UnZip The Zip-Code in West Linn

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Today we unzipped 97068 of West Linn, Oregon. West Linn is a small city, with a big heart! If you’re looking to be part of a community, you can find your voice in West Linn.

The essence of community is alive and well here. You’ll find evidence of this with their high volunteer rate for community projects like: the Adult Community Center, Holiday Parade, Friends of the West Linn Library, Friends of Maddax Woods, Old Time Fair, Wednesdays in Willamette, and more.

Shhh, here is a hidden gem in West Linn. When you have a need to contemplate of some of life’s big questions, head to Mary S. Young Park. Another popular spot for West Linn volunteers, Mary S. Young State Park offers you a peaceful place to walk or sit by the Willamette River. This quiet, forested park is a favorite for urban birders. As you walk deeper into the forest on the numerous trails (5-8 miles worth), it’s easy to forget you’re in a city. It’s a quick but refreshing stop if you don’t have time for a drive to the country.

Our first stop in West Linn was the top of Pete’s Mountain at the Oregon Golf Club. It was a fun opportunity to see this private, award-winning, championship golf course designed by Peter Jacobsen.

Summit Mortgage Banker, Kim Bean, spoke about one of her favorite fundraising events held at OGC: The White Party. Started in 2010 by Craig and Brittany Tiffany, The White Party is an annual event created by The Tiffany Autism Foundation. The foundation supports local and national charities who are dedicated to supporting Autism research and awareness. TAF also started the Friends of Connor Fund, inspired by their son Connor.

As we left the Oregon Golf Club, and headed to Historic Old Willamette, I was surprised to notice the new vineyards that were cropping up across the street. Looking more closely, I realized it was the site of this years NW Natural Street of Dreams: Tumwater at Pete’s Mountain. This years Street of Dreams will feature five beautiful homes, ranging from $3 to $4 million and 5,000 to 8,000 square feet. This development has multiple mountain views – it’s a stunning spot. I love to attend the Street of Dreams each year for home improvement inspiration. It takes place at the end of this month, starting on July 30th.

With the city center of Portland just 25 minutes away, most residents of West Linn commute into the city during the week. Weekends are spent enjoying the abundant waterfront recreation as West Linn sits at the junction of two rivers.

Locals tend to head toward “The Docks”, or as the rest of us know it, Bernert Landing. Located where the Tualatin and Willamette Rivers meet, there is access to the water with a boat dock available. Did I mention the incredible wildlife viewing opportunities? You may spot a bald eagle or great blue heron, not to mention the occasional otter or an elusive sunbathing teenager. Looking out onto the mighty Willamette, you’ll notice jet skis and pontoon boats, sailing dinghies and kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddle boards all working in tandem.

Next to the boat dock is a scenic 15-acre park offering picnic shelters, performance stage, baseball, softball, volleyball and horseshoe facilities, playground, wading pool, and more. 

Bernert Landing isn’t the only place in West Linn where you can launch your boat. There are two docks within the city: Cedaroak Boat Ramp and Jon Storm Park.

On summer evenings, residents of West Linn enjoy picnic dinners and the Music in the Park concert series at Tanner Creek Park. Or, locals will flock to the revitalized downtown area, Historic Willamette, which offers a summer farmer’s market known as Wednesdays in Willamette, The Old Time Fair, or my personal favorite the Street Dance.

The Street Dance gives you a feeling similar to going to a best friends’ wedding reception. The main street is closed off and a party begins. People are laughing and dancing well into the night.

While in West Linn, we visited so many fun restaurants and shops. Here’s a list of my favorites:

  1. Saprona Sushi – Eat just once at this quaint, family-owned sushi establishment and they will remember your name next time you come in.
     

  2. J. Willy’s Public House & Eatery – Locally owned and operated, this family-friendly public house is known for their gourmet pizza, burgers, and sandwiches. I love to pop in, especially during football season, where fans become friends and you immediately feel like you’re part of the neighborhood.
     

  3. Morrow’s Flowers – Serving West Linn and the greater Portland Metro area since 1979, Morrow’s staff creates beautiful arrangements and are known for their generous support of the community.
     

  4. Nineteen 33 Taproom – This is one of the coolest places to visit in West Linn and the locals love it. They have 33 rotating beers, craft cocktails, and growing wine selection. They offer a seasonal menu and focus on fresh, locally sourced food as often as possible.
     

  5. Spectator Pizza – Just up the hill, Spectator Pizza has all the usual favorites and some wild new creations, like my favorite, the Sriracha Chicken Pizza.


     

  6. Renew Juice Co. – The brainchild of childhood friends and busy moms, Holly and Lisa, Renew Juice Co. opened last month to rave reviews. This must-try juice bar is a product of Holly and Lisa’s bringing their education and experience to a healthy reality.
     

  7. Allium – Allium is well-known in West Linn and Portland alike. Chefs Pascal Chureau and Ian Ragsdale create delicious, local, sustainably conscious plates with New American and European flavors. They have a wonderful Farm to Table system and an amazing happy hour.
     

My last stop in West Linn was the awe inspiring, Youth Music Project. You could immediately feel the energy as you approached the front door. Instructor, Cynthia O’Brien, welcomed me with open arms. Cynthia has a knack for understanding her students and is able to feel their expectation and hope. She sees the potential and encourages it out of her students with great love and patience.

The Youth Music Project is an experience for the eyes as well as the ears. When you walk up and see the larger-than-life stained glass windows depicting Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin, you know you are entering a special place.

This fantastic nonprofit organization offers group and private music lessons with access to sophisticated, state-of-the-art performance and recording equipment. Check out their website to learn about tuition assistance and free instrument rental for students. Come check out the FREE Teen Open Mic Night Teen Open Mic on July 15th from 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM to get tuned in to this very special venue. You will leave inspired, I promise.

Thank you for touching base! Simply said, I hope you feel free to contact me (through any form of communication: email, phone, or hit me up on Facebook), and let me know what zip-code you would like to see unzipped on our upcoming episodes.

We’re listening to your requests! We’ll be going to 97045, Oregon City next time. See you there!

_______________________________________________

STACY BENNER
Mortgage Specialist • NMLS 506902

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


A big shout out to Troy Inman, known by many as the Historic Willamette Real Estate Expert, for his help on the West Linn RMLS real estate statistics.

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