Join a Weekly Trivia Night in Portland

“Geeks Who Drink” has been around for awhile and is one of the top rated trivia organizations you’ll find. Featuring creative question, knowledgeable editors, and out-of-the-box categories, they don’t mess around. So whether you want to get a team together or you think it’d be something fun to try, “Geeks Who Drink” hosts trivia night all over the city nearly every night of the week so you can find the one that’s right for you. Don’t have a team but still want to join the awesomeness? Just show up alone and the Quizmaster can help put a team together of individuals! Check out the schedule below.

 

Sunday

Yen Ha Restaurant and Lounge | 6820 NE Sandy Blvd. | 7 PM

 

Monday

Rose & Thistle Pub | 2314 NE Broadway Street | 8 PM

 

Tuesday

O’Neill Public House | 6000 NE Glisan | 7 PM

 

Wednesday

Belmont Inn | 3357 SE Belmont Street | 7 PM

 

Thursday

Bullseye Pub | 4835 SW Pomona Street | 7:30 PM

 

Saturday

Portland Brewing | 2730 NW 31st Avenue | 7 PM

 

How to Plan a Romantic Weekend Getaway

Image Source: HuffingtonPost.com

It’s time to start packing those bags so you can finally take that romantic weekend getaway you’ve been putting off. Whether you’re heading to that quaint, charming town next door or a few states away, here are some tips for planning your very own romantic weekend trip.

 

Try Something New

Maybe you’re both into museums or browsing through antique stores. Whatever your interests, be sure to plan an activity that’s completely new for both of you. Ever taken a cooking class? Want to try zip-lining? Doing something new together is an incredible bonding experience and adds a completely new level of excitement.

 

Be Spontaneous

It’s perfectly fine to have a few planned events to look forward to. However, you’re much more likely to feel those romantic vibes if you let the spontaneity flow. Ask the hotel concierge where there’s a good local breakfast spot. Get lost downtown. Keep the mood light and fun by going with the flow.

 

Have Fun

While you might feel inclined to throw romantic dinners and massage therapy sessions into your schedule, remember that’s true romance is all about having fun, being adventurous, and enjoying life together. Just make sure you also plan some activities that you don’t have to get dressed up for. Head to a local pub. Catch a local band. It’s time to think outside of the box.

Family-Fun Activities Near Your Portland Apartment

Flicks on the Bricks - Free Movies in Pioneer Square, Portland

There’s a ton of fun things to do in Portland and we are here to help you fill in your calendar. Here are some awesome upcoming events this weekend that even the little ones will enjoy!

 

See a movie on Friday, July 22, 2016:

 

  • “Flick on the Bricks” | Big (PG) | Pioneer Courthouse Square | 7:00 pm

 

 

Catch a performance on Saturday, July 23, 2016:

 

  • “Shakespeare in the Park” | As You Like It | Laurelhurst Park | 2:00 pm

 

 

Sharpen Your Grilling Skills With These BBQ Hacks

Union Courtyard

Image Source: LiveUnionPDX.com

Grilling doesn’t have to be difficult. Impress your friends and family at the next BBQ cookout by utilizing some of these unique BBQ hacks. It’s time to grab those oven mitts.

 

Bring out the Muffin Tray. You may not be baking muffins, but muffin trays work great for serving those condiments. From ketchup to tomatoes, place the condiments in a muffin tray and help make cleaning up a breeze.

 

Use Some Apple Juice. Besides being a delicious drink, apple juice has been known to be a great meat tenderizer. Not only will marinating your meat in apple juice keep your meat tender, but it will also help add a little bit of flavor.

 

Grab an Onion. Once you’ve preheated your grill, slice an onion in half, place it on a fork and use as a scrubber for the grilling rack. It’ll remove any built-up dirt and add some extra flavor to your food.

 

Be Smart about the Meat. When it comes to grilling, meat can easily dry out, so it’s best to flip as little as possible. Try not to press down on any meat while it’s on the grill in order to keep the juices in.

July Fairs and Festivals Near Your Portland Apartment

Oregon Berry Festival

Image Source: OregonBerryFestival.com

If there’s one thing you can always count on living in Portland, it’s that there’s always something fun to do. From fairs to festivals, we have a list of the top events happening in July that are sure to kick off your summer in the best way possible.

 

Oregon Berry Festival

Friday, July 15 from Noon to 6:00 pm | Saturday, July 16 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm

Even if you aren’t a berry lover, the Oregon Berry Festival is one experience that will get you in the mood for summer. Whether you want to find the juiciest berries for you pies, jams, or other treats, the festival will have a little something for everyone. You’ll be able to find cooking demonstrations, food booths, berry-themed crafts for the kids, and much more!

 

Cathedral Park Jazz Festival

Friday, July 15 to Sunday, July 17th

The longest-running Jazz Festival west of the Mississippi is back! This free event hosts three days of world-class music. Friday will feature Blues, R&B, and Soul classics while Saturday and Sunday will feature multiple styles of good ol’ jazz. With a beer garden, a grassy picnic area, and food vendors galore, this Portland summer tradition could be the fun you’re looking for.

 

Renegade Craft Fair

Saturday, July 30 to Sunday, July 31

With over 200 vendors, this is the perfect fair to find something unique. Whether you’re looking for hand-crafted lotions, high-quality clothes, or unique art by local artists, you will definitely find it here. Go here for more information about this event.

Weekend Getaways Near Your Portland Apartment

Image Source: AbbeyRoadFarm.com

Portland is such an amazing city, but what do you do when you just want to get away from city life for a bit? There’s so much to see and do near your apartment, and summer is the perfect time to plan a weekend getaway. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly destination or a romantic retreat, here are a few getaway hotspots you’re going to love.

 

Abbey Road Farm | 1-Hour Drive

There’s nothing more romantic than a bed and breakfast stay and now, you can also retreat to the lush farm atmosphere that is Abbey Road Farm. Located in the Willamette Valley , you’ll also be able to explore the surrounding wine country and many fine dining hotspots.

 

Tacoma, WA | 2.5-Hour Drive

Looking for a family-friendly summer getaway? Look no further than Tacoma. Here, you’ll be able to explore the Tacoma Museum of Glass, which Tacoma is known for. Have fun learning the history of Washington at the Washington State History Museum or take the family out to the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium!

 

The Suttle Lodge | 2.5-Hour Drive

When you want a rustic, lakeside retreat, head out to The Suttle Lodge, located in the scenic Deschutes National Forest. Here, you can fish, boat, bike, hike, eat, shop, and stargaze to your heart’s content.

Three Gift Ideas for the Tech-Savvy Dad

Image Source: Sharper Image

He always seems to know what’s wrong with the computer, knows way more about phones than you, and has all the latest gadgets. Yes, if he’s the tech-savvy type, then it’s time to treat him this Father’s Day. Here are a few gifts he might like.

 

Portable Charger |$29.42

It’s portable, lightweight, and charges as maximum speed. Now, he’ll never have an excuse to not answer his phone!

 

Amazon Fire Stick | $39.99

Let the dad in your life binge-watch his favorite shows or catch the latest movie with this easy-to-use device.

 

Wireless Floating Bluetooth Speaker | $49.99

Let him enjoy all his favorite tunes with a 60-ft. Wireless range Bluetooth speaker that’s completely waterproof!

Mark Your Calendars: Fun Upcoming Events

With summer break right around the corner, your friends and family are probably searching for some interesting events and activities to do over the next few months. Portland, Oregon has a variety of fun upcoming events occurring in June that are suitable both kids and adults. Here are a few upcoming events near your home.

Portland Rose Festival

The Rose Festival is occurring from May 27 – June 12. This festival has over 60 events happening over three weeks, including an awesome fireworks show on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend. Events feature live music, dragon boat races, food, rides and much more.

Portland International Beer Festival

The International Beer Festival is occurring from June 24-26. This festival offers over 200 world-class beers from around the world,, including rare and exotic ones. The event will be hosted at the Holiday Park and will have plenty of shade, music, fountain drinks and of course, beer.

Starlight Parade and Run

Part of the Rose Festival, the Starlight Parade is occurring on June 4th from 8:30-11:00 pm. It features over 110 illuminated entries over a 2-mile radius including floats and marching bands. If you don’t want the fun to end after the parade, they are having after-party filled with music and dancing.

Bridgetown Comedy Festival

The 9th Annual Bridgetown Comedy Festival is occurring from June 1-5 and is featuring a weekend full of shows guaranteed to make you laugh. The festival features stand-up acts, panel events and other stuff over a variety of Portland’s nightclubs.

 

Summer Decorating on a Budget

Decorating your apartment for the summer season doesn’t have to be expensive or exhaustive. In fact, it can be fun! Stay on budget with these easy, inexpensive ideas for turning your home into a summer sensation without breaking the bank.

 

Get Patriotic

Patriotic and Americana-themed decor is perfectly appropriate for getting your apartment ready for the summer. Consider creating an American flag art project or replacing your placemats. Bunting banners can also be a fun way to bring some color to your walls or patio.

 

Get Creative With Color

Instead of going all out by purchasing new furniture or rugs, consider small changes you can make to add some color to your apartment. Lamp shades, curtains, pillows, and candles are small and simple ways to add colorful summer accents to your home.

 

Get Resourceful

You definitely don’t need to throw out all of your old furniture when you begin any redecorating project. Instead, find ways to upgrade without putting a dent in that wallet! Couch and chair covers are great ways to experiment with a temporary color. You can even consider decal wallpaper if you’re wanting to upgrade your living spaces.

Best Food Hotspots Near Your Portland Apartment

It’s dinnertime. Your stomach is growling and you’re in the mood to check out a new restaurant in town. Where do you go? With so many great restaurants in Portland, it can be hard to narrow it down. Here in Portland, there’s a little something for everyone and we’ve done the work so you don’t have to. Here are a few restaurants you should definitely check out!

 

Enjoy an Authentic Atmosphere

If you haven’t already, make your next night out a memorable one at Andina Restaurant, a Peruvian restaurant with a welcoming and warm atmosphere. Try dishes like their Lomo Saltado, an entree with Natural Beef tenders wok-fried with onions, tomatoes, oyster sauce, garlic and more. Be sure to check out their other menu items, which include gluten-free and vegetarian options as well.

 

Dine in a Historic Victorian House

Paley’s Place Bistro & Bar is the place to go if you’re looking for a unique atmosphere. This restaurant is nestled in the warm and cozy setting of a Victorian home. Paley’s creates seasonal menus so there will always be something new to try. Serving fare with Southern French and Northern Italian influences, all ingredients are freshly supplied by local growers.

 

Feel Right at Home

Does the Northwest have you missing some good old-fashioned Southern food? Head over to Screen Door, where you’ll discover a variety of Southern fare including gumbo, brisket, hush puppies, and more! Their menu covers Southern favorites from the South Carolina Lowcountry and New Orleans. If you’re looking to try something new in Portland, this restaurant might just be it.