365 Things to do in Portland

I am loving this sunshine, and can’t wait to get out and enjoy it! Hopefully it sticks around not only for this weekend, but also Easter weekend which happens to be just around the corner.  If you’re looking for the best spot in town for a good old-fashioned, traditional, Easter Egg Hunt, look no further than our friends at Alpenrose Dairy.

Alpenrose Dairy is often a name you see posted in our local grocery stores for their great dairy products and ice cream, but once a year they open their gates for kids between the ages of 3-8 for their annual Easter Egg Hunt. This year, the hunt is on Saturday April 23rd, and it marks the 49th year! This hunt is definitely one you and your kids can’t afford to miss.  Children can enjoy a great day (rain or shine) with prizes, yummy treats, and of course – the Easter Bunny himself.  The kids hunt is split into two groups.  Ages 3-5 at 10:30am and ages 6-8 at 12:30.  

The kids don’t get to have all of the fun, Moms in particular are encouraged to get in on the action, for a chance to win great prizes of your own.  The mom dash for prizes begins at 11:30am, so get out there and make your kids proud!

Enjoy this Portland tradition, it’s one that your kids will be talking about for years to come.

I was so pleased to see the sunshine this morning, but even more excited to see that it’s decided to hang out with us all day!  Even though it’s still a bit chilly out, I figured there was no better day than today to bundle up and enjoy a nice stroll through, yet another, fabulous Portland spot – Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden.

This beautiful spot is just about to begin it’s peak season, when means prime-time for you to go.  It’s only open between April and September so be sure you add to your list of things to do.

The Garden is completely brimming with, not only amazing Rhododendrons, but also many other beautiful varieties of blooming buds.  In addition to all of its foliage, there are gorgeous fountain and water features, paved paths, guided tours, and mother nature’s most vibrant displays around every turn.

Portlanders choose Crystal Springs for photography sessions and weddings each year because of the amazing 2,500 plus rhododendrons blooming here. As you can imagine, they provide an amazing color palate and a beautiful backdrop.

If there isn’t a wedding in your future, take my word for it and don’t miss this season at the garden!  It’s truly the perfect way to enjoy some good old fashion sunshine.

Why not capitalize on the sunshine now?  Cheers to this sunny day Portland, and enjoy Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden!

In the spirit of spring, we’ve decided to feature a hidden gem of Portland that is the perfect place to be come sunshine and warm weather!  If you haven’t taken a walk, went for a bike ride, or people watched on a park bench in the Ladd’s Addition neighborhood, well then, this one’s for you!

Ladd’s Addition is one of the oldest residential districts in Portland. It’s located in the Hosford-Abernethy neighborhood in southeast.  A modest, eight blocks by ten blocks area in size, the neighborhood is known in Portland for its diagonal street pattern, which lays completely in contrast with the regular grid and street direction of the surrounding areas, such as Hawthorne and Division. This unconventional street layout can be disorienting to drivers, but is a haven for cyclists, runners, dog-walkers, and pedestrians!

This neighborhood is named after William S. Ladd, a Portland mayor who originally owned a 126-acre farm in the very spot.  When the mayor decided to subdivide the land for residential use, rather than adopt the standard pattern that we’d find in the majority of Portland, Ladd created a diagonal “wagon wheel” arrangement, including four small diamond-shaped rose gardens and a central traffic circle surrounding a park. What is now known as Ladd’s Addition.

Head on down to this beautiful neighborhood: where elm trees line the streets, and rose gardens fall in each of the intersection lines of the Ladd grid.  This historic area is also surrounded by countless restaurants, ice cream shops, and boutiques- perfect for a day of window shopping and relaxation.  Happy Spring, Portland!

Today’s post just had to make it into the 365 list! I always say, “Save the best for last”, and after all, they did introduce Portland to pizza.  Any guesses on who it could be?  Well if you guessed Amalfi’s, you’d be 100% correct.  If you didn’t guess this Portland tradition, then let me formally introduce you to my favorite Italian spot in town.

Amalfi’s is located on Northeast Fremont, and as any longstanding piece of history, it’s seen quite a bit of change.  The restaurant has been around since 1949.  In previous years, it was known as Caro Amico and only sat between 15-20 people.  Today, the restaurant is in a newly renovated condition and can host up to 250 people.  It also holds the title for best pizza in the Portland Metropolitan Area.  

The first time I went to Amalfi’s was almost 4 years ago with, whom I refer to, as my better half.  He went to school with owner Kiauna Floyd, who is the third generation owner. If you’d like to see what passion looks like, just ask to chat with Kiauna.  At the time, they were redoing the bar area which currently holds some great clout when it comes to great happy hours in the area.  It was named the 2011 Happy Hour of the year by Portland Happy Hour Guidebook and there is a definite reason why. The place is classy and the food is amazing! Amalfi’s is one of my favorite spots in Portland, bar none.

The Happy Hour runs everyday from 3pm to 6pm and again from 9pm to closing (Sunday 3pm-6pm only).  With great menu items such as buffalo prawns and tomato basil bruchetta, you just can’t go wrong.

The staff add an additional delight, when combined with the great food and ambiance.  They are sure to make your visit a, all-around positive experience; each of these things providing the perfect reason for a return visit.

Enjoy Italian food at it’s finest, arguably the best pizza in town, and a Portland monument. Head on down to Amalfi’s!

Well, we got a little taste of sun before the rain returned!  That teaser was all I needed to realize that I am in desperate need of becoming de-winterized.   What better way to jump-start your summer bod than signing up with some friends to one of the many great running events Portland has lined up for Summer?! 

Here are a few you’ve got to check out:

Run for The Cheetah

It’s a great way to get your kids out and active and support the endangered cheetah.  The run is a 5k or 8k.  Click here for more details (http://runforthecheetah.org/?city=po)

Cinco De Mayo Half Marathon/ 10k/5k

This run/walk event is one of the coolest in town and entails a run through several parks  and great scenery with a party greeting you at the end.  Live music and great food and beer. Click here for more details. (http://www.terrapinevents.com/)

Run Mama Run

It’s the 3rd annual Mother’s Day fundraiser going to benefit Adoption Mosaic an organization that support healthy adoptions experiences.  Click here for more details (http://www.adoptionmosaic.org/run-mama-run/).

Starlight Run

Introducing us to the summer months is the Starlight run.  It’s Portland’s largest “Fun Run” and costume contest.  The run is a 5k run that travels through most of three street that the Rose Festival consumes.  Click here for more details. (http://www.starlightrun.com/)

Don’t wait for the weather Portland, get active and feel great!

The sun is shining and this weather is amazing!  It’s time to throw on those tennis shoes that have been collecting dust all winter, and enjoy a great day at the park.  If you’re trying to decide just the right park to go to, think no more!  The North Park Blocks will have just the ticket for you, and a great day of fun in the sun.

The North Park Blocks are historical in Portland, and were deemed a protected area in 1869.  Through various additions and upgrades, the park remains the perfect escape to city life and a tranquil break in your day.  

On any given day, you’ll find folks playing hoops, bocce, and strolling around the paved paths and playgrounds.  There’s plenty of art work and statues to marvel at and paths where you can enjoy the fresh air.  

I think it’s a great spot for a picnic and frisbee date.  All you need are a few sandwiches (perfectly prepared by neighboring deli’s), a good friend or two, and a frisbee.  

The park is located as Northwest Park Avenue between Ankeny Street and Glisan Street. This weekend is supposed to be a beautiful one, so why not kick off this spring sunshine with a day in the park!  

Enjoy the weather, and cross your fingers it decides to stick around for a while.

Neighborhood: Northwest Portland

Click for map 

Well Portland, we have made the record books!  With 30 out of 31 days of rain in a row, this leaves minimal options for outdoor activities.  So, since we can’t beat the rain, let’s roll with the punches and do something insanely fun indoors! There’s a new returning event coming back to Portland, bringing out some healthy competition, mayhem, and excitement! Welcoming back: Smash Putt.

From what I hear, Smash Putt is not you’re average putt putt golf course. This “Miniature Golf Apocalypse”, returns to Portland for six weekends of craziness and excitement! The engineers of Smash Putt have not held back this year, ”get your smash on” with new chaotic mechanized obstacles and try your hand at some polished up returning favorites! Finally, miniature golf done right! If you’re looking for a little edge this spring, then Smash Putt is the place to be! This 21 and older event, includes putt putt, drinks, thrills, and so much more.

This year, players can launch balls at moving targets, putt through the accelerator pads that will shoot your ball past your opponents and towards the cup! Getting a little competitive? Players can press the giant glowing button to scramble the course as your opponent takes a swing! Secret traps, ‘Cataputt n’ Castles’, Skeeball, & the experimental Scratch n’ Sniff Hole, are just a few of the crazy contraptions you have in store for you when you come get your putt on.

This is a 21 and older event, this type of craziness is for adults only.

Come in early and win free drinks during happy hour! They also have live musical performances, and entertainment throughout!

Tickets are $10 to $15, and may be purchased at www.smashputt.com

Here are the upcoming dates for Smash Putt:

4/1 6:00pm 2:00am
4/2 6:00pm 2:00am
4/3 6:00pm 12:00am
4/4 6:00pm 2:00am
4/8 6:00pm 2:00am
4/9 6:00pm 2:00am
4/10 6:00pm 12:00am
4/15 3:00pm 2:00am
4/16 3:00pm 2:00am
4/17 6:00pm 12:00am
4/22 3:00pm 2:00am
4/23 3:00pm 2:00am
4/24 3:00pm 12:00am
4/29 3:00pm 2:00am
4/30 3:00pm 2:00am
5/1 3:00pm 12:00am
5/5 6:00pm 2:00am
5/6 3:00pm 2:00am
5/7 3:00pm 2:00am
5/8 3:00pm 12:00am

Just six weeks, and then its all over! Don’t miss out on this one, Portland- Check out Smash Putt!