Best Of Portland

Portland's Coolest Rooftop And Open Air Dining

Aquariva – 0470 SW Hamilton Court, Portland, OR 97239. Lovely terrace on the bank of the Willamette River, just on the edge of the South Waterfront.

Bluehour – 250 NW 13th Ave, Portland. Popular tables on raised loading dock, side street.

Clark Lewis – 1001 SE Water Ave #160 97214. No patio as such, but a wall of rollup doors. 

Departure – 525 SW Morrison, Portland 97204. “Lauded as one of the best outdoor patios in Portland, Departure offers modern Asian cuisine in a sleek, cosmopolitan setting. Perched atop The Nines Hotel in downtown Portland, it boasts sweeping views of the city, mountains and river. Departure is Portland’s one-of-a-kind, sky-high retreat for quick bites, leisurely dining, or an evening of global cocktails. To best enjoy the rooftop scene, visit for a sunset dinner or happy hour 4-6pm daily.

Goose Hollow Inn – 1927 SW Jefferson St., Portland 97201. Very popular outdoor eating/deck. Mixed sun/shade.

Henry’s Tavern – 10 NW 12th Ave, Portland. Courtyard patio.

Jake’s Famous Crawfish – 401 SW 12th Ave, Portland 97205. Street side tables.

Jake’s Grill – 611 SW 10th ave, Portland 97205. Street side tables.

820/Mint– 820 N. Russell, Portland. Really nice private deck.

McCormick & Schmick’s Harborside at the Marina – tables overlooking the river. 0309 SW Montgomery, 97201

McMenamin’s Edgefield – 2136 SW Halsey St, Troutdale 97060. Private gardens/patios

McMenamin’s Kennedy School – 5736 N.E. 33rd Ave, Portland 97211. Enclosed patio area.

Meriwether’s – 2601 NW Vaughn St, Portland. Huge, lush garden patio out back, completely separate from the street. A lovely place to enjoy a leisurely breakfast.

Ned Ludd – 3925 NE MLK Blvd, Portland 97212. “American craft kitchen Ned Ludd, will open the patio weather permitting and serve its wood fired seasonal menu that draws from the bounty of Oregon and the greater Northwest region. Intentional and engaging, the menu features a diverse selection of fresh local ingredients from Roasted Trout to Spiced Roasted Beets.

Noble Rot – 1111 E. Burnside, Portland 97214. 4th floor rooftop patio with a great view of the city.

Pok Pok – 3226 SE Division St, Portland. Patio.

Ringside Steakhouse – 14021 NE Glisan St., Portland 97230. Enclosed patio overlooking 10th hole at Glendover golf course, with fire-pits and big umbrellas.

Rose and Thistle Pub – 2314 NE Broadway, Portland 97232. “Sweet little beer garden/patio in back.

Salty’s on the Columbia – 3839 NE Marine Drive, Portland 97211. Nice deck on the water.

Screen Door – 2337 E. Burnside, Portland 97214. Patio on the side street.

Three Degrees Waterfront Bar & Grill – Riverplace Hotel 1410 SW Harbor Way, Portland 97201. “Our dining room features a terrace that overlooks the esplanade with a view of the Willamette river. We also have a bar patio featuring a view of the river, and rocking chairs with heaters.”

Veritable Quandary – 1220 SW First Ave, Portland 97204. Nice enclosed patio.

Summer Festivals & Events Annual Bucket List - Portland, Oregon

May & June

• Portland Farmers Market through November 2015
• Portland Rose Festival, May-July 10, Portland
• Sheridan Days, June 11-14, Sheridan
• Portland Scandinavian Midsummer Festival, June 13, SE Portland
• Berry Jam Festival, June 21, NW Portland
• Tigard Festival of Balloons, June 26 – 28, Tigard
• Portland International Beerfest, June 26-28, Portland (Lloyd District)
• Zoo Jazz June 27 through September 6, 2015
• Newberg Drive-in Opens!
• Enchanted Forest remains open through September

July

• Molalla Buckeroo, June 27-July 4, Molalla
• St. Paul Rodeo, July 1-4, St. Paul
• Waterfront Blues Festival, July 2-5, Downtown Portland
• Big Screen On The Green July 8 through September 11, 2015
• Rainier Days in the Park, July 9-12, Rainier
• Fireworks Over Detroit Lake July 11, 2015
• Mississippi Ave Street Fair, July 11, North Portland
• Oregon Lavender Festival, July 11-12, tons of locations
• Sandy Mountain Festival, July 11-12, Sandy
• Columbia County Fair & Rodeo, July 15-19, St. Helens
• Top Down Rooftop Cinema July 16 through August 27, 2015
• Northwest String Summit, July 16-19, North Plains
• Oregon Berry Festival, July 17-18, Portland
• West Linn Old Time Fair, July 17-19, West Linn
• Robin Hood Festival, July 17-19, Sherwood
• Oregon International Air Show, July 17-19, Hillsboro
• Cathedral Park Jazz Festival, July 17-19, Portland (St. John’s)
• Portland Highland Games, July 18, Gresham
• Hood River County Fair, July 22-25, Hood River
• Oregon Brew Fest, July 22-26, Downtown Portland
• Flicks On The Bricks July 24 through August 21, 2015
• Estacada Summer Celebration, July 24-25, Estacada
• Damascus Day in the Park, July 25, Damascus
• Washington County Fair, July 30-August 2, Hillsboro
• Newberg Old Fashioned Festival, TBD, Newberg

August

• Yamhill County Fair & Rodeo, July 29-August 1, McMinnville
• Pickathon, July 31-August 2, Happy Valley
• Tualatin Crawfish Festival, July 31-August 2, Tualatin
• Clatskanie Bluegrass Festival, August 7-9, Clatskanie
• The Bite of Oregon, August 7-9, Downtown Portland
• Elephant Garlic Festival, August 7-9, North Plains
• Celebrate Hillsboro, August 8, Hillsboro
• Alberta Street Fair, August 8, NE Portland
• Multnomah Days, August 15, SW Portland
• PDX Adult Soapbox Derby, August 15, SE Portland
• Seaport Celebration, August 15, Port of Portland
• Hawthorne Street Fair, August 16, SE Portland
• Canby Rodeo, August 18-22, Canby
• Clackamas County Fair, August 18-23, Canby
• Musicfest NW, August 21-23, Downtown Portland
• Dive-in movies August 22 through August 26, 2015
• Festa Italiana, August 27-29, Downtown Portland

September

• Oregon Brews & BBQs, September 11-13, McMinnville
• Belmont Street Fair, September 12, SE Portland
• Sauerkraut Festival, TBD, Scappoose
• Polish Festival, TBD, North Portland

SW WASHINGTON

• Planter’s Days, June 18-21, Woodland
• Go Fourth Celebration, July 2-4, Longview
• SandSations Sandcastle Festival, July 15-18, Long Beach
• Castle Rock Fair, July 16-18, Castle Rock
• Kalama Community Fair, July 16-18, Kalama
• Battle Ground Harvest Days, July 18, Battle Ground
• Cowlitz County Fair, July 22-25, Longview
• Ho’ike & Hawaiian Festival, July 23-25, Vancouver
• Clark County Fair, August 7-16, Ridgefield
• Skamania County Fair & Timber Carnival, August 12-16, Stevenson
• Washington State International Kite Festival, August 17-23, Long Beach
• Southwest Washington Fair, August 18-23, Chehalis
• Vancouver International Food Fest (formerly Vancouver Sausage Fest),  September 12-13, Vancouver
• Bald Eagle Days Festival, TBD, Cathlamet

OREGON COAST

• Siletz Bay Music Festival, June 24-July 5, Lincoln City
• Clamboree, June 27, Coos Bay
• Lincoln City Summer Kite Festival, June 27-28, Lincoln City
• Oregon Coast Music Festival, July 11-25, Coos Bay
• Coos County Fair, July 21-25, Myrtle Point
• Clatsop County Fair, July 28-August 1, Astoria
• Tillamook County Fair, August 5-8, Tillamook
• Vernonia Friendship Jamboree & Logging Show, August 7-9, Vernonia
• Bandon Cranberry Festival, September 11-13, Bandon

WILLAMETTE VALLEY

• Carlton Fun Days, June 26 -27, Carlton
• World Beat Festival, June 27-28, Salem
• Philomath Frolic & Rodeo, July 9-12, Philomath
• Marion County Fair, July 9-12, Salem
• Oregon Country Fair, July 10-12, Veneta
• Linn County Fair, July 15-18, Albany
• Bohemia Mining Days, July 16-19, Cottage Grove
• Canterbury Renaissance Faire, July 18-19, 25-26, Silverton
• Lane County Fair, July 22-26, Eugene
• Dallas Summerfest, July 23-26, Dallas
• Great Oregon Steam-Up, July 25-26, August 1-2, Brooks
• Benton County Fair & Rodeo, July 29-August 1, Corvallis
• Homer Davenport Community Festival, August 7-9, Silverton
• Oregon Festival of American Music, August 7-16, Eugene
• Polk County Fair, August 6-8, Rickreall
• Scandinavian Festival, August 6-9, Junction City
• Northwest Art & Air Festival, August 21-23, Albany
• Oregon State Fair, August 28-September 7, Salem
• Corn Festival, August 29, Aumsville
• Sublimity Harvest Festival, September 11-13, Stayton
• Shrewsbury Renaissance Fair, September 12-13, Kings Valley
• Mt. Angel Oktoberfest, September 17-20, Mt. Angel
• Corvallis Fall Festival, September 26-27, Corvallis
• da Vinci Days, TBD, Corvallis

SOUTHERN OREGON

• Southern Oregon Kite Festival, July 18-19, Brookings
• Jackson County Fair, July 22-26, Central Point
• Douglas County Fair, August 5-8, Roseburg
• Klamath County Fair & The PRCA Rodeo, August 13-16, Kalamath Falls
• Sutherlin Blackberry Festival, August 14-16, Sutherlin
• Josephine County Fair, August 19-22, Grants Pass
• Children’s Festival, TBD, Jacksonville

Old glory! 4th of July visual inspiration guaranteed to bring-out the patriot in just about anyone.

 

Found on pinterest.

 

 

Vintage Room Design Inspiration by Timothy Oulton.  Click Here for more info.

 

Beach Chairs

Click Here fore more details.

 

Vinyl Wall Art Decal Sticker Statue of Liberty Huge (BLACK color) 8ft X 5ft #122

Click Here for details on Amazon.com

 

Americana Old Fashioned USA Flag Swag Bunting.

Click Here for more details on Amazon.com

 

Long-tie tufting reads as flaxen fireworks on this statement piece from CL’s collection for French Laundry Home. ($1,799; 336- 883-2680; use CL30 for discount)

 

A triumph of Franco-American design, this painted cherrywood indulgence fuses Louis XV styling with a Betsy Ross–era flag. ($1,450; 531⁄2"W x 331⁄2"H x 18"D; French Heritage, 800-245-0899)

Read more: Patriotic Decorations - Red White and Blue Decor - Country Living

 

 

Click Here to peruse Joss & Main.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click Here to order one on Amazon.com now!

 

We're wishing you and your family smooth sailing this 4th of July!

Picnic like a pro!

 

1. “The Definitive Picnic Kit” (things every picnic basket should include):  Salt, pepper, sugar, a small all-purpose knife, a corkscrew, a can opener, matches, paper towels, trash bags, wet wipes, bug repellent and sunscreen.
2. Keep Your Cool: Lightweight, soft-sided coolers are the most convenient.  My favorites have a metal frame on wheels. They keep the food just as cold as the heavy, rigid ones and they are lighter and fold up for storage! I’ve found nice ones at club stores.
3. Made In The Shade: Since picnics are rarely held in cool weather (intentionally), a lightweight, folding umbrella is a must.  At the very least, to shade the food and, at the very best, some of the guests as well.
4. Ice-packs: Purchase several flexible, re-usable ones—they’re the best for picnics (and also useful for sprained ankles.) . These are filled with a re-freezable gel and are most common in a 4”x 8” size that has a chilling effect equal to a 2-pound bag of ice. This is a very sustainable choice for chilling.
5. Cell Phone: Essential for any well-organized picnic planner (as if it would ever be out of your pocket, anyway)
6. Flexible Cutting Board: Always pack two. They take up practically no room and will prove indispensable.
7. Lightweight, Folding Chairs: Great for anyone who isn’t comfortable sitting on the ground. Since it’s not practical to tote one for everyone, they are a VIP item.
8. A plastic, child’s game table or two. You will use them over and over as a small buffet or worktable whether on the beach or in a park.
9. Good looking, re-usable plastic tumblers and stemmed wine glasses.  Glass is often impractical and flimsy plastic glassware can sap the elegance right out of a special meal. This is also the most sustainable choice.
10. A basket of pretty paper or lace fans is a practical décor element. Paper umbrellas are  nice touch,too.  All of these can be used over and over.
11. Build a collection of lengths of washable fabric in beautiful patterns (at least 4 yards each) to drape around tables or coolers and from tree to tree to create privacy.  Find this at tag sales.
12. Purchase used comforters at tag sales or rummage sales that may not be good enough for a bedroom but that make sweet picnic blankets.
13. Pack condiments in small containers rather than taking whole jars.
14. Pack everything possible in light, flexible, heavy-duty Ziploc bags. Take them home to rinse and re-use.
15. Pre-cut easy finger-food sized portions.  Perfect picnic food is easy to eat without utensils.
16. Take citronella candles to ward off flying insects.
17. Food tents or covers (a rigid frame covered with net, large enough to cover 1 platter or bowl) are excellent to keep flies and hornets out of the potato salad. With these you won’t be tempted to use toxic sprays.  These are available in various sizes, either rigid or collapsible, at kitchenware and hardware stores such as Sur La Table and Williams-Sonoma.
18. Pack the ice for beverages in heavy-duty plastic bags and tuck it around the food.  That way it serves double duty—chilling the food until you need it for drinks.
19. Put the cooler inside the car (where the air conditioning is running) not in the hot trunk.
20. If the picnic is being held in a private area, a portable iPod player is a wonderful way to add Chopin or Cold Play to lunch.  Skip this touch if others might be disturbed by your tunes.

Witness a riverlution as hundreds of brave souls form a human flotilla of inner tubes and other watercraft and valliantly sail across the Willamette River in the Willamette Riverkeeper's annual "Big Float" on July 29, 2012

 

Open to all ages, the event begins with a parade. Floaters gather near the east entrance of the Hawthorne Bridge, then carry or wear their flotation devices across the bridge and march south along Waterfront Park to the put-in point at the beach area beneath the Marquam Bridge. Folks then safely cross the river (takes about an hour) and land on the east bank at Hawthorne Cove. This newly created beach area, open for public swimming, was formed by TBF volunteers as part of the Human Access project and Willamette Riverkeeper’s Great Willamette Cleanup.

A Great Crossing celebration will be held following the float with live music by local bands, plus food carts, exhibits and sponsor booths.

Music eventOn The Big Float river barge: 
Violet Isle 1:15 - 2:45 pm

At The Big Float after-party:
Black Lilies  2:45 - 4:15 pm
Tango Alpha Tango  4:15 - 5:45 pm

Click Here for more details.

U.S. News and Saveur magazine rated Portland, Oregon's farmers' market one of the best in the nation!

If you haven't noticed, farmers' markets aren’t just for chefs anymore. Yes, culinary artists have always perused local stands for the freshest ingredients, but the last few years have ushered in throngs of curious foodies following their taste buds to wild berries and fresh greens. And with an eclectic array of markets now featuring ripe fruits and veggies, it's hard not to indulge our inner foodies and race to the stalls, too.

Based on reputation, versatility, online user reviews, and overall atmosphere, U.S. News Travel rounded up America's 11 best farmers' markets.

Click Here to see the full line-up of the nation's best farmer's markets.  Click Here to connect with Portland's farmers' market online.

"Sure, Seattle has plenty of farmers' markets that delight and dazzle. But Portland's sprawling Saturday market, laid out over the central grounds of Portland State University, is a gem. Maybe it's about being in a new city, and seeing things through the lens of a starry-eyed visitor. Maybe it's the Pinestate Biscuits that tip the scales. No matter. The sun shone bright through Portland's leafy trees. From blocks away as we approached, we passed happy customers with their bags laden with flats of berries and their arms wrapped around generous bunches of dahlias. But for all that tempted, nothing could compare with the fresh baby artichokes on sale for $5 a bag."

Click Here to read Saveur's/ A.V. Crofts synopsis.  A.V. writes from Seattle and hosts the website Pepper for the Beast.

The Best Of Portland would like to give a big shout-out to FeastWorks Catering & Charcuterie...for their fantastic chicken liver pate'.

Grand Central - Where serious bowlers and billiards players go to have a seriously good time.

With a wide variety of entertainment options, each visit to Grand Central is a new experience waiting to happen. Bring friends along and see where the mood takes you. Twelve modern lanes feature cozy couches, effortless computerized scoring, and giant HD projection screens for an entertaining and dynamic bowling experience. Try our VIP bowling where you can enjoy private luxury seating and two exclusive bowling lanes.

Click Here for more detailed information.

Wishing you a safe and memorable 4th of July!

4th of July Visual Inspiration...