Kitchen Projects That Deliver BIG Results

Right in that happy middle ground between simply updating your cabinet hardware and doing a full gut renovation, midsize kitchen remodels focus on the areas that matter most. They solve your biggest frustrations — or take advantage of exciting possibilities — to create a big visual and functional impact, without the stress or price tag of starting from scratch. Here are 10 ideas worth exploring! Use this list help you determine which updates will have the biggest impact in your kitchen and bring them to life.

Add an Appliance Garage

    • Small appliances like toasters, coffee makers and blenders can quickly take over your countertops. Tucking them away in a cabinet helps with clutter, but it’s not very convenient. Enter the appliance garage! A cabinetmaker can modify your existing cabinets to create a dedicated spot with pocket, tambour or flip-up doors — or add a shallow cabinet right on the countertop that blends in with your current finish. Add an outlet inside, and you’ve got a neat, out-of-sight home for your appliances that keeps your kitchen looking streamlined while everything stays within easy reach.

Upgrade Your Appliances

    • Whether you go bold with standout appliances or keep things sleek with panel-ready models, swapping out dated refrigerators, ranges, hoods and dishwashers gives your kitchen an instant refresh. Today’s appliances are also more energy-efficient and packed with smart features, saving money and making everyday cooking easier. Sticking with the same sizes is usually simplest, but a skilled cabinetmaker can often adjust surrounding cabinetry to fit slight differences.

Change the Countertop

    • Because countertops take up so much visual space — especially on a big island — they often set the tone for the whole kitchen. Swapping out an outdated or worn surface can instantly refresh the room and make a huge impact. Upgrading from laminate or tile to a more durable, easy-care material can boost function too. While it’s an investment (and may affect your backsplash), even changing just the island top to a contrasting, complementary material can give your kitchen a stylish new look.

Replace the Backsplash

    • Swapping out — or adding — a backsplash is a simple upgrade that can totally transform your kitchen without touching the cabinets or countertops. It’s a great chance to play with bold color, fun shapes or eye-catching patterns to give a neutral space some personality. Prefer a calmer vibe? A more subtle tile can let other features shine. If a full redo feels like too much, highlight just one spot — like behind the range — for a standout focal point. Or, if you’re updating your counters too, carry the same material up the wall for a sleek, seamless look.

Give Your Existing Cabinetry a Make-Over

    • If your kitchen layout works and your cabinets are in good shape, a professional paint or stain job can completely refresh the space. Not loving the door style? Refacing is a budget-friendly way to get a whole new look without a full replacement. Pros swap out doors and drawer fronts, veneer the cabinet boxes, and can update hinges and hardware at the same time. It’s also a great moment to boost storage or style — add cabinets to reach the ceiling, or switch a few solid doors to glass or metal mesh for a lighter, display-ready feel. Big impact, far less hassle.

Replace Your Flooring

    • Kitchen floors take a beating, and over time they can look worn, uneven or just outdated. Replacing them is a great way to freshen up the whole space, boost safety and better connect your kitchen to the rest of your home. If your subfloor is in good shape, floating or click-lock options — like laminate or engineered wood — can often go right over the existing floor for an easier install. Want a seamless look with tile or solid wood, especially in an open-plan space? Removing the old flooring may be worth it for that clean, cohesive finish.

Find Prep and Dining Space

    • Adding an island or eat-in spot is a top priority for many homeowners. Even in smaller kitchens, a designer can often squeeze in a narrow prep island with a stool or two, keeping plenty of clearance and avoiding traffic jams — all without changing the room’s footprint.

Build a Beverage Station

    • Dreaming of a stylish bar or coffee station? Even if your older kitchen didn’t come with one, you can often create it from unused space — like that old built-in desk that’s been collecting clutter for years. A remodeling pro can help you turn it into a beverage hub with an outlet, durable countertop and smart storage for glasses and supplies. Want to level it up? Add a sink, mini-fridge, wine chiller or even a built-in espresso machine. Just be sure to check local building codes and work with licensed pros before you start.

Maximize Your Interior Storage

    • If storage is your main frustration, you might not need more cabinets — just smarter organization. Simple add-ons like drawer dividers and pullouts can help, but a customized system designed around your space and cooking style can make a world of difference. From taming deep drawers to conquering that tricky corner cabinet, the right setup keeps everything easy to find and perfectly suited to your needs.

Don’t Forget Your Pet!

    • In a recent survey, more than 1 in 5 renovating pet owners added pet-friendly features to their remodel — and it’s easy to see why! If you’ve got a furry family member, consider a built-in feeding station at the end of an island or cabinet run, even with a handy pot filler if you’d like. Add a pullout or tilt-out bin nearby for food storage, and you’ve got a smart, stylish upgrade that keeps both you and your pet happy.

I hope you all had a wonderful February. Until next month!

Source: houzz.com

Looking Ahead to 2026! 🌲🏡✨

Looking Ahead to 2026: Portland Real Estate Trends, Fresh Curb Appeal, and a Festive New Year Treat 🌲🏡✨

Hello, Portland friends! As we welcome a brand-new year, I’m feeling optimistic about what 2026 has in store for our local real estate market. Whether you’re planning to sell your home at the start of the year or simply staying informed, a little insight and preparation can make a big difference. Let’s take a friendly look at expected Portland-area market trends, easy curb appeal ideas, and—because celebrations matter—a fun New Year recipe to enjoy with the people you care about.

Portland, Oregon Real Estate Market Trends for 2026

The Portland metro market continues to evolve, and 2026 is shaping up to be a year of steadier, more thoughtful movement.

A More Balanced Market
After several years of ups and downs, many Portland-area neighborhoods are seeing a healthier balance between buyers and sellers. While well-priced homes remain in demand, buyers are taking more time and making informed decisions.

Moderate, Sustainable Price Growth
Home values are expected to grow at a calmer, more sustainable pace in 2026. This stability benefits everyone by encouraging confidence and reducing the stress that often comes with extreme market swings.

Condition and Presentation Matter More Than Ever
Portland buyers are paying close attention to how well a home has been maintained. Move-in-ready properties—or homes that clearly show pride of ownership—tend to stand out and sell more smoothly.

Lifestyle and Location Still Shine
Access to daily conveniences, green spaces, and flexible living areas continues to be important. From walkable neighborhoods to quiet residential streets, buyers are looking for homes that support their everyday lives.

Curb Appeal Tips for Selling at the Start of the Year

If you’re planning to list your home in early 2026, curb appeal is one of the most effective ways to make a strong first impression—rain or shine!

Brighten the Entry
A fresh coat of paint on the front door, clean hardware, or a welcoming seasonal wreath can instantly boost your home’s charm.

Keep It Clean and Clear
Power-wash sidewalks, driveways, and siding. Trim back plants, clear debris, and make sure walkways are safe and tidy.

Add Simple Greenery
Potted evergreens, winter planters, or neatly maintained shrubs bring life and warmth during Portland’s cooler months.

Warm, Inviting Lighting
Exterior lighting is especially important in winter. Make sure porch lights work and consider soft pathway lighting to create a welcoming glow.

Don’t Forget the Small Details
Updated house numbers, a clean mailbox, and clutter-free entry areas send a clear message: this home has been cared for.

A Fun New Year Recipe: Sparkling Citrus Punch 🍊🥂

Celebrate the New Year with a bright, refreshing drink that’s easy to make and fun to share!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup orange juice

  • ½ cup pineapple juice

  • Sparkling water or lemon-lime soda

  • Orange or lemon slices

  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. Fill glasses with ice.

  2. Pour in the orange and pineapple juices.

  3. Top with sparkling water or soda for fizz.

  4. Garnish with citrus slices and serve right away.

Cheers to fresh starts and joyful moments!

A Thoughtful Start to 2026

Portland’s real estate market in 2026 rewards preparation, thoughtful pricing, and homes that feel welcoming and well maintained. If you’re considering selling, starting early and focusing on presentation can set you up for success.

Here’s to a happy, healthy, and hopeful New Year—filled with new beginnings and exciting possibilities across Portland and beyond! 🎉🏡

Ways to Prep Your Garden & Yard for Winter

Winter is coming! Try tackling some of these outdoor to-do’s and set up your garden for success in Spring.

Finish Fall Harvesting

    • Harvest most vegetables and fruits from your garden before the weather turns frosty. Some vegetables, such as kale, can handle the cold, so you can let them go longer. But if you live in a region that gets heavy snowfall, you’ll want to harvest everything before your vegetable garden gets buried.

Assess Your Yard’s Health

    • Take a general survey of how the plants in your garden are faring. If they have been struggling, try to determine if the location is wrong, the plants need additional care or you simply need to move or replace them. Fall is also a good time to make plans for any problematic areas you’ve noticed during the past few months; you can deal with them either immediately or in early spring. This might include addressing areas that are too dry or overly soggy, or managing overgrown plants or barren patches. Assess outdoor structures at the same time. You’ll want to make any needed repairs before winter weather sets in.

Prep Outdoor Furniture for Colder Months

    • Clean cushions, pillows, rugs, throws and other decorative items as well as portable outdoor furniture when the outdoor entertaining season is over in your area. Move everything to a protected place, such as a garage, shed or storage unit, for the season. If you plan to keep using your outdoor spaces throughout the colder months, invest in good protective covers. Do the same for fixtures that are permanently installed but vulnerable to cold temperatures or temperature fluctuations, such as birdbaths, fountains, fire pits, grills and outdoor kitchen features.

Do Some Clean Up

    • Remove fading annuals and plants that are diseased or dead or have been infested by insects. Cut off any rotting stems or mushy foliage on herbaceous perennials, or completely cut back those plants. You also should cut back plants, such as lilies, irises and peonies, that will die off and be more difficult to clean up in spring, or that are susceptible to diseases, especially fungal diseases, that can develop in winter. Do the same with exuberant self-seeders, or you may end up with an overabundance of them come spring. Trim plants that need a light shaping. Check trees and large shrubs for dead or weak branches that might break during storms. Removing them will prevent damage to both the plants and the surrounding areas. Fall is not the ideal time for a major pruning, but you can gently shape plants and remove limbs.

Protect Your Containers

    • Move ceramic, terra-cotta and other fragile containers indoors or to a sheltered spot for the winter, as they can easily crack when exposed to the cold. Insulate larger containers that can’t be moved. Metal, stone and concrete containers are more cold-tolerant, but you might want to move them as well, especially if you expect extreme weather or they are pieces you love. Clean any empty containers and store them in a shed, garage or other sheltered place until you’re ready to reuse them in the spring.

Tackle Lawns & Garden Beds

    • Aerate and de-thatch your lawn in fall to loosen the soil and encourage absorption of air, water and nutrients. Doing so also will encourage strong root growth. Rake leaves off lawns and garden beds on a regular basis. Add them to a compost or leaf pile, or mulch them with a mower to break them up. You can lightly scatter shredded leaves over the lawn to decompose and enrich the soil over winter, but be careful not to smother the grass. Add shredded leaves to your garden beds as well, along with bark mulch, compost or leaf mold.

Prep Your Pipes

    • In cold-winter regions, shut off any exterior water systems before cold weather hits. Then open the tap and drain the lines to prevent damage. Finally, disconnect any hoses. Do the same for any water lines leading to an outdoor kitchen. At the same time, drain and clean any outdoor water features, such as fountains and ponds. In warmer regions, check that your irrigation system is still working correctly. Repair or replace any sprinkler heads or drip system components as needed. Cut back on watering frequency as the weather cools. If rainfall is sufficient, turn the system off. Even if you live in a warmer area, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on winter forecasts. Insulate exterior pipes and taps if a freeze is predicted, especially one that will last several days. Another option is to open the taps slightly to allow water to slowly drip out.

Overwinter Delicate Plants

    • Move tender plants and less hardy overwintering bulbs, especially those in ceramic or terra-cotta containers, to a sunny window or sheltered spot for the winter. If moving plants isn’t practical, you can cover them with cloches or cold frames.

Clean & Store Tools

    • Whether gardening season is coming to an end or you’ll continue to work in your yard, fall is an ideal time to repair, clean and sanitize your outdoor tools. Store them in a shed or garage where you can easily access them if needed but where they are protected from winter weather.

Get a Head Start on Spring Planting

    • Add soil amendments to planting beds before winter sets in. They’ll break down during the coming months, and you’ll be able to get a jump on spring planting once the soil is dry enough to work. If you live in a warm-winter area, you also can grow cover crops, such as fava beans or clover, throughout the season that will restore nutrients to the soil or support overwintering pollinators. Sow wildflower seeds and plant bulbs, either in the ground or in containers, for spring blooms.

I hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving surrounded by friends and loved ones. Until next month!

Source: houzz.com

Ways to Refresh Your Yard

Summer is quickly coming to an end, but it’s never too late to refresh your yard this season. We still have plenty of nice weather days ahead of us, so make the most out of it with the design ideas below and enjoy your newly revitalized yard before fall arrives.

Revive Your Planters

    • Replace fading blooms with summer favorites. Purchasing plants that are ready to bloom rather than already in full bloom will help you extend the season. You might also want to refresh your potting soil to give the new plants a good start.

Refresh with New Paint

    • Add a splash or two of an unexpected color to give your yard a new look without a lot of fuss. Start small with a painted pot or Adirondack chair, or experiment with other garden elements. Look for paint designed for both the surface you are painting and for outdoor use. Also, if you’ll be painting a planter used for edibles, be sure to choose a nontoxic option.

Add Umbrellas or Shade Sails

    • Use a freestanding umbrella to provide shade in spots other than above your dining table. You’ll find umbrellas in a range of size and colors. A shade sail can provide even more protection for a sitting or dining area without closing off the rest of the space. The breezes will still circulate to cool you down, but you’ll have a bit of respite from the direct heat. Even better, you’ll find plenty of color options to choose from so that you can tailor the look to your landscape design.

Change Out Pillows and Cushions

    • New pillows and cushions go a long way toward giving furnishings a fresh look. Bonus: Many retailers put their summer-theme offerings on sale at this time of year. And while you’re at it, you might also find just the right chair or table to fit the new look.

Light Things Up

    • Supplement your existing outdoor lights with lanterns and candles that will enhance the ambiance. Opt for large statement pieces, such as lanterns like the ones seen here, or place smaller pillar candles or tea lights around your entertaining areas for a soft, continuous glow. Whatever type of lighting you choose, be sure that it is study and place it so it won’t be knocked aside or tipped over easily, especially if you have live flames. Consider making things even safer by opting for battery-powered versions.

Hang a Hammock or Swing

    • Nothing says summer quite like hanging out in a hammock or drifting back and forth on a swing. If your hangout place is also a brilliant color that matches the colors in your summertime yard, so much the better. Whether you choose a hammock or a swing, make sure it’s securely anchored before you put it to use.

Create a Relaxing Retreat

    • Move chairs and sofas from a spot that’s basking in the sun to a location under a shady tree. The naturally filtered light will help cool things down, and you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of your yard while reading, sipping or simply daydreaming.

Designate a Place for Drinks

    • Borrow the idea of a bar cart for your outdoor space. You won’t want to keep the drinks there full time, but having a set location and a few accoutrements handy, including a tub for chilling drinks and bar tools, will mean you’re ready to go when it’s time to bring things out. A bar cart also can do double duty as a table or counter when not in use for drinks. Closed cabinetry will let you keep some glassware and cutlery as well as any bar tools outside. To make juggling everything you’ll be bringing out from the kitchen even easier, consider having a weather-friendly tray on hand. If space is tight, look for other possible options when it’s time to entertain: the end of a counter, the top of a storage cabinet or even a potting bench.

Roast Mallows and Gather Around a Fire Pit

    • Extend the evening by gathering around a fire. It’s the perfect way to relax, sip some drinks and maybe make a s’more or two. If a permanent fire pit isn’t in your budget or landscape plan right now, look for smaller portable options, including some that use propane or electricity for the flames. They’re generally readily available and less expensive than built-in fire pits, and they have the added advantage of allowing you to place them wherever the action is for the evening.

Take Movie Night Outdoors

    • Turn your yard into an outdoor movie theater. A full outdoor theater is a commitment, but for an occasional family-and-friends movie night, especially if you aren’t fussy about quality, you can get by with a portable screen, white sheet or wall; a reliable projector or favorite movie player; speakers that can compete with ambient nighttime sounds from traffic noise or windy gusts; and some comfortable lawn chairs or lounges. Locate your screen in a spot that’s relatively free from adjacent lighting, and set up the projector and sound system. Also, be aware of how your location will affect your neighbors. You don’t want to blast them out with loud sounds or project something unsettling, such as a horror flick, to the neighborhood. Then just add popcorn and enjoy.

Comment with any changes you’ll be making to your yard before the end of summer. Until next month!

Source: houzz.com

Reasons to Cook & Eat Outdoors This Summer

Get the grill ready! Nothing beats the smell of dinner sizzling on the grill and relaxing al fresco dining. It’s simple pleasures like this that should be enjoyed more often. Here are 10 reasons to bring your crew outside for dinner (or breakfast or lunch) more often this season and beyond.

It Becomes a Social Event

    • When you’re cooking outside, preparing dinner is part of the fun instead of a chore that keeps you holed up in the kitchen alone. Family and friends can easily hang out and chat with whoever is stationed at the grill, and can pitch in by prepping sides or gathering plates.

Cooking Outside Keeps Your Kitchen Cool

    • On the hottest, muggiest days of summer, just the thought of turning on the oven can be horrifying. Keep your cool by cooking and serving dinner outdoors instead.

Skip the Kitchen Clean Up!

    • Not only does eating outdoors mean less kitchen prep, it means less cleanup too — and who doesn’t want that? Whether you’re cooking for a big crowd or just family, having a night off from messy pots and pans can be a big relief.

Hosting Outside Means You Don’t Have to Deep Clean the House

    • If you’d love to invite people over more often but hate the time it takes to get the house presentable, outdoor dinner parties may be the ideal solution. Put a fresh tablecloth on the outdoor table, maybe turn on some twinkle lights and you’re good to go.

Grilling is a Crowd Pleaser

    • When some folks in your group are vegetarian, some are vegan, some are gluten-free and others are mega meat eaters, it can seem impossible to please everyone. But when you’re grilling, customizing each diner’s plate is fairly simple — especially if you ask everyone to bring something they would like to eat to contribute to the grill.

Grilling Tends to be Quicker

    • With slow-cooked barbecue being the (rather delicious) exception, most cooking on the grill tends to fall into the quick-cooking category. Think grilled veggies, kabobs and burgers — it’s so easy, there’s no reason you couldn’t cook dinner on the grill most weeknights, especially if you have a quick-to-heat gas grill.

It Makes Weeknight Dinners Feel Special

    • There’s something about cooking and eating outdoors that can make any old dinner feel more like vacation. And if you have kids, eating outside also means that they’re more likely to run off and play outside when they finish the meal, rather than beg for screen time, so it’s a win-win.

It Works for Breakfast & Lunch Too!

    • If the weather is pleasant, why not bring your breakfast or lunch outdoors, where you can enjoy it in the fresh air? If you don’t feel like turning on the stove at all, make like you’re camping and cook up some French toast in a cast iron skillet on the grill, or roast hot dogs for lunch on a lazy Saturday.

You Can Host a Larger Crowd Outdoors

    • Even if your house is small or doesn’t have the right flow for entertaining a crowd, chances are that more can fit comfortably outdoors. And when you consider that people like to stand around the grill, you probably don’t even need as many seats as you would if you hosted the same number of folks indoors.

Food Tastes Better Outside

    • Is it some ancestral memory of cooking on the fire? Is it the fresh air? Whatever the reason, food eaten outdoors always seems to taste better, and who’s going to argue with that?

Be sure to comment with some of your favorite grilling recipes. Until next month!

Source: houzz.com

Awesome Weekend Getaways Near Portland

You don’t need to travel far to relish in all of the beauty and fun Oregon has to offer. Pack your weekender bags, fill up the gas tank, and check out these fantastic locations.

Painted Hills & John Day Fossil Beds

    • About a 4 hour drive SE lay the breathtaking Painted Hills, a unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument (see photo above). They are so colorful, you’ll think you landed on a different planet! Aside from taking the sights, the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument offers tons of hiking trails. Visit the Thomas Condon Paleontology to see all of the bizarre fossils paleontologists have found in the area including short-faced bears, four-toed horses, and meat-eating creodonts (a wolflike mammal). Center Campgrounds and restaurants can be found nearby.

Crater Lake

    • A volcanic caldera filled with rain and snow melt, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the US and one of the most pristine lakes on Earth. The outdoor activities at Crater Lake are endless! You can go fishing, swimming, hiking, camping, birdwatching, etc. You can even learn more about Crater Lake by attending a Ranger Program. Crater Lake also offers walking, trolley, and boat tours. Be sure to check out Sinnott Memorial – The oldest and most popular viewpoint in the park built specifically to offer a united view of the beauty and the geologic story. Most of the hiking trails at Crater Lake are usually still covered with snow in May and June, so it might be best to wait until late Summer to visit.

Mt Hood National Park

    • Skiing season may be over, but there are plenty of other activities you can do at Mt. Hood. Hike it’s many trails, visit Timberline Lodge, grab a beer and some lunch at Mt Hood Brewing, or go down to Trillium Lake for a kayak or paddle board session. Visit in July or August to see high-elevation wildflowers.

Gearhart

    • Gearhart is one of the few Oregon coastal towns devoid of tourist trappings. This tiny beach town doesn’t have many tourist attractions, but is surrounded with natural beauty. It’s four mile long beach is ranked among the best in Oregon and is perfect for a quiet peaceful getaway. Stay at the adorable Gearhart Ocean Inn and have dinner at Pacific Way Bakery & Cafe. Want to golf? Check out Gearhart Golf Links!

Sisters

    • Sisters is an adorable quaint town just north of Bend with an “Old West” vibe. City ordinances in Sisters actually requires businesses to maintain a rustic 1880’s aesthetic! Aside from taking in the downtown life with it’s many restaurants and shops, Sisters also offers lots of outdoor activities as well. Take a boat out on Suttle Lake, hike near Metolius River or hike the Whychus Overlook for a beautiful panoramic view of The Three Sisters mountains.

Cape Arago

    • Cape Arago is worth the 4 hour drive! From it’s stunning sandstone headlands to the elegant paths of Shores Acres Botanical Gardens, Cape Arago is a must see destination. Visit at low tide to explore the tide pools at Sunset Bay State Park. Take the Shores Acres Loop Trail the take in the wild and dramatic sandstone cliffs. It’s also a great place to see sea lions and harbor seals lounging on the rocks.

Hood River

    • Often called the windsurfing capital of the world, Hood River is located at the crossroads of the Columbia River Gorge and the Cascade Range. Hood River is great for foodies, historians, hikers, bikers, beer and wine lovers – it offers a little bit of everything to everyone. Thanks to the Hood River County Fruit Loop Map, which provides directions to 36 orchards, lavender farms, roadside produce stands, and even alpaca farms, navigating the area’s 15,000 or so acres of agricultural land is easy as pie. Take the bridge over to the small but mighty town of White Salmon for some dinner and wine tasting.

Astoria

    • Best known for being the filming site of many cult classic movies like The Goonies, Kindergarten Cop, and Short Circuit, Astoria is a fishing village-meets-Victoriana port city filled with great food and tons of sight seeing. It offers multiple museums, breweries, shops and restaurants. A must see for architecture lovers is the Flavel House Museum.

McMinnville

    • Hello Wine Country! McMinnville is a historic town located in the heart of Oregon’s Wine Country. Sprinkled throughout downtown are restored, turn-of-the-century buildings reinvented as restaurants, wine bars and galleries. But even though McMinnville is famous for fine wines, it’s also a family-friendly destination, home to the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum and an annual UFO festival. Stay and wine taste at the Youngberg Hill Vineyards & Inn and continue the wine tour over at the Eyrie Vineyards. Are you a foodie? McMinnville is also home to restaurant “ōkta”, opened by Michelin-star chef Matthew Lightner. ōkta offers a highly progressive tasting menu that draws inspiration from the bounty of the Willamette Valley and the cadence of its micro-seasons. Be sure to make a reservation!

Newport

    • Newport is an ideal coastal location if you want to take in the ocean views, but still have plenty of restaurants and attractions nearby. Stroll along the Historic Bayfront, where you can browse the shops, admire the boats in the harbor, enjoy Ripley’s Believe it or Not!, and visit the sea lion docks. Say hi to one of the cutest critters on the planet, the Sea Otter, at the Newport Aquarium. You must check out the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, where Yaquina Head Lighthouse stands at the end of a mile-long basaltic headland.

Must See Architectural Buildings in Oregon

You don’t have to travel far to view the architectural beauties Oregon has to offer! Here are some of my favorite architectural buildings in and around Portland. Leave a comment if you’ve visited any of these buildings or if I’m missing your favorite architectural building on this list!

Pittock Mansion
3229 NW Pittock Dr. Portland

Photo from pittockmansion.org

This French Renaissance-style chateau was built in 1914 for publisher Henry Pittock and his wife, Georgiana Burton Pittock. The mansion is also a museum and has amazing walking paths all along it’s hillside. Pittock Mansion was hit by a storm in the 1960’s and was almost knocked down and turned into a subdivision. Luckily, it was restored and transformed into a public space in 15 months. 

 

Gordon House
849 W Main St. Silverton

Photo from thegordonhouse.org

Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, arguably one of the most influential architects in the world, the Gordon House is Wright’s only design built in Oregon and is an example of his Usonian vision for America. The home was originally in Wilsonville, but in 1997, it’s new owners wanted to tear it down and develop a more contemporary home. The Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservatory was able to save the building and move it to the Oregon Garden. Gordon House is now open for tours, events, and even weddings!

 

Aubry Watzek House
1061 SW Skyline Blvd. Portland

Photo from yeoncenter.uoregon.edu

Built for a lumber magnate, The Watzek House is a major regional statement of Modern architecutre. The house is U-shaped and centered around a formal courtyard. It features spectacular views of Mt. Hood and offers daily tours.

 

The Old Church
1422 SW 11th Ave. Portland

Photo from Peter Mahar Photography

The Old Church is a non-profit, non-religious concert hall and historic landmark and focuses on restoring and preserving the structure. It was designed by Portland architect Warren Heywood Williams and features a Gothic 1800’s style and stained glass windows. 

 

Hollywood Theater
4122 NE Sandy Blvd. Portland

Photo from cityseeker.com

Considered a gem of NE Portland’s culture and tradition, the Hollywood Theater is Portland’s historic nonprofit theater. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 and has even hosted many special guests like Quentin Tarantino, Pam Grier, Michael Ironside, Piper Laurie, and Joe Dante. The building is designed in multiple styles like Spanish Colonial and Bernini. 

 

Shelton McMurphey Johnson House
303 Willamette St. Eugene

Photo from WikiMedia Commons

Named after the three families who’ve called it home over the years, the Shelton McMurphey Johnson house is also known as Castle on the Hill. SMJ is Eugene’s most elaborate example of late Victorian Queen Anne Revival style architecture. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this gorgeous Victorian is now a museum.

 

U.S. National Bank Building
309 SW 6th Ave. Portland

Photo from WikiMedia

Designed in a Roman classical style, U.S. National Bank Building features a four story corinthian colonnade and uses beautiful glazed terracotta extensively.  

 

U.S. Bancorp Tower
111 SW 5th Ave. #1250 Portland

Photo from loopnet.com

U.S. Bancorp Tower is 42 stories tall and is the second tallest building in Portland. It’s unusual color gave way to it’s nickname: the “Big Pink”. Because of the street grid, the tower features no right angles in it’s parallelogram footprint which in turn makes it look either extremely slender or wide depending on the angle one is viewing the building.

 

The Portland Building
1120 SW 5th Ave. Portland

Photo from pmapdx.com

Even though the Portland Building has received a lot of criticism in the past, it has had a huge effect on American architecture and an award winning example of Post Modern architecture. One of it’s famous attributes would have to be the beautiful copper-hammered statue Portlandia that graces it’s front entrance.

 

Old Town
Mitchell, Oregon

Photo from bendmagazine.com

Mitchell, Oregon is about a 4 hour drive SE from Portland and is the closest town to the infamous Painted Hills. Mitchell’s “Old Town” maintains a historic rustic charm featuring western false front architecture.

10 of My Favorite PDX Food Carts

Here’s my list of favorite food carts in Portland and the surrounding areas. Comment below with some of your favorites!

1. Tokyo Sando

Photo from @tokyosandopdx on Instagram

321 SW 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97204
Hands down one of the best sandwiches you will ever have in your life. The owners are super friendly and personable and you can’t beat the price for the amount and quality of the food.

2. Kind Coffee

Photo from @kindcoffeecart on Instagram

4255 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97215 – The Bite on Belmont
The most special thing about Kind Coffee Cart has to be the people. The staff is more than accommodating and welcoming. The excellent coffee is just a plus.

3. Chicken and Guns

Photo from @chickenandguns on Instagram

1207 SE Hawthorne Blvd. Portland, OR 97214
Wood-smoked Latin-style chicken is the focus at this rustic stand with outdoor seats & a firepit. Great service, cool atmosphere and some of the best chicken around. Don’t forget a side of chimichurri if you plan on going.

4. Viking Soul Food

Photo from @vikingsoulfood on Instagram

4255 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97215 – The Bite on Belmont
Served from a vintage Airstream, this Norwegian specialty food cart was voted one of the best food carts in the U.S. The lingonberry lefse wrap, norwegian meatballs, and Kraken snack are some favorites.

5. Sakura Noodle House

Photo from @sakuranoodlehousepdx on Instagram

13551 SE 145th Ave. Happy Valley, OR 97015 – Happy Valley Station
Sakura has an assortment of noodle dishes and their prices are very reasonable. The Singapore rice noodle dish is a fan favorite along with the Korean rice bowl, ramen, and chicken wings.

6. Yokai Musubi

Photo from @yokaimusubi on Instagram

2190 W Burnside St Suite A, Portland, OR 97205
Okay so Yokai Musubi is not a food cart, but it’s a tiny brick and mortar shop that is still worth a mention. Located downtown, Yokai Musubi has all of your hawaiian cravings and more. Stop by for the musubi, li hing candy, and rotating island desserts.

7. Tito’s Taquitos

Photo from @titostaquitospdx on Instagram

3975 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, Portland, OR 97221
Tito’s Taquitos is a tasty taco truck specializing in hand rolled taquitos. They just re-opened their new spot on Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway. The crispy potato taquitos topped with birria are the absolute best.

8. Erica’s Soul Food

Photo from @ericaspdx on Instagram

120 NE Russell St. Portland, OR 97212
Humble food truck serving Southern comfort food including sandwiches, wings, meatloaf & cornbread. Great service and you’ll love every bite! Give the smothered chicken, catfish dinner, or shrimp and grits a try.

9. Yoshi’s Sushi

Photo from @yoshispdx on Instagram

3530 SW Multnomah Blvd. Portland, OR 97219 – Multnomah French Quarter
Traditionally inspired, forward-thinking sushi food cart in the Multnomah Village French Quarter. Very fresh and very tasty! Try the Lime Green roll and the French Quarter roll.

10. Farmer and the Beast

Photo from @farmerandthebeast Instagram

1845 NW 23rd Pl. Portland, OR 97210 – Nob Hill Food Carts
Made with care and local products, Farmer and the Beast is the go-to spot for smash burgers. Not feeling a burger? Well you’re in luck because their salads are delicious as well.

Reasons I Love Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon has been in the news lately because of demonstrations in a 3-block radius from the Justice Center downtown. I thought now would be a good time to highlight what makes Portland great.

1) The variety of bar and restaurant options.

While Coronavirus has killed many of the burgeoning establishments (Pok Pok, Arleta Library Bakery & Cafe, Blue Hour, Tanker Bar, to name a few), others are still surviving on thin budgets while navigating the nightmare. Places like Advice Booth, Rose & Thistle, Ovation Bar (OK it’s actually in Milwaukie), Jolly Roger, Mad Hanna, Satellite Room, and Tabor Tavern are still open for business and somehow maintaining their sanity. Some restaurants are doing take-out and delivery. Some of my favorites are:

  • La Cocina Mexican Restaurant at 3901 N. Williams Ave. — new location in the space where the old Lompoc’s 5th Quadrant was.
  • St. Honoré Bakery at 2335 NW Thurman (get the chouquettes)
  • Hat Yai on Killingsworth or Belmont is a Thai-Malaysian place offering an interesting mix of excellent fresh fried chicken, curry dipping sauce, naan-like bread (roti), and rice.
  • Amalfi’s at 4703 NE Fremont — a classic Italian American eatery serving generations of Portlanders.
  • The Bite on Belmont (food carts)
  • Big’s Chicken on Glisan

2) Neighborhood shows of spirit in all the little ways

  • Sharing libraries: I’ve seen books and tools available to share.
  • Little gnome villages
  • Wishing trees
  • Random signs of encouragement

Telephone pole sign: “You bring joy to those around you”

3) Abundant, lush plant life

  • Tryon Creek State Park, Oxbow Regional Park
  • International Rose Test Garden
  • Japanese Garden
  • Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
  • City parks like Mt. Tabor, Laurelhurst Park, Forest Park

4) Public Golf Courses

Portland Parks and Recreation manages five golf courses throughout the city. These have been a way to get outside while maintaining physical distance. As you may know, I love to golf. They offer junior golf programs so the city’s youth can learn a new sport. Women-only groups are also offered. Colwood, Eastmoreland, Heron Lake, RedTail, and Rose City dot the map across town with beautiful green spaces to get that hole in one. They even offer a 3-year scholarship program for students entering their freshman year of high school. Hello, awesome summer job!

5) Appreciation for pets

I do not see the dog-friendliness in other towns like I see in Portland. Many outdoor restaurants offer water bowls for furry friends and even let them be with their owners. Tin Shed offers half-off dog meals when dogs wear their bandanas. The purchase is 100% donated Puplandia Dog Rescue. For the cat people, Purrington’s Cat Lounge is a place where you can grab a cup of coffee and chill with the cool cats who are up for adoption.

6) Being within driving distance to:

  • Mountains for skiing
  • Rivers and lakes for fishing
  • Pacific Ocean for whale watching and sunset gazing
  • High desert getaways
  • Wineries offering internationally recognized award-winning Pinot Noir. Lange Estate Winery in Dundee has a marvelous tasting room (by appointment only).
  • Countryside to visit dahlia farms, tulip farms, and goat farms

These are just some of my reasons. What else would you add to the list? Or if you don’t live here, send me a message if you’d like to find out in person.

Published July 30, 2020

 

Remembering 1984: My Mom Cooks Up Colonial Williamsburg in Billings, Montana

America: The Great Expanse. I moved around a lot as a kid, so it is no surprise my mom traveled to Williamsburg, Virginia from Billings, Montana to explore history through the lens of cooking. I was reminded of her travels (and subsequent published article) this Fourth of July holiday weekend. Independence Day celebrations have traditionally been a time for friends and family to gather at cookouts (or “barbecues”, depending on where you’re from) and an opportunity to share in traditions through cooking. I unearthed this article published in 1984 in The Billings Gazette when my mom, Judie Besso, taught cooking classes. The following piece highlights her travels to Williamsburg, Virginia, to experience early colonial history, specifically through food. I hope you enjoy the glimpse into culinary history below. Do you think you’ll try these recipes? What are some traditional dishes your family enjoys? Drop me a line!

The Billings Gazette
Living Section, December 19, 1984
Story by Donna Healy

judie besso williamsburg recipes

Judie Besso and a few local cooks traveled 2,000 miles across the country and more than 200 years back in time earlier this month when they visited Williamsburg, Va., for an evening of Christmas cooking. Besso transported the cooks to colonial Virginia via a cooking class at the Kitchen Cupboard.

Besso’s interest in food began early in her New Jersey childhood. Her mother and father, both excellent cooks, used to have fudge cooking contests and leave it up to their children to judge which was best. Later when Besso became a teacher, she continued to cook, branching out into Oriental and Indian cuisines. She met her husband, Jack Besso, in Okinawa where he was stationed with the service and she was teaching. Their first dates were organized around cooking food. She and Jack, whose father operated a bakery in Billings for many years, now run a catering business, in addition to several other business ventures.

The couple and their young son Sean spent several days in Williamsburg just before Christmas 12 years ago when they lived on the East Coast. The town was decked out for Christmas with doors and porches wreathed with pine boughs and pomegranates, apples and pineapples, a symbol of hospitality. There was the firing of the Christmas gun and old time games: climbing a greased pole, three-legged races and sack races. Visitors partake of 18th century colonial history even when they eat. Several Williamsburg restaurants serve adaptations of what the governor and his holiday guests would have dined on. In those days, chicken and ham were held in higher regard than beef, says Besso. Cattle were allowed to roam freely through the brush and beef tended to be tough. By the 18th century, Virginia smoked hams already were prized and were often were sent back to England by colonists as Christmas presents for their relatives. Chicken was such a standard company dish, serving anything else could put a host in an embarrassing situation.

To illustrate the point, Besso tells a tale about one of her Revolutionary War ancestors, Timothy Meeker. Meeker was a Minuteman living in New Jersey during the Revolution when a tall, dignified stranger dropped by unexpectedly one evening. The family invited the stranger to eat with them, apologizing all the while that they would be dining on rabbit and not chicken. Shrugging off his host’s apology, the guest replied: “It’s good enough for George Washington.” The stranger indeed was the commander-in-chief, traveling incognito to find out how colonists felt about whether or not to continue the fight against the British. When he stopped by the Meekers, Washington was on his way to his New Jersey headquarters from Philadelphia where he was having trouble squeezing money out of the Continental Congress for the war. Although the colonists did eventually part political company with England, their foods continued to carry the mark of the mother country both before and after the Revolution. The Empire’s influence even reached into colonists’ punch bowls.

Punch, a favorite way of serving alcohol in the colonies, comes from the word “paunch,” a Hindustani word meaning five, punches generally having five or more ingredients.

Another favorite holiday beverage was Wassail, spiced ale used to toast the health of guests and host. According to “The Williamsburg Cookbook,” compiled by Letha Booth and the staff of Colonial Williamsburg, the word Wassail comes from the Saxon phrase “Wass hael,” which means “be whole,” or “be well”.

Here are some recipes from Booth’s cookbook:

King’s Arms Tavern
Cream of Peanut Soup

Peanuts weren’t eaten as human food in the United States until the 19th century, but they were grown in the southern colonies during the pre-Revolutionary era. This modern soup pays homage to colonial peanut crops.

1 medium onion, chopped
2 ribs celery, chopped
4 cup butter
3 tbsp. all-purpose flour
2 quarts homemade or canned chicken stock
2 cups smooth peanut butter
1 ¾  cups light cream Peanuts, chopped

Sauté onion and celery in butter until soft, but not brown. Stir in flour until well blended. Add chicken stock, stirring constantly and bring to a boil Remove from heat and rub through a sieve. Add peanut butter and cream, stirring to blend thoroughly. Return to low heat, but do not boil, and serve, garnished with peanuts. Soup can be served hot or iced cold.

Chicken Virginia with Grape Sauce

3 chicken breasts, boned and halved
4 tbsp. butter, melted
12 fresh mushrooms
6 slices ham
Grape Sauce, see following recipe

Preheat broiler. Line broiler pan with foil and place chicken in single layer skin side down. Brush with butter. Broil 3 to 4 inches from heat for 15 minutes, turn and brush with butter. Lower pan to 7 to 8 inches from heat; broil 10-15 minutes longer or until chicken is done. Sauté whole mushrooms in remaining butter. Serve each half of chicken breast on a slice of ham. Spoon Grape Sauce over the meat and garnish with sautéed mushrooms.

Grape Sauce

¼ cup butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ tsp. salt
2 cups homemade or canned chicken stock
2 tbsp. lemon juice
2 tbsp. sugar
2 cups seedless grapes

Melt butter in saucepan and blend in flour and salt Stir until smooth. Gradually add chicken stock, stirring constantly until smooth and thick. Stir in lemon juice and sugar. Add grapes just before serving.

 

Published July 2020

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