Roseline Coffee Is Lake Oswego’s Newest Addition to Its Coffee Shop Lineup

Posted on November 3, 2024 by lovelakeoswego

Wallet Hub recently named Portland the #1 Best Coffee City in America, so it should come as no surprise that Lake Oswego, only 7.9 miles away, averages almost one coffee shop per every 2,000 residents. From national chains like Starbucks to homegrown Morse Coffee, Lake Oswegans are never far away from a caffeine fix.

The newest addition to Lake Oswego’s coffee culture is Roseline Coffee, housed in the former Starbucks location at 16398 Boones Ferry Road. President and co-owner Becky Grosse, explains that over the years many of their customers at their five Portland locations told them, “Please come to Lake Oswego,” so when the opportunity to presented itself, they jumped at it.

With a hospitality-first focus, staff are focused on creating a warm and welcoming experience for customers while educating them as to the story behind the beans. Grosse talks about Roseline’s approach with the passion of a true coffee zealot—”At the core of our coffee program is a philosophy rooted in the idea that each coffee seed (bean) has intrinsic qualities that reflect the essence of that particular coffee – it’s our job to coax out that essence in the roasting and extraction process for the enjoyment of our customers. What continues to amaze me about coffee after all these years is the uniqueness and truly differentiated characteristics you can find in different coffees, whether you are looking for something mild or adventurous.”

As a result, Roseline works directly with small-holder producers and supply chain partners to ensure the integrity of their coffee lots is maintained by milling, transporting and warehousing in accordance with their standards. 

You’ll find all your usual go-to’s here as well as their current fall lineup made in-house by their culinary director, Jed Klingensmith: Pumpkin Frangipane Pie Latte, Black Sesame Caramel Latte, Boo-Berry Latte and Fall Thyme Matcha Soda.

Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. 16398 Boones Ferry Road, 503.809.2890.  

Here are some other coffee shops in Lake Oswego to try out:

MORSE COFFEE COMPANY. Patrons benefit from owner Sam Morse’s 20+-year background in the specialty coffee industry. Every cup is a work of art, both in how it tastes and how it looks—they take latte art seriously here, which if you’re like the coffee drinkers in our family, adds to the enjoyment. There are lots of seating options too so indulge in a sit-down coffee experience. And while you’re at it, take a look around at the art on exhibit. Besides coffee, Sam loves art and is an artist himself (hence that great latte art!). The shop plans to feature work by local artists for free, providing them with another venue to display and sell their art. Hours are 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Sunday. 417 1st Street in downtown Lake Oswego.

LOLA’S CAFÉ BAR. Whether you’re health conscious, vegan, gluten-free, caffeine-seeker or not, this café has something on the menu to satisfy you. And the outdoor patio has been a real hit for coffee drinkers preferring to sit and savor rather than take out and gulp. Breakfast and lunch offerings include healthy-sounding bowls served over tri-color quinoa, smoothies, burgers sandwiches with gluten free bread option and salads that taste as fresh as they look. The café bar has all the usual suspects featuring Nossa Familia coffee joined by some specialty lattes like the caffeine free Blue Butterfly Pea with lemongrass, orange peel, vanilla, butterfly pea flower powder, and steamed milk and the Pink Hibiscus Rose with hibiscus tea, rosewater, cinnamon, ginger, honey, and steamed milk. Come back for Happy Hour and enjoy $1 off draft beer, $2 off wine along with a choice of appetizers. Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Happy Hour: 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. 525 3rd Street, 503.780.8279.

OVATION COFFEE AND TEA. You can tell coffee is king here because the beverage menu lists 53 items. Granted, a lot of them are tea and blended drinks but there’s no messing around with “Eyes Wide Open” –two shots of espresso added to any coffee drink or any of their Moroccan coffees infused with aromatic Moroccan spices. Lake Oswego is home to two locations. The Marylhurst location at 17510 Provost Street, Unit 105 is currently open seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 503.342.6602. The Mercato Grove location at 4055 Mercantile Drive is open from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Check the website for updates.

PEET’S COFFEE. Full disclosure—my wife and I are Peetniks. She actually trained with Alfred Peet back in the day when all they served was drip coffee. If you like your coffee rich and full-bodied, this is your place. Hours: Monday through Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 345 1st Street, Suite 111, 971.236.9140.

KYRA’S BAKE SHOP. If what you have WITH your coffee is as important as the coffee itself, then you might want to try Kyra’s which serves gluten-free breakfast and lunch until 4:00 p.m. Don’t let the gluten-free dissuade you. This place cranks out award-winning pastries, winning the Food Network’s Cupcake Wars four times! There are muffins, doughnuts and cinnamon rolls to vie for your attention as well. Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. seven days a week. 599 A Avenue, 503.212.2979.

AVA ROASTERIA. This is an upscale specialty coffee chain, but on a much smaller scale than the giant mentioned at the end of this post with the roastery and tasting room in Beaverton, and other locations in Portland and Hillsboro. Hours: Open 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the weekends. Located in Kruse Village at 4847 Meadows Road, #147 503. 305.6328.

CAFE MARZOCCA ITALIAN ESPRESSO BAR. Don’t be surprised if you see a Vespa parked out front. This place takes its Italian heritage seriously serving Illy coffee from Trieste and offering a Bocci court and outdoor seating popular during the summer. It also doubles as a wine shop with tastings offered every second Saturday of the month from noon to 3:00 p.m. for $10. Hours: Monday through Saturday from 6:30 am. to 5:00 p.m. and Sundays from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Located across the parking lot from Riccardo’s Ristorante at 16045 Boones Ferry Road, 503.636.5001.

COFFEE PLUS. This neighborhood spot has been helping locals kickstart their day for over 15 years featuring Panache coffee in all its offerings. Loyalists love supporting this local ma and pa business and praise the grilled breakfast sandwiches. Hours: Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m..; Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

HAPPY SPARROW. Want a kolache to go with that coffee? What’s a kolache you ask? It’s a soft, sweet, yeasty bun borrowed from the Czechs and stuffed with sweet and savory fillings like bacon, sausage, cheese, salmon, scrambled eggs and nutella. They are popular enough to sell out so get there early. Hours: Tuesday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Closed Monday. 503.305.5968.

TOO SWEET CAKES. Cakes and pastries are a work of art here, so much so the coffee may take a back seat to the sweet stuff. Presentation is big from the feel of the space to the display case to the artfully crafted coffees. And, having tasted a few morsels, I have to say they have the goods to back up the looks. This place is tucked away off the main drag so you’ll have to seek it out. Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. seven days a week. 5755 Willow Lane, 503.305.8381.

STARBUCKS. What hasn’t been said? You’re either a fan or you’re not. But one thing’s for sure, you’re never too far from one in Lake Oswego.
47 S. State Street, 503.699.8581
401 A Avenue, inside Safeway, 503. 675.4480
3 Monroe Parkway, #2, 503675.9097
8 Centerpointe Drive, 503.624.7065
15645 Boones Ferry Road, 503.635.2266
16199 Boones Ferry Road, inside Albertson’s, 503.635.3429
17779 SW Lower Boones Ferry Road, inside Safeway, 503.675.2500
17771 Boones Ferry Road, 503.534.2938

NEW ARRIVAL! The Cathedral Coffee has opened its doors in what used to be The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (and before that Starbucks) at 1175 McVey Avenue. Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. Welcome!

Consider this your resource for finding out what to do when living in Lake Oswego. Subscribe to my blog by clicking on the “Sign me up” button in the top right-hand column and receive weekly updates.

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What We Love About Lake Oswego in November

Posted on October 27, 2024 by lovelakeoswego

I LOVE MUSICALS. Presented by B.A.B.E., four performers that create improvised shows that bring the audiences input to life in this classic hit of a show. Two performances only Friday and Saturday, November 1 and 2 at 7:00 p.m. on the Side Door Stage at the Lakewood Center for the Arts, 368 S. State Street. Tickets are $25.00 and available online.

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION EVENT. Metro is making it easy for Lake Oswegans to dispose of their hazardous waste by holding a collection event at Lake Bible Church, 4565 Carmen Drive, on Saturday, November 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Bring up to 35 gallons of waste for free (based on container size) including paints and stains, pesticides, batteries, hobby chemicals and more. For a complete list, check online.

FIRST SUNDAY MARKET IN LAKE GROVE. This year’s final First Sunday Market will help you celebrate the fall harvest season featuring fall produce, artisanal crafts, and activities for all ages to enjoy. Sunday, November 3 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Hallmark Drive.

2024 GREAT PUMPKIN TOSS. Why toss your Halloween pumpkin into your compost pile when you can toss it off the training tower at the Westlake Fire Station?! The Lake Oswego Fire Department invites you to bring your non-painted pumpkins, carved or not, to Westlake Park, 14165 Bunick Drive on Sunday, November 3 between 2:00p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to take part in this free, fun event. Participants will climb the tower and toss their pumpkin to a target below. Prizes will be awarded to those hitting the target. In support of Hunger Fighters Oregon, a small food pantry located in Lake Oswego, participants are asked to bring a donation of non-expired, non-perishable food items such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, broth and pie/bread mix.

FIRST WEDNESDAY AT OSWEGO HERITAGE COUNCIL: OSWEGO SUFFRAGISTS: A FORCE FOR CHANGE. Learn about the early Lake Oswego women who fought to better their community by organizing and fighting for voting rights, enacting change in Oswego both before and after woman suffrage passed in 1912. The presentation will help you enjoy this new exhibit even more! Free to attend. November 6 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Refreshments at 5:00 p.m.) 398 10th Street.

A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL. This popular holiday film classic comes to the Lakewood Center Stage and follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker’s schemes to get the Christmas gift of his dreams—an official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot Range Model BB gun. November 8 through December 15. Tickets: $50/Adults; $48/Seniors; $30/Students. Online ticket purchases include a $3 service fee. Lakewood Center for Arts, 368 S. State Street.

LIVING WELL DANCE FEATURING THE MILLENNIUM DANCE BAND. Enjoy the “Big Bands” sounds of the 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s. All ages are invited to hit the dance floor. $7/person at the door. Friday, November 8 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Christ Church Parish, 1060 Chandler Road.

PINTS FROM THE PAST: PUNJAB REVELS OF THE COLUMBIA RIVER. Learn Oregon’s role at the center of two entwined quests for Indian independence and civic belonging in the early 1900s. Tuesday, November 12 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Lake Theater and Café, 106 N. State Street. Admission is free but food and drink purchase is encouraged to offset the cost to the Lake Theater. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; Presentation starts at 7:00 p.m.

HOLIDAY MARKET & BAZAAR SHUTTLE. The Adult Community Center shuttle will take you to various free community holiday markets and bazaars in the area in search of holiday treats, treasures and gifts. Concludes with a late lunch. Saturday, November 16 beginning at 10:00 a.m. Register online. Cost: $18/Resident; $27/Non-Resident.

LAKEWOOD IN CITY LIGHTS. Support the Lakewood Center’s Rising Star and educational programs by attending this annual fundraiser that also doubles as a dinner party! Featuring performances, dinner, auction and a cash raffle. Saturday, November 16 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Ironlight in Lake Oswego. Tickets ($250/person) are available online.

2024 REUNION FARMERS’ MARKET. Many of your favorite Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market vendors return for your Thanksgiving holiday shopping including: 503 Distilling, Bridgetown Mushrooms, Cranberry Kitchen, Choux Pastries, Sinful Confections and more! Saturday, November 23 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Millennium Plaza Park.

FREE OUTDOOR THANKSGIVING WORKOUT. Enjoy a FREE cardio-strength-core combination workout before your festivities begin. Bring a mat. While free, registration is required. Thursday, November 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Foothills Park, 199 Foothill Road.

60th ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING FESTIVAL. Kick off your holiday season with this beloved Lake Oswego tradition. Festivities take place at Millennium Plaza Park, with holiday music and caroling featuring both high school chorale groups, special “crowd immersion” performances from the Dicens Singers, festive vendors, letters to Santa, photos with Santa, hot food, sweet treats and more! The celebratory lighting of the Millennium tree takes place at 5:30 p.m. Friday, November 29 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The holiday season is just ONE of the MANY reasons to love living in Lake Oswego. If you are considering moving to Lake Oswego, please reach out to one of us. As residents and Realtors, we’d love to show you around and help you get to know this city we love.

Kevin Costello 503.939.9801

Riley Costello 971.322.6205

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Best Lake Oswego Neighborhoods for Trick-or-Treating

Posted on October 20, 2024 by lovelakeoswego
This creature greets you in the Country Club neighborhood. And he is not alone….!

From the First Addition and Country Club to Westlake and Bryant, the neighborhoods of Lake Oswego are decking their streets to welcome trick-or-treaters come October 31.

Here’s our annual guide to best Lake Oswego neighborhoods for trick-or-treating. While these neighborhoods have reputations for being the best, you may find surprises in other, less popular neighborhoods. Why? My kids found that sometimes, these other neighborhoods actually handed out more generous servings—from regular to king size candy bars—compared to the Costco fun-size candies because they weren’t as swamped. In driving around town, I’ve also noticed that these less popular neighborhoods also seem to be decked out more in an effort to say, “Come on up! We’ll reward you for your effort!” So, my kids were always sure to incorporate some of these off-the-popular track homes in their strategic planning. Happy hunting!

This flying witch shows up in many Lake Oswego neighborhoods.

WESTLAKE: The biggest haul of my son’s trick-or-treating life was when he joined a group of friends and they vanned their way through Westlake neighborhoods. He came home with over 20 pounds of the sweet stuff. Because of the way Westlake is laid out, flat terrain with homes close together, it’s still a good choice for covering a lot of territory in a short amount of time.

MARYLHURST: Van drop-offs used to be common in this neighborhood too. Since Covid that seems to have dropped off. One Marylhurst resident we know, however, is still supplied for a good turnout with two boxes of Costco full-size candy bars and a Costco bag of smaller candies.

RIVER RUN: River Run’s flat, easy-to-walk neighborhood is another good choice for trick-or-treaters and homeowners do their best to set the stage for bands of trick-or-treaters with spooky decorations.

BRYANT WOODS: Flat with houses close together is this neighborhood’s strong selling point as well, making it easy for little ones to get around and fill their baskets quickly.

MONSTER MASH SPOOKTACULAR. Bring your costumed little ones (ages 0-12) to Christ Church Parish where the City of Lake Oswego has an afternoon of frightfun fun planned with sweets, toys, trinkets, tunes and crafts. Thursday, October 31 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 1060 Chandler Road.

LAKE OSWEGO PUBLIC LIBRARY. The library is also open all day with treats for trick-or-treaters. Thursday, October 31 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 706 Fourth Street.

CHILDS ROAD. Whether you have little ones or not, you owe it to yourself to drive down Childs Road to check out what has to be the most Halloween-decked-out house in Lake Oswego. When you hit the intersection of Indian Creek, you have arrived!

These are just some of the creatures waiting to spook you on Child’s Road.
You can find these spooky characters in the Bryant and Evergreen neighborhoods.

Chime in if you have a favorite spot to take your kids when they’re on the prowl for candy. And be sure to sign up to receive weekly updates of “52 Reasons to Love Lake Oswego.” Click the “sign me up” button in the top right hand column.

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U-Pick Apple Orchards

Posted on October 13, 2024 by lovelakeoswego

If you’re like Thoreau and believe that “Surely the apple is the noblest of fruit” then get your overalls on and your apple picking boxes ready and head out to one of the u-pick apple orchards within driving distance of Lake Oswego.

As farmers at the Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market transition from berries to apples, our thoughts (and appetites) turn to apple cobbler, apple pie, apple cider and juicy Honeycrisps.

September and October are the best months to catch the most varieties available at local u-pick orchards, but it’s always best to call ahead and check to see what’s available before you head out. In most cases, visitors should also bring their own boxes or bags to bring the fruit home in; however, boxes are recommended as they protect the fruit better.

CLOSER TO HOME

SHERWOOD ORCHARDS. This 26 acre farm boasts over 1300 fruit trees and 70 varieties of apples as well as Bosc, Bartlett and Seckel pears. So chances are good you won’t come home empty-handed. However, there is a small crop of apples available this year so it’s best to check online for varieties that are available and hours. And bring your own containers to both pick into and bring your fruit home. Hours: Monday through Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. depending on fruit availability. 23995 SW Pacific Highway, Sherwood. 503.625.7705.

BELL’S ORCHARD. The Fall apple and pear season has arrived at Bell’s Orchard. They have Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala and Jonagold apples as well as Moonglow, Bosc, Comice and Anjou pears. This family run farm takes pride in their “short orchards” featuring trees with fruit hanging low enough to the ground that kids can easily reach them. No ladders needed. Hours: Wednesday 3:00 pm. To 7:00 p.m.; Closed Thursday, Friday and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed Sunday through Tuesday. 24350 SW Farmington Road, Beaverton. 503.313.1346.

BEILKE FAMILY FARM. Located just 30 minutes from Lake Oswego in Brooks, this four-generation farm also offers dwarf trees that keep the fruit easy to reach for adults and kids (although some of them may need to stretch a bit). You’ll find 15 different varieties of apples on this ten-acre farm but be sure to check their “Ripe and Ready” list in advance to make sure your favorites are available. There’s even a sunflower maze you can wander for free! Hours: Monday through Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 4925 Rockdale Street, NE, Brooks. 503.393.1077.

A LITTLE FURTHER OUT

MOUNTAIN VIEW ORCHARDS. This orchard has bragging rights. It made USA Today’s Top 10 list of Best Apple Orchards in the United States both in 2018 and 2020. Set at the foot of Mt. Hood, it might top the list of most picturesque as well. Three generations have been running this operation that grows 125 varieties of apples and 15 of pears. In addition, visitors can enjoy beer, wine and cider tasting. Picnic tables invite you to make a day of it. Hours 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. Tasting room is open daily from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 6670 Trout Creek Ridge Rd., Mt. Hood. 541.352.6828.

KIYOKAWA ORCHARDS. Operating since 1911, this farm claimed the #1 spot in USA Today’s Best Apple Orchards list in 2018. Thirty-eight varieties of apples and 12 of pears are due for harvesting – check what’s available online before you head out. Dogs on leash are welcome.  Hours: Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 5625 Hutson Drive, Parkdale. 541.352.7115.

DRAPER GIRLS COUNTRY FARM. There is lots to like here from the picturesque views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams to the cinnamon-sugar dried apples. Kids will appreciate the dwarf trees that make picking easy and the chance to feed the farm animals. Adults will appreciate the hard cider. Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. 6200 Highway 35, Mt. Hood. 541.490.8113.  

DETERING ORCHARDS. If you’re headed down south for a Beaver or Ducks game, this might be a fun add-on to a weekend getaway as it’s only about a half hour from both Corvallis and Eugene. Besides apple and pear picking, there are lots of activities to enjoy including a kids’ playground, animal corral, saloon and a mechanical bull on weekends. In the fall, the farm adds on wagon rides, apple blaster and corn maze. Hours: Monday through Sunday 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. for u-pick.  30946 Wyatt Drive, Harrisburg. 5411.995.6341.

Keep up-to-date on things to do in and around Lake Oswego by subscribing to my blog. Click the “Sign me up” button in the top right-hand column.

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Pumpkin Patch Fun and More Around Lake Oswego in 2024

Posted on October 6, 2024 by lovelakeoswego
Giant pumpkin races are featured at the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta on October 20

‘Tis the season of all things pumpkin from the colorful pumpkin displays in front of local markets to the ubiquitous Pumpkin Latte found at your favorite coffee shop. But what about a pumpkin cannon that catapults the season’s favorite orange gourds as far as 400 feet away or a pumpkin pyramid? You can find all things pumpkin both edible and fun at many of the pumpkin patches located within a short driving distance from Lake Oswego.

Here are some spots to check out:

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

LEE FARMS.  Located in Tualatin, Lee Farms is also close by. The Fall Harvest Pumpkin Patch Festival is underway through October 31 with lots of activities for kids to enjoy. Admission to the farm is $15 for ages 1 and older with access to hayrides, corn maze, kid activities and animal viewing pen. By purchasing an activities wristband for $29.99, you can enjoy those activities as well as unlimited time on: hay maze, super mega slide, bounce pillow, jump pad, barrel wagon rides and tricycle rides. Guaranteed to wear your kids out! Tickets can be purchased online except for the peak weekends of October 5/6 and 12/13 when they need to be purchased onsite. $25/person from ages 1-64; $20 for Seniors 65+ with ID. Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday. 21975 SW 65th Avenue, Tualatin. 503.638.1869.

FROG POND FARM. This location has plenty to get you in the autumn vibe with a variety of farm activities and attractions like bounce houses, games, and slides in addition to the pumpkin patch and close to 80 animals on site. The farm is open seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $15/person for ages 2 and older. Season passes can also be purchased online. 2995 SW Advance Road, Wilsonville. 503.475.5997.

YESTERYEAR FARMS. Their pumpkin patch is holiday outdoor décor central with a wide variety of pumpkins as well as cornstalks, mums, hay, crates and more. Enjoy four miles of trails throughout their 10-acre maze, competing with friends/family to win a game inspired by Clue and finish it off with a game of trivia about the maze while you enjoy apple cider donuts. 26801 SW Stafford Rd., Wilsonville. General store and pumpkin patch hours are Thursday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Corn Maze hours are 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; while Night Corn Maze hours are 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Maze ticket prices vary by age and time of day. Check online.

PAPA’S PUMPKIN PATCH. Looking for a simpler pumpkin patch experience? Head over to Wachlin Farms, home to close to 50 acres of pumpkins and squash as well as fall décor and goodies. And the farm lays claim to one of the only pumpkin patches that is pet friendly so the whole family can join in the fun. Hours: Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 20345 SW Scholls Sherwood Road.

THE PUMPKIN PATCH. The lineup of fall activities include: the The Animal Barn (free), The Corn Maize ($10 for adults 13 and up, $8 for children 6-12 and free for kids 5 and under. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday), Pumpkin Picking Hayrides ($2 operating daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.), The Cow Train (operating on weekends in October from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at $5 per person), Specialty Food Booths (weekends in October from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.).  15611 NW Gillihan Road, Portland. 503.621.3874:

TOPAZ FARM. If you’re feeling like “corn mazes—been there, done that,” then try the Sunflower or sorghum mazes (great for kids) at Topaz.  Here’s what you’ll find on admission-free weekdays: a market, bar, grill, pre-picked pumpkins, farm animals, hay pyramid, playgrounds, tire swing, and sunflower maze ($8). Paid Weekend activities ($12 per person ages 2+) include hay rides, sorghum and sunflower mazes, cow train ($5), mini-diggers ($5) ,u-cut flower, u-pick pumpkin field, duck races, tractor trikes, horseshoes and cornhole. Hours: Wednesday through Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 17100 NW Sauvie Island Road. 503.621.3489.

BELLA ORGANIC PUMPKIN PATCH AND WINERY. The corn maze comes both regular and haunted depending on whether you catch it by day or by night. Should take you about an hour to complete. Tickets are between $10 and $12 for the regular maze; $30-$45 for the haunted experience on Friday and Saturday nights from 7;00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Enjoy free hayrides to the pumpkin patch. Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on October 31. 16205 NW Gillihan Road. 503.621.9545.

PLUMPER PUMPKIN PATCH. If you want to wear your kids out, this is the place. Activities included in the $16 online admission price ($18 walk up) are the corn maze, playgrounds, animals, walking loops, hobbit house, hay pyramid and access to the pumpkin patch. Pony rides, face painting, and pumpkin and apple cannons are extra. Check online as some activities are only available on weekends. Reserve your time slot online. Season passes are available for $31. Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. 11435 NW Old Cornelius Pass Road. 503.645.9561.

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

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

WEST COAST GIANT PUMPKIN REGATTA. Picture costumed characters paddling 1,000 pound pumpkins in a lake and you begin to get the idea behind the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta held right in Tualatin around the lake at Tualatin Commons. This fun event includes pumpkin races, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin golf, pumpkin tick tac toe, pumpkin checkers, pumpkin decorating, a kids’ costume contest and more! Sunday, October 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Lake of the Commons, 8325 SW Nyberg St. in Tualatin.

And don’t forget to check out Lakewood’s Annual Costume Sale for one-of-a-kind finds to make this year’s Halloween costume memorable! Friday, October 18 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 19 from noon to 7:30 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room, 368 S. State Street.

Don’t miss out on things to do in and around Lake Oswego. Subscribe to our blog by clicking the “Sign me up” button in the top right-hand column and receive weekly updates. We’re Realtors in town and enjoy sharing all Lake Oswego has to offer with its residents and people looking to move to Lake Oswego. Give us a call at 503.939.9801 (Kevin) or 971.322.6205 (Riley). We’d love to help you in your home buying or selling journey.

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What We Love About Lake Oswego in October

Posted on September 29, 2024 by lovelakeoswego

LAKE OSWEGO WINE WALK 2024. Explore downtown Lake Oswego businesses while sampling domestic and international wines at this year’s Lake Oswego Wine Walk. Tickets are $60/person and entitle you to 12 one-ounce pours. Saturday, October 5 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

PRIMATE RESEARCH CENTER AT OHSU DAY TRIP. The Lake Oswego Adult Community Center has a variety of day trips offered throughout the season, but this exclusive group tour will showcase various primate species, their behaviors, and the center’s cutting-edge research on genetics and neuroscience. Participants MUST show proof of COVID vaccination. Thursday, October 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., departing from the Lake Oswego Adult Community Center, 505 G Street. Register for #29066 through the Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department. Cost is $17/Resident; $25/Non-Resident.

FIRST SUNDAY MARKET. This month’s market theme is “Sip & Shop” with local wineries on hand for tasting and purchasing. Sunday, October 6 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Hallmark Drive, next to Mercato Grove.

LIVING WELL DANCE WITH THE MILLENNIUM DANCE BAND. Enjoy the “Big Bands” sounds of the 1930s, 40s and 50s while you strut your stuff on the dance floor. All ages are invited; children 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult. $7/person at the door. Friday, October 11 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Cummins Hall at Christ Church Parish, 1060 Chandler Road.

LAKEWOOD’S ANNUAL COSTUME SALE. Get creative with this year’s Halloween costume by picking up something from Lakewood’s annual sale featuring old costumes, fabrics, shirts and dresses. Friday, October 18 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 19 from noon to 7:30 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room, 368 S. State Street.

FREEDOM TO READ BOOK DISCUSSION: All Boys Aren’t Blue. As part of their Freedom to Read month, the Lake Oswego Library in partnership with the American Association of University Women is hosting a discussion on the themes and impact of All Boys Aren’t Blue, a memoir-manifesto by George M. Johnson. Saturday, October 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Oswego Heritage House, 398 10th Street.

TEEN HALLOWEEN MOVIE MATINEE. Teens can get in the Halloween spirit with a spooky movie, popcorn and snacks all in the Lake Oswego Library conference room. Saturday, October 19 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 706 Fourth Street.

DRUG TAKE BACK EVENT. The City is offering a solution for that conundrum of what to do with expired and unwanted medications. Bring them to this drive-through collection event on Saturday, October 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Woods (Gallagher Building, 17550 Provost Street in Lake Oswego). Check online for a complete list of what IS and IS NOT accepted.  

SIDE DOOR STAGE LOST TREASURES PERFORMANCE. Enjoy an award-winning rarely performed musical without sets or props as part of the Lakewood Center’s Lost Treasures series. October’s featured selection is By Jeeves, October 25 at 7:00 p.m. and October 26 at both 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on the Side Door stage. 368 S. State Street. Tickets are $20 and available online.

THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING: A PLAY. The Lake Oswego Public Library is hosting a performance of Joan Didion’s play about unexpected loss, the power of grief and how we can heal from its effects. Saturday, October 26 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street.

MONSTER MASH SPOOKTACULAR. Bring your costumed little ones to enjoy trick or treating at this cobweb filled celebration complete with spooky tunes and ghostly crafts. Thursday, October 31 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Christ Church Parish, 1060 Chandler Road.

Don’t miss a reason to love Lake Oswego. Subscribe to our blog by clicking the “Sign me up” button in the top right-hand column and receive weekly updates.

If you want to know what it’s like to live in Lake Oswego and buy a home, give one of us a call. We’ve lived here for over 35 years and helped others call Lake Oswego home during that time. We’d love to put our experience to work for you!

Kevin Costello 503.939.9801

Riley Costello 971.322.6205

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Celebrate National Library Card Sign-Up Month By Getting Yours!

Posted on September 22, 2024 by lovelakeoswego

What do a Root Slayer Shovel, free admission to the Pittock Mansion and heirloom vegetable seeds all have in common?

They are all things you can check out of the Lake Oswego Public Library!

September is national Library Card Sign-Up Month and in case you needed one more reason to get yours or make sure your kids have one, here’s a rundown of what our library has to offer.

CULTURAL PASS EXPRESS. Enjoy FREE admission to local venues and experiences includindg: End of the Oregon Trail interpretive Center, Evergreen Aviation Museum, Lan Su Chinese Garden, Oregon Historical Society, Oregon State Parks, Portland Art Museum, Portland Opera, The Oregon Garden and more! Check out all your options here.

DISCUSSION GROUPS. These groups meet virtually on a regular basis including A Bookish Affair for devotees of romance and happily-ever-afters and Building Bridges Book Group to build understanding, empathy and connection in our world through reading and discussing acclaimed works of fact and fiction.

LIBRARY OF THINGS. Explore an array of useful items for borrowing from sewing machines to VHS-to-DVD converters. This is a great resource for those seasonal occasions you might need something or to try an item out before purchasing it.

LOCAL HISTORY. For the budding historian, the library has digitized photos and documents, newspaper indexes, oral history recordings and more to deepen your understanding of this place we call home.

ONLINE RESOURCES. Your library card gives you access to popular online resources like Libby for e-books and audiobooks, and Kanopy for streaming movies as well as research databases like Consumer Reports or the Ancestry Library Edition, newspapers and local news resources, online courses offered through LinkedIn Learning, Mango Languages and Creativebug crafting, and eContent for kids and Teens.

SEED LIBRARY. Grow a green thumb using the library’s seed library as a resource for gardening in formation and free vegetable, herb and flower seeds. You do have to check out the seeds (for inventory purposes) but no, you do not have to return them – hopefully you will plant them instead! More information here.

WORLD LANGUAGES COLLECTION. The library offers books written in or translated into Chinese, Korean and Spanish

And then there’s the programming the library offers. From storytimes and Storywalks to concerts, adult crafting workshops and author presentations, the library’s calendar of events is filled with offerings for all ages.

So make sure you and everyone in your household is a card-carrying member of the Lake Oswego Public Library. Last year the library met its challenge to get 300 more people signed up. They are hoping for even more this year. They will have candy, games, and a chance to win prizes at the front desk for new library cardholders.

And…the American Library Association is holding its own contest in honor of the month, challenging everyone to “Try Something New” at your library. Share that experience with them online and enter to win a $150 Visa Gift Card.

The Lake Oswego Public Library is just one of hundreds of reasons to love Lake Oswego. Discover more by subscribing to this blog. Or give us a call and let us share our experience as both residents and Realtors to help. you discover the joys of calling Lake Oswego home!

Kevin Costello 503.939.9801

Riley Costello 971.322.6205

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Buy tickets now for Lake Oswego’s 10th Wine Walk

Posted on September 15, 2024 by lovelakeoswego
This year’s Lake Oswego Wine Walk looks to repeat last year’s sold-out success!

It’s wine harvest season but luckily you don’t have to travel far to celebrate. Lake Oswego’s 10th Wine Walk is set for Saturday, October 5 where up to 40 downtown Lake Oswego businesses will be bringing the wine to you!

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

  1. Buy your tickets early. Follow this link and make sure you’re in for this year’s popular event. Tickets are $60/person and entitle you to twelve one-ounce pours. By signing up early, you’ll be sure to receive an email confirmation once the wine list has been curated so you can start strategizing your game day timeline. AND you guarantee you’ll snag a ticket as the event has SOLD OUT the last two years.
  2. Make a day of it. Start the day off at the Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market – October 5 is its last day! Grab lunch at one of our downtown spots before the first pour at 1:00. Then be sure and make dinner reservations for afterwards. They’re expecting over 800 visitors so you’ll want to plan ahead.
  3. Check-in early. Check-in opens at 12:00 noon with tastings beginning at 1:00 p.m. An early check-in gives you time to grab lunch in the interim and plan your tasting route accordingly. Put your favorites at the top of your list just in case supplies run out towards the end of the afternoon.
  4. Check the weather and dress appropriately. Past events have run the gamut from sunny and warm to wet and windy so be sure you’re prepared for whatever Mother Nature has in store. And bring a tote bag to hold any purchases you may pick up along the way.
  5. Make sure to factor in some water stops along the way since as good as wine is, it does dehydrate you. You’ll thank yourself the next day for making sure you’re sipping water as well as wine on your walk.
  6. Be adventurous. This is the perfect excuse to try new things—from wines you may have never tasted to businesses you have never visited. The lineup is still being put together but already it’s a quite a list of Who’s Who in the downtown chamber membership roster including: Grapevine, Lakeshore Inn, Lawrence Gallery, Lions Capital Mortgage, Lola’s Café & Bar, Lucky Me Gift Boutique, R. Bloom’s of Lake Oswego, Skin Spirit, Revive Athletics, Stretch Lab, beso bar & bottle, Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty and The House of Rose. There will be close to 40 pouring locations, featuring a total of 80 domestic and international wines.
  7. Take pictures. What better way to commemorate the event and also to remember the wines you really liked! That way next time you’re at the store, you can just open up your photo library and know what you want to purchase.

Don’t miss out on a reason to Love Lake Oswego. Click the “Sign me up” button in the top right-hand column and receive weekly updates to our blog. And if you’re in the market for a house where you can drink all that wine, give one of us a call. We’d love to help make your next move your best one!

Kevin Costello kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com 503.939.9801

Riley Costello riley.costello@cascadehassonsir.com 971.322.6205

Photo credit: Béla Balogh

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Why Living in Lake Oswego Is Good for Your Health

Posted on September 8, 2024 by lovelakeoswego

Two things about Lake Oswego are true:

  1. We have a lot of trees. According to the Urban Forestry Plan, a conservative estimate is that 60,000 trees line Lake Oswego streets, and that doesn’t account for all the trees on private property and public parks. Overall, our total canopy tree cover is about 39% which, according to the State of the Urban Forest, is the highest tree canopy cover in the Portland region for cities of a comparable size.  
  2. We live around a lake.

Put the two together and we have a winning formula for good health.

In a radio interview with WBUR Radio Boston, Dr. Howard Frumkin, a professor with the University of Washington School of Health, started listing the health benefits of trees:

•A longer life

•Better birth outcomes

•Lower stress levels

•Lower risk of heart disease

•Reduced symptoms of ADHD

•Boosts immune system

“Proximity to trees is associated with a broad range of health benefits. I wish we had pills that were this good for health,” he explains.

Luckily for those of us who live in Lake Oswego, no pills are needed. We just need to step outside and take a walk in our urban forest to start enjoying some of those benefits.

And if that walk should take us within viewing range of our lake, all the better. In his book, Blue Mind, marine biologist, Wallace J. Nichols, gives the calming effect water has on us a name—Blue Mind. “Being near water allows us to access a semi-meditative state known as ‘drifting.’ Drifting is a special form of attention where we are engaged with the world around us but not focused on getting something done.”

A study done by the University of California Davis corroborates his theory by finding that just looking at water is associated with a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate and increase in a sense of relaxation.

So there you have it! We have right in our midst, two natural forces to help us live a happier, healthier life. Now we just need to get out there and enjoy them!

Wanting to capitalize on the health benefits of living in Lake Oswego? Give one of us a call and let’s see what we can do to make Lake Oswego your home. We’re Realtors who have lived and worked in Lake Oswego for over 35 years and would love to put our experience to work for you!

Kevin Costello 503.939.9801 kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com

Riley Costello 971.322.6205 riley.costello@cascadehassonsir.com

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The ONE Thing a Good Realtor Should Be Doing for You

Posted on September 1, 2024 by lovelakeoswego

A good Realtor will do more than help you buy or sell your home. A good Realtor helps you make GOOD DECISIONS about buying or selling your home.

What’s the difference?

Keeping the focus on your best interests and taking the right action at the right time which will ensure you are making a wise investment decision.

That’s the approach my daughter and I take when we work with clients. What does that look like?

Sometimes that means talking clients OUT of buying a house that we believe isn’t priced well or will not give them the appreciation they expect.

Sometimes that means advising them to RENT first instead of buying so they can decide they really do like a particular neighborhood.

Sometimes that means encouraging them to be patient and wait for the house they really want instead of jumping at something that is available but doesn’t exactly align with what they’d like.

Sometimes that means telling them what the true market value is of their home, not the price they have in their head that they’d like to get, so they can price it competitively and sell it faster.

Sometimes that means advising them to declutter, paint, repair, update if necessary before they put their house on the market to eliminate possible buyer objections.

Sometimes that means having the hard conversations, telling clients what they need to hear, not necessarily what they want to hear.

We like to feel good after a deal is closed and that means knowing that we have done the best for our clients, putting them in a good position to move forward in their lives. If you’re looking to buy or sell in Lake Oswego or the greater Portland area, give us a call. Let us help you make the best decision about when, where, what, and for how much to buy or sell.

We look forward to working with you!

Kevin Costello 503.939.9801 kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com

Riley Costello 971.322.6205 riley.costello@cascadehassonsir.com

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