Seasonal

Hotel Monaco, Portland Oregon

Hotel Lobbies Walk When: Wed Jan 21, 2015 10AM-4PM Where: Downtown Portland Meet at: Gresham City Hall 1333 NW Eastman Pwy Gresham, OR Get Map!

We'll travel by MAX to Pioneer Place where we will disembark and gather in the lower lobby. From there we’ll begin our three-mile walk through seven of the newest and oldest hotel lobbies in downtown Portland. You'll see the sophisticated Nines Luxury Hotel first, followed by Hotel Monaco, which is rated in the top 500 hotels in the world by Travel & Leisure magazine. We’ll then visit four hotel lobbies on Broadway before arriving at the Sentinel. Built in 1909, the Sentinel is considered one of the finest examples of Italian Renaissance architecture in the nation. We will have lunch at Jake’s Grill at the Sentinel.

• Round-trip travel: By TriMet MAX ($2 for those 65 and older)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation gain: Nominal

Experience the Quiet When: Tue Jan 27, 2015 9AM-5PM Where: Downtown Portland Meet at: Gresham City Hall 1333 NW Eastman Pwy Gresham, OR Get Map!

The three-mile out-and-back trail starts at the Clear Lake Sno-Park and goes down a groomed gentle grade to the lake shore. Drivers are needed who are equipped and willing to drive in the snow. Sno-Park permits are required for drivers’ cars. We will stop in Government Camp for those who need to rent snowshoes. Pack a snack to eat along the trail. We will eat a late lunch at the Still Creek Inn in Rhododendron.

• Round-trip travel: 100 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation gain: 300 feet
• Suggested donation per hiker: $10

Please note: This date may change depending on weather and snow conditions on the mountain.

Zimmerman Christmas event. Click to enlarge

Celebrate the Season When: Tue Dec 09, 2013 7-9PM Where: Zimmerman House 17111 NE Sandy Blvd Gresham OR Get Map!

If you've enjoyed the Zimmerman House during the day, you should see her at night!

A Journey Back In Time
The historic Zimmerman House was built in 1874 and was home to three generations of the Zimmerman Family. Their furnishings and personal articles remain in this two-story Victorian home, including children’s toys, games, Christmas postcards, and winter clothing. This annual evening tour will be held on Tuesday, December 9th and December 16th from 3pm-8pm.

Please reserve the time you’d like to visit the house, and give yourself approximately 45 minutes to explore both floors of this heritage home.

Parking is extremely limited, so please consider carpooling.

Admission is free, but the suggested donation for this special event is $5 per person for ages 18 and older.
Read more about the Zimmerman House.

Crisp Fall Adventure When: Thu Nov 06, 2014 9AM-5PM Where: Trout Creek Meet at: Gresham City Hall 1333 NW Eastman Pwy Gresham, OR Get Map!

This four-mile hike begins at an arch bridge over Trout Creek in the Gifford Pinchot Forest, just northwest of Carson, Wash. We will head uphill on Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) #2000 through moss-draped trees to a valley viewpoint and back to the creek. Then we will travel east for 1.5 miles on PCT #2000 to the Whistle Punk trailhead to complete a 1.5-mile loop with logging camp displays. At the far point of the loop is a wooden observation deck overlooking a wetland.

• Round-trip travel: 104 miles
• Difficulty: Easy/moderate
• Elevation gain: 525 feet
• Suggested donation per hiker: $11
  (includes rider's share for Bridge of the Gods toll)

Pack a lunch to eat after the hike in a covered picnic area. Hiking boots and poles are recommended, especially for the first mile. We will park one car at the Whistle Punk trailhead and all other cars at the Trout Creek bridge. A Northwest Forest Pass is required at the Whistle Punk trailhead but not at the Trout Creek bridge.

Crisp Fall Adventure When: Wed Nov 19, 2014 10AM-5PM Where: Bethany Village Meet at: Gresham City Hall 1333 NW Eastman Pwy Gresham, OR Get Map!

This three-mile walk begins in Bethany Village and continues to the well-manicured Skycrest Parkway and Rainier Terrace neighborhoods. From there, we will enter a path to Hansen Ridge Park for a short break. After our break we will meander through Bethany Meadows before checking out the golf course views in Claremont. After our walk we will have lunch at Biscuit's Cafe in the Village.

• Round-trip travel: 55 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation gain: 100 feet
• Suggested donation per hiker: $7

Rain or Shine! Macy's Holiday Parade When: Fri Nov 28, 2014 9AM Where: Downtown Portland Get Parade Route Map!

Visit Macy's website for details.
http://social.macys.com/believe/#events/8550

Winter Tips to Save You Money After a hot summer, temperatures are finally dropping—and winter is just around the corner.

Grab a coffee or a hot apple cider, put on your favorite flannel, and cuddle up to your sweetie because we’ve got you covered when it comes to the best tips for keeping toasty indoors.

Take advantage of winter sun. Yes, there is sun, even in Oregon winter! When it’s shining, be sure to open south-facing window curtains, drapes, and blinds during the day, so the sunlight can naturally heat your home. Close window coverings at night to keep the heat in.

Cover drafty windows. Tape a do-it-yourself, clear, plastic film to the inside of your window frames. Make sure the plastic is sealed tightly to the frame. Installing window treatments, such as blinds, drapes, or shades, can also help reduce heat loss.

Adjust the temperature. Set the thermostat 10 to 15 degrees cooler when you’re not home to use less energy and lower utility bills. Lowering the temperature slightly at night and adding an extra blanket to the bed keeps the whole family extra cozy.