Community, Connection, and Travel
From local events to global missions, small acts add up.
Proudly published in Lake Oswego Lifestyle Magazine as part of our ongoing community travel column.
One of the greatest joys of running a local business is being part of a strong, connected community. In Lake Oswego, we’re fortunate. Whether it’s a packed house at the Chamber’s Friday morning networking or running into a familiar face at the Farmers’ Market, I’m constantly reminded of the support that flows through this city. Events like the famous Lobster Feed auction, Pride LO, Festival of the Arts, or the upcoming Downtown Wine Walk on Saturday, October 4th, highlight just how special this place is, where civic pride, wellness, and neighborly encouragement all come together.
That spirit was on full display earlier this year when we hosted a Friday morning Chamber networking at our downtown office. We asked attendees to bring much-needed supplies for communities in Mexico and Costa Rica — items we later delivered through the Pack for a Purpose program — and they showed up with everything from clothing and school supplies to toys and other essentials. It was a simple reminder that small efforts, when shared, can add up to something meaningful. Even the Chamber’s new podcast, Business LO, is helping amplify this sense of community, bringing local voices into the spotlight and reminding us how powerful we can be when we show up for one another.
Arts Council of Lake Oswego's Artspace Gallery is a hosting location for the Downtown Wine Walk
Windstar offers "Market Tours" where guests can accompany the ship's chef to local markets in port destinations.
But as we celebrate all that makes this community so vibrant, it’s also worth recognizing that not every community has what we do. In our work as a travel agency, we see the contrast up close. Some destinations we send clients to — while beautiful — struggle with basic infrastructure, food insecurity, or recovery from economic hardship. And that’s where travel has the power to do good.
Take Windstar Cruises, for example. While known for their elegant small ships, what stands out to us is their commitment to creating a positive impact in the places they visit. Through their partnership with the James Beard Foundation, Windstar connects guests with regional food traditions and supports local farmers, fishers, and producers around the world. Their chefs frequently source ingredients at local markets in port, creating dishes that reflect and directly benefit the communities they’re sailing through. It’s a thoughtful, ongoing effort to ensure that travel dollars go where they matter most.
Closer to home, our friends at Delta Vacations in Seattle are making a difference, too. On August 15th, they’re organizing a major food drive to support Food Lifeline, which helps feed thousands of people facing hunger across Western Washington. It’s not a flashy campaign — it’s behind the scenes, it’s meaningful, and it’s a reflection of the kind of partnerships we value most: ones that care.
So next time you’re visiting a favorite local shop or grabbing coffee downtown, please take a moment to appreciate just how good we have it — and how even small choices, like shopping locally or choosing to travel with intention, can create ripple effects far beyond what we see. The same spirit that makes Lake Oswego strong — supporting small businesses, caring for neighbors — can extend globally when we go out of our way to buy from local artisans or dine at family-owned spots abroad.
And if your travels take you to faraway shores, know that some cruise lines are doing their part, too. Windstar Cruises partners directly with small communities in the places they visit — and we’ve secured a handful of exclusive sailings with them at a very exclusive special rate. But what matters more than any promotion is this: when you travel with care, you carry the best parts of home with you.
Jamie and Caitlin from Travel & Cruise Desk had a chilly but fun day at the Lake Oswego Tree Lighting last year.
