SUMMER TIME IS FUN TIME

When you come to Portland during the summer months, there are all sorts of activities and events. Here are just a few that caught my eye:

1. Lake Oswego (suburb of Portland) Festival of the Arts. This year's special exhibit is called "Painting with Fire: Wood-Fired Ceramics." The event is free and features lectures and demos in many art forms, live music, and a crafts fair. June 20-22.

2. Sandy (another Portland suburb) Mountain Festival. More than 150 artisans showcase their wares, and live music and entertainment fill two stages. There are also 20 food booths, so you won't go hungry while meandering through the park venue. July 12-13.

3. Portland Historic Races. This is a tribute to the great race cars of the past, where more than 200 historic vehicles, lovingly restored to their original condition when they raced, take to the track again. Fans can meet with the drivers and get up close to these historic racing machines. July 11-13.

4. Oregon Brewer's Festival. If you like good beer, you'll really enjoy this annual tribute to America's many microbreweries. Now in its 21st year (and one of Portland's most popular outdoor events), the festival offers the best brews from 72 craft breweries from 16 states. There are also exhibits by hops growers (Oregon and Washington are the two largest hop-growing states), breweriana collectors and national beer writers. July 24-27.

5. Estacada (Portland suburb) Summer Celebration. Three days of live music, art shows and great food in the downtown area of this smaller suburb. July 24-27.

6. Maritime Heritage Festival. Come and celebrate Portland's nautical past and present, including an array of show boats, tours, live music, vintage boat rides, fireboat demos, and water skiing and water sports demos. July 25-27.

It's easy to quickly get to any of these events from The Fulton House, either by automobile or public transportation (we're only a half-block away from a bus stop).

Please book soon....The Fulton House is filling up fast with summer visitors to the Portland area.

See ya!