Neighborhood highlight: richmond

Sunny weekends call for a stroll around one of my favorite neighborhoods: Richmond! Richmond will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s where I bought my first home, and during the 18 years I lived there, I loved being right in the middle of a million wonderful things. Quick history fact: Did you know that Richmond was born from the ashes when an 1846 forest fire razed the land? Despite its calamitous beginnings, the area has flourished into a hub for small businesses, creative spaces, and lush neighborhood streets filled with character. With an average home value of $667k, could this be the spot for you?

Some of my favorite Richmond gems:

  1. Secret Room Press: In the old home of my beloved Little Otsu, this funky riso studio and shop is a perfect brain snack—zines, prints, art supplies, and eccentric treasures galore.

  2. Cornet Custard: We’re longtime fans of the founding chefs behind this scoop shop, which serves swoon-worthy flavors in cones imported from Rome. Maddie gives the PB&J two thumbs up. We’re also excited to visit L’Echelle opening right next door later this spring.

  3. Someday: Nestled in a pink alleyway, Someday feels resplendently cozy and offers something for everyone on its tasty food and drink menu. Whether your evening requires a candlelit hideaway or a sunny patio, visiting this little bar always feels like a treat.

  4. Tomorrow Theater: Located in a 100-year-old building with a colorful history, Pam Cut’s Tomorrow Theater offers an array of programming centered on cinematic storytelling. 

  5. Loprinzi’s Gym: Speaking of history, I could not talk about Richmond without mentioning Loprinzi’s gym, which was opened in 1948 by “The Strongest Family in America.” With the world’s first mass-produced Nautilus machines, original equipment made here in PDX, and walls lined with vintage portraits of bodybuilders, Loprinzi’s is a paradise for fitness buffs AND history buffs.

  6. The Turning Peel: Three-day proofed sourdough pizza with seasonal toppings in a charming old house covered in wisteria vines. I’m not sure if it gets any better than this.

Portland Events: march 2025

Here’s what I’m getting up to in March!

A Day at the Beach

Rice Museum of Rocks and Minerals | March 1st

Shake off the winter blues with a seaside escape—no travel required! Explore the brand-new fossil crab exhibit, learn the art of sand collecting with the International Sand Collectors Society, and make your own beach-inspired sand art. Perfect for families, rock lovers, and anyone craving a little sunshine!

Silent Sky

Oregon Museum of Science & Industry | March 6th–9th

Experience the inspiring story of pioneering astronomer Henrietta Swan Leavitt in this intimate play performed inside the Kendall Planetarium. Featuring stunning celestial visuals and live piano music, Silent Sky brings to life the women “computers” who transformed astronomy. Don’t miss this magical blend of history, science, and storytelling under the stars!

Shebrew Festival

The Leftbank Annex | March 8th

Raise a glass to women in craft brewing at Shebrew! This lively festival showcases talented female brewers and cider makers, along with a nationwide homebrewers competition. Enjoy great drinks, family-friendly fun, and a welcoming community atmosphere—all in celebration of women in the industry.

ja’ / buuts’ / t’aan // (Water / Smoke / Word)

Portland Institute for Contemporary Art | Opening March 13th

Explore the power of language, memory, and identity in this immersive video and sound installation at PICA. Created by Patricia Vázquez Gómez in collaboration with Mayan youth in Portland, this multimedia experience examines the challenges of preserving Indigenous languages. Open through May 31st.

Spring Whale Watch Week

Oregon Coast (various locations) | March 22nd–30th

Witness one of nature’s greatest migrations as gray whales journey north along the Oregon coast. Traveling over 10,000 miles from Baja to Alaska, these majestic mammals are best spotted in late March. Catch a glimpse of them from prime viewing points along the shore!

Everybody Reads // Solito

Multnomah County Library | March 1st–31st

Join the community-wide reading of Solito, Javier Zamora’s memoir of his 3,000-mile journey from El Salvador to the U.S. as a child. Check out the book in English or Spanish and hear from the author in person on March 11 at An Evening with Javier Zamora at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.

 Neighborhood Highlight: St. Johns

Tucked away on the northernmost tip of the peninsula, St. Johns offers a cozy small-town feel despite being a quick 15-minute drive from downtown. Its proximity to Sauvie Island also makes it the perfect home base for anyone who daydreams about weekends filled with berries, summer concerts at Topaz Farm, or picnics with birds. Fun fact: Did you know that the St. Johns Bridge was painted green to harmonize with nearby Forest Park? The median home value of $453k (compared to the city's median of $529k) also makes it a great spot to look for a starter home.

Here are just a few of my favorite St. Johns spots:

  1. Gracie’s Apizza: A wood-fired pizza shop that nails both the classics and inventive seasonal flavors. I became a fan of Gracie’s when they started as a food truck walking distance from my house and love visiting the brick and mortar. (Lonesome Pictopia dogwood wallpaper by our dear friend Melanie!)

  2. Starter Bread: The best way to start a Sunday is a visit with clients and friends Matt and Zena for their tasty seasonal treats made from local whole grains. Maddie especially loves the pretzels and making friends with everyone in line. Our family has been bread subscribers of their sourdough loaves for years and you should subscribe too!

  3. Blue Moon Camera and Machine: A love letter to all things analog, Blue Moon is a must-visit for film photographers and has the kindest, most knowledgeable staff around. Every visit is a treat.

  4. Cathedral Park: The views of Forest Park and the newly built Nature Path bring the wild and the industrial together beneath the graceful arches of the bridge. Cathedral Park is a truly unique Portland experience.

  5. Wonderwood Springs: Where else can you go that has mini golf, ice cream sundaes, and Bard Bingo? (Portland favorite Mike Bennett is the creative behind Wonderwood.)