Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Grant Park


The last stop on our brief NE Portland neighborhood visit was Grant Park, home turf of Beverly Cleary and setting for her books that inspired many an afternoon of adventure for Ruth's mother when she was a girl. There is a sculpture fountain located next to the playground that features Ramona, Henry, and dog Ribsy that Ruth shrieked through innumerable times. The rest of the park is lovely, well used and friendly. Tennis courts, pool, (see us there for the last Aquaducks session taking place the first two weeks of September) paths, mature hardwoods and picnic areas. This park has it all. We love NE Portland.

Rheinlander


We have come upon a (so far) winning strategy for checking out restaurants that allows us to remain in the know, save our wallets from too much damage, and most importantly, not irritate an entire dining room with the coos and screams of our young brood. We call it afternoon snack. The staff doesn't get an attitude that you are just coming in for a couple of appetizers and a split beer, the room is relatively empty, everyone has a great time and nobody's dinner is spoiled. Chefs tend to focus a good amount of creative energy on their first courses, giving you a solid overview of the dinner menu that you can't really afford anyway.

Gustav's Rheinlander, 5035 N.E. Sandy Blvd., looks like a castle from the outside. It looks like a castle from the inside too, much to the delight of Ruth. It is gargantuan, and a thorough tour found each and every dining room clean and set. Impressive. We had their mixed appetizer plate featuring schnitzel and fondu, a summer beer and two happy kids.

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

KRUGER'S FARM MARKET


Kruger's is only one of many U-pickum farms all over Sauvie Island, and we have yet to explore them all. Kruger's is pretty great, though. Not only do you get a really cool thing to do (not cool cool -- don't forget your sunscreen!), you get really cheap produce. And the wild blackberries, just past the rows of blueberries? Totally free.

Thursday, August 10, 2006

WALLACE PARK

Wallace Park, located at NW 25th and Raleigh, is the perfect break spot for the tots when you are doing your Trader Joe's, 23rd street shopping (which, face it, is for a toddler like balancing your checkbook is for you). The Chapman elementary school located at the park helps to keep the grounds in top shape, as well as provides an additional playground structure. Something for everyone here.

Unrelated cry for help: anybody have tips on how to get a toddler, who used to look forward to her snacks and meals, to quit her fast?