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December Events

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It’s December which means the holidays are fully upon us! Most of the events happening this month are holiday or light related. We hope you are able to get in the spirit and enjoy many of these events!

Holiday Brew Fest

The Portland Holiday Brew Fest will feature 25+ holiday/winter beers and ciders from around the Northwest

Fremont Holiday Fest

Shop, dine and explore NE Fremont!

  • NE Fremont from 42nd to 50th
  • Free
  • MORE INFO
  • December 1st, 4-7 pm

Scan Fair

ScanFair brings Scandinavia to Portland through traditional food and drink vendors, an entertainment program focused on cultural heritage, games, activities, and crafts

  • Oregon Convention Center
  • pricing varies – TICKETS
  • MORE INFO
  • December 9th and 10th

Holiday Activities

  1. Zoo Lights – Oregon Zoo
  2. Gingerbread Display – Benson Hotel
  3. Festival of Trees – Convention Center
  4. Pittock Mansion Christmas – Pittock Mansion
  5. Holiday Express – Oregon Rail Heritage Center
  6. Winter Wonderland – Portland International Raceway
  7. Christmas Festival of Lights – The Grotto
  8. Silverton Christmas Market – The Oregon Garden
  9. Christmas Ships Parade – Willamette and Columbia Rivers

Holiday Shopping

  1. PDX pop up shops – Downtown
  2. Laurelhurst Winter Bazaar – Laurelhurst School
  3. Crafty Wonderland – Oregon Convention Center
  4. Portland Holiday Market – Veteran Memorial Coliseum
  5. NAYA Native Made Winter Market – Lloyd Center
  6. Portland Bazaar – 1715 NW 17th Ave

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

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

Enso Winery

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In the heart of Portland lies Enso Winery, an urban retreat for wine enthusiasts. This blog post is dedicated to giving you an informative overview of what makes Enso Winery a notable destination in Portland’s vibrant wine scene.

Jessica Berger, Enso Winery
Location and Setting

Enso Winery is situated in Portland’s bustling urban environment, offering a unique contrast to traditional vineyard settings. The winery’s design merges industrial elements with a rustic aesthetic, characterized by exposed brick walls and wooden features, creating an inviting space that caters to both casual visits and more intimate wine tastings.

Wine Selection and Production

At Enso Winery, the focus is on small-batch, artisanal wine production. This approach allows for meticulous attention to detail and quality. The winery sources grapes from the diverse terroirs of the Pacific Northwest, showcasing the region’s potential in every bottle. Visitors can expect a range of reds, whites, and rosés, each with distinct flavor profiles that speak to the winery’s craft and the region’s varied climate and soil.

Staff Expertise

The staff at Enso Winery are not only welcoming but also well-versed in the nuances of their wine selection. They provide insightful information on the winemaking process, grape varieties, and the characteristics of each wine, enriching the tasting experience for both novice and experienced wine drinkers.

Community Engagement

Enso Winery extends beyond just wine tasting; it’s a hub for community events in Portland. The winery frequently hosts events like live music sessions and local art exhibitions, reflecting its commitment to being an integral part of the local cultural scene.

Food Offerings

Understanding the importance of food in enhancing the wine-tasting experience, Enso Winery offers a curated selection of light bites. These offerings are designed to complement the wines, allowing guests to explore how different flavors interact with each other.

Enso Winery represents a unique aspect of Portland’s wine culture. Its urban setting, commitment to small-batch wine production, and role as a community hub make it an essential destination for anyone interested in exploring the depth and breadth of the Pacific Northwest’s wine offerings. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Enso Winery provides an insightful and enjoyable wine experience in the heart of the city.

Family Fun in Portland

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Portland, Oregon, is a treasure trove of activities that promise fun for the whole family. This green city delights with its unique blend of interactive learning environments, abundant natural beauty, and urban play areas that are perfect for visitors and residents alike. Let’s dive into some of the best family-friendly activities that Portland has to offer.

Science and Stars: Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)

Kickstart your Portland adventure at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, affectionately known as OMSI. It’s where science comes alive through engaging exhibits and hands-on experiments that fascinate both the young and the young at heart. From exploring the stars in the planetarium to boarding a real submarine, OMSI provides a full day’s worth of discovery.

Wild Encounters: Oregon Zoo

Nestled within the lush Washington Park, the Oregon Zoo is a window into the world of wildlife, inviting families to come face to face with creatures from around the globe. The zoo’s commitment to conservation and education shines through its well-designed habitats and informative presentations. And for a magical evening adventure, don’t miss their dazzling ZooLights display during the holiday season.

Natural Splendor: Parks and Gardens

Washington Park

Washington Park is more than just green space; it’s an outdoor wonderland. With its world-famous International Rose Test Garden, you can stroll amongst colorful blooms and then let the kids loose in one of the park’s playgrounds. Hiking trails wind through the park, offering family-friendly walks with scenic views of the city.

Hoyt Arboretum

A living museum of trees, Hoyt Arboretum’s 12 miles of trails are perfect for families looking to learn about global flora or simply enjoy a peaceful hike. The arboretum offers educational programs for kids, making it a place where nature’s lessons are just waiting to be discovered.

Forest Park

As one of the country’s largest urban forests, Forest Park is a haven for hikers, bird watchers, and nature lovers. Its extensive network of trails, including the family-friendly Lower Macleay Trail, offers an escape into wilderness without ever leaving the city.

Peninsula Park

Peninsula Park is home to Portland’s first public rose garden and a historically designated bandstand, framed by a century-old fountain. Its well-maintained play area and splash pad are hits with the kids during summer months.

Westmoreland Park

A favorite among local families, Westmoreland Park features a duck pond, a large playground, and plenty of open space for picnics and frisbee games. It’s also known for its picturesque setting with mature trees.

Playful Splashes and Urban Escapes

Portland’s summers are perfectly complemented by the city’s interactive fountains and water features. Waterfront Park invites families to enjoy playful splashes with a picturesque view of the Willamette River. For a unique experience, visit Keller Fountain, an architectural marvel where water cascades over terraced stone, creating an urban waterfall playground. Over in the Pearl District, the gently cascading pool at Jamison Square Fountain is a hotspot for families to cool off and relax.

Creative Indoor Play: Play Cafes

When the Pacific Northwest weather turns rainy, Portland’s play cafes offer a warm refuge with a twist. Spaces like Nest, PlayDate PDX, and Rain or Shine Café provide creative and engaging indoor playgrounds that cater to children’s imaginations and offer a comfortable spot for parents to relax with a cup of coffee. These cafes are perfect for play dates, where kids can interact and parents can unwind.

Soaring Views: Portland Aerial Tram

For a bird’s-eye view of the city, take a ride on the Portland Aerial Tram. This unique mode of transportation isn’t just for commuters—it’s a sky-high adventure that kids adore. Soaring above the cityscape and offering panoramic views of Portland’s hills and skyline, it’s a must-do for families looking for a little elevation.

Taste-Testing Adventure: Food Carts

No family trip to Portland would be complete without sampling the city’s famous food carts. These culinary havens offer a taste of the world, with options that are sure to satisfy even the pickiest young eaters. It’s a casual and fun way to enjoy a meal together and experience Portland’s innovative food scene.

Cycle the City: Biking Adventures

With some of the best urban bike paths in the country, Portland is perfect for families who want to explore on two wheels. Safe, designated bike lanes lead you through neighborhoods and along the river, providing a fun and healthy way to see the sights.

Seasonal Fun: Farms and Mazes for Every Season

Portland’s surrounding countryside offers year-round agricultural delights that make for perfect family outings. Each season brings its own unique farm-based activities that are sure to create cherished family memories.

Spring Bloom

In spring, the fields come alive at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm in Woodburn, where the Tulip Festival showcases a vibrant array of flowers. It’s a perfect backdrop for family photos and a great opportunity for kids to learn about different tulip varieties. You can also check out the Peony festival and the many wildflower farms.

Summer Harvest

Summer invites families to berry farms for u-pick adventures. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are ripe for the picking and offer a sweet taste of the region’s bounty. Sauvie Island Farms is a local favorite, with acres of berries and scenic picnic spots.

Autumn Harvest and Mazes

As the leaves begin to turn, pumpkin patches and corn mazes become the go-to. Bauman’s Farm and Garden hosts an annual harvest festival with a pumpkin patch, hayrides, and an impressive corn maze that’s fun for all ages.

Winter Greens

Even in winter, there’s farm fun to be had. Many local farms offer holiday-themed activities like wreath-making workshops using fresh evergreens. Tree farms open their fields for families to choose and cut their perfect Christmas tree, complete with hot cocoa and holiday cheer.

Conclusion

Portland’s family activities are as diverse and dynamic as the city itself. From educational experiences to outdoor excursions, there’s something here to entertain and inspire every member of the family. For more details and monthly event roundups, be sure to check out our website to help plan your family’s next Portland adventure.

Battle Creek Cellars

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Hey everyone! If you’re a fan of wine and find yourself in Portland’s trendy Pearl District, I’ve got a recommendation for you: Battle Creek Cellars. This is more than just a wine tasting room; it’s a comfortable spot to unwind, sample some exquisite local wines, and even grab a bite. Let me share some highlights of my recent visit.

The Atmosphere and Wine Experience

As soon as you walk into Battle Creek Cellars, located at NW 13th Ave and NW Johnson St, you’re enveloped in a modern, welcoming atmosphere. You feel like you’re in a place where wine enthusiasts and casual sippers alike can enjoy themselves. The staff here contribute significantly to this feeling. They are both knowledgeable and friendly, eager to guide you through the wine list and answer any questions you might have.

Speaking of wine, the sparkling rosé is a must-try. It is as clean and crisp as they come, capturing your attention from the first sip. Not only did the wine stand out, but the staff also recommended some light food pairings available at the tasting room that complemented the wine perfectly.

More Than Just a Tasting Room

What sets Battle Creek Cellars apart is its role as a community hub. It’s a place where you can meet friends, catch up, and even watch a game if that’s what you’re into. The wine club offers special perks for members, and you’ll find a range of limited-release wines available only at this location. Essentially, it’s more than a spot to taste wine; it’s a place to experience the best of what the Pearl District has to offer in terms of community and atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

In summary, Battle Creek Cellars offers a unique and fulfilling experience for anyone interested in wine. Whether you’re an aficionado or new to the wine scene, the quality selections and welcoming atmosphere make this a must-visit spot in the Pearl District. With friendly and informative staff ready to guide you, it’s a perfect introduction to Oregon’s rich wine culture without even leaving the city.

If you are interested in the other places we have visited, you can find those HERE. Want more details direct from the source? You can visit their website HERE

Tropicale

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Autumn might be rolling in, painting the trees with its beautiful colors, but at Tropicale, it’s always a sunny day. Located on Ne Glisan st, this vibrant restaurant manages to capture the essence of summer even as the days start to cool.

When you first step into Tropicale, it’s like entering a small pocket of paradise. The decor, the ambiance, and the colors all scream tropical. But the highlight, without a doubt, is the spacious outdoor patio. The setup is relaxed with plenty of space to sit back and enjoy. And even though it’s getting chilly outside, Tropicale has thought of everything. Strategically placed heaters make sure you remain warm and cozy, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors a bit longer. It’s a perfect blend of nature and comfort.

Now, let’s talk about the drinks, because that’s where our adventure truly began. We kicked things off with the spicy mango margarita. If you’ve ever wanted summer in a glass, this is it. The balance of spicy and sweet was like a dance on the palate. Every sip was a burst of flavors, making it both refreshing and exciting.

But the showstopper of the evening was the Sol Dorado. This drink is a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds. Made with Jamaican Potstill Rum, tepache, guava, lime, and bitters, it perfectly captures the spirit of the tropics. The guava and lime give it a fresh, fruity flavor, while the rum adds that signature warmth. It’s the kind of drink that makes you want to close your eyes and imagine you’re on a sandy beach, listening to the waves.

As for the food, it was nothing short of spectacular. We started with the ceviche, a classic dish that is all about freshness. Every bite was a mix of tangy, spicy, and sweet, showcasing the essence of the sea. The ingredients were fresh, making it a light and enjoyable dish, perfect to set the tone for the evening.

Then came the chips and guac. Now, this might sound like a simple dish, but at Tropicale, it’s an experience. The guacamole is creamy and flavorful, but it’s the additions that make it stand out. It’s paired with 3 Sisters Nixtamal chips, which have a perfect crunch to them. Drizzled with guajillo oil and pepitas, the guac has an added layer of flavor and texture. And let’s not forget the two types of salsa – ranchera and pina. Each brings its own unique taste, adding to the complexity of the dish.

Wrapping up our evening at Tropicale, we sat back and took in the atmosphere. It’s not just a restaurant; it’s an escape. The sounds, the tastes, and the feeling of warmth, both from the heaters and the ambiance, make it a perfect spot to unwind and dream of summer.

In conclusion, Tropicale is more than just a dining spot. It’s a journey, a short trip to a tropical paradise. Whether it’s the drinks, the food, or the atmosphere, everything about this place urges you to relax and enjoy. We can’t wait for our next visit, and if you haven’t been yet, add it to your list. It’s a slice of summer, no matter the season. If you want to see some other great covered patios, you can find our post HERE

Shine Distillery

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Fusing Spirits, Food, and Atmosphere into an Unforgettable Evening

Nestled in N Williams, Shine Distillery isn’t just another distillery. It’s a unique offering in a sea of Portland Distilleries. Me and a girlfriend decided to go and check it out.

In 2019 Jonathan Poteet, a veteran in the brewing world, unveiled his vision for Shine Distillery—a concept that defied the norms. Unlike traditional distilleries, Shine embraced the spirit of a brewpub, offering an expansive food and cocktail menu alongside its lineup of vodka, gin, and whiskey. The outcome? A space that encourages patrons to not only relish the spirits, but to relax in a laid back environment with their favorite foods.

Shine has multiple seating offerings depending on the type of experience that you are looking for. There is a kid friendly dining room and bartop directly across from the distillery on the main floor. There is also a 21+ seating section on the second level and a small bartop. Or you can make the best choice and sit on the roof top patio which is also 21+. We arrived just in time to watch the sunset.

We tried the Pink 75, a twist on my favorite cocktail. The pink gin is flavored with pink hibiscus and it really complemented the lemon and prosecco. This was absolutely one of my favorite 75s. I also tried the Lavender Love made with gin, lavender, lemon and egg white. It was frothy, tart and delicious. We also of course had to try a tasting flight. We were able to sample the gin, hibiscus gin, vodka, and minty vodka. They were all clean, easy to sip, and tasted exactly as the ought to.

We didnt try any food this time around as we really just wanted to enjoy a cocktail but you can find things like burgers, pretzels, artichoke dip, and pasta. They also have a happy hour from 4pm-6pm which we will be coming back to!

September Events

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The weather is changing, nights are getting cooler, and the summer festivals are coming to an end. We are still holding on to the last bits of summer and we have some fun things for you to do while you take in the last of the warm sunny days.

Grand Prix of Portland

Every fall since 2018, Portland International Raceway has hosted the celebrated open-wheel racing with the Grand Prix of Portland.Held from 1984–2007 under various names, the race is back at Portland International Raceway as the only Verizon IndyCar Series race in the Pacific Northwest.

Portland International Raceway

From $40 – TICKETS

September 1st-3rd

Montavilla Jazz Festival

This year, the festival highlights some of Portland’s jazz scene-makers, with internationally-acclaimed drummer Alan Jones headlining the festival Sunday evening with his quartet featuring Grammy Award-winners Tivon Pennicott and Kevin Hays, joined by NYC bassist Joe Martin.

Various Locations

Pricing Varies by Event – TICKETS

September 1st – 3rd

Dahlia Festival

Celebrate the season of DAHLIAS. A Rainbow of Color. Stroll through almost 40 acres and a beautiful display garden of stunning dahlias featuring over 370 varieties. The beautiful fields are open from August to September each year, closed on Wednesdays. 

Swan Island Dahlias

Free

August 2nd – Sept 30th, 9am – 5:30pm

Chapman Swift Watch

To catch all the avian action, plan to arrive at least half an hour before sunset — that’s about 8 p.m. near the start of September and 7 p.m. by the month’s end. Bring your binoculars, snacks, jackets and something comfy to sit on, and settle in for one of the city’s best free spectator events.

Chapman Elementary

Free

All Month at Sunset

Art in the Pearl

Portland’s Art In The Pearl Fine Arts and Craft Festival celebrates 26 years of bringing art to the community. The distinctly artist-run event has long been a favorite in Portland, and it’s the perfect Labor Day destination to gather and celebrate the end of summer.

North Park Blocks

Free

September 2nd – 4th, 10am – 5pm

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

September 7th, 5pm – 10pm

Belmont Street Fair

The Belmont Street Fair is one of the largest-attended street fairs in Portland. With food and retail vendors of all kinds, show-stopping performances, and activities for all ages, the Belmont Street Fair is fun for everyone.

SE Belmont st from 31st -39th

Free

September 9th, 10am – 5pm

Dragon Boat Festival

Enjoy Portland’s annual Dragon Boat Festival, featuring dragon boat racing along with food vendors, a beer garden and more. DragonSports USA Portland Dragon Boat Festival features over 40 Oregon, Washington, and California teams.

Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Free

September 9th-10th, starting at 9am

Mt Angel Oktoberfest

Go and enjoy the largest folk festival in the NW and wander the streets of Mt Angel which are filled with celebration! Join in our German/Swiss festival and see why Mt Angel Oktoberfest is a Touch of Bavaria.

Mt. Angel Oregon

Free to attend

September 14th – 17th

NW Clothing Swap

The BIGGEST Clothing Swap in the Northwest. Two full floors of swapping fun. The Ballroom on the 3rd Floor: The main swap area with tons of clothing sorted into non-binary categories as well as a plethora of shoes and accessories.Plus, a bar. $10 and a bag of clothes get you a WHOLE NEW WARDROBE. 

Crystal Ballroom

$10 – TICKETS

September 17th, 12pm – 3pm

Oaks Park Oktoberfest

Head to Oaks Amusement Park for their annual Oktoberfest, where you can expect several beers on tap, delicious German food, live bands and performances by dance groups.

Oaks Park

Starting at $22 – TICKETS

September 22nd – 24th

The Wedge

The Wedge is a Farmers Market-style festival celebrating cheese and everything with it. Sample and purchase local artisan cheese, specialty foods, beer, wine, and cider. This is a family-friendly event that’s open to all cheese lovers.

Alder Block

Starting at $25 – Tickets on sale soon

September 30th

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

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

The Houston Blacklight

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Clinton street just got some funky new flavor and it’s name is the The Houston Blacklight. We got to check out this rad new hangout during their opening week and let me tell you, we are obsessed! The entire place is a multisensory experience like no other, and we are very confident that it will be a Clinton street mainstay for many years to come.

One of my favorite things about the space is that the decor is not just decor, it is an immersive experience. From beaded curtains to run your hands along to a whole tasseled wall at the entrance to the color-shifting artwork in the bathrooms, there is always something incredible to look at or touch in The Houston Blacklight. As the name for the bar is taken from the company that produced the psychedelic blacklight posters of the 70’s, it is only appropriate that they would fully live up to that experience.

The cocktails at The Houston Blacklight are imaginative and delightful, with creative combinations that sound like they shouldn’t really work and then they really, really do. A great example of this is the Many Things Cannot Fly- a combo of blackberry gin, coconut rum, Jager and black sesame orgeat. I thought this would NOT be my thing and then I loved it! My personal favorite of the evening though was the Silence is Silly- an incredibly refreshing mix of gin, lime aperitif, Bitter Bianco, cucumber, and salted plum. I would drink these all day and all night if my liver would allow.

The Houston Blacklight shines in the food department as well. They take bar classics and comfort food staples and then put their signature Malaysian-ish twist (with a dabble of French) on them. The Grilled Roti stuffed with cheese is dipped into a spicy tomato curry for an outstanding twist on the classic. French onion ramen hits such a perfect note, it makes you wonder why it hasn’t been done before. My biggest regret of the night was that we shared the Bone Marrow Burger, rather than me just stuffing the entire juicy, rich, indulgent thing into my face alone.

Long story short, you are going to want to go this place. Eat all of the things. Drink all of the things. Play like you are a kid again or a slightly mind-altered adult. We certainly cannot wait to go back and do it all again.

Have you been to the Houston Blacklight yet? What did you think? Let us know in the comments or check them out Here.