January 28th, 2010 by Angie Marsh
WCVA CEO Ruthie Reinert holds the prizewinning photo while congratulating winner Christopher Pokorny during the event.
WCVA staff, stakeholders and partners convened in late January at The Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge to network while discovering the natural wonders of the Refuge at sunset.
In addition, the grand prize winner of WCVA’s Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route photo contest was recognized and awarded his prize money.
Taking top honors as the grand prize winner was Christopher Pokorny of Portland, Ore., for the photograph titled, “Tiller Curves,” which showcases a tractor tiller.
Pokorny took a moment to address attendees, expressing his thanks and enjoyment of driving the 50-mile Scenic Tour Route–which he has done seven times.
Pokorny also won the “History” category of the contest with his photograph titled, “Grossen.” This stunning photo is named after the family who owns the land along the Tour Route, where Pokorny had permission to enter their property to compose the perfect shot.
Overall, four photographers were selected as the winners of contest, and all were invited to attend this event. Winners, whose images best represent Washington County’s agricultural- and wine-focused scenic drive, will share a total of $3,000 in prize money.
Attendees were also treated to a raffle of prints of the award-winning photographs from Pokorny.
WCVA Board Members Norm Penner, Jonae Armsrong, Terry Goldman and Teri Koerner and CEO Ruthie Reinert congratulate contest winner Christopher Pokorny at the Refuge.
The Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge provides a variety of recreational and educational activities and an ever-changing panorama of wildlife viewing. Located on the “Pacific Flyway,” the Refuge is an important stopover where migrating waterfowl, songbirds, and shorebirds stop to rest, refuel, and raise their young. The Refuge is open daily, offering new exhibits, a non-profit nature store, and indoor and outdoor viewing areas.
WCVA’s Westside Spotlight is a program where stakeholders partner with the WCVA to host an open house at their businesses/venues to create industry-wide promotional and networking events. Westside Spotlight showcases Washington County’s diversity of unique attractions and venues, and is designed to familiarize partners in the area to increase the number of both leisure and business visitors to Washington County.
Thanks to It’s Party Time Catering for providing light refreshments at this Westside Spotlight event.
The Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge building.
View submitted photos >
View winning images >
Tags: Tualatin, Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, Vineyard & Valley scenic tour route, washington county oregon, WCVA photo contest
Posted in WCVA News | No Comments »
January 26th, 2010 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan
Valentine’s Day in Washington County is a poetry of the senses, from the savory taste of sinful chocolate melting in your mouth, to a luscious glass of Pinot Noir tantalizing your sense of smell and taste. Come see for yourself why Washington County is made for lovers.
Chocolate Dreams
Live out your own decadent chocolate fantasy at the 13th annual Chocolate Fantasy event at the Jenkins Estate in Aloha, Ore., Friday, Feb. 12. Experience the finest chocolate delicacies from local chocolatiers, bakeries and wineries, be inspired to cook up your own romance at the cooking demonstrations, and shop for Valentine’s Day gifts for that special someone. Admission is $5.
Can’t wait until February 14? Visit the World Forestry Center for its 5th annual ChocolateFest, Jan. 29-31. Sample artisan chocolates from local chocolatiers at the “Chocolate Bazaar,” then learn the art of pairing chocolate with wine, sake and beer at the “Chocolate Market.” While there, get a sneak peek at the World Forestry Center’s upcoming exhibit, “The Chocolate Story,” which explores the history of chocolate from its beginning as a potent and magical drink used by the Aztecs to its current worldwide popularity. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors (62+), $5 for children, and free for members of the World Forestry Center and children under the age of three.
Pinot Pleasure
Valentine’s Day is a special occasion to visit Washington County’s wine country. This year, many wineries have a slate of tasting events that are sure to bring a little romance – and perhaps a skip in your step – to your weekend.
SakeOne’s “Sake Shock,” aptly named for the surprising food and sake pairings, will offer a wild and wonderful experience at its brewery in Forest Grove, Feb. 12. The Valentine’s weekend tasting will explore craft-brewed sake paired with eccentric offerings, such as Thai Kettle Chips and chocolate and coconut-dipped fortune cookies.
Plum Hill Winery, located in Forest Grove, will be celebrating its first anniversary during Valentine’s Day weekend, Feb. 13-14, with live music, food and wine tasting. The first 200 people who visit will receive a free gift.
Down the road a bit in Gaston, Ore., Patton Valley Vineyard promises a Valentine’s weekend event that is sure to make you fall in love. On Feb. 13-14, the winery will be offering a flight of five wines, perfectly paired with tasty little bites with aphrodisiac qualities.
Also in Forest Grove, Montinore Estate’s celebrated “Two to Tango” event returns Feb. 14th, with a full tasting menu, sultry Latin beats, and free Tango lessons from local dance instructor, Paul Newman.
For a complete list of wineries in Washington County, visit our wineries and breweries page.
Love is in the air this season, and why not make the most of it with a romantic weekend in Washington County? Start planning your trip now.
Tags: Aloha, Chocolate Festival, Forest Grove, Gaston, Jenkins-Estate, Montinore Estate, Patton Valley Vineyard, Plum Hill Winery, SakeOne, Valentine's Day
Posted in Events, Food & Drink, Holiday, Wineries | No Comments »
January 13th, 2010 by Angie Marsh
From wine grapes to winding roads, the WCVA received a whopping 272 entries in our Washington County, Oregon, Vineyard & Valley Scenic Tour Route Photo Contest, which showcase the many features of the tour route.
With so many breathtaking and expertly crafted photos, our panel of judges had a tough job of reviewing, critiquing and selecting winners, which were judged on originality, technical excellence, composition, overall impact and artistic merit.
After careful review by the judges (thank you, Citrus), the Grand Prize of $1,000 goes to (insert drumroll here):
“Tiller Curves” by Christopher Pokorny
Additional contest winners in each of the categories are:
* Wine: Including, but not limited to, vineyards, wineries, winemakers and tasting rooms. $500 prizewinner:
“Tualatin Estate” by Cailyn Andreasen
* Agriculture: Including, but not limited to, crops, nurseries, barns, farms, farmstands and livestock. $500 prizewinner:
“Here’s Looking at You” by Sandy Pokorny
* Nature: Including, but not limited to, protected wildlife areas, flora, fauna and vistas. $500 prizewinner:
“Washington County” by Joel Zak
* History: Including, but not limited to, towns, buildings, cemeteries and interpretive markers. $500 prizewinner:
“Grossen” by Christopher Pokorny
All photo entries are housed here on the WCVA website. Photos will also be featured in print and electronic marketing materials produced by Washington County Visitors Association to promote area tourism. Read the contest press release.
Thanks to all who entered photos; you made this a high-caliber photo competition.
Check our website for future photo contests!
Tags: photo contest, Scenic ByWay, Vineyard & Valley Tour Route, washington county oregon
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November 27th, 2009 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan
Tee pad #8 honors those who had a hand in making the Meadow Ridge course a reality.
Perhaps a day on the green – disc golf green, that is – is your pace.
Horning’s Hideout recently celebrated the grand opening of its newest 18-hole, championship disc golf course, which is sure to be one of the most challenging courses in the region. The opening marks the third 18-hole disc golf course to open at Horning’s Hideout.
Built as a Pro Championship “Gold Tee” course (Gold Tee is the top rating, as certified by the Professional Disc Golf Association), Meadow Ridge is a challenging 7,035-foot course that winds through trees, hills and fields. Also open are Canyon, a “Blue Tee” course, and Highland, a short-throw, “Red Tee” course.
So dust off the old throwing discs, warm up your arm and head out to North Plains for a day of disc golfing fun.
Horning’s Fishing & Picnic Hideout
21277 NW Brunswick Canyon Rd.
North Plains, OR 97133
(503) 647-2920
Posted in Events, Sports | 2 Comments »
November 25th, 2009 by Angie Marsh
I set out to sample just what some of the wines and spirits of Washington County taste like, and got sips galore.
One weekend ahead of the Thanksgiving crowd, I began my Saturday jaunt at SakéOne, which a road sign identifies as a “sakéry.” I knew it as the premiere saké brewer in this country, but had never been there. My group was welcomed warmly by several staff members, and soon the warmth of the saké itself seemed to be coursing through my veins. The Momokawa Ruby had the crisp mouthfeel I associate with quality saké, and the Premium Oregon Genshu, or “G Joy” as it’s termed, tasted so good to my group of six that we purchased two bottles. I was then told it is 18 percent alcohol by volume. Phew! That didn’t stop me from sampling a flight of “sakétinis”—the G Nut, Hot White and Blue Diamond—which combined the sake with delicious ingredients such as fresh blueberries and white chocolate syrup. I love my dessert in drink form.
At this point I was grateful for two things: a designated driver and maps plotting the next destinations.
From there we headed to nearby Montinore Estate—driving only briefly on the Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route, which I made a note to explore in its entirety through Washington County. Perched on a hill, Montinore has a regal feel with its estate gardens and views stretching across the valley. The tasting room was pleasant, and my group’s consensus was that the best, boldest wine we tried there was the 2007 Graham’s Block 7 Pinot Noir.
Next up was nearby Plum Hill Vineyards, which is new as of February 2009. We were greeted by a friendly dog, who escorted us to the tasting area, where his even friendlier owner gave us generous pours. Turns out that the planting and harvesting of grapes is full of trials and tribulations, and we learned about future plans to space the grapes further apart, which will yield different distinctions in the wines–particularly the aftertaste. We agreed that the Barrel Select Pinot Noir we sampled was just right.
Onward and upward–up a steep climb to Gaston’s nearby Patton Valley Vineyard. The quaint tasting room gave way to wines that are segmented based on their slope on the property—and are anything but quaint. Though the 2007 Patton Valley Pinot Noir is described as a nose of ‘damp forest floor’, it tasted exquisite to me, as did the black cherry-like 2007 West Block Pinot Noir. All hail Oregon Pinot.
Then it was on to our last stop, the bustling Elk Cove Vineyards in Gaston. Truth be told, I have no (legible) notes from Elk Cove. I did take a photo and was told the property is teeming with flowers in the warmer months. I was also able to discern the aroma and flavor of crisp green apple in the 2006 Estate Riesling—my favorite.
Sustainability was also a common theme in my jaunt: Montinore is producing Oregon Certified Sustainable Wine, Patton Valley’s operation was fully certified as sustainable in the 2006 vintage by the organization Low Input Viticulture and Eneology (LIVE), Plum Hill uses sustainable vineyard practices that emphasize flavor over production volume, and Elk Cove uses sustainable agricultural practices on all its vineyards such as hand-harvesting.
There are so many well-crafted sips to savor in the local wine country, I suggest always having a designated driver when you thirst for a wine adventure.
Thanksgiving Wine Weekend is Friday, Nov. 27 through Sunday, Nov. 29, with these and participating wineries offering special hours and tastings.
Tags: Elk Cove Vineyards, Montinore Estate, Patton Valley Vineyard, Plum Hill, SakeOne, sustainable winery, Thanksgiving wine weekend, washington county oregon, wine tasting
Posted in Holiday, Wineries | No Comments »
November 24th, 2009 by Birgitte
After living in Hawaii for the past three years, I looked forward to having a real Oregon fall. While I enjoyed warm weather and fresh papaya, banana and pineapple, I did miss my fall favorites; the squash, pears, carrots and potatoes so readily available in Oregon.
To fulfill my fall needs I went to the Beaverton Farmer’s Holiday Market this past Saturday. The majority of the vendors were the summer regulars, with a few vendors selling holiday products. Smelling fresh pine greens from the vendor who sold holiday wreaths put me in the holiday spirit. Last Saturday was the final day for this year’s Beaverton Farmers Market, but the Hillsboro Winter Market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. through December 12th and is located on Main Street between the Civic Center Plaza and the Courthouse.
There were so many varieties of squash available: Spaghetti, Carnival, Heart of Gold, Sweet Dumpling, Buttercup and Delicata–but I couldn’t bypass the butternut squash I needed to make my new favorite soup. This soup has great anti-inflammatory benefits and tastes great! Try it for yourself:
Curried Butternut Squash Soup
This recipe can be altered; the smaller amounts will yield a more mild soup.
1 T. olive oil
2 T-1/2 C onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
2 med. carrots, peeled and diced
2 t-1 T fresh ginger, peeled and minced
1 -3 t yellow curry powder
1 Large Butternut squash, peeled and cubed (3 large yams or sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed, can be substituted)
1 t salt or to taste
1 qt. chicken broth
1 can lite coconut milk
Put the olive oil in a large pot and add the onions, garlic, carrots and ginger. Cover and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes or until the onions become translucent and the carrots are softened. Stir occasionally.
Add the cubed butternut squash, salt, curry powder and chicken broth, adding water if necessary to cover the squash. Bring to a moderate boil, then reduce and simmer over low heat. Continue to simmer, covered, until squash is tender, about 15-25 minutes.
Remove the soup from the heat and stir in the coconut milk. Puree the soup with a hand-held immersion blender, or ladle the soup into a blender and puree in small batches. Use caution when pureeing hot soup—cover the blender lid with a towel, and push firmly on the lid.
Leftovers freeze well in Ziplock bags.
Tags: beaverton, farmers markets, recipe, squash
Posted in Holiday, Seasonal Fun | No Comments »
November 10th, 2009 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan
Apolloni Vineyards
Spend a weekend in Oregon wine country, and taste why Oregon has earned a reputation as North America’s most revered handcrafted Pinot Noir. Vintners and wineries of northern Willamette Valley in Washington County, Ore., open their doors for tastings, hors d’oeuvres and conversation during the annual Wine Country Thanksgiving.
The weekend marks the release of new vintages at many of Washington County’s wineries, giving oenophiles a chance to be among the first to taste new wine releases, as well as a chance to visit wineries that are not regularly open to the public.
Participating wineries include:
- A Blooming Hill Vineyard & Winery
5195 SW Hergert Rd., Cornelius; (503) 992-1196
www.abloominghillvineyard.com
Fri-Sun, 12-5pm
$5 tasting fee (applied toward purchase of one bottle)
New release: Pinot Noir
Douglas Fir Noble Christmas trees available for purchase
Fee includes: Chocolate cake tastings
- Alloro Vineyards
22075 SW Lebeau Rd., Sherwood; (503) 625-1978
www.allorovineyard.com
Fri-Sun, 11am-4:30pm
$10 tasting fee
New releases: 2008 Estate Pinot Noir, Riesling & Chardonnay, 2007 Pinot Noir & late-harvest dessert wine
- Anam Cara Cellars
22222 SW Nicholas View Drive Sherwood; (503)537-9150
www.anamcaracellars.com
Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
$10 tasting fee
Fee includes: Selection of Oregon cheeses
Purchase two bottles of wine, get the third bottle for $1 (must be same varietal/vintage)
- Apolloni Vineyards
14135 NW Timmerman Rd., Forest Grove, (503) 359-3606
www.apolloni.com
Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
$5 tasting fee (refundable with wine purchase)
New releases: 2007 Sangiovese and 2007 Merlot (available in tasting room only)
- Árdíri Winery and Cellars
35040 SW Unger Rd., Cornelius; (503) 628-6060
www.ardiriwine.com
Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
$10 tasting fee
New releases: 2007 Pinot Noir
Special tastings: 2008 Pinot Noir, barrel tastings
Fee includes: Logo glass, light food and chocolates made with Árdíri’s Pinot Noir
- Barron-Wahl Vineyards
27015 SW Ladd Hill Rd., Sherwood; (503) 625-7938
www.barronwahl.com
Fri-Sun, 11am-4pm
Light hors d’oeuvres
- Beran Vineyards
30088 SW Egger Road, Hillsboro; (503) 628-1298
www.beranvineyards.com
Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
$5 tasting fee (proceeds to benefit Community Action programs)
Holiday discount, 20% off per case
Cooper Mountain Vineyards
9480 SW Grabhorn Rd., Beaverton; (503) 649-0027
www.coopermountainwine.com
Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
$10-20 tasting fee
Fee includes: Logo glass, live music, cheese and wine pairings
Organic and Biodynamic Vineyard Treks at 11am, 2pm and 4pm
25% off purchases of cases- David Hill Vineyard & Winery
46350 NW David Hill Rd., Forest Grove; (503) 992-8545
www.davidhillwinery.com
Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
$5 tasting fee
Fee includes: Logo glass and light food
- Elk Cove Vineyards
27751 NW Olson Rd., Gaston; (503) 985-7760; 1-877-ELK-COVE
www.elkcove.com
Fri-Sun, 10am-5pm
$5 tasting fee
New release: 2008 Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris
- Freja Cellars
16691 SW McFee Place, Hillsboro; (503) 628-7843
www.frejacellars.com
Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
$10 tasting fee (applied toward wine purchase of half-case or larger)
New release: 2006 Reserve Pinot Noir
Fee includes: Logo glass, assortment of fruit, cheeses, chocolates & bread
- Garden Vineyards
12960 NW Dick Rd., Hillsboro; (503) 547-9046
www.gardenvineyards.com
Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
$10 tasting fee (applied toward wine purchase)
Fee includes: Light snacks
- Helvetia Vineyards
23269 NW Yungen Rd., Hillsboro; (503) 647-7596
www.helvetiawinery.com
Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
$2 tasting fee (refundable with purchase)
New releases: 2007 Chardonnay, 2008 Gewürztraminer Barrel tastings
Indian-caught smoked salmon
Gifts and Christmas trees available for purchase
- J. Albin Winery
19495 Vista Hill Dr., Hillsboro; (503) 628-2986
Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
$5 tasting fee
Handcrafted Pinot Noir, Saignee Rosé, sparkling wines, dessert wine and Pinot Gris
- Montinore Estate
3663 SW Dilley Rd., Forest Grove; (503) 359-5012
www.montinore.com
Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
$10-15 tasting fee
$10 fee includes: Logo glass
$15 fee includes: Culinary pairing classes, logo glass
- Oak Knoll Winery
29700 SW Burkhalter Rd., Hillsboro; (503) 648-8198
www.oakknollwinery.com
Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
$5 tasting fee
Fee includes: Live music and light food
Special case discounts (20-50% off), pick an ornament from the holiday tree and open it to reveal percentage-off discount on purchase of a case
- Patton Valley Vineyard
9449 SW Old Highway 47, Gaston; (503) 985-3445
www.pattonvalley.com
Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
$15 tasting fee
New releases: 2007 Lorna-Marie Reserve Pinot Noir, 2007 Syrah
Fee includes: Glass, food
- Plum Hill Vineyards
6505 SW Old Hwy. 47, Gaston; (503) 359-4706
www.PlumHillWine.com
Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
$5 tasting fee
Fee includes: Glass, music, snacks
- Ponzi Vineyards
14665 SW Winery Ln., Beaverton; (503) 628-1227
www.ponziwines.com
Fri-Sun, 10am-5pm
$15 tasting fee
“The Ponzi Vineyards Cookbook” book signing with author/founder Nancy Ponzi (Sunday only)
New release: 2008 Tavola Pinot Noir
Fee includes: Riedel Pinot Noir Glass
- Purple Cow Vineyards
52720 NW Wilson School Rd., Forest Grove; (503) 330-0991; www.purplecowvineyards.com
Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
$5 tasting fee
New releases: 2006 Tempranillo Reserve, 2007 Gabriela
- Quailhurst Vineyard Estate
15031 SW Pleasant Hill Rd., Sherwood; (509) 427-5132
www.QuailhurstWines.com
Saturday, November 28, 9am-5pm
$20 tasting fee
Fee includes: Logo glass, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, entertainment
Specials on selected wines
- Shafer Vineyard Cellars
6200 NW Gales Creek Rd., Forest Grove; (503) 357-6604
www.shafervineyardcellars.com
Fri-Mon, 11am-5pm
$5 tasting fee
Fee includes: Hors d’oeuvres, hot apple cider and coffee
36th Anniversary Special: Purchase one case, get the second case free (excludes Pinot Noir)
- SakéOne
820 Elm St., Forest Grove; (503) 357-7056
www.sakeone.com
Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm (Tours: 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm)
$10 tasting fee
“Rice Exposed Tour“: tastings of fresh Oregon koji rice and kasu, rice cake pressed from fermented saké which is commonly used as a pickling agent in Japanese cuisine
Fee includes: Tour, saké pairings, chocolate-dipped fortune cookies
Saké and sakétini holiday gift sets 20% off
- Tualatin Estate Vineyard
10850 NW Seavey Rd., Forest Grove; (503) 357-5005
www.tualatinestate.com
Fri-Sun, 10am-5pm
Complimentary tastings
Most wineries are open Nov. 27-29, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (unless otherwise noted). Each winery may charge a tasting fee, and fees may vary. Event information, fees and participating wineries are subject to change. For additional information about the Thanksgiving holiday weekend tastings, visit the North Willamette Vintners Association’s website.
Tags: North Willamette Valley, North Willamette Vintners, sake, washington county, Washington County wineries, Willamette Valley, wine events, wine tasting, Wineries
Posted in Events, Holiday, Wineries | No Comments »
October 15th, 2009 by Angie Marsh
On a recent crisp fall day, I made a date with Stub. That is, a picturesque cabin at a new (circa 2007) Oregon park in Washington County–L.L. Stub Stewart State Park.
Cabins with a view in the "Mountain Dale Cabin Village"
The online booking process allowed me to view available options for my specified overnight stay, so cabin #1 it was–and just 10 days in advance. I paid online as well, which meant I didn’t have to check in and was e-mailed the code for unlocking my cute lil’ cabin.
I was en route to the Coast, and this proved to be the perfect stopover for the night; a welcome respite from Friday rush-hour traffic on Highway 26, which is just 4 miles from this site. Signage to the park off Highway 47 made for an easy drive to what felt like a remote area, but now boasts 78 camping sites, 23 hike-in primitive campsites, 12 walk-in tent sites, 16 horse camp sites and 15 cabins in the Park.
With shining wood floor, heat and insulated windows, I commented, “This is my kind of cabin!”
The tidy fire pit and nearby water spigot made “roughing it” that much easier as well. The restrooms & showers are centralized, as is the parking–a design that means any of the 15 cabins are great options.
Choosing from the myriad trail options
Hiking paths snake in all directions from the Park, and many are specified for bikes and/or horses. The new Banks-Vernonia State Trail–once a railroad and now a paved, multi-use path–is nearby as well, offering 21 miles of smooth and scenic exploration.
No need for our flashlights when the full moon rose over the Douglas Fir stand adjacent to our cabin, and my daughter (age 3) instructed me to “tiptoe down the moon path.”
Heading to the day-use overlook area
A stop at the Visitor's Center
Tags: banks-vernonia state trail, Family Fun, LL Stub Stewart State Park, oregon cabins, oregon camping, Stub Stewart, washington county oregon
Posted in Biking, Family Fun, Nature | 2 Comments »
October 5th, 2009 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan
Autumn is by far my favorite season: the crisp, cool air; rust-colored leaves falling from the trees; the bright orange and green hues of the pumpkin patches. Indeed, ’tis the season to get out and explore fall in Washington County, Oregon. On Saturday, my family and I hopped into the car and did just that.
First stop was the Beaverton Farmers’ Market, a cornucopia of fall vegetables, colorful gourds, scrumptious apples and pears, and hearty potatoes and onions, all awaiting shoppers who ventured out on the brisk Saturday morning. Free coffee and fruit samples provided us the energy – and warmth – needed to navigate the market.
With our newly acquired produce in hand, we ventured off to our next stop, the Smith Berry Barn in Hillsboro. Each year, I make the pilgrimage to the Smith Berry Barn to stock up on apples, and this year is no exception. I loaded up my basket with freshly picked Macintosh apples, perfect for making caramel apple treats.
On a whim, we decided to head over to Baggenstos Farms in Sherwood, to check out the corn maze. Growing up in the desert, corn mazes were something I had only seen on television, or in scary movies. In reality it was not scary at all. Granted, it was a bright and sunny mid-afternoon. (However, my ever-adventurous daughter suggested we return and try the maze at night.) About a half hour after we entered, we mastered the maze, which, visible from the sky, is carved to look like Abraham Lincoln.
Before we left, we decided to try our hand at pumpkin bowling. This was a blast. We each had three tries to knock down the pins while throwing a ripe, orange pumpkin down the makeshift lane. On my second round, I threw a spare!
After our day in rural Washington County, we were exhausted; but, it was worth it to spend a memorable and fun day with my family. (And, yes, we will be going back to the corn maze … at night.)
So, don’t miss out on this opportunity to make your own autumn memories this October. The Beaverton Farmers Market, as well as the pumpkin patches and corn mazes at farms throughout the county are open through October 31. And don’t miss this year’s Apple Fest at Smith Berry Barn, Oct. 18. For a list of other autumn-inspired events, check out our event calendar.
Tags: apples, Baggenstos Farms, beaverton, Beaverton farmers market, corn mazes, farmers market, farms, Hillsboro, pumpkin patch, pumpkin patches, pumpkins, Sherwood, Smith Berry Barn, washington county, washington county oregon
Posted in Family Fun, Seasonal Fun | No Comments »
October 1st, 2009 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan
Washington County, Ore., has a storied history, with eerie tales from pioneer days of the area’s earliest settlers. The most bone-chilling stories, however, are about ghostly spirits from more recent times.
The Haunting of Knight Hall
Pacific University’s Knight Hall (which is now the admissions building), reportedly is haunted by a young woman named Vera. As the legend goes, Vera, who was a music student at the university, died in Knight Hall. There are various stories about this eternal student and how her spirit came to inhabit the university, including one tale that she took her own life over an ill-fated love affair.
What is known about Vera is that for several decades there have been many sightings of her. She has been heard singing and playing piano and voicing her displeasure at some students’ performances by audibly sighing or telling the budding pianists to “please stop.”
Each Halloween, Pacific University students hold an event, “A Night in Knight Hall,” where students spend the night in the building and attempt to communicate with Vera’s ghost.
Haunted Hotel
McMenamins Grand Lodge is a stately European-style hotel with a storied past. Built in 1922 as the Masonic & Eastern Star Home, the property originally served as a rest home for Master Masons, their widows and orphans. It has since become synonymous with many strange happenings, aided in part by the colorful décor of the walls of this hotel, which are adorned with Masonic imagery and symbols and historical photographs, giving the hotel a uniquely eerie feel.
Various locations throughout the property have been witness to alleged paranormal and unexplained activities. Perhaps the best-known spirit at the Grand Lodge is the “Lavender Lady,” whose presence is known not just by the guest room named in her honor, or by her likeness painted on a wall mural. When the “Lavender Lady” is around, an unmistakably, strong scent of lavender permeates the hallway.
Stories of the Grand Lodge’s haunting have flourished for years and have become folklore for ghost hunters . The hotel’s guests and staffers have shared their tales and sightings in the “ghost log,” which is kept at the front desk to record the strange happenings at the property.
The Phantom of the Theatre
The Venetian Theatre and Bistro, a movie and live performance theatre, bistro and wine bar, has been a site for recent paranormal activity. The history of the building, located in downtown Hillsboro, is unknown, and the disturbances within it — unexplained water leaks, lights and music magically being turned on, apparitions and more — spooked enough people to warrant bringing in professional ghost hunters.
This summer, a team of paranormal investigators were called in to check out the otherworldly happenings in the building. During the investigation, one especially chilling event happened in the projection room of the theatre. The lead investigator asked the spirit in the only climate-controlled room in the building, to change the temperature. The spirit obliged, and raised the temperature from 70 degrees up to 78 degrees, then down to 68 degrees, the preferred temperature for the room.
So intriguing was the story of the haunted theatre, the Hillsboro Argus ran an article in August detailing these paranormal events.
Long after Halloween is over, these spooky spirits remain, with sightings year-round. So grab your gear and check it out for yourself. The next time you smell lavender, it just may be the Lavender Lady welcoming you to Washington County.
Tags: Forest Grove, ghost sightings, Grand Lodge, haunted places, Hillsboro, mcmenamins, Pacific University, theater, theatre, Venetian
Posted in Seasonal Fun, Shopping | No Comments »
