Location, Location, Location—Lake Oswego is Close to Everything!

Posted on February 8, 2012 by lovelakeoswego

Lake Oswego Oregon offers a perfect location for exploring or staying close to home.

In real estate, the mantra is “location, location, location.” Well, if that’s the case, then everyone should live in Lake Oswego, Oregon! Considered a suburb of Portland, Lake Oswego has a lifeblood all its own, complete with two high schools, two junior highs, eight elementary schools, two post offices, record-setting library, city hall, movie theater, grocery stores and more. But it is also conveniently located to so much else the Portland metro area and the state of Oregon has to offer.

Downtown Portland 8 miles*
Portland International Airport 12.2 miles
Rose Garden Arena 9.14 miles
Oregon Zoo 10.21 miles
Interstate 5 4.17 miles
Highway 205 4.65 miles
Multnomah Falls 36.93 miles
Mt. Hood 85 miles
Seaside 84 miles
Black Butte 141 miles
Sunriver Resort 176 miles
Civil War game at Autzen Stadium 104.65 miles
Civil War game at Reeser Stadium 79.06 miles
Nearest hospital 5 miles
Nearest Amtrak station 6 miles
Nearest shopping mall-Bridgeport Village 5.28 miles
Oregon Shakespeare Festival 279 miles

*Distance measured from downtown Lake Oswego

Even if you decide to stay in town, you’re not far from what you need. There are 16 coffee shops within the ten square miles of the town, meaning you can grab a latte on your way to work or to the gym. With seven grocery stores ranging from big chains like Safeway to independents like Wizers and specialty stores like New Seasons, you could even walk to pick up the milk you forgot on the way home. Graham’s Book and Stationery is located right downtown. Lake View Village in downtown Lake Oswego houses national chains like Sur la Table as well as local boutiques like Meringue Boutique and Soletta Shoes. Want to eat out? Trip Advisor lists 86 restaurants in Lake Oswego ranging from Subway to local favorites like Maher’s Irish Restaurant and Pub and Zeppo’s featuring Italian food.

Location, location, location. It’s not only important in real estate, it’s important to your quality of life, and Lake Oswego’s location, both rich in its own offerings as well as close to everything you need, makes living here a great choice.

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Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Subscribe to the Lake Oswego Review

Posted on February 1, 2012 by lovelakeoswego

Lake Oswego, Oregon, is home to the award winning Lake Oswego Review

In a recent report by the USC Annenberg School of Communications on the digital turning point in Americans’ lives, local weekly newspapers were one of the few potential bright spots in the print newspaper’s future. Lake Oswego is in luck because the Lake Oswego Review has been serving this community for the past 99 years. With a commitment by editor Martin Forbes to “do the best in the business in covering Lake Oswego,” here are 10 reasons why you should add yourself to the 5,831 subscribers.

  1. It’s community journalism at its best. The Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association seems to think so, honoring the Lake Oswego Review with 15 awards in its 2011 Better Newspaper Contest. This local weekly earned national bragging rights too with two first place awards from the National Newspaper Association for its L.O. sales promotion section and Perspectives, its annual magazine supplement.
  2. It’s the bearer of good news. Tired of reading about the depressed economy, high unemployment, gloom and doom? Open up the Lake Oswego Review for stories about neighbors helping neighbors, high school students organizing a canned food drive, an Eagle Scout earning his badge and be reminded of all that’s right in your corner of the world.
  3. Perspectives. Once a year the Lake Oswego Review puts out its annual magazine, Perspectives, spotlighting people and businesses based on a theme. In the past the paper has covered: 2008: A Day In The Life, 2009: Best Ever, 2010: Extraordinary People, 2011: Small Business, Big Impact and coming in March: Untold Stories
  4. Police Blotter. You can tell a lot about the town I live in and perhaps the humor of reporter Cliff Newell, when you read the Lake Oswego Review’s Police Blotter. Information is gleaned from incident reports filed with the Lake Oswego Police Department but the flavor in which they are written comes from Review. This stuff is so popular, the newspaper even does a year-end roundup of the best entries. Where else are you going to read that, “A dog was reported to be barking for hours on Lindsay Court. However, as always happens in such cases, the dog was silent when police came to investigate.” It must have been another slow week in Lake Oswego because here was another entry, “A litter bug is leaving bags of debris along Lakeview Boulevard.”
  5. “Lifting the Fork” column. Reporter and food enthusiast Barb Randall has been writing this award winning column for close to seven years which provides a perfect venue for her lifelong passion for cooking. “Dinner wasn’t just dinner in my family,” she explains. “It was an adventure.” She encourages her readers to experiment in the kitchen offering new recipes each week including her 5/30 selections which feature five ingredients ready in 30 minutes or less.
  6. Vern Uyetake’s photos. The Review photographer, Vern Uyetake, seems ubiquitous in this town. Show up to an event, whether it’s a high school basketball game or the Lions Club 4th of July Pancake Breakfast, and chances are he’ll be there chronicling it for Review readers. He has been with the newspaper for 20 years because taking photographs, “doesn’t feel like a job.” His talent has been recognized by the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association but the recognition that means the most to him is when a resident comes up to him and says, “I liked that picture that you took.”
  7. Be an informed voter. Lake Oswego may be a small town but it has its issues like the West End Building or the Foothills development. Read the news stories as well as the letters to the editor and you’ll gain a better understanding of all sides to the decisions you need to make
  8. Help support your local economy. Through ads and news stories, the Review keeps local businesses in the spotlight like the opening of Soletta Shoes in Lake View Village or profiling local business owners like Mike Buck of Gubanc’s Restaurant and Pub. These are the businesses that in turn support our schools and community in a myriad of ways and the Review lets you know the stories behind the storefront.
  9. Price can’t be beat. At $34 dollars a year for a mailed subscription ($32 for seniors), the Lake Oswego Review is a bargain considering the entertainment and information delivered on a weekly basis.
  10. It’s a chance to let your voice be heard. The Lake Oswego Review is a hub for local opinion. Editor Martin Forbes says the hottest topics in recent years have been The West End Building, Portland Streetcar, Foothills development and the move to bring home football games back to the Lakeridge high school campus. Join in the discussion.

Your voice can be heard here too–what’s something you love about Lake Oswego?  And remember, if you like what you read here, consider subscribing by clicking the “Sign me up” button at the top of the right hand column.

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Discover Why Parents Have Camped Out Overnight to Get Their Kids into Lake Oswego School District’s Scholars’ Alliance Program…And Why You Don’t Have To

Posted on January 25, 2012 by lovelakeoswego

The Lake Oswego School District's Scholars' Alliance program involves high school students and their parents in a unique educational partnership that has proved popular with the Lake Oswego community.

I hate standing in lines but my wife and I have done it four times for our kids. Once, to get our son a coveted Wii when stores couldn’t stock them fast enough, and the other was to garner each of them one of the 80 spots in the Lake Oswego School District’s Scholars’ Alliance program.

Billed as an educational enrichment program designed to help high school students hone their critical thinking and problem solving skills, the program is the brainchild of district superintendent Bill Korach. Along with guest speakers and other district personnel, (many of whom volunteer their time), he leads students and their parents through almost monthly discussions on topics ranging from emotional intelligence to human courtship behavior.

There is also a college planning component that intensifies as students progress through the program from sophomore to senior year. High school counselors as well as a private college counseling specialist guide students through the college search and application process, culminating in a wrap-up session their senior year where selected students read from their college essays and everyone identifies the college they will be attending.

In a community where parents are looking to give their kids every advantage they can, it’s little wonder that moms and dads, myself included, have done crazy things to gain admission. With my son, he and I got in line at 4 a.m. outside doors that were to open at 9 a.m. for a first-come, first-served registration. We were third to show up but very popular as we shared our 96 oz. Starbucks traveler with like-minded go-getters.

Fast forward two more years and it’s the day before Scholars’ Alliance signups. I received a call from a friend that the line was already forming outside the District Administration office at 3:00 on a Friday afternoon with registration scheduled for 9 a.m. the next day. By 4:00 I was number 39 in line, setting up a tent for the night and watching everyone’s kids as they set up card tables and started playing cards, turning the line into an excuse to party.

By kid number three, the vigil started at 5 a.m. the day before signups as my wife showed up with a friend and took their 9th and 10th places in line alongside parents who had already spent the first of two nights camped in wait for a sought after Scholars’ Alliance spot. It was probably the first time my wife and I were relieved that we only had three children and not four, knowing our days of staking out our claim in this program were over.

This year the school district has gone to an all-lottery system for admittance into the program, eliminating the campouts and early morning wake-up calls (although in hindsight, they were a hoot). It is fee based and regular attendance is expected.

Is it worth it? I’d have to say, yes. I relished the opportunity to spend a few hours every month with my kid exploring what makes him or her tick. My kids were forced to think outside the box which doesn’t always happen when they’re busy memorizing formulas or learning a language. Each of them got into a college of their choice, and while I can’t say that wouldn’t have happened without Scholars’, it did make the process much more navigable. Besides, I have some great stories to share about what a parent will do all in the name of doing right by his kid.

Got a Scholars’ Alliance story to share? Or a story of some crazy thing you’ve done as a parent for your kid? Leave your comments here. 

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Lake Oswego celebrates the birthday of one of its own: William Stafford

Posted on January 18, 2012 by lovelakeoswego

William Stafford would have turned 98 this year on January 17 and Lake Oswego is celebrating along with the rest of the world.

The Lake Oswego Public library joins with poetry fans around the world this month in honoring its “local boy done good,” William Stafford, who was born on January 17, 1914 in Hutchinson, Kansas, and died on August 28, 1993 in Lake Oswego, Oregon.

In conjunction with the Friends of William Stafford, the library is hosting a birthday celebration on Thursday, January 19 from 7-8:30 p.m. presented by Kirsten Rian, and featuring Skye Leslie, Amy MacLennan, Melissa Madenski, BT Shaw and FWS Board Member Susan Reese. While he won acclaim for his works, including being named Poetry Consultant to the Library of Congress in 1970 and Oregon Poet Laureate from 1975-1989, it is the regard that the public holds of him that the library is showcasing by asking guests to bring a favorite Stafford poem for sharing that evening.

Here are some of my favorite Staffordisms:

Even the upper end of the river
Believes in the ocean
-“Climbing Along the River”

So to you, Friend, I confide my secret:
To be a discoverer you hold close whatever
You find, and after a while you decide
What it is. Then, secure in where you have been,
You turn to the open sea and let go.
-“Security”

The old have a secret.
They can’t tell others, for to understand
You have to be old.
-“Trying to Tell It”

It is time for all the heroes to go home
if they have any, time for all of us common ones
to locate ourselves by the real things
we live by.
-“Allegiances”

Wisdom is having things right in your life
and knowing why.
-“The Little Ways That Encourage Good Fortune”

Leave your favorite Staffordism here to share with readers.

And remember to subscribe to “52 Reasons to Love Lake Oswego” by clicking on the “Sign me up” button in the upper right hand column. Stay up-to-date on why Lake Oswego, Oregon is a great place to live...William Stafford apparently thought so.

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Discover 32 Reasons Why Reading Is Not a Solitary Activity in Lake Oswego, Oregon

Posted on January 11, 2012 by lovelakeoswego

Reading transforms into a community event during Lake Oswego Reads 2012.

The Lake Oswego Public Library’s Lake Oswego Reads program is in its sixth year featuring the lyrical novel, Mink River by Lake Oswego author, Brian Doyle. Set on the Oregon coast in the town of Neawanaka, the story speaks to the sense of community that grows up amid a motley crew of characters from Irish immigrants and Salish descendants to a quirky Public Works Department and a talking crow.

Free copies of the book were handed out on January 9 at the kick-off event, but program organizers don’t expect you to read the book alone. They have scheduled over 32 events that tie in with the featured novel and give you an excuse to do things you may have never tried like operate a backhoe or attend a Gaelic class.

If you plan on participating, pick up a passport at the Lake Oswego Public Library or one of the Lake Oswego Reads events and get it stamped at each event. Passports with at least three stamps can be entered in a drawing at Maher’s Irish Pub on February 29 for a chance to win a Mink River gift basket.

Here are some of the month’s highlights:

FREE TICKETS TO AUTHOR PRESENTATION AND BBQ. Show up at the Lake Oswego Public Library early Saturday morning, January 21 to garner your two free tickets to attend a community “cow barbecue” followed by a presentation by Mink River author, Brian Doyle at Lake Oswego High School on February 8. In years past, these tickets go fast, so although the giveaway starts at 11:00 a.m., it’s best to arrive early to secure a place in line. There is a two ticket per person limit with a Lake Oswego library card. Tickets will be valid until 15 minutes before the presentation on February 8. People without tickets will be seated then.

 ART UNVEILING RECEPTION AND MONTH-LONG ART SHOW. Come see how Mink River has inspired 18 professional as well as local high school student artists as they unveil their works at Grahams’ Book & Stationery (professional artists) and Chrisman Picture Frame & Gallery (students). Meet the author, the artists and their works which will be on display all month long. Thursday, February 2, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. 460 Second Street (Graham’s) and 480 Second Street (Chrisman’s).

OREGON WINE TASTING. Sample local wines and cuisine on Saturday, February 4, 2:00-5:00 p.m.at the West End Building, 4101 Kruse Way.

IRISH DANCING PERFORMANCE. Enjoy traditional Irish dancing introduced by Lake Oswego’s resident dance master, Gabrielle Maher and performed by a group of her students. Wednesday, February 8, 2:00 p.m., Lake Oswego Library, 706 Fourth Street.

LEARN HOW TO SILKSCREEN. Doyle’s wife, Mary Miller Doyle will demonstrate how to silkscreen, using the map of Mink River as the featured image to place on a t-shirt or apron that you provide. Saturday, February 18, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., Lake Oswego Library Downstairs, 706 Fourth Street.

 OPERATE A BACKHOE. Not to be outdone by the Neawanaka’s Department of Public Works which provides haircuts, the Lake Oswego Public Works Department is offering anyone over the age of 16 a chance to operate a backhoe. Department tour included. Saturday, February 25, 10:00 a.m., Public Works Department, 5705 Jean Rd.

GAELIC CLASS. Learn how to toast, “Cheers” (“Slainte”) in Gaelic when you are sipping a glass of wine or mug of coffee by joining Professor Killeen for a one-hour presentation on Monday, February 27, 7:00 p.m. at Chuck’s Place, 148 B Avenue.

IRISH NIGHT. Celebrate the conclusion of  the month-long read-fest at Maher’s Irish Pub which will be offering half price on Irish desserts and Irish beer every Wednesday in February if you show a copy of Mink River, the LO Reads passport of the LO Reads button. Wednesday, February 29, 5:30-10:00 p.m., Maher’s Irish Pub, 352 B Avenue.

A complete schedule of events can be picked up at the Lake Oswego Library or by visiting the 2012 Lake Oswego Reads website. If you didn’t get your free copy of Mink River, the library has copies to check out or you can purchase it at Graham’s Book & Stationery, 460 Second Street, (503) 636-5676. I personally read the book and found it challenges the reader with a James Joycean style, leaving you feeling very satisfied at the end.

What’s your take on Mink River? Why not share your review with our readers. Leave your comments here.

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4 Excuses to Check Out the Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Bus

Posted on January 5, 2012 by lovelakeoswego

Skiers on the Mt. Hood Meadows ski bus enjoy the benefits of mid-week skiing: no driving, no crowds, and the company of friends.

Outdoor enthusiasts were drawn to Lake Oswego in the early 1900s by the promise that it was a community where you could, “Live where you play.” That love for the outdoors is still alive and well among Lake Oswegans and many of them can be found boarding the Mt. Hood Meadows ski bus on Thursdays, starting today, January 5, with the promise of what bus coordinator Linda Hilgart calls, “a mini-vacation in the middle of the week.”

Hilgart has been part of the group for the past 30 years and cites many veterans among the registered list of adventure seekers. Liz Martin is one of them. Despite an admitted fear of skiing, she has signed on for the six week program for more years than she can count. “I’m always happy that I went,” Martin explains. Here are some reasons why.

  1. Mid-week skiing means more runs. “You have the mountain to yourself,” Martin explains. The lines and crowded lessons that weekend skiers must contend with don’t exist for these Thursday escapees.
  2. It’s an easy way to get up to the mountain. Greyhound made the slogan famous, “Leave the driving to us,” but it could just as easily work for the Mt. Hood Meadows ski bus. Lake Oswego skiers depart at 7:45 a.m. from the Rolling Hills Church parking lot on Thursdays, beginning January 5 for a series of six to eight weeks, depending on the package, and head back home at 4:00. Walk-ons are also welcome but should check in with Hilgart first to ensure there is space at skibusmom@yahoo.com. Buses depart from other locations as well, depending on where you live.
  3. The people make even a bad day of skiing fun. The camaraderie of this group is what keeps many of them coming back. There are stories to tell from the snow-banked bus that never quite made it up to the mountain to injured skiers, but the group’s chemistry gives them all a happy ending.
  4. It’s a party on wheels. Calling the trek to and from the mountain a bus ride is like calling the San Francisco Bay to Breakers just a foot race. From the continental breakfast served on the way up to the wine and appetizers on the way home, this is an excuse to have a good time.

Where do you like to get away to ski when Lake Oswego is home base? Do you have any secrets for beating the crowds?

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3 Impressive Ways to Ring in the New Year in Lake Oswego

Posted on December 28, 2011 by lovelakeoswego

Looking for a little inspiration as to how to start your new year off in a memorable way? Here are three “only in Lake Oswego” ideas to jump start 2012.

Our son, Brady, making a mad dash from Oswego Canal to our hot tub at 12:01 a.m. on New Year's Day

Take the polar bear dip. For years, our son Brady, would claim rights to the title of “first in the lake” by bolting out our back door, across our backyard, and into our canal at 12:01 a.m. New Year’s Day before rewarding himself with a long soak in our hot tub. (Unfortunately I could never join him because someone had to take the picture!)

Walk around the lake. You know it’s going to a be a good year when you can clock in a 7-plus mile walk/run through a scenic setting highlighted by lake views and perhaps a hot chocolate or latte you nab along the way.

Tom and Sandi Swinford brave the elements to kick off New Year's Day by skiing on Oswego Lake.

Tom Swinford skiing on New Year's Day on Oswego Lake

Be the first to water ski on the lake. Tom and Sandi Swinford have been skiing on Oswego Lake on New Year’s Day for about fifteen years. “We extend an open invitation for people to join us,” Sandi explains, but there have been few takers.  It might have something to do with the temperature at the time which averages 40˚. Some years it has snowed. But that doesn’t stop Tom and Sandi from each skiing their length of the lake in dry suits. Why do they do it? “We thought it would be crazy and novel,” Sandi explains, “and we wanted to be the first ones out there for the year.” In addition she admits that while she is up on her skis, she feels like “the fact that I can be doing this must mean that I’m still young at heart.”

Do you have a favorite way to greet the New Year in Lake Oswego? I’d like to hear about it. And I’d like to wish all of you a very Happy New Year! Start the year off by subscribing to my blog–just click the “sign me up” button in the top right hand column.

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4 Surprising Reasons to Tour Lake Oswego’s Holiday Gingerbread Houses

Posted on December 21, 2011 by lovelakeoswego

The gingerbread entry from Accessories from the Heart features a jewelry box filled and surrounded by candied jewelry.

The Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department is hosting the second annual gingerbread house competition and 17 businesses throughout town have put their one-of-a-kind creations on display. I recently toured the holiday houses with my family and encourage you to do the same. Here’s why.

  1. It’s a good excuse to get your teenagers to hang out with you. Gone are the days when quality time between my kids and me consisted of going to the playground. So my wife and I have to get creative with reasons why hanging out with mom and dad might actually be fun. Touring the Lake Oswego gingerbread houses got an “okay,” which is a resounding “yes!” by college kids’ standards. Reluctant at first, they were searching out the next contestant by tour’s end and casting their vote.
  2. You’ll discover places in Lake Oswego you may not have visited before. My daughters loved the ambiance of Step it Up Studios, the shoes at Soletta’s (who didn’t have a gingerbread house but were on the route between entries) and had fun sampling balsamic vinegar and olive oil at The Oilerie Lake Oswego. “Who knew we had these places here in town?” my daughter Riley kept exclaiming.
  3. It’s a chance to walk down memory lane. Our family has a gingerbread house history. Look back at photo albums when our kids were young, and you’ll see us assembling the kits, admittedly sometimes with the help of a glue gun (our houses were for looks only, not eating). After that we toured the designer houses assembled by competitive architectural firms which were displayed in Pioneer Place and voted for our favorites. All were good memories. The Lake Oswego House tour added to that.
  4.  It’s a competition. Your vote counts. Sixteen businesses (and the chamber) have put their houses on the market and need your vote to earn bragging rights for the year. They’re up only until Christmas so don’t delay. (Actually, there had already been one casualty when we toured, and one house that was behind schedule–typical of builders). For more information, call the Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation at (503) 675-2549 or you can pick up a map at any of these participating locations:

DOWNTOWN:

  • Maher’s Pub, 352 B Avenue
  • Sixpence Antiques, 519 Third Street
  • World Class Wines, 269 A Avenue
  • The Clothes Closet, 252 B Avenue
  • Graham’s Book & Stationery, 460 Second Street
  • Terrace Kitchen Restaurant, 485 Second Street
  • The Grand Paper, 459 Second Street
  • Step It Up Studios, 101 A Avenue
  • Play Boutique, 464 First Streeet
  • The Oilerie Lake Oswego, 438 First Street
  • Accessories from the Heart, 220 A Avenue, Suite 100
  •  Upper Crust Bakery, 41 B Avenue
  •  Gemini Bar and Grille, 456 N State Street
  •  Frog Pond Toys & Lily Pad Café, 310 N. State Street, Suite 102
  •  Chamber of Commerce, 459 Third Street

LAKE GROVE:

  • Gubanc’s Pub (last year’s winner), 16008 Boones Ferry Road
  • Lake Oswego Hunt Club, 2725 SW Iron Mountain Blvd

If you take the tour, let us know which gingerbread house was your favorite!

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12 Reasons Why You Can Wrap Up Your Holiday Shopping Right Here in Lake Oswego (Part 2)

Posted on December 15, 2011 by lovelakeoswego

Lake Oswego retailers make it easy to wrap up your holiday shopping right in town.

Only 10 more shopping days ‘til Christmas, but if you live in Lake Oswego, there is no need to panic. From stocking stuffers to getting your gift wrapped, local retailers have you covered. Last week I focused on gift shops in the downtown core. This week, I’ll take you out and about Lake Oswego. Discover the treasures that lie right in our own backyards right here in Lake Oswego. And discover the difference in shopping local where small business owners do more than try to make a sale—they try to make a friend who will come back again.

PAPER CAPER. Owner Suzanne Roberts emphasizes service, fun and the unusual in her card and gift selection. Stocking stuffers abound including an entire bacon-lover’s themed section complete with gummy bacon and bacon toothpaste to bacon mints and gumballs. The Lego head lamp is a popular choice for kids and the Frasier Fir aromatic collection of candles and soaps with their heralded ‘smell of Christmas’ fit the bill for the perfect hostess gift. Behind the scenes, Roberts employs two employees eight hours a day to custom wrap gift packages for customers.  Customers buy the wrapping paper at her shop, and her elves go to work, creating works of art that double as gifts. 16829 SW 65th Avenue in the South Lake Center, Lake Oswego. (503) 620-9460.  http://www.facebook.com/PaperCaperLakeOswego

 PASHA BOUTIQUE Owner Heidi Schultz sets out to offer distinctive fashion and gift ideas for women at reasonable prices. In addition to clothing, you’ll find home décor and fashion accessories, many crafted by local artists such as painter Blenda Tyvoll and 14 year-old jewelry designer Tatiana Dyler. For the holiday-minded there are Mod Candy Cane glasses and not-your-ordinary Santa hats. 101 S. State Street, #140G, Lake Oswego. (503) 636-0120. https://www.shoppasha.com/catalog/

PASTICHE FRAME SHOP AND GALLERY. Ramona Martinson’s store is for the adventurous shopper who likes fun surprises. Walking into this eclectic mix of repurposed and new home décor and gift items, you can rest assured the person on your gift list is going to receive something unique. Popular items so far this season include glass lanterns, vintage ornaments and a wide selection of Santas. 16780 Bryant Rd., Lake Oswego. (503) 636-0208.

WESTLAKE GIFTS. In the current economy, owner Cathy Kusler finds her customers spending more time at home with family and friends so she has stocked her card and gift shop with items catering to that trend. If you’re hosting a holiday get-together, check out the musical European party style crackers or cocktail napkins that say, “I’ll be home for Christmas (and in therapy the day after).” Looking for something to do with your kids? Ravensburger jigsaw puzzles are in high demand. There are plenty of choices for tailoring your gift to your recipient. Take your pick from Beaver and Duck serving dishes, ornaments and playing cards. Someone stuck in a job they hate because of the recession? How about the book, 50 Jobs Worse Than Yours to make him feel better. Woof ‘n Poof plush characters are perfect for the person who loves to decorate for the holidays and Kusler offers a wide selection.  14535 SW Westlake Drive, Suite C, Lake Oswego. (503) 684-2535.

YOURS TRULY PERSONALIZED GIFTS. Steve and Shirley Weiss look like elves at work, embroidering one of their hottest holiday gifts—personalized Christmas stockings. Promising a quick turnaround of two-three days, they can put the message or initials you want on just about any metal, glass or fabric. From swords to underwear, they’ve done it. When my son played basketball for the Lakeridge Pacers, they embroidered the Lakeridge logo on a Pacer blue tie which he wore on game day. It was a Christmas present hit. Lake Place Center, 333 S. State Street, Suite P, Lake Oswego. (503) 675-7865.

Where’s your go-to place for last minute holiday shopping in Lake Oswego? Spread the word by leaving a comment.

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12 Reasons Why You Can Wrap Up Your Holiday Shopping Right Here in Lake Oswego (Part 1)

Posted on December 9, 2011 by lovelakeoswego

Holiday shoppers can stay close to home in Lake Oswego, Oregon to find the perfect gift

The bad news: only 16 more shopping days ’til Christmas. The good news: that’s plenty of time because you can find what you need right here in Lake Oswego.

The Lake Oswego retail community offers a wide selection of gifts for anyone on your list. Between this week and next, I will identify 12 Reasons why you can wrap up your holiday shopping without leaving town. There are many more where these came from.

This week, get out of your car and walk the downtown neighborhood in search of these small businesses as well as the good company they keep. Next week I’ll highlight gift shops out and about Lake Oswego.

 ACCESSORIES FROM THE HEART Owner Carol Winston likes to think of her shop as “a candy store for women.” The good news is women can indulge without the calories by choosing from a handpicked selection of distinctive fashion and home accessories. The current hot item?  Echo Touch gloves that are designed with special fabric sewn on the index finger and thumb to enable you to interact with your touch screen devices while keeping your gloves on. Winston carries merchandise from both local artisans like jewelry designer, Deborah Funches, as well as popular product lines like Brighton and Hobo International. Good news for men: women on your list can fill out a wish list and the store will keep it on hand when you come shopping. 220 A Avenue, Lake Oswego. (503) 675-1144. Website.

THE ART SPOT Twenty artists from Local 14 Artist’s Gallery (an association of close to 95 women artists in the Pacific Northwest) have opened up a temporary pop-up gallery in downtown Lake Oswego in an empty storefront rent-free, thanks to the City of Lake Oswego. Shoppers can find truly original gifts including cards, calendars, ornaments, wearable art, ceramics, garden art, whimsical sculptures, glass, and paintings in a variety of mediums. No risk of duplication here…only inspiration. 510 First St., Lake Oswego. (503) 635-0845.

FROG POND TOYS. Local Palisades School moms Mary Langley and Lynn Gleeson pride themselves in what they have tried to establish as a gathering place as well as a specialty toy shop. An in-store café caters to the family crowd complete with kids’ meals, sandwiches, wraps, soup, lattes and scoops of Cheerios at 50 cents each. The draw is the toy selection with this season’s biggest hits including Zibits miniature remote control robots complete with robotic sounds and lights, Squishable giant round stuffed animals, and Spooner Boards that enable kids to practice all their favorite skateboard, snowboard, and surfing moves indoors. 310 N. State Street, Suite 102, Lake Oswego. (503) 697-3764. Website.

GRAHAM’S BOOK AND STATIONERY. The store’s official moniker may be Book and Stationery store, but come the holidays, Teri and Paul Graham offer gifts for everyone on your list. Some of this season’s bestsellers come from their book department: Craft Beers of the Pacific Northwest by Portland’s own Beer Goddess, Lisa Morrison, and Walter Isaacson’s biography, Steve Jobs.  Items in their holiday gift guide prove popular including the talking alarm clock that rolls off your nightstand and on to the floor, talking or ringing until you get out of bed to turn it off; and a three letter golf ball monogram stamper. 460 Second Street, Lake Oswego. (503) 636-5676.

 GRAND PAPERY. Customers tell owner, Lauren Barnes Gaar, that they return to her store because, “I know I can find something here,” and “You save me from going to the mall.” She offers a wide selection of paper goods including personalized invitations and stationery as well as unique gifts. Lake Oswego Laker and Lakeridge Pacer fans can take their spirit on the road with “Logo-on-the-gogo,” logos designed to attach to front car grilles.  Personalization is a theme among many of the gifts, including monogrammed dessert plates and cheeseboards. Stocking stuffer ideas range from conversation starter cards with questions like, “If you had to spend the rest of your life at one age, which would that be and why?” to festive bottle toppers. 459 Second Street, Lake Oswego. (503) 697-4424. Website.

LUCKY ME.  If a woman is on your gift list, owner Denise Cain has done her best to increase your luck of finding the perfect present with her selection of one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, fashion accessories and holiday décor. One of her more popular items? PJ Salvage pajamas for those cold Oregon nights. 385 1st St., #115, Lake Oswego. (503) 636-9595. Website.

R BLOOMS. Each holiday season, owners Richard and Trudi Bloom set out “to saturate the store with Christmas.” Surrounded by Christopher Radko ornaments, nutcrackers, and wreaths made locally by Lake Oswego moms featuring vintage ornaments, it’s hard not to be filled with the holiday spirit while browsing their shop. One of this season’s must-have items is Hot Skwash–velvet pumpkins with natural stems in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. Daria Knowles of West Linn is the designer and employs 20 stay-at-home moms to meet the now-national demand. But you’re in luck–you can find them right here in what  many of Blooms’ customers call “Santa’s workshop.” 449 Third Street, Lake Oswego. (503) 636-5876. Website.

Check back next week for more reasons why you can finish your holiday shopping in Lake Oswego! Better yet, subscribe to my blog by clicking the “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column and I’ll send it to you. 

While I am focusing on gift shops here, I’d love to hear where you like to do your holiday shopping in town. Put in a good word for your favorite business by leaving a comment.

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