Things To See

Get happy, campers.

Get happy, campers.

Here are a few suggested campsites that are just a short drive from Portland with varying levels of comfort to get even the novice camper back to nature

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Swinging Into Summer

Swinging Into Summer

This year spring has felt more like summer than we’re used to here in Oregon, and golf enthusiasts may find their minds wandering away from work meetings and drifting out to the course. Although Oregon has more of a reputation as a haven for sports that appeal to the reckless, that doesn’t mean we don’t appreciate the sport of tycoons and kings. Oregonians are lucky to have several nationally recognized public courses available to them. Widely respected as the best of the best, the four courses at Bandon Dunes showcase the attribute that our state’s reputation is built upon: unspoiled natural beauty. Although the courses are available to the public, you won’t play on the cheap. According to Golf Vacation Insider you can save a bit during the peak season by taking advantage of the second round discount, or you can schedule on the outskirts of the peaks season when packages are available, but not advertised. Looking for something a little closer to Portland or maybe just a bit more affordable? Try The Reserve in Aloha which manages to be both private and public (they rotate availability on the two courses) and includes an on-site vineyard for those who prefer to sip rather than swing. The South Course was designed by a native Portlander, John Fought, who has been recognized as a golfer with two PGA Pro Tour wins, and as a course designer. The South Course is open to the public from the first of each month to the fifteenth, and can be enjoyed all summer for under $100. If you’re more of an armchair golfer, perhaps you’d like to check out the professionals in person. This summer Sunriver Resort will host the PGA Professional National Championship. This is the fourth time Sunriver has hosted the PGA championship, and viewers will have the opportunity to watch 312 players compete this year. Low on dough, but itching to see the pros? Get up close and personal by volunteering. You can even earn a free round of golf for your troubles. Here’s hoping the amazing weather sticks around because whether you golf or just spectate, it’s always better with clear skies and sunshine...

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Cheers To Spring!

Cheers To Spring!

Here at liveinpdx.com, we love beer as much as any Oregonian.

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Get Growing Portland!

Get Growing Portland!

The first day of Spring officially arrives this month, and gardeners are starting to gear up for the growing season. One of the best things about living in Portland is enthusiasm that many locals share for healthy organically grown foods. For many Portlanders, the best way to ensure the quality of their fruits and vegetables is to grow them at home. There is no better place to live if you’re looking for the resources and guidance to grow an amazing garden. Local publisher, Timber Press, has a number of gardening titles that will inspire and inform any gardener.With book titles like, High-Impact, Low-Carbon Gardening: 1001 Ways to Garden Sustainably and Big Gardens in Small Spaces: Out-of-the-Box Advice for Boxed-in Gardeners there is something for every interest, skill level, and outdoor space. Here’s a locals only tip: visit the Timber Press lobby in old town to peruse all their titles and take in the beauty of the historic Haseltine Building. Growing healthy organic foods in your home garden often starts with good, quality seeds. Dedicated seed savers are preserving traditional vegetables and plants through heirloom seed banks. Locally, a group of Oregonians have started The Seed Ambassador Project a group dedicated to providing  information and classes about seed saving. Attend their free Spring Propagation Fair on March 23rd for speakers, workshops and plant swapping. Grow Portland, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Portlanders to grow healthy food, offers a number of affordable classes to get the novice gardener started. They also offer organic seeds to home gardeners at an affordable price through their seed club. Need to bring in an expert? Local company, Verdura Culinary Gardens, will build a custom garden in your yard. They also sell their cedar raised garden beds that come without or without a seat to make gardening even easier. If you’re a do-it-yourself type, they sell plans that let you make your own raised beds. Finally a shout out to Portland’s local government agency, Metro, for providing loads of online resources for all aspects of sustainable gardening. Learn how to enhance your soil with composting, or find options to safely get rid of garden pests. Stumped? They even have a hotline to speak with a Master Gardener for expert advice on your particular garden...

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Oregon is for lovers.

Oregon is for lovers.

Valentine’s Day is almost upon us. If you haven’t yet made plans to wow your Valentine, here are some suggestions for a quiet and romantic evening in three uniquely Oregon settings, all about a one-hour drive from Portland.  Multnomah Falls Lodge Judging by the popularity of Multnomah Falls Lodge as a wedding site, there’s something decidedly romantic about this majestic waterfall nestled in the Gorge. The lodge offers a special Valentine’s Day dinner menu, and this year the featured entrees include dry aged prime rib, wild Alaskan salmon with locally made crab and artichoke ravioli or an exotic Moroccan stew with butternut squash, almonds and apricots.  Bonneville Hot Springs For something a little more indulgent, why not journey just a few miles up the road to Bonneville Hot Springs? They offer a number of romantic getaway packages in different price ranges. If you’re wanting “the works” then you’ll want to check out the Ultimate Romance and Spa Package that includes a dozen roses, a bottle of champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, an in-room massage for both of you, and breakfast in bed the next day. The Oregon Garden There’s nothing more romantic than a garden. A beautiful garden conjures images of by-gone era when love-lorn poets retreated to nature for inspiration. Treat the inspiration in your life to the Sweet Dreams Package at The Oregon Garden Resort which includes a night’s stay, admission to the garden, a 50 minute massage, desert to share, and a full breakfast buffet in the morning. A petit bouquet of roses and tulips, four French-milled heart shaped soaps, and a pair of Moonstruck chocolates will set the mood, and the late check-out will no doubt come in handy! Real estate can be romantic too! What could be more romantic than this NW alphabet district condo? Perfectly situated between Nob Hill and the Pearl District, you’ll be just a romantic stroll away from the best upscale dining, art galleries, and entertainment. Listed by Lisa Owens at Realty Trust Group. Contact Lisa by phone at 503.312.2330 or by email at lowens@realtytrust.com. Want to see for yourself? Contact me for a...

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Timberline Lodge

Timberline Lodge

Nestled six thousand feet up the side of Mt. Hood, Timberline Lodge is a stunning piece of Oregon’s history and a gorgeous example of Cascadian architecture.  For skiers and snowboarders, Timberline offers a long season and plenty of options to get the most out of your lift pass. It’s also a great place to get away for the weekend and enjoy three onsite restaurants and two bars. With Valentine’s Day coming up, why not take your sweetheart up to the mountain? Check out the latest special, a Valentine’s Dinner and overnight stay. You might just decide that mountain life is the life for you. If you are ready to live where the action is, check out this mountain dream home, a magnificent log chalet in the heart of Government Camp.  This property boasts views of Ski Bowl, and the village is juat a stroll away. Massive logs used in the construction provide warmth and beauty. Th centerpiece of the living area is a fireplace with a high efficiency insert. The gourmet kitchen features granite counters, and knotty pine cabinets. Take in the beautiful views from three balconies/decks. Use as rental property when you’re not there!   Email or call me to find out more!...

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