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Jessica Berger and Tekela Fisher

Why should you move to Oregon?

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Are you thinking of moving to the Beautiful state of Oregon? We put together this quick video which highlights just a couple reasons why we think you will love it here.

Oregon, known as the “Beaver State”, is one of the most beautiful places in the United States. It’s located in the Pacific Northwest and is filled with stunning scenery, a rich culture, and diverse communities. If you’re thinking about moving, here are some reasons why Oregon should be at the top of your list.

First of all, Oregon has a vibrant urban scene. Portland, the largest city in the state, is known for its lively downtown, trendy neighborhoods, and quirky culture. From craft beer to farm-to-table cuisine, Portland is a foodie’s paradise. And if you’re into biking or walking, Portland is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country, with over 350 miles of bike lanes.

outside the city

But Oregon isn’t just about the city life. The state also boasts over 360 miles of beautiful coastline, with stunning beaches, rugged cliffs, and picturesque lighthouses. Whether you’re into surfing, kayaking, or just lounging on the beach, Oregon has something for everyone.

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll find plenty to love in Oregon. The state is home to Crater Lake National Park, one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world. The lake, which was formed by a collapsed volcano, is the deepest in the United States and is surrounded by beautiful forests and mountains.

If you’re a wine lover, you’ll be happy to know that Oregon has a thriving wine industry. The state is known for its Pinot Noir, and the Willamette Valley is home to over 500 wineries. Whether you’re a connoisseur or just enjoy a good glass of wine, you’ll find something to love in the Oregon wine country.

Finally, if you’re a fan of the arts, Oregon has plenty to offer. The state is home to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, one of the most prestigious theater festivals in the country. And if you’re more into music, the state is known for its thriving indie music scene, with countless venues and festivals throughout the year.

in conclusion

From the bustling city life to the peaceful wilderness, we truly have it all. With its beautiful scenery, vibrant culture, and endless opportunities for adventure, there’s never been a better time to make the move to the Beaver State.

Do we have you convinced? You can search for homes HERE. Or learn more about Jessica HERE. We look forward to connecting soon.

Counter Service Restaurants

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Portland, Oregon is a city with a diverse and thriving food scene. From farm-to-table fine dining to food carts and street food, there’s something for everyone. If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal, counter service restaurants are a great option. Here are some of the best counter service restaurants in Portland that you need to check out:

Bluto’s

Bluto’s is a wood fired, greek inspired restaurant where you can find some of the best hummus in the city. You can also find unique cocktails many inlcuding ouzo.

2838 SE Belmont

Bollywood Theatre

Bollywood Theatre is an Indian street food restaurant with two locations in Portland. The menu features a variety of delicious dishes, including samosas, chaat, and curries. The vibrant and colorful decor adds to the fun and lively atmosphere.

  • 3010 SE Division
  • 2039 NE Alberta

Danwei Canting

Danwei Canting is a Chinese restaurant that serves a variety of dishes, including dumplings, noodles, and bao buns. The menu is inspired by the street food of Chengdu, China, and features bold and spicy flavors.

803 SE Stark

Grassa

Grassa is a pasta restaurant that specializes in handmade noodles and sauces. The menu features a variety of classic pasta dishes, such as spaghetti and meatballs, as well as more unique options, such as bacon carbonara.

  • 1375 SE Hawthorne
  • 1205 SW Washington
  • 1506 NW 23rd

Guero

Güero is a Mexican taqueria that serves delicious tacos, burritos, and bowls. The menu features traditional Mexican flavors with a modern twist. The fresh ingredients and homemade salsas make these tacos some of the best in Portland.

200 NE 28th

Hat Yai

Hat Yai is a southern Thai restaurant that specializes in fried chicken and roti. The chicken is marinated in a special blend of spices and served with a variety of sauces. The roti is flaky and buttery and perfect for dipping into the curry dishes.

  • 605 SE Belmont
  • 1605 NE Killingsworth

Nong’s Khao Man Gai

Nong’s Khao Man Gai is a Thai restaurant that specializes in a popular street food dish in Thailand. The dish consists of poached chicken, rice cooked in chicken broth, and a side of sauce made from fermented soybeans, ginger, garlic, and Thai chilies.

  • 609 SE Ankeny st C
  • 417 SW 13th

XLB

XLB is a Chinese dumpling restaurant that serves xiao long bao, also known as soup dumplings. The dumplings are filled with a variety of meats and vegetables and served with a side of black vinegar and ginger.

4090 N Williams

Portland has no shortage of amazing counter service restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood for Indian street food, Thai fried chicken, handmade pasta, or gourmet donuts, you’ll find something delicious in this foodie city.

Bluto’s

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This past week we revisited Bluto’s Greek Restaurant. It was opened by the same great minds as Lardo. Seeing as we love Lardo as much as we do (best sandwich in portland) we knew to expect good things from Bluto’s.

Bluto’s is a wood fired greek inspired restaurant, so don’t expect authentic, but do expect char. The restaurant is casual but elevated. The chef calls it “fast casual plus”. He sees it as the way portland is headed, Fine dining food in a casual atmosphere. Time will tell if he is correct.

The have a small but creative cocktail menu. I had the ‘Greek it to me’ which was tequila and cucumber and very refreshing. There are lots of other fun cocktails that I am excited to go back and try. If cocktails aren’t your thing, they also have greek wine and local beers to choose from.

The food

As for the food, it was truly delicious. We tried many of the things on the menu and there was only one thing that we didn’t love. The cauliflower with lentils just didn’t work for me. The dish had lots of potential, but it was too much char for me.

The rest of the things we loved. The biggest standout was absolutely the hummus. It’s silky smooth, super flavorful, and is divine with the house made flatbread. We also loved the beet salad with quinoa, it came with a black tahini sauce that was heavenly. We also tried the chicken, shrimp, and lamb skewers. The chicken was the best for me, tender, flavorful, juicy, I could go on. The lamb was a close second, especially considering lamb is a hard protein to find in Portland.

For dessert we had chocolate soft serve, which takes just like the nostalgic soft serve you are thinking of now, and baklava, which should not be skipped!

I can definitely say that I will be coming back to Bluto’s. Its expensive for counter service, but maybe the chef is onto something with his upscale fast casual theme. Have you been? Let us know what you think!

March Events

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March means the weather will start to warm up right? This late snowfall has me wondering when we will really start to see spring, but here are some fun events for you while we try to keep warm in the Pacific Northwest. We will also all be celebrating st. Patricks day, whether you want to do so at Edgefield, Paddy’s, or by doing the shamrock run, there are options!

First Thursday

Stroll through the art galleries in the pearl for an evening of art, music, and wine! Parking is difficult so public transit is recommended

The Pearl District

Free

  • March 2nd
  • 5pm – 10pm though gallery hours vary.

Portland Seafood and Wine Festival

Enjoy fresh Oregon seafood (at the peak of Dungeness Crab season) as well as wine, craft beers, cider, and distilled spirits as you browse the myriad of exhibitors. Over 60 of Oregon’s finest wineries offer you tastings. This is a family-friendly event. 

Portland Expo Center

$16 – TICKETS

MORE INFO

  • March 3rd 2pm – 9pm
  • March 4th, 12pm – 9pm

She Brew Festival

  • SheBrew is an all-genders, all-ages fundraising event to show support for female-identified members of the community, all while supporting LGBTQ+ people in Oregon and across the nation. Featuring local female-identified craft beer and cider makers, entertainers, businesses and community partners. Join in for an exciting day while celebrating LGBTQ+ equality.
  • 831 SE Salmon St
  • $30-60 – TICKETS
  • MORE INFO
  • March 5th, 12pm – 7pm

Winter Music Festival

  • Celebrating over ten years of music and still going strong. This festival gives you great entertainment for a few hours and a chance to get out of the house before spring begins and help the community. The Winter Music Festival (formerly the Winter Blues Music Festival) features several bands on two stages.
  • 13121 SE McLoughlin Blvd 
  • $40 – first come first serve tickets

MORE INFO

March 11th, 3pm -10pm

Kells Irish Festival

  • Join the Kells family once again for the 2023 Portland Irish Festival. This year we are seeing some big changes and expanding the festival to the Portland waterfront! Come celebrate with Live Music, Irish Dancing, Bagpipes, Vendors, Irish Food and Drinks.
  • Kells Irish Pub and Portland Waterfront

$20 at the door

MORE INFO

  • Saturday March 11th, AT THE WATERFRONT, 12pm – 10pm
  • March 17th , AT KELLS, 12pm – 12am
  • March 18th, AT KELLS, 2pm – 12am

Paddy’s St. Patricks Day Festival

  • Join Paddy’s for Portland’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebration. 2023 marks the 14th year partnering with The Children’s Cancer Association. A portion of net proceeds for the St. Patrick’s event will be donated directly to the Children’s Cancer Association. 
  • 65 SW Yamhill St
  • $25-50 – TICKETS
  • MORE INFO
  • March 17th, 11am – 2am

Edgefield St. Patricks Day Celebration

  • The leprechauns are on our side, bringing us rainbows and merriment for St. Patrick’s Day. Join us for multiple days of food & drink specials, McMenamins own Irish Stout, live music and plenty of hijinks.
  • Mcmenamins – Edgefield

Free

MORE INFO

  • March 17th, 1pm – 10pm
  • March 18th, 12pm – 10pm

We hope to see you at some of these awesome events!

Looking for something else to do? Check out our best of lists!

Pink Rabbit: A Hidden Gem in Portland

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If you’re looking for a unique and stylish bar experience in Portland, look no further than Pink Rabbit Cocktail Bar. This hidden gem is tucked away in a corner of the city and is the perfect spot for a night out with friends or a date night with your significant other.

The bar is known for its playful and colorful interior, which is inspired by the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland. The walls are adorned with vintage-style posters, and the lighting is soft and romantic, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The Drinks

But what really sets Pink Rabbit apart is their incredible drinks menu. The bar is dedicated to creating the perfect cocktail, using only the freshest ingredients and expert mixology techniques. Their menu features classic cocktails with a twist, as well as unique creations that are sure to surprise and delight.

One of the most popular drinks is the “Rabbit Hole”, a gin-based cocktail with fresh berries and a hint of rosewater. It’s light and refreshing, with just the right balance of sweetness and tartness. Another standout is the “Caterpillar’s Elixir”, a delicious blend of whiskey, honey, and lemon, topped with a colorful butterfly pea flower.

For those who prefer non-alcoholic drinks, Pink Rabbit has you covered too. They offer a variety of mocktails, including the “Mad Hatter’s Tea Party”, a blend of hibiscus tea, lemon, and honey.

The Food

In addition to their drinks menu, Pink Rabbit also offers a small but carefully curated food menu, featuring small plates and snacks to complement your drinks. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory, there’s something to satisfy every craving.

Overall, Pink Rabbit is the perfect place to unwind after a long day, or to celebrate a special occasion. Their friendly and knowledgeable staff will make you feel right at home. Their inventive drinks and delicious food will leave you wanting more. So next time you’re in Portland, be sure to check out this hidden gem.

Christmas Light Displays

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Yay! the holidays, the time of year where it is even more acceptable to snuggle up in a comfy pair of pajamas for the whole day. If you are feeling a bit sick of your house and you want to get out to see some beautiful twinkling lights, this year we have some great ideas for you! (You can decide if you want to take those comfy pajamas off or not). In no particular order, here are some great christmas light displays around Portland!

Zoo Lights

zoo light

Now – Jan 5th

  • Oregon Zoo
  • 4001 SW Canyon rd

5pm – 9pm advance tickets required.

  • $19-$24 for the walking experience
  • $65 for drive-thru
  • *members receive a 20% discount

Buy Tickets

Winter Wonderland

winter wonderland at PIR, Light

Now – Dec. 31st

  • Portland International Raceway
  • 1940 N victory Blvd
  • Mon – Thurs 5-10pm
  • Fri – Sun 4:30-11pm
  • advance tickets required. *wait times can be 50 min during peak days/times*

$43+ per car depending on the day

Buy Tickets

Christmas Ships

christmas ships light

Dec. 4th – Dec. 22nd

around downtown and north portland along the rivers

Varying days and times depending on the river, check the Willamette schedule and the Columbia schedule for specific times

$FREE

Festival of Lights

Now – Dec 30th

  • The Grotto
  • 8840 NE Skidmore

5pm – 9:30pm

  • $14 advance tickets
  • $18 for at the gate tickets

Buy Tickets

Peacock Lane

Dec 15th – Dec 31st

  • Peacock Lane
  • Between Belmont and Stark St.

6pm – 11pm

  • Walk or Drive is available every night

$Free

Holidays at The Belle

Weekends, starting December 3rd

  • The Victorian Belle Mansion
  • 1441 N McClellan st
  • 4 pm – 10 pm

$5 – $20 depending on the event

Buy Tickets

Christmas at the Campground

Nov 25th – Dec 31st

Corner of SE Duke and SE 52nd ave.

  • Dusk Til Dawn
  • *grounds are closed but lights can be seen from the public streets*

$Free

The Holiday Express

Now – Dec 18th

  • Rail Heritage Center
  • 2250 SE Water Ave

Rides are every 90 minutes, tickets must be purchased in advance as they sell out.

  • $28 adult
  • $23 child *2 and under are free*
  • $92 family
  • Buy Tickets

Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know in the comments!

Christmas Tree Farms

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Ah the holidays, the time of year when we can all eat too much food, drink too many drinks, and decorate our houses with little twinkling lights. Regardless of how you celebrate, one of the high points of the holidays is having the smell of fresh pine take over your home. Luckily, we have tons of great tree farms right here in the Portland Metro area! Here are a list of some of our favorites!

Furrow Farms

furrow farms
  • Opens Black Friday
  • Trees $11 a foot
  • Hours: Monday – Friday 10-5
    • Saturday – Sunday 9-5
  • 25877 NW West Union Rd.
  • Hillsboro, OR. 97124

Thornton’s Treeland

thorntons treeland
  • Opens Black Friday
  • Tree pricing as marked
  • COUPON
  • Hours: Monday – Friday 10-5
    • Saturday – Sunday 9-5
  • 7617 NE 119th St
  • Vancouver, WA 9866

Helvetia Christmas Tree Farm

helvetia tree farm
  • Opens Black Friday, weekends only
  • U-Cut Trees $70 (first weekend only)
  • Pre-cut $60 (through December 4th)
  • 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

  • 12814 NW Bishop Rd
    Hillsboro, OR 97124

  • 503-334-0905
    Online: https://www.helvetia-christmas-tree-farm.com

Christmas Mountain Choose and Cut

christmas mountain choose and cut
  • Opens on Black Friday – December 11th
  • Trees $10-$18 a foot
  • Reservation required – Tickets
  • Hours: Monday – Friday 10-4:30
    • Saturday – Sunday 9-4:30
  • 25470 NW Dixie Mountain Rd.
  • Scappoose, OR 97056

503-621-3169

online: www.christmasmountaintrees.com

Lee Farms

lee farms, tree
  • Open Now – Dec 23rd
  • Trees $10-$24 a foot
  • Hours: Tuesday – Friday noon-4
    • Saturday – Sunday 9-4
  • 21975 SW 65th Ave 
  • Tualatin  OR 97062

(503) 638-1869

online: www.leefarmsoregon.com/christmas-trees

Sauvie Island Farms

  • Open Black Friday Weekend ONLY
  • Trees $50
  • Hours: 9am-5pm
  • 19818 NW Sauvie Island Rd 
  • Portland, OR 97231

503-621-3988

online: http://www.sauvieislandfarms.com/

Loch Lolly Christmas Forest

  • Opens Black Friday – December 12th
  • Tree pricing varies
  • Hours: 9-5 daily
  • 28366 NW Dorland Rd 
  • North Plains, Oregon 97133

503-647-2619

online: http://www.lochlollychristmasforest.com

Washougal River Christmas Trees

christmas tree - washougal river
  • Open Black Friday – Dec. 23rd
  • Trees $49.95
  • Hours: 9-5 Daily
  • 39336 NE Washougal River rd
  • Washougal, WA 98671

Quail Creek Ranch

  • Open Weekends
  • Trees $20+
  • Hours: Friday – Sunday 9-5
  • 9949 NW Kaiser Road
  • Portland, OR 97231

Enjoy the smell of fresh cut pine in your home this year! We certainly will, and happy holidays to you and your family!

Thanksgiving Dinner

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Thanksgiving is one of our favorite holidays. You get to spend time with friends and/or family thinking about the year you had a reminiscing about all you are grateful for. Not to mention there is (hopefully) some really fantastic food to go along with it. If you don’t love to cook, this can be a very stressful holiday, but don’t worry, we have you covered! Here are some great restaurants to check out that (last we checked) still had reservations available!

Campana

  • 901 NE Oneonta st
  • 4 – 8pm
  • $80 per person

Campana will host a pre-set four-course meal: chicory salad with maple vinaigrette and hazelnuts alongside an autumn vegetable soup with tomato, lentils, and Parmigiano; tortelli di zucca with sage, brown butter, and amaretti; roasted and braised turkey with traditional gravy, cranberry sauce, chanterelle stuffing, glazed autumn vegetables, and Piemontese potatoes; and an apple tart with cinnamon gelato.

Metropolitan Tavern

  • 1021 NE Grand ste 600
  • 12 – 8pm
  • $41 – $54 per adult, $17 per kid

Metropolitan Tavern will serve a four-course dinner including baked brie with cranberry relish, harvest salad with delicata squash and candied walnuts, polenta cakes with mushroom gravy, garlic herb roasted turkey, rosemary brioche stuffing, and sweet yams with charred marshmallow cream.

Brix Tavern

  • 1338 NW Hoyt st
  • 12 – 8pm
  • $39 – $55 per adult, $17 per kid

 Brix Tavern will host a four-course meal from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. The menu includes brie with apple-hazelnut relish; prime rib with horseradish sauce and mushroom demi-glace; fall vegetable Wellington with forest mushroom and cognac cream; garlic and basil mashed Yukon gold potatoes; and pecan pie with maple-coriander whipped cream, as well as themed cocktails

23 Hoyt

529 NW 23rd Ave

1 – 8pm

$55 per adult, $20 per kid

23Hoyt‘s buffet style menu includes plancha-seared Oregon Coho salmon with grapefruit beurre blanc; potato and sofrito gratin; cornbread, chestnut, and linguica stuffing; gin and lemon braised fresh cranberries; and ginger beer pound cake with citrus glaze.

Bullard Tavern

  • 813 SW Alder st
  • 11am – 9pm
  • Pricing varies – see menu on website

Bullard Tavern, will incorporate a la carte Thanksgiving favorites into its dinner menu on Thanksgiving, including smoked turkey; mashed potatoes and gravy; Brussels sprouts with bacon jam; cornbread stuffing; delicata squash with whipped goat cheese, maple, walnuts, and sage; and pumpkin pie with caramel sauce.

King Tide Fish & Shell

  • 21510 SW Harbor Way
  • 2 – 7pm
  • $65 per person

King Tide Fish & Shell, will offer a prix fixe holiday menu, dishes include; Brussels sprouts with bacon, basil, and aged balsamic; Chinook salmon with creamy farro, squash, and roasted peppers agrodolce; Walla Walla onion ravioli with escarole; and a pumpkin bread pudding with whisky caramel and pecan. 

Do you plan on making it out to one of these restaurants? Let us know how it goes!