Last week on the podcast, I got together with host Claudia Meza and executive producer John Notarianni to break down our favorite Portland summer hacks — tips for cooling down on hot days, favorite patios, the perfect picnic, and our can't-miss events. Here's how to do Portland summer justice this year.
Unexpected Cool Down Ideas
The hotter months can sometimes feel endless — especially if you don't have AC at home. And even for those of us who do, sitting at home in a dark, cold room day after day isn't exactly my idea of fun. Instead, I indulge in subtle cosplay by taking a slow walk through the luxurious grocery aisles at Zupan's on Burnside, only stopping for samples (I swear their AC is indestructible). But if that feels too ridiculous, here are some other recommendations.
- McMenamin's Backstage Bar on Southeast Hawthorne has pool and shuffleboard, and feels like you're inside a concrete ice box.
- John suggests splurging on a personal misting stand for ultimate Portland summer whimsy. Tip: Get one at your local Ace Hardware for less than $20.
- Claudia says head to your neighborhood movie theater for a discounted afternoon screening. A personal favorite of mine is CineMagic on SE Hawthorne.
The ideal Portland summer combo: a sunset at The Bluffs (left) and karaoke at The Alibi (right). (Grace Cohen-Chen / City Cast Portland)
Patios and Picnics
Our city has an excess of wonderful outdoor patios and parks for summer picnics. Here are some standout favorites of ours.
Patios:
- The Red Fox on North Albina has the cutest grass lawn to lounge on.
- John recommends Marie's on North Lombard for a place that feels "just like your weird uncle's backyard…it's sort of ramshackle, but super comfy."
- Claudia says The Deck on NE Marine Dr. " It's literally all patio and right on the Columbia," she says.
Picnics:
- Buy focaccia bread from Providore Fine Foods to make sandwiches and head to Nansen Summit in Lake Oswego for a picnic.
- John suggests a picnic at Irving Park on Northeast Fremont, but stopping at the Whole Foods conveniently on Northeast 15th and Fremont first.
- Claudia recommends visiting your local farmers market and picnicking at the Peninsula Park Rose Garden.
Portlanders gathered under the Cathedral Bridge listening to live jazz music. (Giulia Fiaoni / City Cast Portland)
Can't-Skip Events and Adventures
Everyone has that one summer event or tradition they simply cannot go without. Here are our picks for things we must do or summer won't feel complete.
- Mine is a dreamy summer night that includes a walk or MAX ride to a sunset at The Bluffs and venturing over to The Alibi tiki and karaoke lounge for a couple of rounds of songs and drinks.
- John Notarianni's is Moulton Falls in Yacolt, Wash. "It's just this gorgeous swim area. There's a short hike in. There's a bunch of swimming holes, and there's all these places where you can do little cliff jumps," he says.
- Claudia has her sights set on a couple of local music festivals this year: the Waterfront Blues Festival (July 2-4) and the Cathedral Park Jazz Festival (July 17-19).
