Happy Summer, Edible Readers!
It’s your resident non-binary horoscope writer coming in hot with some sage wisdom for your July and Summer ahead. Buckle up this Cancer Sun, Libra Rising Cancer Moon is stoked for warmer weather.
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Aries, your adventurous spirit will lead you to the wild trails of Smith Rock State Park. After a day of climbing, cool down with a refreshing pint of Oregon’s own Crux beer. Your competitive nature might spark a berrypicking contest at a local farm – just don’t eat all the Marionberries before you get home! No matter what read the forecast ahead of time, as we will be well within wildfi re season by then. But you’re well at home in the flames, you fiery babies, you!
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Taurus, approach the rich flavors of Oregon’s bounty this month with bullish enthusiasm. Spend a lazy afternoon at a couple of Willamette Valley wineries, savoring the bright seasonal rosé wines. A visit to the Tillamook Creamery will satisfy your love for comfort food—and what a perfect time to tuck into some limited-edition summery fl avors or one of their Strawberry Lemonade Floats.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
Gemini, try not to let FOMO get the best of you when you wish you could have a clone to experience the packed summer in the Pacifi c Northwest. Your dual nature will have you hopping between vibrant farmers’ markets in town and the urge to escape to literally anywhere else. Try your hand at making jam with freshly picked Oregon strawberries. If jam isn’t your thing, try a lacto ferment with something unconventional, and then test it on folks you love at an al fresco dinner party.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Cancer, get out of your shell this summer, and try something new. No matter what you do, the ocean calls to your soul this birthday month (sorry, June Cancers,) so do what you can to get to some water as much as possible. Enjoy fresh seafood at a coastal eatery in Newport, but hold off on crab until the season really starts in September. Your nurturing side might lead you to host a backyard BBQ featuring locally sourced everything. Stay up late watching the Goonies using a projector and a bedsheet in your backyard for some extra nostalgic time with those you love.
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Leo, your flair for drama will be ideally at home at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland. The performances are wonderful, so save your heirloom tomatoes for perfect BLTs instead of an outlet for your ire. Before or after the show, sip on a bold Cabernet Sauvignon from a local winery, or if that’s not your thing, try out a summery spritz somewhere passersby can take in your fi ery fi t. This month, your charisma could even land you a guest spot at a food and wine pairing event – remember, it’s all about the performance, but wear comfortable shoes, as no one likes a grumpy lion.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
Virgo, your meticulous nature will make you the star of the picnic circuit this July. Prepare a spread featuring Oregon hazelnuts, local cheeses, and fresh cherries. Try your hand at a large salad showcasing the kaleidoscopic bounty of the season. Take a break from organizing your charcuterie board to enjoy a scenic hike at the Painted Hills – just try not to catalog every wildfl ower you see and actually use the time to organize the thoughts in your head.
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
Libra, balance is your thing, and July offers the perfect mix of relaxation and indulgence. Tour the Fruit Loop and wineries of Hood River and savor the delicate notes of summer rosé and ciders. Finish the day with a sunset paddle-boarding session on the Columbia River – or if that’s not your thing, schedule a dinner aboard the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler!
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
Scorpio, people misread your intense nature all the time (their problem, not yours), but don’t let them get you down, and relish in the bold flavors of the season you love so much. Start practicing now for the 7th annual Hot Sauce Expo at OMSI in August by trying Yaowarat’s spicy Road Squid dish. Dive into a brewery tour in Portland and discover your new favorite Pilsner. While exploring ghost towns, pack a picnic with Rogue River Blue cheese and local honey – perfect for spooky storytelling under the stars.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
Adventure awaits, Sagittarius! Embark on a spontaneous road trip along the scenic Oregon Coast, stopping to sample fresh catches at a seaside shack. Save time to marvel at local lighthouses shooting their beams of light like arrows into the horizon. Back in town, your curiosity might lead you up the stairs of the Portland Night Market to try a new cocktail at The Pharmacy Bar or foods that are new to you from one of their many food carts.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
Capricorn, July is the time to balance work and play – emphasizing play more! Work might know you to be a bit more restrained, but this is the season to show off your fun side with friends. Take a break from your busy schedule to enjoy a handcrafted gelato at Pinolo, and then cross the street to Division Wines to try a new wine from their global selection. Visit the Oregon State Fair for inspiration and indulge in local delicacies made from the season’s first berries.
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
Aquarius, your inventive mind will thrive at the Portland Mini Maker Faire where you may be inspired to begin pursuing a new hobby. Celebrate your creativity with a flight of experimental teas from Steven Smith Teamaker. Don’t sleep on Nitro Chai just because it’s Summer! Your humanitarian streak will shine as you volunteer at a local community garden, where you’ll enjoy fresh produce to craft new recipes– just don’t propose a commune on day one.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
Pisces, school might be out, but that doesn’t mean you must go solo to all your social endeavors! Make new friends or put some energy into those you’ve wanted to see more this Summer. Your creative soul will find joy in Oregon’s vibrant art scene. This month, let the inspiration flow while sipping on a chilled bottle of local white wine from the oft-elusive Elkton, Oregon, AVA. A visit to the Oregon Garden in Silverton will inspire your poetic side, but remember, flowers prefer water to whine, so do your best to embrace just how much we have to be grateful for.
Enjoy your quirky and delicious July in the beautiful state of Oregon, everyone!
