertainment at your next dinner party by learning from master magician George Herkert. Mondays, September 23 through October 28, 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. $95 includes magic kit. Lakewood Center for the Arts, 368 S. State St. Lake Oswego. 503.635.3901

Introduction to Meditation with Surja Tjahaja. Learn about the benefits of this practice from the teacher who got my wife to start carving time out of her day for some “Ommmm.” Free. Tuesday, September 24, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street. 503.636.7628.

Everyone is an Artist: Drawing. Remember when you told yourself you couldn’t draw. Well, you were wrong according to classes like this one. Sometimes you just need to learn the proper technique and to silence your critical left brain so your right brain can go about being creative. $62/resident; $78/non-resident. Tuesdays, September 24 through October 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation. 503.675.2549

 Wine Tastings. Discover what you like in wine and why during World Class Wine’s weekly Friday night wine tastings featuring a different region, varietal or vintner each time. Sample 6 wines for $15; optional $5 for bonus pour. Fridays, 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. World Class Wines, 269 A Avenue, Lake Osweo. 503.974.9841.

 Sushi Made Simple. If you’re a real sushi fan, consider the do-it-yourself approach with this three hour class at In Good Taste in Lake Oswego. $110. Saturday, October 5, 5:30 p.m. 6302 SW Meadows Rd. 503.248.2015

 Build an Insect Hotel for Beneficials. Learn how to put out the welcome mat for the garden good guys! $5 towards materials. Saturday, October 12, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dennis’ 7 Dees Lake Oswego Garden Center, 1090 McVey Avenue. 503.636.4660.

Juicing for Better Health. Discover the benefits of juicing and how to incorporate it into your daily routine. $20/residents; $30/non-residents. Thursday, October 17, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Luscher Farm, 128 Rosemont. 503.638.0376. Register through Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department.

Line Dance Try-it-Out Day. This is a workout for both body and mind but speaking from experience, you’re having so much fun you don’t realize you’re burning calories. Check it out and if you like it, you can sign up for one of the Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation’s classes. Free. Friday, October 18, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. West End Building, 4101 Kruse Way, Lake Oswego.

If you want to use this fall to learn more about the Lake Oswego real estate market, the cost of buying a home here, or what your home might be worth, give me a call. I’ve been a top-producing agent for over 25 years and would love to answer your questions.

Photo credit: Image by photostock at freedigitalphotos.net.

Posted in Lake Oswego Parks, Lake Oswego Recreation, Things to Do in Lake Oswego | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Sneak Peek at Good Times Ahead in Lake Oswego, Oregon

Posted on September 15, 2013 by lovelakeoswego

peeking reducedThe end of summer was always bittersweet in our household. Actually if you took a vote, bitter would win out.

Trading in swimming in Oswego Lake, ski tubing, and Lake Grove swim park afternoons for going back to school and the routine was a tough sell.

I learned to look ahead and what we had to look forward to.

 In case you too are suffering from summer withdrawal, here’s a sneak peak at good things to come if you live in Lake Oswego:

 ■Lake Oswego Farmer’s Market. Savor the season while you still can—it’s one way to hold on to summer! There are new discoveries to be found as the season changes like delicata squash. Market is open until Saturday, October 12.

 ■High School Football.  Are you ready for some football? The high school variety, that is. Lake Oswego High School is a state powerhouse, claiming the state title in 2011 and coming in second last year. League play starts Friday, September 27 against West Linn at home at 7:00 p.m.

Lakeridge’s first league play is an away game at Oregon City on Friday, September 20. The Pacers will play host for the first Civil War match-up against crosstown rivals, The Lakers on Friday, October 18.

With football comes homecoming parades and Lake Oswego will have two of them: October 4 for Lake Oswego and October 10 for Lakeridge. Be on the streets to cheer the teams and support the youth of our community.

 ■INDIAN SUMMER. I’ve always thought Oregon should be on an October-June school schedule since the month of September still holds such summer-like weather in store for us. Savor that sunshine with average temps in the high 70s and records in the 90s. Either way, odds are in your favor that the backyard cookouts, bike rides, swimming and sun bathing can still continue.

 ■FALL COLORS. Crisp autumn nights bring out the brilliance in our Tree City USA designated community. Check the colors out with this preview.

 ■Halloween Festivities. Lake Oswego offers a harvest of activities to get you into the spirit from pumpkin decorating at Luscher Farms, to Halloween Night at Lakeridge on Wednesday, October 29 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., to great trick or treat neighborhoods.

 ■Storytelling Festival. The Lake Oswego Library is bringing back this popular event October 25-27 complete with storytelling performances and workshops to encourage all of us to appreciate and share our stories within. Check out last year’s schedule to get an idea of what’s in store.

 ■Lake Oswego Wine Walk. The Lake Oswego Business Alliance is debuting the first (bi) Annual Downtown Wine Walk on Saturday, November 2 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. featuring wine-tasting, food, art and music while exploring all that local merchants have to offer. Advance tickets will be sold online and at participating stores for $25 and entitle participants to an official wine glass, venue map,  ID wristband and tasting tickets. Contact Susan Olson with World Class Wines for more info.

 Stay tuned here for all the reasons to live in Lake Oswego. Click the “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column to receive weekly updates. Don’t miss a thing!

Photo credit: stock.xchng image 764984 by ArminH

Posted in Seasons in Lake Oswego Oregon, Things to Do in Lake Oswego | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Come September and It’s Back to Top-Notch Schools in Lake Oswego

Posted on September 8, 2013 by lovelakeoswego

Back to SchoolA recent survey has confirmed what Lake Oswego parents already know. Lake Oswego schools are top-notch.

In April, ZipRealty announced the results of a national survey identifying the best school districts with the most affordable housing. Lake Oswego ranked third.

Test score data and student teacher ratios comprised the School Score, which for Lake Oswego was 9.6. That was factored in with the $167 median price per square foot for housing in the district to earn it the third place spot behind Westonka Public Schools in the Minneapolis area at 9.6 and $112 and Geneva School District outside Chicago at 9.4 and $123.

Numbers only tell half the story, however. Case in point. This past year Lakeridge High School failed to make U.S. News & World Report’s Best High Schools ranking because its test results were too high. Since over 95 percent of Lakeridge students met or exceeded state standards in reading and math in 2010-2011, the Oregon Department of Education, as a matter of policy, did not provide the exact percentages to U.S. News & World Reports so as not to violate the Federal Family Education Rights and Privacy Act. Without Lakeridge data in a format that lent itself to the analysis they needed, the news agency was unable to rank the school. So it was left off the list even though the other high school in town, Lake Oswego, ranked second in the state despite having lower state assessment test scores than Lakeridge.

The school district’s reputation is what brings many potential buyers through my doors. I encourage them to look at the numbers but to also visit the schools and talk to the teachers, parents and students.

My kids will tell you that the schools prepared them well for college. They felt like they hit the ground running while many of their peers were still trying to figure out how to do a research paper. And as a parent, I am grateful for the AP courses that transferred in at public high school rates, saving me thousands of dollars in college tuition.

Let me know if you’d like to cash in on that successful formula Lake Oswego has: affordable housing plus great school district. I’d love to show you around.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Live. Laugh. Farm. Luscher Farm Invites You to Do All Three During This Weekend’s Open House.

Posted on September 1, 2013 by lovelakeoswego

departmental_banner_luscher_farm_open_house

Look at the schedule for this Saturday’s Open House at Luscher Farm at 125 Rosemont Rd. and you’ll realize that a lot more happens down on the farm than just growing crops.

 The festivities are designed to celebrate the end of summer and give Lake Oswegans an opportunity to cultivate a relationship with this piece of land.  So head on over this Saturday, September 7 between 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and go play in the dirt!

 Here’s what you’ll find:

●Tours and tasting from the Luscher Farm demo garden with tips for shutting down your summer garden or planting a bountiful winter garden

●Tractor for kids to play on

●Petting zoo brought to you by Cisco and the kids

●Gourmet products sampling by The Oilerie

●Ribbon cutting at 3:00 p.m. for the Rosemont Trail connecting Lake Oswego to West Linn’s Marylhurst Park

●Clematis plant sale by the Friends of Rogerson Clematis Collection.

 ●Master Gardeners on hand with advice on organic gardening

●Tours, demonstrations and activities in the Children’s Garden with healthy snacks for sampling and inspiration for back to school lunches.

 ●Info about area owls and owl boxes recently installed at the farm

 ●Vegetable giveaway sponsored by 47th Avenue Farmers, Luscher’s local farming operation

 ●Scarecrow fashion show—check out the 92 scarecrows and vote for your favorite. See if the kids can find Sneaky Pete.

 Cars will not be allowed on the farm to ensure everyone’s safety so park at the C3 Church at 17979 SW Stafford Rd. across from Luscher and either use the shuttle or walk along the Rosemont Trail to the farm.

For more info on Luscher Farms, check out an earlier blog post.

Posted in Lake Oswego Parks, Things to Do in Lake Oswego | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Homes on Oswego Canals Offer Waterfront Living for Less (And a yard to go with it too)

Posted on August 25, 2013 by lovelakeoswego

Oswego canal 2 lighterLiving on one of Oswego Lake’s two canals has its benefits.

I should know. I’ve lived on the Oswego Canal for the past 27 years. And while I can’t see the main lake from my back deck, I can get to it after a magical eight minute boat ride winding between my neighbors’ backyards.

Canal living has its own allure and is worth checking out if you’re considering living on Oswego Lake.

1. Cheaper price tag. Just this past year, many homes on the main lake have sold in excess of $3 million. The range for canal-front homes has been between $500,000 to $1.2 million.

2. Big backyards.  My backyard has played host to a dinner party for 100, slumber parties for 10 eight year-old boys, s’mores headquarters for 20 teenagers, raucous games of pickle with my three kids and their friends, and a competitive cornhole tournament just this summer. I like to think I have the best of both worlds—“waterfront living for land lovers” as my wife likes to put it.

3. Neighborhoods. Although we live on the water, we also feel like we are part of our neighborhood. Our street is quiet, refreshingly enlivened by the sounds of children playing next door, at the park at the end of our street, or while they are bike riding in front of our house. Neighbors stop to chat while they walk their dogs and there is plenty of parking for those 100 backyard party guests.

4. The canal. People who aren’t in the know, might think the canal ride to the main lake is a drawback to living here but it’s one of the things I like best. If you don’t live on the canal, chances are you’d never travel down it and you’d miss one of the unique windows into lake life.

There’s adventure down here. Just ask my son whose annual canoe treks headed towards the headgate at the Tualatin River with his uncle and cousins were always a highlight. The canal reaches a point in that direction where it is no longer navigable by motor boat. They would return with tales of forging their way through brush, carrying their canoe through shallow spots and ultimately reaching their destination after the third year trying.

There’s life in the slow lane down here. Heading out to the main lake, you can’t create a wake so the ride is leisurely, allowing you to take in the sights and even greet your neighbors in their backyards. As you’re heading out, you’re anticipating the adventure ahead and as you’re heading home, you’re reliving the great ride, who got up on the wakeboard or how high your son got the ski tube to fly while he was riding it.

If you’d like to explore canal living on either Oswego Canal or Blue Heron, give me a call and I”d be happy to boat you around and let you see firsthand what I’m talking about. Check out my blog on easements for another alternative for enjoying Oswego Lake without paying lakefront prices. 503.939.9801, kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com.

Posted in Lake Oswego homes, Lake Oswego lifestyle | Tagged | Leave a comment

Over 15 Invitations to Eat Outdoors in Lake Oswego, Oregon

Posted on August 19, 2013 by lovelakeoswego

patio 1Lake Oswegans love to take to the outdoors during the summer, including when they eat.

 Here are some local restaurants that provide outdoor seating. Pull up a chair and stay a while…that’s what summer is meant for.

LAKEVIEW VILLAGE

St. Honoré Boulangerie. Grab a seat on the outdoor patio and enjoy some people watching (especially during the Saturday Farmer’s Market) along with your food. The French baking tradition lives on here with offerings like the croque monsieur and salade nicoise as well as puff pastries filled with all sorts of temptations: custard, mousse and fruit fillings. Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. 315 First Street, Lake Oswego. 503.445.1379.

Blast Burger. Serving up 100 percent prime or Kobe beef patties, this place offers creative add-ons like fried jalapenos and wild local mushrooms. If your team is calling you, dine inside with four big screen TV’s to keep you posted. If the sun is calling you, the patio awaits. Hours: Sunday through Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Happy hour: 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. to close. 315 First Street, Suite 101. 503.305.8088.

Manzana Rotisserie Grill. Enjoy Northwest specialties served up with fresh ingredients along with a touch of the Southwest with choices like the Santa Fe Chicken Enchilada Stack or the Grilled Chili Rubbed Tri-Tip. Outdoor seating is available on the patio overlooking Lakewood Bay. Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.; Friday 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.; Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.; Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Happy Hour: Daily 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. to close. Breakfast served Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 305 First Street. 503. 675.3322.

Zeppo. The menu here caters to your mood: upscale—you can try the Tuscan style herbed salmon or beef tenderloin. Looking for something more basic? There’s pizza and pasta too. Sidewalk seating is a popular place to be on summer days. Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Happy Hour—2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. to close daily. 345 First Street, Suite 105. 503.675.2726.

DOWNTOWN LAKE OSWEGO

Lake Oswego Ice Creamery. The casual fare here is sure to be popular with the younger crowd. Everything tastes better when accompanied by a milkshake made with local Tillamook ice cream or finished off by a scoop of your favorite flavor. Outdoor seating sits right on busy A Avenue but the kids don’t seem to mind. Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Friday through Saturday. 37 A Avenue. 503.636.4933.

Tucci. Regional freshness highlights the Italian cuisine with such favorites as Veal Milanese, Ciopinno and Chocolate Polenta Cake. Patio seating feels tucked in and the lighting at night creates just the right ambiance. Hours: Sunday Brunch 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday; Dinner 4:00 p.m. daily; Happy Hour 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. 220 A Avenue. 503.697.3383.

Maher’s Irish Pub. This is your stop for traditional Irish fare like lamb stew, corned beef and bangers. Oh, and did I mention the beer? Picnic tables strewn across the front and side yards invite casual summer dining (and did I mention the beer?) Hours: Monday through Friday 3:00 p.m. to close.; Saturday and Sunday 12:00 p.m. to close. Happy Hour 3:00 p.m .to 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. to close Sunday through Thursday and 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 352 B Avenue. 503.305.8087.

Gourmet Productions. Outdoor seating is limited but if you can’t find a table outside, pack up your selections to-go and head over to one of the city parks. The deli case is filled with picnic starring dishes such as curried chicken salad and roasted brussel sprouts, many of which are gluten free (and marked as such). Hours: Monday through Friday. 39 B Avenue. 503.697.7355.

LAKEFRONT

Stickmen’s Brewery and Skewery. This restaurant and brew house features an outdoor patio deck overlooking Oswego Lake where you can enjoy Japanese inspired skewers and in-house brewed craft beer. Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Happy Hour 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Brunch served Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 40 N. State Street. 503.344.4449.

LAKE GROVE

Riccardo’s Ristorante. Riccardo and Georgette Spaccarelli have been dishing up Italian favorites like Saltimbocca di Vitello and Spaghetti con Vongole since 1980. Local wine connoisseurs swear by their Italian wine selection. All of it tastes better when served al fresco on the terra cotta tiled patio. Hours: Lunch 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Dinner 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 16035 Boones Ferry Rd. 503.636.4104.

Jefe. Enjoy authentic Mexican style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner from huevos rancheros to enchiladas and tamales. Covered patio seating in the breezeway alongside the restaurant is a great spot to nurse a margarita while practicing your Spanish. Hours: Breakfast 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. weekends. Lunch 11:00 a.m. Dinner 4:00 p.m. 16360 Boones Ferry Rd. 503.635.1900.

La Provence. This place has been hopping since it opened in its new location in the recently renovated shopping center on the corner of Bryant Road and Boones Ferry. Both bakery and bistro seem popular with locals lining up to order croissants, omelets, potato tartiflettes, and pork medaillons. Petite entrees start at $6.50 and are designed to be shared. Gluten free options are available too. Weather permitting, patio seating is always a coveted spot. Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. Petite entrees start at 4:00 p.m.16350 Boones Ferry Rd. 503.635.4533.

Babica Hen. Check out this new breakfast and lunch spot featuring fresh baked goods (including gluten-free cupcakes and muffins) and waffles served all day long (gluten-free options available). Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m Tuesday through Sunday. Closed Monday. 15964 Boones Ferry Rd. 503.636.4012.

Casa del Pollo. If you’re lucky you can nab the very limited outdoor seating where Costa Rican homestyle cuisine is what brings folks through the door. Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday. 15910 Boones Ferry Rd. 503.344.4354.

Giant Burger. I’ve written about Giant Burger’s appeal here before. Check it out for reasons why you might want to sit on one of the outdoor picnic tables and enjoy the burgers that seem to make the local Top Burgers list by food-lovers in the know. Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday through Saturday. 15840 Boones Ferry Rd. 503.636.0255.

Oliver’s. Your go-to place for comfort food with selections that include Oliver’s Pot Pie, Macaroni and Cheese and Aged Beef Ribeye with Marsala Sauce. This neighborhood spot offers patio seating and flaming tiki torches to get you in the mood. Hours: 5:00 p.m to close Tuesday through Sunday. 5405 Jean Rd. 503.697.1054.

Pine Shed Ribs. Christened “best barbecue in PDX” by Portland Monthly magazine, Pine Shed Ribs offers outdoor picnic tables for savoring their popular meat-lovers fare including ribs, pulled pork, brisket, bacon, pastrami, sausage, and chicken. Sauces are gluten free. Hours: 11:00 a.m. until Sold Out Monday through Saturday; Closed Sunday. 17730 Pilkington Rd. 503.635.7427.

Where’s your favorite place to dine outside in Lake Oswego? Share your recommendations with our readers.

Photo Credit: susivinh via Compfight cc

Posted in Lake Oswego Restaurants | Tagged | 3 Comments

Follow Bogie’s Lead: Fall In Love With a Classic Boat at the Oswego Heritage Council Classic Boat Show in Lake Oswego

Posted on August 11, 2013 by lovelakeoswego

SONY DSCWe all know about Bogie and Bacall. But did you know that there was another love in Bogart’s life? Boating. I’m not just talking about The African Queen which co-starred with him in the only movie for which he won an academy award.  Even off screen, Bogart loved to spend time on a wooden sailing boat, Santana. My hunch is that if he was still around, he’d be staying at the Lakeshore Inn this weekend so he wouldn’t miss out on any of the action at the Oswego Heritage Council’s 14th annual Collector Car and Classic Boat Show.

Here are some highlights:

■The weekend kicks off with a vintage water ski show on Saturday, August 17, at 3:00 p.m. in Lakewood Bay. A boat parade will follow at 4:30 p.m. from the Lake Oswego Corporation Docks to the Lake Grove Swim Park. Miss Wahoo, a 1957 Unlimited Racing Hydroplane, will also be on-land for viewing at Foothills Park starting Saturday from 10:0 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and continuing through Sunday.

■The car and boat show runs from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 18 at three venues: George Rogers Park, Foothills Park & Docks, and Lake Oswego Corporation Docks.

■Shuttle service will be running between the three venues, compliments of First Student, Inc.

■Organizers expect to feature over 250 cars and 50 boats so plan on taking your time. There will be 38 boats at the Lake Oswego Corporation Docks just in front of Sundeleaf Park,  a Vintage Hydroplane on-land at Foothills Park as well as  the DUKW (a 2 1/2 ton 6×6 amphibious truck) and classic cruisers like the Rinta, a 1938 Monk Deck Cruiser moored at the Foothills Park docks. George Rogers Park will host several more boats on land as well as the collector cars.

■Youth are encouraged to get involved so the show will feature youth judging for both the car and boat events as well as classic boat models for children to color and float.

■Since the Lake Oswego Corporation Docks will be filled with classic boats all weekend, residents are encouraged to leave their boats at home and walk, bike, or drive to the show.

■Breakfast and lunch will be available at George Rogers Park along with raffle ticket sales for three baskets.

Follow Your Art Unveils New Sculptures Friday

The drapes come off this Friday to unveil the new additions to Lake Oswego's Gallery Without Walls.

The drapes come off this Friday to unveil the new additions to Lake Oswego’s Gallery Without Walls.

The wait is over. The Arts Council will unveil the 15 newest additions to the Gallery Without Walls at their annual celebration this Friday, August 16 beginning at 5:30 p.m. in Millennium Plaza Park.

This year’s theme is inspired by traditional Chinese Festivals.  Millennium Plaza Park will be decked-out with red lanterns and red dragon banners draped from the pergola.  The event will kick-off with traditional Chinese music, and will be followed by a troupe of Ribbon Dancers.  The entertainment will conclude with a rousing performance by two festive Lion Dancers that will no doubt, thrill the crowd.

The free celebration will also include food vendors, children’s art activities, and guided tours of the artwork with sculptors on-hand to introduce their work.

V.I.P. guests (including the event Sponsor, City officials, Business leaders and the Sculptors) will arrive at the event in a Trolley and will be escorted to the stage by the Lion Dancers.

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

4 Reasons Why the Beatles Would Find Their Way to Hot August Nights If They Could

Posted on August 4, 2013 by lovelakeoswego

Hot august nites single reducedIt’s a shame the Beatles will never be reunited, but if they were, you can be sure they’d find their way to Hot August Nights at the entrance to Half Moon Bay on the east end of Oswego Lake this Saturday, August 10, with DJ music starting at 5:30 p.m., concert at 6:30 p.m. Here’s why.

  1. The Beatles were known for singing, “Please Please Me” and that’s exactly what the featured band, The Beatniks, aims to do. Using vintage instruments, they replicate the tunes that made female baby boomers swoon and strike a chord with young audiences as well. In fact they are back by popular demand after last year’s show. Their repertoire includes not just Beatles hits but other favorites from memory lane like the Stones’ “Get Off My Cloud” and “You Really Got Me” by the Kinks. It’s enough to make you want to dance and thanks to a floating dance floor, you can!
  2. They wanted everyone to “Come Together,” and this event makes that happen. The Lake Oswego Corporation estimates between 200-250 boats pull up to hear the music. There are close to 125 “spaces” available for boats to tie on to each other on a first come, first served basis. Other boaters drop anchor. The Lake Corporation encourages residents to “buddy boat,” if possible.
  3. They were known to call for Help! and help is on the way during the concert for boaters who need to relieve themselves. When nature calls, party-goers just need to wave their orange safety flag and a water taxi will wind its way through the boats to escort them to a floating porta potty. Return transportation is provided.
  4. The Beatles loved feeling “Glad All Over” which is how you might describe the audience. Hot summer night, live music, and a beautiful lake setting provide a perfect excuse for Lake Oswegans to party and they make the most of it. The Beatles would be proud.

Want to read more about this event? Check out my posts from 2012 and 2011. And consider subscribing to 52 Reasons to Love Lake Oswego by clicking the “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column. You’ll stay up-to-date on why Lake Oswego is a great place to live.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment