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.

Posted in Seasons in Lake Oswego | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

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.

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

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

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

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

Posted in Lake Oswego Library | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

Posted in buying a home in Lake Oswego Oregon | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Why We Love Lake Oswego in September

Posted on August 25, 2024 by lovelakeoswego

LOBSTER AND CLAM BAKE. Take advantage of summer weather and get tickets for one of Zupan’s four-course Dinners in the Breezeway. Lobster and Clam Bake usually sells out! Saturday, September 7 at 6:00 p.m. 16380 Boones Ferry Road. $150/person. Buy tickets online.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FAIR. Be prepared for anything with the help of the city’s Emergency Preparedness Fair in honor of National Preparedness Month. Thursday, September 5 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Lake Oswego City Hall and upper parking lot, 380 A Avenue. Highlights include:

•Big Shaker Earthquake Simulator that recreates the intense shaking of an 8.0 earthquake.

•Hands-only CPR training

•Water container and bag giveaway in addition to information on water storage and emergency food options, emergency supply kits, pet preparedness, portable sanitation and seismically retrofitting your home

•Water shut-off demonstration

•Fire obstacle courage to practice safely exiting your home during a fire

•Meet the LOPD’s K9 Team(s)

TREE WORKSHOPS. The City is sponsoring two tree workshops this month on the Tree Protection Plans and Tree Code Violations (September 12 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Lake Oswego City Hall Council Chamber, 380 A Avenue) and Tree Pruning (September 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Foothills Park Pavilion, 199 Foothills Road). Register for both.

CULTURAL XCHANGE FESTIVAL. This multicultural festival features traditional dance and music performances, artisan and food vendors, nonprofits and more! Bring the whole family! Sunday, September 15 from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Millennium Plaza Park, 200 1st Street.

GALLERY WITHOUT WALLS ROTATING EXHIBIT CELEBRATION. Celebrate the newest additions to the city’s Gallery Without Walls on display for a two-year rotation. Saturday, September 21 from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Arts Council of Lake Oswego, 380 A Avenue, Suite A.

BORDEAUX DINNER IN THE BREEZEWAY. Enjoy an all-inclusive four-course dinner, plus wine pairings outdoors in Zupan’s breezeway. Saturday, September 21 at 6:00 p.m. 16380 Boones Ferry Road. $150/person. Buy tickets online.

WELLNESS FAIR. The cities of Lake Oswego and West Linn are joining forces to present a day of mini-demonstrations, exhibits and connections to help residents learn more about the health and wellness opportunities in our communities. Sunday, September 29 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Millennium Plaza Park, 200 1st Street.

LO WINE WALK 2024. The event isn’t until October 5th but it’s never too early to buy your tickets  as last year’s walk sold out! There will be up to 40 pouring locations offering close to 8p international and domestic wines to choose from. Your $60 ticket gets you 12 one-ounce tastings. Buy your tickets online. Saturday, October 5 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Watch here for more details.

Don’t miss a reason to love Lake Oswego! Subscribe to our blog and get weekly updates.

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

End of Summer Bucket List for Lake Oswego

Posted on August 18, 2024 by lovelakeoswego

Looking for ways to squeeze more fun for your family during the last days of summer vacation? Amber Hambrick, the City’s Behavioral Health Specialist has put together a list of over 60 fun things to do to keep the kids happy and parents from going crazy. They include:

TAKE A NATURE WALK. Pair it with some storytime by visiting West Waluga Park and taking in the latest StoryWalk® installation, “Like You, Like Me” by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw one step at a time. 15775 Waluga Drive.

MAKE S’MORES. Looking for a way to upgrade your s’mores experience? Visit 1927 S’mores Company in Portland where the summer s’more lineup includes PB&J, Lemon Berry and Lemon Poppy seed as well as the classics. 1126 SW Alder Street.

MAKE A TREASURE HUNT. Read one of my earlier blogs for a scavenger hunt itinerary right here in Lake Oswego.

PICNIC AT A PARK. You’ll find a great list of suggestions on this blog – add Foothills Park to the picnic table list at 199 Foothills Drive. Or how about a picnic breakfast? Maybe picnics are ho-hum for dinner, but breakfast? Now your kids will think you’ve come up with a cool idea. You can pick up something yummy at La Provence, St. Honoré or Kyra’s Bake Shop, make a coffee stop at Ovation or Morse, and then head over to one of the parks on that list!

Here are a couple of my suggestions.

REDO DAY. This one might take a little planning but have everyone submit their favorite memories from this summer and then see how many of them you can incorporate into one day. Maybe stipulate it has to be memories created in and around Lake Oswego to keep it feasible.

LAST CHANCE DAY. Instead of repeating things you’ve already done, here’s everyone’s chance to cast their vote for doing something they haven’t had a chance to do yet this summer. Maybe you’ve been meaning to try one of those smoothies from Lola’s Café Bar or visit one of our swim parks before they close. Or you haven’t gotten around yet to checking out the newer lower soft trail at Iron Mountain Park that intersects with the Iron Mountain/Springbrook Park Loop. The time for procrastinating is gone—just do it!

House hunting can also be a fun way to see the summer out and we’re happy to oblige by showing you and your family around. Just give us a call or email us. We’d love to help!

Kevin Costello 503.939.9801 kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com

Riley Costello 971.322.6205 riley.costello@cascadehassonsir.com

Posted in buying a home in Lake Oswego Oregon, Summer in Lake Oswego, Things to Do in Lake Oswego | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

What Lake Oswego and Rome Have in Common

Posted on August 11, 2024 by lovelakeoswego

My wife and I recently returned from three weeks traveling to some of Europe’s most beloved cities including Lisbon, Seville and Rome. We were not alone. The summer crush was on and we considered people-watching as much an activity as sightseeing.

What we saw were people enjoying the exploration of a new place and being sure to document it. The lineup of selfie-takers at the Trevi Fountain never let up from sunrise to sundown.

And we found ourselves asking, what makes a city great? Of course these cities have history and amazing food but what else is at work that serves almost as a magnet to draw visitors as well as residents in.

According to urban planner Alex Garvin, it’s “the public realm—streets, squares, parks.” In other words, the spaces that belong to all of us.

Which made us think of Lake Oswego.

We certainly don’t have the size or the history of a European city but we do have 645 acres of Parks properties at over 36 different sites. And we have Millennium Plaza Square which is anchored by the Fortuna sculpture/fountain as well as the one located down the steps on State Street and is the site of a wide variety of programming from the Farmers’ Market to concerts to outdoor movies to Christmas tree lighting.

Garvin goes on to explain the six steps to create these amazing spaces that make a city great.

  1. They need to be open to anyone. Just take a look at the cross-section of people who gather at the summer Farmers’ Market and you’ll see we meet that criterion.
  2. They need to have something for everyone. From Santa visits in December to moonlight concerts in the summer, the age range is covered.
  3. They need to attract and maintain demand. Every year the reserved spots for the horse-drawn carriage rides leaving from Millennium Plaza sell out. The Star Spangled Celebration on the 4th of July draws crowds in to enjoy musical entertainment, a pie-eating contest and more. If the City of Lake Oswego plans it, they will come.
  4. They need a framework for urbanization, to allow for surrounding development. Lakeview Village with its restaurants and shops gives visitors another reason to explore. And the North Anchor Project will be another extension of the life Millennium Plaza breathes into our city. Admittedly with A Avenue running right through this urban core, the walkability that European centers offer cannot be replicated; however, the City has a vision for doing the best with how the city is laid out.
  5. They need to be a sustainable, living environment. Thanks to our wonderful Parks and Recreation staff and maintenance crew, the park is well-maintained and inviting to all who visit.
  6. They need to nurture a civil society. By bringing people together, the park does just that as well as with the programming it provides like the recent Juneteenth celebration and the upcoming Cultural Xchange Festival in September.

Lake Oswego is a great place to live. Take it from us. We’ve lived and worked here for over 30 years and would love to help you call Lake Oswego home. Please reach out.

Kevin Costello kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com 503.939.9801

Riley Costello riley.costello@cascadehassonsir.com 971.322.6205

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