The Woodstock neighborhood, named for the Sir Walter Scott novel Woodstock, was platted in 1889, though some homes were built before the official maps were drawn. The neighborhood is boarded by the Reed, Eastmoreland, Creston-Kenilworth, and Mt. Scott neighborhoods. You’ll find Reed College just down the road.

The neighborhoods residential areas are a miss match of architectural styles. I’ve seen Queen Anne Victorians, Craftsman bungalows, post war Cape Cods and some 60’s-70’s ranches. I’ve started to see some new construction as well. People are dividing up their large lots and taking advantage of value their properties have gained over the years. It’s certainly a patchwork quilt of homes, but there is always something interesting to look at. The only downside Woodstock’s layout is the alley ways that run through a large portion of the area. Many are not paved, leading to large ruts, some are paved but have pretty significant pot holes, and some are just gravel. The good news is, if you want to feel like you are four-bying in the city this is the place for you! We drive a Chevy Blazer so none of them have ever presented a problem for us, but if I were in a sedan or coupe I would probably take my time navigating to avoid any injuries to my car. That being said, it’s really not all that bad, and the area is extremely pedestrian and bike friendly.

There are plenty of options when it comes to food, drink and shopping here. The main street, SE Woodstock provides a really good mix for just about anything you please. All within a short walking distance you can find a florist, a liquor store, a grocery store, a pet store, a bike shop, a coffee shop, a hardware store and multiple restaurants. I defiantly have my own favorites and I’ll talk about those in just a moment.

One thing that I absolutely love about the neighborhood (and the fact that I live so close to it) is the community involvement. There is an annual plant sale in May, and an the Old Fashioned Picnic in August. We went last year and walked up and down the street where local vendors had opened their doors with tables out front for easy perusal. Loads of residents had planned garage sales for the same weekend and a few restaurants were serving food at barbeques. We spent almost our whole day there.

You’ll also find a branch of the Multnomah County Library in Woodstock along with multiple churches and banks. There really isn’t much to want for in this area. I think anyone contemplating a move to the area should spend an afternoon here, soaking up the Portland goodness. It’s a friendly, affordable place to live.

Woodstock Wine & Deli - 4030 SE Woodstock Blvd. Portland 10:00am-7:00pm Mon-Sat

We’ve eaten lunch here a few times and I am never disappointed. Fresh made sandwiches and plenty of deli salad options. They always have a few beers on tap and over a great wine by the glass selection. In addition to a great selection of food and drink they also sell wine by the bottle. The wall of wine is huge and is separated into regions to making it easy to find what you’re looking for. If you don’t know what you’re looking for they love to help! Everyone is friendly and eager to talk about wine. Not a bit pretentious they’ll often invite you to try something if they happen to have it open. On Friday evening they host a tasting that focuses on a specific region or varietals and the cost is usually between $10-$20. Many people will come here to sit down and enjoy a great lunch while they read over the newspaper or work on a laptop. It’s a comfortable place with friendly people.

Mickey Finn’s Brew Pub - 4336 SE Woodstock Blvd

I love their breakfast! It’s not the most delicious I’ve ever had, but it is the most delicious $6.00 breakfast I’ve ever had! Very affordable food, Egg’s Benedict is just $6.95. The burgers are affordable too and they always have plenty of beer on tap, along with a full bar. I love that I can get a hard cider here too. Smoking is only allowed in the back room where you’ll find a few pool tables, pin-ball machines and video poker. In the front room you’d never even know the smoking pit existed. This place is family friendly with large tables and plenty of room to spread out if you have a large party. We go here a few times a month and only once did I not like my food, and I’m pretty picky about my fish sandwich. Did I mention they have tater-tots on the menu? Everyone loves tater-tots right?

Pizza Roma - 4715 SE Woodstock Blvd

Yum. Yum, yum, yum! They sell their delectable pizza by the slice or in whole pies. They also have pasta and salad options if someone in your crowd doesn’t want to partake in some of the best pizza in Portland. They always have lots of options, even in the by the slice area. Last time I was there I had the mushroom pizza. Three different types of mushroom and a creamy white garlic sauce made my taste buds very happy.

Safeway – I know you’re probably saying “Why is she reviewing Safeway? It’s just a Safeway!” and while it is “Just a Safeway” it’s the best one in the area. Others in the immediate area lack full meat and bakery departments. This store always has what I need and the staff is very friendly. Fairly large parking lot too so you’re not constantly looking for a spot to open.

Animal Crossings - 4633 SE Woodstock Blvd Portland,

Good place for pet supplies. We have a picky dog and her food can be a little harder to find so I was pleased to walk in here and find it on the shelf. The staff is always smiling and they seem to really love animals. They also have a groomer who works five days a week. I picked my pooch up on Saturday and she looked like a new dog!

Obviously I’ve only given you an ounce of what’s available in this neighborhood, but I hope that you’ll try some of these local places. It’s a perfect spot to spend a few hours on the weekend, rain or shine of course!