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Lake Oswego
The tranquility of rural farmland meets sophisticated shopping and tasty eats in this Portland suburb.
Rachel Grozanick
Follow the Willamette River south, past Portland State University and Lewis & Clark College, and you’ll eventually reach the sylvan hills of Lake Oswego. In the early days — back when it was a humble assemblage of iron smelters, lumberyards and homesteaders — travelers could only reach Lake Oswego via the lazy river or bumpy dirt roads. Perhaps that’s why, though only 20 minutes from downtown Portland, the city still feels a world away.
Far removed from its modest origins, Lake Oswego now hosts beautiful homes nestled in misty pockets of the hills and a charming downtown full of local restaurants and shops.
Far removed from its modest origins, Lake Oswego now hosts beautiful homes nestled in misty pockets of the hills and a charming downtown full of local restaurants and shops. Whether you’re hitting the links, shopping designer consignment or sipping drinks on a shoreside patio, you’ll enjoy the tranquility Lake Oswego affords.
Eat
Start your day at La Provence boulangerie and patisserie with pastry cases full of Instagram-ready delectables. Babica Hen Cafe is another great breakfast spot — order from their extensive waffle menu, or fill up on other classics like benedicts, buns and scrambles.
You know you’re at a great barbecue spot when the tables are stocked with toothpicks and wet wipes — just such a spot, Pine Shed Ribs serves up an Oregon riff on Santa Maria-style barbecue, smoking the dry-rubbed meat to perfection and pairing it with homemade barbecue sauce. Since 2009, Oswego Grill has been serving up seasonal bistro fare — think steaks, burgers and fresh seafood. Lake Oswego is also home to a variety of popular Italian restaurants, including Riccardo’s Ristorante and Nicoletta’s Table and Marketplace, among others.
For dessert, travel back to a time of sock hops and drive-ins at Lake Oswego Ice Creamery, a classic diner that serves shakes, floats, sundaes and scoops. (They also offer a menu of classic diner fare.) At Kyra’s Bake Shop, the cupcakes are the star of the show (or try their cakes, cinnamon rolls, doughnuts and more). Le Cordon Bleu-trained Kyra Bussanich’s expansive rotating menu doesn’t have a single dud on it, as evidenced by her four “Cupcake Wars” wins. St. Honoré Bakery is another dessert spot that’s well worth a visit — master baker Dominique Geulin operates several Portland-area shops known for delectable baked goods, and the Lake Oswego location is no exception.
More Excellent Eats
Find more of the best spots for breakfast, barbecue, dessert and more in and around Portland.
Play
Built along the Oswego Lake shoreline, the historic Lake Theater & Cafe has been showing movies since 1940 and expanded in 2014 to offer a café menu and full bar. The Willamette River shoreline, on the other hand, offers parks like George Rogers Park and Foothills Park, providing river views and plenty of opportunities for water recreation. Take out a kayak or canoe, go for a swim or enjoy a riverside stroll.
If you’re in town on a Saturday or Sunday, be sure to visit the picturesque Oswego Hills Vineyard and Winery for a wine tasting. Perched atop a grassy hill, the vineyard offers sweeping views of the surrounding area, including Luscher Farm, an urban farm-cum-park with walking paths and gardening plots. Take the loop through the farm and over Cooks Butte for a vigorous walk, keeping an eye out for blackberries when they’re in season.
If you prefer a stroll through downtown, the Arts Council of Lake Oswego organizes a walking tour of its Gallery Without Walls, a collection of roughly 50 sculptures scattered about town. Or wander around Millennium Plaza Park, the site of Lake Oswego’s cheery farmers’ market spring through fall, and outdoor movies and concerts in the summer.
Know Before You Go
The Lake Oswego Public Golf Course and driving range are under renovation, with reopening anticipated in late 2024.
One of the city’s most popular attractions, the Lake Oswego Public Golf Course features a tranquil creek meandering through its 9 holes, as well as gorgeous views of Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams. To explore the tree-shrouded hills of Lake Oswego via the many miles of pathways the city has created, visit locally owned Lakeside Bicycles and get fitted for your very own dream cycle.
Shop
The consignment shops in this prosperous city are more upscale than your average second-hand store, making it a cinch to score designer finds. Simply Posh and Consigning Women both have highly selective collections of designer bags, shoes, clothing and authenticated jewelry for discerning fashionistas — and the former has offerings for fashionable men as well.
Grapevine offers trendy clothing and accessory selections for women in the Lake View Village downtown. Nearby Adorn is a Portland-based brand that has also become a Lake Oswego favorite — peruse apparel, accessories, gifts and more in their bright, modern store.
More Adventures South of the City
Don't stop now — there's days' worth of exploring to be done south of Portland.
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