BASIL CHILDERS

LAKE OSWEGO, ORE. The outdoor patio at FiveSpice restaurant offers a view of the lake.

This was once a small mining town, but today affluent Portland-area homeowners often choose to reside in this suburb, with its scenic 405-acre lake. A philanthropic arts foundation ensures that sculptures are displayed along city streets. The annual Festival of the Arts and Oswego Wine and Food Festival are warm-weather draws. When it comes to culture, of course, being a mere eight miles from Portland also has its benefits.