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April Events

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Spring is finally here! We all know that April is likely to bring many showers our way, but we need them to ensure we have those may flowers! Speaking of flowers…there are so many amazing places to see them around town! Head over to our spring blooms post, to see the full list!

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

April 4th, 5pm – 10pm

Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival

Just a short drive outside of Portland, this tulip farm is a stunning sight to see in the spring. With over 40 acres of tulips in bloom, you’ll feel like you’re walking through a sea of color. Make sure to bring your camera, as the photo opportunities are endless.

Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm – Woodburn

$15 – TICKETS

MORE INFO

Through May 5th, 9am -6pm

Trillium Festival

Welcome back Spring. The Annual Trillium Festival at Tryon Creek State Natural Area is an educational event for the whole community that celebrates the season of renewal in the forest and beyond. 

Tryon Creek State Natural Area

Free

MORE INFO

April 6th 9am – 2pm

Bridge to Brews

Join the annual 8k and 10k walk/run over 4 of Portland’s iconic Bridges. After the race, there will be a beer/cider-tasting event on the waterfront. Sip on some of Portland’s best beer and cider while enjoying live music, games, and goodies from local vendors.

SW Waterfront

$20+ – TICKETS

MORE INFO

April 21st

TEDx Portland

Year 12 is inspired by the unlimited potential and endless possibilities revealed through the alchemy of ideas. Twelve speakers, represented by 12 vibrant colors and unique symbols, will demonstrate how essential we all are in catalyzing change—in the Rose City and beyond.

Keller Auditorium

$89-$179 – TICKETS

MORE INFO

April 27th 9am

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

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

Is buying before you sell the right move?

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For many homeowners, the prospect of selling their current home before purchasing a new one is daunting. This can be due to the uncertainties around finding the right home, timing mismatches, and general uncertainties involved. However, buying a new home before selling your existing property can offer a seamless transition, eliminating the need for temporary housing and ensuring a smooth one time move. With real estate becoming more competitive, its important to do everything you can to stand out from the crowd on both the buying and the selling side. Let’s explore various strategies and considerations for homeowners looking to buy before they sell, ensuring a stress-free and coordinated moving experience.

buying a house
1. Bridge Loans

A bridge loan is a short-term financing option that allows homeowners to leverage the equity in their current home to finance the purchase of a new property. This loan essentially “bridges” the gap between the sale of your old home and the purchase of your new one. Bridge loans are ideal for those who need to move quickly, such as for a job relocation, and can’t wait to sell their current home. While bridge loans offer flexibility and speed, they also come with higher interest rates and costs, so it’s essential to consider your financial situation carefully.

2. Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOC)

For homeowners with significant equity in their current home, a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) can provide the funds needed to purchase a new home before selling. HELOCs typically offer lower interest rates than bridge loans and provide flexible access to funds. However, you’ll want to fully repay the HELOC with the sale of your home, so its important to compare your equity to what you’ll need for your next down payment.

3. Contingent Offers

Placing a contingent offer on a new home means your offer is conditional upon selling your current property. This strategy can provide peace of mind, ensuring you won’t be stuck with two mortgages. However, contingent offers are less attractive to sellers in a competitive market, as they carry more risk and uncertainty. It’s essential to work closely with a real estate agent to navigate this approach effectively.

4. Leveraging Technology and Real Estate Platforms

Several real estate platforms and services now cater to homeowners looking to buy before they sell, offering innovative solutions that streamline the process. Some services provide cash advances for new home purchases or offer to buy your current home outright, allowing you to move on your timeline. Researching and leveraging these options can significantly simplify your transition.

Regardless of the strategy you choose, careful planning and preparation are crucial. Start by assessing your financial situation, understanding the value of your current home, and exploring your new home’s market. Working with a knowledgeable real estate agent can provide you with the insights and support needed to navigate these options successfully.

wanting more ideas? Check out our handy guide with even more tips HERE

March Events

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The beginning of spring brings back some of our absolute favorite events! There are also a ton of activities to help celebrate St. Patricks Day! We hope that march brings about some warm and drier weather for us and we hope to see you at some of these events!

Ticket to Dine

Ticket to Dine restaurant month is back for it’s second year. Eat at one of the particiapting restaurants and win a scratch off tickets for a chance at a litany of prizes ranging from freed drinks to sporting event tickets.

  • Multiple Locations
  • Pricing Varies
  • MORE INFO
  • March 1st – March 31st

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 30 of Oregon’s finest wineries (and 20 other beverage makers) offer you tastings of their very best. 

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.

SheBrew

The 9th Annual SheBrew Festival is a family-friendly beer and cider festival showcasing over 50 professional female brewers and 10 homebrewers from the Pacific Northwest.

Bricks Cascade

Head to the Oregon Convention Center for the annual Bricks Cascade, Portland’s premier public LEGO event. See creations from hundreds of builders from the Pacific Northwest and worldwide in this two-day event. 

St. Patricks Day Events

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

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

Best Indoor Activities

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February in Portland often reaches the point where the relentless rain starts to wear on everyone. While some escape to sunnier destinations, others find joy right here in the city, exploring Portland’s amazing indoor activities. If you’re looking to shake off the dreary weather without leaving town, you’re in luck. Here are some of our favorite things to do away from the rain.

Museums

  • Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI): A family favorite, OMSI is an educational wonderland. Here, hands-on science exhibits, a planetarium, and even a submarine tour offer an exciting and informative experience for visitors of all ages.
  • Portland Art Museum: A serene haven for art aficionados, this museum boasts a diverse collection that spans ancient artifacts to contemporary art pieces. It’s a tranquil spot for adults to immerse themselves in the world of art and creativity.
  • Hopscotch PDX: For those seeking a unique, artistic escape from the rain, Hopscotch PDX offers an immersive art experience that’s sure to captivate. This interactive exhibit blends visual art, technology, and soundscapes to create a one-of-a-kind adventure.

Escape Rooms

  • Escapology Renowned for its highly immersive and challenging escape rooms, Escapology offers an array of themed adventures, perfect for puzzle enthusiasts looking for a thrilling experience.
  • Escapism Step into captivating environments with complex puzzles, offering a memorable and exciting escape room experience.
  • Escape Games PDX Test your wits in unique themed rooms ranging from the mysterious Sherlock Holmes to the quirky Portlandia.
  • Hour to Midnight Known for its meticulously crafted sets and engaging storylines, this venue provides an interactive and engaging adventure for all.

Wine Tasting Rooms

  • Enso Winery SE: This cozy urban winery offers a relaxing atmosphere and a diverse selection of local wines, perfect for unwinding.
  • Erath Winery NW: A pioneer in Oregon winemaking, Erath Winery is known for its exceptional Pinot Noir and a wide range of varietals that showcase the unique terroir of the region.
  • Boedecker Cellars NW: Renowned for its elegant and expressive wines, Boedecker Cellars provides an intimate setting to explore some of Portland’s finest locally crafted wines.
  • Battle Creek Cellars NW: Step into this inviting cellar to sample an array of exceptional wines from the Willamette Valley.

Indoor Climbing Gyms

  • The Circuit Bouldering Gym NE: A world-class bouldering gym offering challenges for all skill levels.
  • Movement Portland NW: Features quality climbing routes and bouldering areas, suitable for both novices and experts.
  • Portland Rock Gym NE: Enhance your climbing skills with a variety of courses and training programs at this premier gym.

We hope some of these things help you to beat the grey weather. Let us know your favorite things to do on rainy days. Looking for other lists of things to do? Find those HERE

Portland Real Estate Market Feb 2024: Trends, Extremes, and Opportunities

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Navigating Portland’s Dynamic Market in 2024

It’s February which means it is time to look back on the previous month and analyze the real estate trends and market conditions. As we venture deeper into 2024, the Portland real estate market is showing signs of significant change. The last few months have seen a drop in interest rates, resulting in an increased influx of buyers. Although rates are higher than the lows of 2021, there’s an emerging acceptance of these figures as the new normal. Reflecting on 2023, a year marked by a downturn in real estate, it’s notable that the average home price still rose by 3.5%. With the recent increase in market activity, we’re anticipating an appreciation of over 5% in 2024, a projection in line with most economists’ expectations.

The Most and Least Expensive Homes Sold Last Month

The Portland real estate market is diverse, ranging from luxury to affordability. Last month’s sales highlight this range vividly.

An exemplar of luxury, the most expensive home sold last month in Portland was located in Dunthorpe. This stunning property, with 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms and 3 half bathrooms over 7450 square feet, sat on 1.1 Acres. This home sold for a remarkable $3,250,000 showcasing the strength of Portland’s high-end market.

Contrasting this luxury, the least expensive home sold offers a glimpse into the market’s affordability. Situated in NE Portland, this cottage with 1bedroom and 1 bathroom, and a total area of 640 sqft, sold for just $298,000. Despite its modesty, it was cute, move in ready and had a large yard, proving that the Portland market caters to a wide range of budgets.

For Sellers: Seizing the Moment

The onset of Portland’s spring market this February brings new opportunities for sellers. With inventory levels dipping and buyer interest spiking, well-priced homes in popular areas are again attracting multiple offers. Recent experiences, like my offer being $60K over yet fourth in line, hint at a competitive season ahead. Sellers contemplating the right time to list might find the current market conditions ideal, especially with the trend of multiple offers expected to continue until around June.

For Buyers: Strategies in a Competitive Market

Buyers should brace for a competitive landscape. Homes are quickly becoming sought-after, often drawing multiple offers. While the highest offer often wins, we have several strategies to make your offer stand out. Currently, interest rates are around 6.5%, but a further decrease expected in spring could intensify competition. For those seeking less competition, exploring homes that have been on the market longer or are in less popular areas might be advantageous. Remember, the best time to buy is when it feels right for you, but with prices likely to rise, acting sooner may be beneficial.

Tailored Advice and Guidance

Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or simply explore your options in Portland’s real estate market, personalized advice is key. For strategies, market timing, affordability, or property valuation, feel free to reach out. Together, we can navigate the evolving landscape of Portland’s real estate market in 2024.

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February Events

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The beginning of February brings about some of Portlands favorite annual events. We have the celebration of black history month, the winter light festival, and Oregon craft beer month! Let’s get into some of the things we are most excited for!

Cascade Festival of African Films

The festival is a tribute to the filmmakers whose dedication and creativity have brought extraordinary stories to life. It’s an ode to the audience whose appreciation and support fuel African cinema’s continued growth and evolution. 

  • Multiple Locations
  • Free
  • MORE INFO
  • Feburary 2nd – March 3rd

Portland Winter Light Festival

The festival’s theme in 2024 is Glowing Under Pressure, exploring the mysteries of the deep sea and inspired by bioluminescent wonders. There is no centralized location this year so check the website for the schedule.

  • Various Locations
  • Free
  • MORE INFO
  • February 2nd – 10th

Dumpling Week

A citywide celebration featuring inventive dumpling creations that you won’t find anywhere else. Participating restaurants will serve up special dumplings unavailable on their regular menus for dining in, take-out and/or delivery.

  • Various Locations
  • pricing varies
  • MORE INFO
  • February 4th – 10th

Lunar New Year at Lan Su Chinese Gardens

Welcome the Year of the Dragon at Portland’s most iconic Lunar New Year celebration experience. witness the garden aglow with hanging red lanterns, illuminating sweeping rooflines while Lake Zither reflects the lights of large-scale floating lantern sculptures. They are also offering special holiday teas in the newly reopened tea house!

  • Lan Su Chinese Garden
  • pricing varies
  • MORE INFO
  • February 7th – 28th

SW Washington Wine and Chocolate Festival

Visit individual tasting rooms in Clark and Cowlitz counties to sample local wines paired with artisan chocolates for Southwest Washington Winery Association St Valentine’s Wine and Chocolate Festival.

  • Various Locations
  • Wine tastings vary by location
  • MORE INFO
  • February 9th – 18th

Mardi Gras Ball

The New Orleans Times-Picayune has listed Portland’s annual Mardi Gras Ball as one of the top five most authentic Mardi Gras celebrations in the United States outside Louisiana.

Trail Blazers Celebration of Black History

Join Portland’s NBA team, the Portland Trail Blazers, at their annual Celebration of Black History. This event honors the city’s Black and African American community and celebrates their contributions nationwide.

  • Moda Center
  • Cost Varies
  • MORE INFO
  • February 10th

Mardi Gras Parade

Each year the Mysti Krewe of Nimbus hosts a free, family-friendly  Mardi Gras parade for everyone. The parade steps off at 7:00 pm starting near Humboldt St and proceeds down Mississippi Avenue to Cook St.,  just past Fremont.

Portland Jazz Festival

The Biamp Portland Jazz Festival is a two-week multi-venue celebration of jazz presented in Portland, Oregon. The Festival is dedicated to evolving America’s art form, featuring recognized jazz masters and rising jazz stars, alongside local jazz heroes.

  • Various Locations
  • Pricing Varies
  • MORE INFO
  • February 16th – March 2nd

Zwicklemania

Named after the “zwickel,” a German word for the sample port found on fermentation vessels, Zwickelmania is an annual celebration of craft beer in Oregon. The Oregon Brewers Guild is pleased to announce that more than 50 breweries are participating in this tradition. 

  • Wonder Ballroom
  • Free tastes at most breweries
  • MORE INFO
  • February 17th

Highball Week

Get ready for an ENTIRE WEEK of specially crafted, original cocktails mixed by the best bartenders in town… and get this; they’re only $8 each.

  • Various Locations
  • $8 per cocktail
  • MORE INFO
  • February 20th – 26th

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

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

Han Oak

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As a fervent lover of Korean cuisine, I’m always on the lookout for places that capture its essence and authenticity. In my culinary adventures across Portland, Han Oak has emerged not just as a restaurant, but as a celebration of Korean flavors, marrying tradition with modernity. This gem in Portland is a testament to the versatility and richness of Korean cuisine, and my recent visit there was nothing short of spectacular.

jessica berger, han oak
The Ambiance: A Blend of Tradition and Modern Comfort

Han Oak is not your typical dining venue. It brings Korean-inspired cuisine to life in a setting that’s both intimate and inviting. The ambiance of the restaurant is akin to dining in a stylish, welcoming home. The decor is a thoughtful mix of minimalist and cozy, creating an environment where every meal feels like a special occasion.

The dining experience at Han Oak is further elevated by its exceptionally relaxed yet attentive service. The staff was knowledgeable, not only about the menu items but also in their tips on crafting the perfect gimbap roll and suggesting flavor combinations. Their attentiveness shone through as they were quick to refill our sides and ensure that every aspect of our meal was taken care of, enhancing the overall enjoyment of our dining experience.

Cocktails and Starters: A Prelude to the Feast

Our evening began with an exploration of Han Oak’s cocktail menu, featuring the “On Screen Chemistry” and “You’ll Be Hearing From My Lawyer.” Each cocktail was a masterful blend of flavors, setting a high bar for the meal to come. The banchan selection was our first foray into the meal, with each small dish – from the beets in miso ginger vinaigrette to the silken tofu in chili vinegar – showcasing the depth and variety of Korean cuisine.

cocktails, han oak
banchan, han oak
The Gimbap Party: A Culinary Adventure

The highlight of the night was undoubtedly the Gimbap Party Menu. Served in a sizzling stone bowl, the selection included beef bulgogi, pork shoulder, and a delightful assortment of pickled vegetables. However, the star of the show was the cured scallops, which added an exquisite touch to our DIY gimbap rolls. The interactive nature of this meal not only allowed for personalized flavors but also added a fun and engaging element to our dining experience.

gimbap roll, han oak
Final Reflections on Han Oak

Han Oak is a place where my love for Korean cuisine is not only met but exceeded. From the harmonious ambiance and impeccable service to the innovative dishes and fun-filled karaoke, Han Oak stands as a beacon of culinary excellence in Portland. It’s a must-visit for anyone who shares a passion for Korean cuisine and looks for an experience that goes beyond just dining.

Best Mocktail bars

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Celebrate Without the Hangover

In recent years, Portland has not only embraced but also championed the rise of the mocktail, creating a prominent scene for those seeking alternatives to traditional alcoholic drinks. This vibrant city, known for its innovative and inclusive culinary and beverage culture, has become a hub for those looking to enjoy the social aspects of drinking without the alcohol. Whether you’re taking a break from alcohol, exploring the expansive world of the mocktail, or simply looking for a different kind of night out, Portland’s array of venues specializing in non-alcoholic drinks offers something for everyone.

Abigail Hall

813 SW Alder

Abigail Hall, with its historic charm and modern twist, provides a captivating setting for enjoying non-alcoholic beverages. The bar prides itself on creating mocktails that are every bit as exciting and complex as their alcoholic counterparts.

Bye and Bye

1011 NE Alberta

In the vegan-friendly area of Portland, Bye and Bye stands out for its eclectic range of non-alcoholic drinks. These creative mocktails complement their plant-based menu and offer a refreshing experience.

Blank Slate

7201 NE Glisan

Blank Slate is the ideal choice for those who enjoy a well-made drink. Their non-alcoholic menu includes a variety of mocktails and caffeine-free lattes, all crafted with high-quality ingredients.

Eem

3808 N Williams

This spot is famous for blending Thai flavors with BBQ and doesn’t hold back on its non-alcoholic drink options. Eem’s mocktails are bold and pair perfectly with their spicy dishes, offering a flavorful experience.

Epif

404 NE 28th

Epif offers a unique taste of South American cuisine and complements it with an array of non-alcoholic drink choices. Their mocktails are inspired by traditional South American drinks, providing an authentic taste experience.

Holy Ghost

4101 SE 28th

Holy Ghost is a trendy and modern bar with a dynamic environment, perfect for a non-alcoholic night out. Their visually stunning mocktails are as enjoyable to look at as they are to drink.

Old Gold

2105 N Killingsworth

Known for its cozy ambiance and an excellent selection of beverages, Old Gold offers delightful non-alcoholic options for those looking to enjoy a drink without the buzz. Their mocktails are crafted with the same care as their alcoholic beverages.

Sousol

227 SE 6th

As a speakeasy-style bar, Sousol offers an intimate atmosphere along with its sophisticated non-alcoholic mocktails. It’s an ideal spot for those looking for an upscale experience without alcohol.

The Sudra

28 NE 28th

Epif offers a unique taste of South American cuisine and complements it with an array of non-alcoholic drink choices. Their mocktails are inspired by traditional South American drinks, providing an authentic taste experience.

Conclusion

Portland’s non-alcoholic drink scene mirrors the city’s diverse and inclusive culture, offering something special for everyone. Whether you’re celebrating without alcohol or just exploring new beverage options, these spots ensure your experience is just as festive and enjoyable. Have you visited any of these establishments for a non-alcoholic night out, or do you have a go-to place for mocktails in Portland? Share your thoughts and let’s keep celebrating the vibrant world of non-alcoholic drinks in Portland!

Looking for more best of lists? You can see those HERE