UnZip The Zip-Code in the Northwest Neighborhood

Historic Pittock Mansion in Northwest Portland.
 

We’re back to UnZip The Zip-Code in 97210. This section of Northwest Portland has great things to offer and is home to many Portland landmarks such as Pittock Mansion, NW 23rd Ave, a good chunk of Forest Park…oh, and that famous Salt & Straw! We skipped the long lines at Salt & Straw in order to give you an insiders perspective on some other highlights within the Northwest District. We began our journey near the top of the West Hills at Portland’s most famous historic home, Pittock Mansion.

 

Pittock Mansion

Pittock Mansion was built in 1914 by the owner of The Oregonian, Henry and his wife Georgiana Pittock. Both Henry and Georgiana were influential citizens, who were deeply involved in the community and left a significant mark in Portland. Today the mansion is owned by the City of Portland and Portland Parks & Recreation, the mansion serves as a fascinating tribute to Portland’s history. Around 80,000 people visit this French-Renaissance-style chateau each year to see the 23 rooms filled with antiques and art.

The home is host to rotating exhibitions and is currently features, Through Rhoda’s Eyes: Balancing Art and Expectations which showcases the art of the Pittock’s granddaughter, Rhoda Gatenbein Adams. One of the best times to see Pittock Mansion is during the holiday season. The entire house is decorated with Christmas trees and typically features a special exhibit in correlation with the holidays.

The inside of the mansion isn’t the only spectacle worth viewing. The estate is surrounded by 46-acres of beautiful park land. Perfect for a picnic on a sunny day or a perfect mid-way point during a hike through Forest Park. Miles of trails surround the mansion, attracting naturalists and photographers throughout the year. Pittock Mansion is known for being one of the best places to birdwatch in Portland due to its elevation (1,000 feet above sea level).

Summer is a great time to visit Pittock! Check out these upcoming tours and events:
 


Summer Music Series – Wednesdays & Fridays through Aug. 31



Behind the Scenes Tours – Aug. 27, Sept. 24, Oct. 22, Nov. 12



Symbols of the Season – Nov. 21 – Jan. 1



 

‘Trendy-third’

Driving down the hill, we stopped in the densely populated residential and retail neighborhood in the Northwest District’s Nob Hill. This neighborhood is most well known for two of its streets, 21st and 23rd, which are chock-full of restaurants and boutiques. Our first stop was ‘Trendy-third’, which is home to great eateries like Papa Haydn, Tea Chai Te, The Fireside, Escape From New York Pizza, McMenamins Rams Head, and so much more. NW 23rd is primarily known for its shopping. Stores include large chains like Urban Outfitters, Pottery Barn, and Lush, as well as smaller, unique shops like Tender Loving Empire, Gem Set Love, EcoVibe Apparel, and one of my favorites, 3 Monkeys.



As owner Ron Wallace says, “3 Monkeys is not for the faint of heart. Every square inch of this eclectic resale shop is filled with vintage dresses, jewelry, chandeliers, accessories, and knick-knacks – and all at surprisingly reasonable prices. You’re guaranteed to find something you can’t live without in this fun shop. It’s updated daily and different every time you walk in. 3 Monkeys has made its home on NW 23rd for the past 20 years, yet it’s character and charm are timeless.
 

Zenner’s Sausage Company

Our last stop in 97210 is not one you would immediately associate with the Northwest District, but has been a part of the community for many years. Tucked away on NW Kearney and 21st streets is Zenner’s Sausage Company. If you’ve ever enjoyed a delicious hot dog at just about any pro and semi-pro sports venue in the area, you’ve had Zenner’s Sausage. From the Moda Center and Providence Park to fine dining restaurants around the city and state, Zenner’s Sausage has been devoured by locals for the past 89 years.



George Zenner, Sr. opened Zenner’s Market on NE Glisan and 53rd in 1927. Out of decades of experience in smoking meat and making sausage, Zenner’s Sausage Company was born. Now run by George Zenner, Jr., the tradition of quality meat products and great customer service continues through to the present day. Zenner’s Sausage strives to provide “Eat-More Flavor” by integrating spices and herbs from around the world into their products and following the time-honored traditions of curing, smoking, and resting the meats to bring them to the peak of flavor.



Today, Zenner’s Sausage produces over 200 different varieties of sausage and meat products – including chicken sausage, alder-smoked hams, and bacon – for fine restaurants and grocery stores throughout the Northwest. See a list of retail locations that carry Zenner’s Sausage. If you’d like to skip the grocery store lines, pay them a visit Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 4:00pm and buy by the case from their Dock Sales.

Everyone at Zenner’s Sausage was so helpful and friendly. They continue to run a hardworking, friendly small business that you’ll want to frequent for years to come. We love Zenner’s Sausage – but we had another reason to showcase them. One of our Senior Mortgage Bankers, Chris Zenner, is part of the Zenner family. We thought this was the perfect opportunity to share how deeply rooted we are in the communities we serve all across the Northwest. We live here, we work here, and we want to help keep our great communities thrive; welcoming the new as we honor and preserve our history.
 

I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again – we were just barely able to scratch the surface of the wonderful community in 97210. I hope you take the opportunity to go out and experience it for yourself. There is so much to do and see in this zip-code. Let me know your favorite spot in the Northwest District in the comments below.



We’ve been listening! Our poll on Facebook revealed that some of you wanted us to head all the way out to Central Oregon and visit Bend. And we’re doing just that on September 2nd. I’ll see you then!

_______________________________________________

STACY BENNER
Mortgage Specialist • NMLS 506902

C: 503.400.5738
stacyb@go-summit.com
why.go-summit.com
Summit Mortgage Corporation • NMLS 3236


 

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