Savor the Last Bits of Portland Summertime
The kids are back in school, Labor Day has passed and summer is coming to a close - but it’s not over yet! The official end of summer is not until September 23, so there is still plenty of time to savor the sweetness of the season.
Even if you don’t have school aged kids, or kids at all, once the school year begins, the tenor of Portland changes. Cars swam around schools in the morning and congestion times shift. Life begins to seem more hectic - but we urge you to take a moment to break from that chaos.
We are often fortunate to have warm weather beyond summer’s close, so don’t let the dawning of fall hold you back from squeaking out some extra summer vibes right now.
Here are our tips for making the most of the season here in the Rose City.
Dining Outside in Portland
Take advantage of the warm evenings filled with gorgeous golden sunlight by enjoying dinner outside.
Whether that’s dinner on your patio, the front porch, the front lawn, a neighborhood Portland park or a restaurant’s outdoor seating, you will surely unwind from the day more easily when dining al fresco.
Putting together a picnic doesn’t have to be a lot of work; everything tastes better outside. Pack your bag with bread and butter (or olive oil and sea salt). Include some snacks, cheese and make a salad. For the easiest option, visit one of Portland’s many scrumptious market deli counters for pre-made salads, sides and other treats to round out your dinner.
Pack a blanket or a sheet and head to the best park near your house. Ditch the phone and sink into your conversation, the surroundings and yummy spread. Feel the summer breeze on your skin (but bring a jacket for later!).
Pro tip: Bring a plastic bag or a washable tote bag specifically for all your dirty dishes and containers. When it’s time to depart, simply toss them all in the bag and deal with the mess when you return home.
Summertime Fun in Portland
What was on your list for summertime fun? What didn’t you get to do? Take a look at your list and think about a few items that you might be able to accomplish before summer is over, even if that means conquering a smaller version of your adventure.
Perhaps you wanted to hike the entirety of the Forest Park Wildwood Trail. That would certain be a large undertaking that lasts all day. Instead, consider a pre- or post-work hike along the Lief Erickson trail from Germantown Road, where you can loop onto a small portion of the fabled Wildwood trail. With Forest Park as gorgeous as it is, this is the kind of consolation prize no Portland can complain about!
The Best Ice Cream in Portland
We believe: The best ice cream is Portland is the ice cream you’re about to go get right now! From Ruby Jewel’s multiple locations with build-your-own ice cream sandwich bars to the famed long lines of people eager to lick Salt & Straw’s unique flavors, there is no shortage of tasty ice cream in this foodie city.
Even the shops that don’t make their own ice cream often carry regional options like Tillamook or Umpqua.
Head out for a stroll after dinner for nearby ice screen, randomly pull over in the afternoon or take a surprise trip after school with the kiddos. Next time you’re house shopping or meeting with your Urban Nest agent, take a break at the first ice cream shop you pass. It’s the perfect way to make important decisions about selling or buying a home!
Ice cream simply tastes better in summer, so don’t miss your chance to grab a few more cones.
Photography Session in Portland
Mark the season with a photo shoot. You don’t have to be a professional photographer to take a great photo with your phone. Spend some time outside with friends, loved ones, family, neighbors and people you enjoy spending time with.
Take turns swapping phones, cameras, asking strangers to take your photo, etc. Afterwards, sit together to review the fun shots you captured. Keep a few favorites and delete the rest (it’s satisfying) - allow those few pictures to speak volumes about time well spent. Post your photos on the fridge, to your social media accounts, the family bulletin board or at your office desk.
What a fun way to remember a summer filled with joy in our beloved Portland, Oregon!