Windermere Home with Brian Bushlach

With a diverse climate, winter recreation and endless summer activities, Bend has been a favorite destination for generations. Now, thanks to technology, telecommuting, and timing, more people are choosing to make Bend their full-time home. Brian returns to his Central Oregon roots to check-in on the former mill town that is now a mecca for action sports, craft beer, and a more diverse economy.

Summer charity season is underway across the west. Auction Napa Valley kicked things off, raising almost $12 million. Sun Valley takes the stage in July, Auction of Washington Wines in August, and then the Sonoma County Wine Auction in September. Dozens of events in between also make an impact, including "Steakout" in Seattle, raising money to fund breakthrough cancer research.

Over the years, millions of wine lovers have driven past the town of Napa on the way to wine country without stopping. Now, thanks to a significant investment and redevelopment effort, downtown Napa is becoming the focal point for wine lovers heading north into the valley, or taking a tour of Sonoma as well. The Archer Hotel caters to every taste and provides a relaxing oasis after a day on the wine trails.

With over $800 million in public and private investment reshaping the downtown core, Spokane is undergoing the biggest urban renewal period since Expo '74 reconnected the city to its riverfront. Windermere's Pam Novell grew up in Spokane and takes us on a tour of the real estate projects and neighborhoods that are being reshaped for the next generation.

Windermere is the Official Real Estate Company of the Seattle Seahawks, partnering with the Seahawks to #tacklehomelessness. Windermere salutes community leaders like Chef John Howie, who also partners with the Seahawks for his Kick Hunger Challenge Celebrity Poker Event. The event on May 31st is the first in a series to benefit Food Lifeline, leading up to Taste of the NFL at the Super Bowl in Miami next February.

As the Portland-area continues to experience growth, Lake Oswego remains one of the most desirable, close-in southern suburbs. With one of the highest walk scores in the region, local retailers, a small town feel, and easy access to Portland, Lake Oswego is a favorite for many. Windermere's Kelsey Williams joins us to share her insight on living in Lake-O.

For over 100 years, Portland's Rose Festival has been the marquee event of the year, showcasing The Rose City to a worldwide audience during the Grand Floral Parade. This year, "Drone Bees" will swarm the parade route, while annual favorites like the Starlight Run and milk carton boat races entertain thousands from across the region. Brian welcomes the Rose Festival's Rich Jarvis for a preview.

Every year in Mid-May, farmers markets across the west open, offering fresh local produce, artisan food & beverages, unique crafts and local music & entertainment. One of the best local farmers markets is in Lake Oswego, and Emily Lui joins us to share new vendors, musicians and products at this year's farmers market in Lake-O.

From the Willamette Valley to Southern Oregon, the Columbia Gorge to the Rocks District, and across the state, May is Oregon Wine Month. In this episode, Brian travels to the western edge of the Dundee Hills to visit Stoller Family Estate, counting down to the Memorial Day holiday, the biggest weekend in Oregon wine country.

Home to the University of Oregon Ducks, Eugene has a lot more to offer than top notch collegiate athletics. A hub for the arts community, creative & tech firms, and the state's largest winery, King Estate, the Eugene-area is growing. In this episode, Brian visits with Windermere owners Team Powell. Tonya & Matt reflect on almost 20 years together in real estate and give us a market update.