The Gilded Panther: Stunning Sauvie Island

Just ten miles northwest of downtown Portland is a magical little oasis called Sauvie Island. This beautiful island is located where the mighty Columbia River and Willamette River meet. Just outside of the city, Sauvie Island is a wildlife area, agricultural community and recreational destination.

Sauvie Island is lovely in spring. It is the perfect time to ride bicycles around the island and enjoy the spring blossoms on all of the fruit trees.

Summer on the island is wonderful. It is the perfect time to catch some sun on one of the beautiful beaches or the visit one of the many u-pick berry farms.

The Island really comes alive in autumn. The color is stunning as the leaves change for the season. One place you must visit in autumn is Kruger's Farm Market.

Kruger's is a fantastic farm that grows berries, flowers, corn, and pumpkins. They have a great produce market in a barn.

Make a day of visiting Kruger's. Start the afternoon by taking a free hayride around the pumpkin patch. Maybe you can scope out your pumpkin from the hay truck. Enjoy the crisp air around you and look for wildlife.

Upon returning hit the pumpkin patch a pick out that perfect pumpkin for your jack-o-lantern, or your pumpkin pie. There are hundreds to choose from and you are sure to find one perfect for your needs. Remember, you have to lug it back to the barn.

After returning to the barn, warm up with some freshly roasted corn on a stick, smothered with melted butter. Then shop the produce market. Stock up on corn, apples, and other lovely freshly grown produce. If you go early enough in the fall season there may still be dahlias you can go cut yourself for a beautiful fall bouquet.

After shopping, picking flowers, and loading your pumpkins into the car, stroll around the property and check out the immense 100-year-old oak tree.

After all of that activity you'll probably be ready for another snack. This time return to the barn and try out one of their fresh candy-corn caramel apples. YUM!