Tag: summer fun

Summer on Sauvie Island!

Posted on by Kiersten Frey

Sauvie Island, located on the Columbia River between North Portland & St. Helens,  is a beautiful destination known for its natural beauty + agricultural offerings. In the summer, there are plenty of activities & attractions that you can enjoy on the Island, from fruits & veggies to beaches, birds & bikes…
Sauvie has something for everyone!

~ Parking permits are required & strictly enforced during high season.
A $10 day pass / $30 annual is much cheaper than a parking ticket!
Get them here: https://sauvieisland.org/visitor-information/park-permits/

 

Here are some of the best things to do:

  1. Visit the beaches: Sauvie Island boasts several sandy beaches
    along the Columbia River, such as Walton Beach & Collins Beach.
    These beaches are perfect for sunbathing, picnicking, swimming,
    and enjoying water activities like kayaking, paddle boarding,
    boating & fishing.
  2. Explore the wildlife areas: The island is home to the Sauvie Island
    Wildlife Area, which spans over 11,000 acres. You can go birdwatching, hiking, or take a guided tour to observe the diverse wildlife that inhabits the area.
  3. Pick fresh berries: Sauvie Island is renowned for its berry farms. During the summer, you can pick your own strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and other delicious fruits at various farms. It’s a fun & tasty activity for families and fruit enthusiasts. Best berry picking spots here: https://pdxparent.com/berries/
  4. Enjoy farm-to-table experiences: The island is dotted with numerous farms and markets where you can indulge in fresh produce, including vegetables, fruits, flowers, and more. Some farms offer tours, tastings, and farm-to-table dining experiences, allowing you to learn about sustainable agriculture & enjoy delicious local cuisine. Topaz Farm To Plate Dinners: https://topazfarm.com/farm-to-plate
  5. Take a bike ride: Sauvie Island is a cyclist’s paradise with scenic roads and low traffic. You can bring your bicycle or rent one locally and explore the island at your own pace. There are multiple routes to choose from, and you’ll have the opportunity to soak in the picturesque landscapes and countryside charm. Biking Sauvie Island: https://sauvieisland.org/visitor-information/bikers/
  6. Go fishing: If you’re into fishing, Sauvie Island offers excellent opportunities for catching salmon, steelhead & other fish species. You can fish from the riverbanks or rent a boat & venture out onto
    the Columbia River for a memorable angling experience. Rent a boat here: https://www.getmyboat.com/boat-rental/Portland–OR–United-States/
  7. Visit the pumpkin patches: In the fall, Sauvie Island becomes famous for its pumpkin patches, but
    some farms open their doors in late summer as well. You can wander through the pumpkin fields,
    find the perfect pumpkin for carving, enjoy hayrides, corn mazes, and other seasonal activities.
    Pumpkin Patches: https://embracesomeplace.com/oregon-best-pumpkin-patches-portland-u-pick/

 

Remember to check the specific opening hours and availability of activities, as they may vary depending on the season and individual businesses. Happy Summer & hope to see you out there!

 

Lavender Fields Forever!

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Drink up the sun.

Summer is the season for a bounty of lavender flowers and that makes it the perfect time to try your hand at making homemade lavender tincture. A few drops of this delightful mixture transforms any drink into a crafted cocktail.

 

Bring your lavender dreams to life.

Gather a bundle of culinary-grade lavender and cut the excess stems off the flowers. Fill a large canning mason jar about 2/3 full of fresh lavender flowers. Top off the flowers with high proof alcohol. I used 80 proof Vodka for the high alcohol content, neutral flavor, and low price.

Be sure to use enough liquid to cover the flowers. Close the jar with a lid and place it in a cool, dark place. Every day you’ll need to shake the jar for about a minute. After two weeks, open the jar and check the fragrance.

Once you have a nice strong lavender fragrance you can strain out the flower debris and decant the tincture into storage jars. I’ve used coffee filters, cheesecloth, or muslin fabric for straining out the flowers.

I like to store it in dropper bottles so it’s easy to drop a bit of flavor into a cocktail. Dark tinted glass bottles are recommended to help preserve tinctures.

If you’re interested in visiting a lavender field to gather your own fresh blooms, you can check out Wayward Winds Lavender Farm in Newberg, OR. Their fields are scheduled to open July 1st with free admission.

 

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