It was a gorgeous day in Portland and I ventured out for my Fall Drive By! Is there anything more lovely that a fall day? Now, tell me. Does that door (above) look like a chalkboard door to you? I think I see words around the top of the round window! Isn’t that the coolest idea EVER? A chalkboard door for your front entry? I love that.
I found a few front doors with fall decor as well as front yards all decked out, so I’ll share a bit what I saw. This was my least daring drive by ever. It was pretty mellow! No one was outside! I don’t know why, I didn’t have to duck into bushes or dive over fences or anything. I just snapped away without risking life or limb. The other thing about this drive by is I didn’t find a ton of over the top gorgeous fall front decor. I saw a lot of scary things, but I was hoping to find more urns and pumpkins and leaf decorations. Didn’t see much of that!
I thought this entry was so pretty. It was even prettier in real life.
Ok, this wasn’t decorated at all but I fell in love with that stone fireplace chimney and the porch cover. Just thought you might like to see it.
Yikes. Creepy skeletons. Something unwelcoming about this.
Probably what they were going for, though.
A scary Halloween house.
Darn, you can tell I was in the car for this photo! The corner got cut off. Sorry, just noticed that.
This home had such pretty landscaping. The front porch looked so pretty with the mums and pumpkins lining the steps. And I loved all their grasses and landscaping along that wall.
So many skeletons this year. Everywhere I looked. AAAARRRRR!
Love these front double front doors.
This house went all out from the graveyard out front to a giant man-eating spider on the roof.
Ew.
Ahhhh….birds! Eek.
Not really sure what is on the front door. Maybe some roadkill.
My parents lived here for a number of years and
are responsible for its cute remodel.
I always love snapping a picture of it in Fall.
This was actually from last year but I still like it!
Alrighty, there you go! Another drive by!
And now, you may join me and link up your own drive by! And of course, check out the amazing front porches and fall yard decor others have found to share!
Mr. Linky Directions:
If you want to link up, here is what you do. You can link up any time through Halloween.
1) On your blog, you let your friends know you are participating in The Inspired Room’s Fall Drive By by linking to this post or blog right in your post. 2) Then you get the link to your specific drive by post (not to your general blog because it makes it hard to find your post in a week or two). 3) Put that link (let me know if you need help finding the right link) on the Mr. Linky form below. 4) I do have to remove links that do not follow these instructions…I want to make this FUN for readers!
If you had a link here and it is not longer visible, it probably means I had to DELETE it because it went to a home page and not to the correct post.
Enjoy all the ideas!
All photos: Melissa Michaels
Powered by… Mister Linky’s Magical Widgets.
Hi, I'm Melissa. This is where I share inspiration for creating a simple, authentic and beautiful home.
![]](http://theinspiredroom.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/3-fine-grains.jpg)
{ 1 trackback }
{ 91 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow! Portland goes all out for Halloween. I love the houses, so much character. My town is pretty (very wooded) but there aren’t any old houses. Which KILLS me.
Btw, I didn’t see Mr. Linky….
We are THAT familys inspiring blog post..Clearly, I Have a Drinking Problem
[Reply]
yeah, where is MR. LINKY! He is supposed to be here…I’ll look into it. Darn Mr. Linky.
[Reply]
Hi Melissa
I’m impressed with the Halloween decor in Portland! Great pictures. I have a post, but don’t see Mr. Linky!
Diane
Diane@A Picture is worth….s inspiring blog post..Fall Porches On Parade
[Reply]
I’m all ready to go. I’ll pop by in the morning & Mr Linky up!
Jinxs inspiring blog post..Autumn Porches on Parade
[Reply]
Ok, He’s there now. Sorry, with my new header Mr Linky disappeared. But all is well now!
Thanks for checking back.
[Reply]
I see him! Glad you fixed the problem…thanks for doing this!
Diane@A Picture is worth….s inspiring blog post..Fall Porches On Parade
[Reply]
Gorgeous pictures! I am dying to know what camera you’re using — and I think I need a telephoto lens! Hah! I didn’t include the non-decorated houses I had seen — if I do another post on those I’ll let you know.
Thanks for hosting this, you’re the best!
~Angela
(For some reason, CommentLuv isn’t picking up my Fall Porches post…, but it’s in the Mr. Linky section…)
Angela (Cottage Magpie)s inspiring blog post..New Studio Inspiration Shelves
[Reply]
That giant spider is crazy! ha. I will be working on my porch post and add to Mr. Linky soon.
Amy from Texass inspiring blog post..2008 Halloween Blog Party
[Reply]
Your pictures are much better quality than mine, that’s for sure. And, wow, is your town into the creepy crawly. That spider is UNREAL. I wonder how on earth they made it? Then again, no, I don’t. LOL
Off to visit everyone else now…
K-
Kims inspiring blog post..Porches On Parade
[Reply]
Hi Melissa, this is SO FUN! I have been looking forward to this! Great post and such great photo’s. I don’t think I have been so excited about fall/halloween since I was little! Hahaha, oh the things that make us happy! Thank you for all your hard work in putting this together! Yippeee!
Debbie
Debbie @ ribbonwoods inspiring blog post..PORCHES ON PARADE
[Reply]
i’m so glad to see you sharing our portland porches! i’ll have to find a great neighborhood you didn’t get to!! how long do i have to get my porch post up? was it limited to today?
Breannas inspiring blog post..Are you a Resourceful Mommy?
[Reply]
You have some great decorators in your town. I couldn’t find many here at all, but have displayed mine. I especially like the man eating spider even if it is EWWWWW! Happy Halloween!
Tamy ~ 3 Sides of Crazys inspiring blog post..Tuesday’s with Dorie ~ Pumpkin Muffins
[Reply]
My goodness Portland is beautiful! I especially love the huge spider. So creepily good! BTW, I like your new header.
Karen Bs inspiring blog post..Fall Decorating Quiz
[Reply]
You know, most decorations around here are the skeleton and witch variety, but Portland looks lovely! Perhaps tomorrow I’ll bundle the wee ones up and take a stroll around the neighborhood to see what we find
I Wonder Womans inspiring blog post..A Meme (pron. “Meem”)
[Reply]
Thank you for having the party! I loved looking at all your photos – we don’t have anything like that here. And your header is so pretty.
Ms.Tees inspiring blog post..Fall Porches on Parade!
[Reply]
You can add your links through Halloween, so keep your EYES PEELED for fun stuff to share!
[Reply]
man….how fun to have so many fun “Halloween” porches in your area–I had to look long and hard to find the ones I did in my area.
Way to Go Portland! and that hugh spider is crazy fun!
Thanks again for the blog honor :} and all this fun!
Happy Day!
[Reply]
Wow! Some of those porches are just georgous! I had to laugh at that huge spider with human legs sticking out. lol I think my husband will kill me if I did that. Bad enough I have skeletons in my entryway.
And yes, that is my house on my blog. Thanks for stopping by!
nancys inspiring blog post..Fall porches on Parade!!
[Reply]
I love this idea! I can’t believe some of those pictures that you have, I didn’t realize people decorated so much in Portland. I live down near Eugene and I haven’t seen anything like that here…
darcy
Darcys inspiring blog post..Fall Drive By
[Reply]
I have not spotted anything nearly as creepy as you have. It was fun to see!
Note: entered my link twice, sorry (please delete the one with the name only, thanks!!!)
Mayas inspiring blog post..Celebrating the Fall
[Reply]
I LOVE your new banner!
And thanks Melissa, this whole thing became so much more to me… as your name intends, you really are an inspiration and I am so glad to know you.
[Reply]
Thank you for putting together this driveby. I’ve been looking forward to seeing everyone’s discoveries. Things are a little different now that I’m in Germany… okay, a lot different!
I’ve included photos of porches here. A little different. I can’t wait to see more spiders on walls and roofs and the other wild things people do in the US/Canada!
Katies inspiring blog post..How to Celebrate Autumn in Germany
[Reply]
You have the most beautiful homes in your area. It makes me want to visit just to drive around and gawk at them! What a fun drive-by.
I tried to stay up last night to link to my post, but I fell sound asleep and didn’t wake up until this morning. Oh, well, better late to a party than never. Thanks for hosting!
P.S. Love the new header.
Julia @ Hooked on Housess inspiring blog post..Porches on Parade for Fall
[Reply]
Lots to see for Hallowe’en in your neck ‘o the woods, Melissa! I just linked my subdivision doorway post from a couple weeks ago. Can’t wait to take the tour around blogland.
Pats inspiring blog post..~A Hallowe’en Tablescape~
[Reply]
Thanks Melissa, what a fun idea! (I came back before the house was even up this morning!)
Our “little” town consists of a LOT of 3 acre lots with 50 foot driveways, so several of my pictures did not come out as clear as I would have liked. Oh well!
I even ended up doing a short blog on my own front porch, I had so much fun with the entire idea!
Jinxs inspiring blog post..Autumn Porches on Parade
[Reply]
Hi Melissa
The first link I put in doesn’t work. The second link is the correct one. Sorry.
Pats inspiring blog post..~A Hallowe’en Tablescape~
[Reply]
What a beautiful neighborhood you have…I am in love with the house in the 3rd pic even though it is not decorated! We finally had a beautiful fall weekend so maybe that will motivate my neighbors!
Cocos inspiring blog post..Fall Drive by…
[Reply]
OMG!!!!!!!! This post is AMAZING!!! You have to understand, we really don’t celebrate Halloween in Australia so I was viewing these images in complete awe! How FABULOUS!!! I can’t believe people go to so much trouble. Don’t all the little kids get scared of their surroundings? I even felt a little uneasy
I can’t get the smile off my face, a truly memorable post Melissa, thank you!
Anna
villa annas inspiring blog post..A love dedication to pretty handpainted furniture…
[Reply]
I wish I decorated my porch so I could be friends with Mr. Linky! Oh well. Christmas I’m all over it. That house with the stone chimney is uh-mazing. If that’s your neighborhood, I’d be going on walks everyday! Those houses are simply stunning. Great photos. And the spider was creepy and fun and I’ll never put anything like that on my house.
Have fun today!
My First Kitchens inspiring blog post..Grilled Veggie Sandwiches
[Reply]
Cute banner and a great drive by! I am doing my drive by today and posting later tonight:>)
Kathys inspiring blog post..A special gift
[Reply]
What a fun idea. I came here by way of A Haven for Vee to check out your porch post. I am looking for some new outdoor display ideas as I am tired of doing the same thing year after year. I hope to find some great ideas! Thanks for hosting and happy Monday!
Miss Sandys inspiring blog post..It’s Fall Ya’ll…..
[Reply]
Thanks for the party! I’ve already gotten so many great ideas for next year!
Kristin @ Pumkin Cottage
Kristins inspiring blog post..Fall Front Porch
[Reply]
Seems like people go all out for Halloween don’t they! I love your new banner!
Hugs,
Cathie
Catherines inspiring blog post..Giveaway Winner, New Print, and Recipe
[Reply]
Melissa, thanks for the tour! I’ve got mine posted, and I can’t wait to check out all the other drive-by’s on the tour! I especially love your photo of the home with the mums & pumpkins going down the steps—beautiful! Patti
Dreams and Decors inspiring blog post..FALL DECORATING DRIVE-BY’S
[Reply]
I love that fireplace! It is going in my dream house file.
Sugar ‘N Spice & Mostly Nices inspiring blog post..my first award
[Reply]
Some very spooky decorations in your neck of the woods. Yikes!
Suzanns inspiring blog post..Happy Happy Birthday Baby…
[Reply]
Fantastic new header! and I love your drive by!
Neutral Dwellings inspiring blog post..Fall Drive By- Virtually
[Reply]
Love the porches!!
BTW…I nominated you for the “I Love your Blog” Award on my site: http://wifeandmomof3.net/2008/10/20/i-love-your-blog/
Farrahs inspiring blog post..Friday Blast to the Past…Kool Aid
[Reply]
I love the character of the Portland front doors! My town does not offer much in the Autumn porch decor either. Mostly scary, but the spider is over the top…literally…lol.
dawns inspiring blog post..Cabin-cookies-Pumpkin patch
[Reply]
I just LOVE the giant spider. What a great idea! If only I could get hubby to cooperate…
[Reply]
Thanks for hosting another fabulous party!
[Reply]
Love the new banner!!
WOW you got some BEAUTIFUL shots of some front porches!!
…I’m off to click some of the links now!! Thanks!!
~Tidymom
Tidymoms inspiring blog post..Candy Corn Cookies!
[Reply]
I didn’t join up this time, but I’ve loved looking at all your pictures. That stone and brick fireplace is really beautiful – I’ll bet there’s a story there. As someone who’s really not into Halloween decor, I’m amazed at how much time and effort people put into it.
Lorrie
[Reply]
Those are some amazing homes, I would love to live in any of them, but especially that one with no decor on it, the one with the fireplace on the front
I just linked up to my front porch pics from Kimba’s Halloween Party, I hope that is ok.
I mentioned your party in my blog today with a link, too
I actually should have titled my post differently though..for some reason I thought your party didn’t start until this evening and I thought would just do a separate post for it…then I saw it already started and I sent the post in before editing the title…ugh!
Do you have a party button? I didn’t see one, but if you have one, I will add it in to my post.
Thanks for all of the hard work putting these parties together!!!
Bella
Bella Casas inspiring blog post..Halloween Blog Party – Living Locurto
[Reply]
Love your blog and what a grand idea to do a drive-by photo shoot. I posted my own fall decor photo but may be back to post more as I drive around looking for grand opportunities to take photos.
Marthas inspiring blog post..My Fall Front Porch
[Reply]
Love Halloween! Love getting more Halloween ideas, too! Thanks!
Amandas inspiring blog post..HALLOWEEN FINALLY!
[Reply]
Great pics Melissa! Even the scary stuff looks beautiful on those homes. Have a great week! Can’t wait to check out all of the links.
Dawn-Hydrangea Homes inspiring blog post..Fall Porch Decorating
[Reply]
Oh – I’m glad to see you can post through Halloween! I haven’t had time to drive around for this and thought i would only be able to live vicariously through others.
I love your new banner!!
Lisa @ Stop and Smell the Chocolatess inspiring blog post..Would You Like Chocolate With That? ~ Chocolate Cinnamon Bread
[Reply]
I really don’t like Halloween anymore (especially the way the occult side of it has almost taken the place of Christmas to a lot of people, in extreme) — it’s so much more evil-centered than the innocent time it was in the 60′s when I grew up. But I truly LOVE fall… Keep wishing I had more extra money at this time of year to deck out my porch in autumn pumpkins, colorful mums etc. I love all the beautiful homes and doors you show, but had to click quickly by the creepy crud… Sorry, but it takes away from the glorious beauty of the season to me. Love your drive-bys of all the quaint homes, though… Here in Michigan, people go all out in fall
decorating, cornstalks and pumpkins and mums so much more than where I grew up in CA. The whole fall and Christmas house decorating season is so cozy and
warm, I wish it could last longer! Though I had to pass on my porch again this year– on the inside of my home, I’m loving just a simple bouquet of fall leaves in a vase and a sprig of colorful pumpkin garland against the warm brown tones of my fireplace mantel. Instant warmth…
[Reply]
Melissa,
I am sorry I did it again. Please remove the first aunties with advice as I forgot to link it directly to the post. ( I am learning:)
I loved your post as usual and had fun particpating in the Fall decor and sharing what I found.
[Reply]
Beautiful porch photos, Melissa! This was so fun! I am going to try to make my way to everyone’s blogs today.
Emily@remodelingthislifes inspiring blog post..Link Love: Pumpkins Galore!
[Reply]
I love all the neat front doors. Really helps with inspiration!!
Stephanie Bs inspiring blog post..Day of movies and WAR!
[Reply]
Melissa,
Looks like you had a very productive “drive-by” yesterday! I don’t love all of the creepy stuff, but I do love everything else that has to do with Halloween and Fall. The colors, the excitement of the kids, the candy…
I will pop over to some of the other poster’s sites when I have time.
Love you, my dear BFF!
Deb
Debbie/Four Angel’s Mommas inspiring blog post..Chasing Seagulls
[Reply]
I really like the new banner! Very cozy looking!
Debbie/Four Angel’s Mommas inspiring blog post..Chasing Seagulls
[Reply]
thanks for hosting! so much fun to visit all these wonderful homes without leaving my chair! found lots of great ideas for next year!
blessings,
nicole
Nicole@The Graves’ Houses inspiring blog post..Fall Porches
[Reply]
Great idea! I too love looking at all the festive homes as I drive by. I am going to try out Mr. Linky for the first time. Hope it works!
Domestic Fashionistas inspiring blog post..Pumpkin Photo Shoot and Porches on Parade
[Reply]
This looks fun. I’ll link up soon too. But I had to comment about the chalkboard door. Can you imagine the things that my children would write on there?! I can see it now: NOAH IS A DOODIE BUTT…or MOM, I WENT TO SCOTT’S TO PLAY – THE DOOR’S UNLOCKED…
=) Blessings… Polly
Pollys inspiring blog post..Autumn Tree Fairies
[Reply]
Loved your tour! It is all so fun and festive!
You had a fabulous idea for us all to share. Looking forward to see what everyone else is showing.
~Jen
Jens inspiring blog post..Drive By: Autumn Porches
[Reply]
Very cool idea. Thanks for sharing. Love the house eating spider.
Carlas inspiring blog post..Fall porches
[Reply]
Really enjoyed the tour! That big ol’spider sure is something!!!
I’ve been visiting since early September when I can–found you through Kelli–”There’s no place like Home” as I was needing some Fall inspiration!
Thanks for hosting “The Fall porch drive by” and for all the wonderful inspiration!
Blessings to you!
Claudia O.
Claudias inspiring blog post..
[Reply]
This was fun! I enjoyed all of your pictures. They were amazing.
Carols inspiring blog post..Porches on Parade…….
[Reply]
Thanks for hosting such a great party! I love looking at all these links for ideas! You have such a beautiful blog! Thanks for all the inspiration!
Erins inspiring blog post..Driving By Porches
[Reply]
Melissa,
What beautiful and fun porches you’ve found! Thank you for the inspiration, my husband and I had fun looking for homes to photograph.
[Reply]
Wow, those are some really creepy houses. Glad I haven’t taken my girls through any Portland neighborhoods lately. They don’t even like the ones that are in our small town. Ewww…I love the fall decorated ones though. I have always loved the houses in Portland. Our town is 100 years old but the homes do not have the character that Portland have.
Kirstins inspiring blog post..Pictures
[Reply]
I loved the drive by photos! Lurrve the Halloween decorations~everyone is so creative up there! The architecture is so stunning and the homes are beautiful. Wonderful blog!
Tinas inspiring blog post..Hallowe’en Blog Party Extravganza Hosted by A Fanciful Twist~Plus My Halloween Party and Giveaway!
[Reply]
I do love pumpkin orange, and there is lots of it this time of the year. I also like your new do. Much more “professional” looking! The header is nice , too. Interesting and a little naughty. I do like looking through the curtains, too!
Irenes inspiring blog post..See you soon!
[Reply]
Love your drivebys. Interesting mix of homes. Uploading photos was torture yesterday. I only posted 2. Will try to add more today. You can aee them at my blog post, Porches on Parade.
My blog is http://www.cafechatelaine.blogspot.com
Elaines inspiring blog post..Porches on Parade
[Reply]
What great porches! We don’t have any like them in our neighborhood–at least any that someone has intentionally created! Thanks for hosting such a great blogathon. It’s fun! ~Kathy
Kathy@ShockingPinkThreads inspiring blog post..Porches on Parade
[Reply]
I’m just amazed at the size of the houses!
Susannah
[Reply]
Loved all the drive-bys. Your blog continues to inspire me, Melissa. You do have a lovely blog….it’s so obvious how much you love it because you have put so much hard work, as well as, your heart and soul into it. Just want to say thanks for being so generous in sharing your life.
cathleens inspiring blog post..Addicted to Socks
[Reply]
I loved the house with the stone and then brick chimney. We’re building so I copied it and sent it to my hubby for some inspiration. I agree, some nice houses but not a lot of over the top decor….I guess people are cutting back this year – makes me sad to think about Christmas Decorations.
[Reply]
These are just so pretty and fun. I did my post on drive bys recently and oh what fun I had looking and stopping to take some pictires. Isn’t Fall just glorious?
I love your boog and love all of your ideas!
Sues inspiring blog post..I’ve Got Something To Crow About….
[Reply]
Please stop by for a visit!
teaorwines inspiring blog post..Fall front porches
[Reply]
i loved seeing the houses all decorated for halloween/fall. around our neighborhood there really are not that many who participate in decorating for holidays….so thanks for the photos!
[Reply]
That is a wild spider, that would surely scare the kids away. Teresa does a great job on her blog, she is amazing person I wonder if she ever sleeps, too bad she didn’t leave some of that talent for me. (smiles)
[Reply]
Está llegando Halloween y me pareció una magnífica idea presentar estas propuestas en los porches. Las casas decoradas de Halloween con escenas para entretener a la familia y a los transeúntes! Me encantaron las tramas llenas de inquietante realismo, mucha diversión y muchooooo terror!
[Reply]
OOOOOOOOOOOOppssssss – added myself by accident! Sorry everyone! #56
(Love everyone else’s, tho!)
Jeanne @ Inspiring Ideass inspiring blog post..Announcing …
[Reply]
Yay for Portland! Drive-bys are so much fun, especially when there are such fun Fall and Halloween decorations to look at. Also, I love your blog!
Alias inspiring blog post..From Like A Month Ago….
[Reply]
Good Morning Melissa ~
I’m finally linked to Mr. Linky and he has been a total gentleman while I was being a total dork~o~rama….I botched my first two attempts…my appologies…one should not blog before 8am~apparently.
Love the tour…thanks for the help…
P.S. My third attempt worked! A blog miracle….guess it’s true: third times a charm!
Smiles ~ Ramona
Ramona Owens inspiring blog post..Taking Time For A Bit Of Porch Put~zing
[Reply]
Hey Melissa! What gorgeous fall pictures (the spider eating that guy wasn’t gorgeous….but it was funny!!) It will take us a week to get through everyone’s goodies – but we are looking forward to it!!
Karla & Karrie
The Summer Kitchen Girlss inspiring blog post..Fall Photo Shoot
[Reply]
I thought I had missed it, so I’m so glad to see that we can link up until Halloween! Love your drivebys. That stone chimney is gorgeous. And I really love the new banner!
Mrs. Bs inspiring blog post..Soccer… it’s taking over my life
[Reply]
Is it WRONG that I actually jumped in fright when I saw some of these pictures?
Darlas inspiring blog post..Still think you might get a good deal at Linens & Things?
[Reply]
I love reading your blog! The rooms are so inspirational. I have been renting and moving 6 times in the last 7 years. My husband is almost done with Law School so soon no move moving and we can buy a house. Untill then just dreaming and enjoying your blog!
Chantals inspiring blog post..instruction-less tutorial
[Reply]
Love your site…your photos are always amazing.
Dana
[Reply]
Looking at all the lovely photos and then I realized…that’s my neighborhood and your parent’s old house is right up the street! One of the reasons I love living here is that it seems the whole neighborhood really gets into the spirit of things for ALL major holidays. I hope you show what we do at Christmas…maybe my front porch will end up on your blog…butI’ll never tell you which home is mine!
[Reply]
This is such fun…Great enjoyment!…thanks!
[Reply]
Wow! I love having the homework done before I even get the assignment!! Nevermind that I’ll spend all morning reading what everyone else turned in!!
Occasional Geniuss inspiring blog post..Parade of Homes – Halloween Edition
[Reply]
The very first picture is likely of a Catholic home–the writing above the window is from Epiphany, 2008….where it is tradition to use chalk to write the year, and the initials C+M+B over the door (there are several variations on why those initials, the most common being that they are the initials of the three kings, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, OR the words Christus Mansionem Benedicat–Christ Bless this house). It is traditionally written over the door, which is also blessed with holy water at the same time, in this way 20 C+M+B 08 .
I know this is late for the initial post, but figured I would mention it. I just found your blog and am working my way backwards–and enjoying every minute of it! Thanks for all of your hard work, and the sharing. Hopefully you will settle in quickly to your new home (we moved this year from NC to OK…ugh..).
[Reply]
I have never seen houses dressed like this, I think it,s stunning. I live in England ,and it is generally thought we follow you
[Reply]
You are so lucky that 1. There are monay houses with front porches in your area & 2. That people are already decorating for fall. Here in sunny Florida, we are still hitting the 90′s every day and is not very inspiring for fall decor!
Brenda´s last blog ..First Day of School
[Reply]
Love the Halloween pictures. I can tell that Portland must go all out. I really loved the spider on top of the house. Looking forward to your Christmas pictures.
Gail J Richardson
Gail J Richardson´s last blog ..header-03
[Reply]