We hope you've been enjoying reading about our Washington County Weekends, now it's your turn! So, do you have an awesome idea for the perfect weekend in Washington County, Oregon? Do you like to share your opinions? Do you find yourself commenting on other people's blogs? Do your friends continually come to you for advice on places to eat, visit or check out?
If you answered "yes" to any of these, we want to hear from you! Enter to win* your ideal Washington County weekend. Here's how to get started.
Submit your entry to blog@wcva.org. To be considered, the blog entry must include two (2) restaurants and three (3) attractions that are located in Washington County, with reasons why these specific locations were selected. (Attractions are defined as something to do/see while in Washington County, such as a winery, museum, nature walk, etc.)
Entrants who reside in the Portland metropolitan area (or within 100 miles of the 97008 zip code) are eligible to win the following prizes:
-One (1) bottle of wine from one of the wineries in Washington County, Oregon
-A $50 dining certificate for a restaurant in Washington County
-A $25 gift certificate for an attraction in Washington County
Entrants who live out of the area (more than 100 miles from the 97008 area code) are eligible to win the aforementioned prizes, plus a two-night stay at a lodging property in Washington County by subscribing to the WCVA's Newsletter. Already subscribed? Comment on a post and tell us what you like to do on vacation.
Contest will run from June 20-July 18. No early or late entries will be accepted. Contest closes at 5 p.m. (PDT) on July 18, 2008. Winners will be selected by random drawing to take place on or before August 15, 2008.
Blog entries will be the property of the WCVA, and we reserve the right to publish, in part or whole, the blog post on the WCVA website and any other marketing vehicles without additional compensation.
*Only one entry per person will be accepted. Must be 21 years of age or older (proof of age must be submitted if selected as the winner). Winners will be selected randomly and will be notified on or before August 31, 2008. For complete contest rules, click here.
Ok here goes.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. So of course I would want to start out there. Maybe the Longbottom Coffeehouse. I love anything having to do with coffee and eggs.
Then I would like to visit one of the wonderful wineries, maybe the David Hill one. I'm very picky when it comes to drinking wine, but I know I would love to visit an actual winery. It's so fascinating.
Then after all that walking I would probably need a visit to Ruby's Spa for a pedicure. And maybe a facial. Or a massage. Or all of the above.
Then more food must come in the form of dinner. A late lunch, early dinner if you will. Perhaps at the Ironwork Grill. Then maybe head over to the Cornelius Pass Roadhouse for live music and drinks.
Being that I'm from Oklahoma, I'm relying on all of you and your suggestions for my itinerary. However, once I get to Portland I suppose the city is my oyster. Or something like that.
But there will be shopping and eating and much stimulating of your economy. That's for darned sure.
I would start out my morning at Beaverton Bakery with one of their award winning pastry's, and perhaps a cupcake for later in the day. In the late morning it would be on to Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club for 9 holes with friends. Golf would turn into a leisurely lunch of pho and carmelized chicken wings at Pho Van around 2pm. Then off to wine country for tastings at David Hill Vineyard and Winery, Plum Hill Winery, and for a Japanese teaser, a SAKEONE tour. After a full tummy and free-wheeling head, I'd visit the Forest Grove Arboretum and then head back for a romantic dinner at Split Dine & Drink. After a long day of activites I would rest my head at Oak Tree Bed & Breakfast. What a day to have in Washington County!
Being a solo traveler, Washington County seems to have the perfect ingredients I like for a great getaway: things quirky, earthy and lots of bragging rights.
I'd start Day 1 in Beaverton with a visit to the Beaverton Farmers Market. I love farmers markets because they really allow you to meet the locals, get a good vibe as to what's important within the community and taste what the area's about.
Next is a quick visit to the Nike World Headquarters to see where the "swoosh" began and a quick photo op. Heading west, it's a stop at the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals to satisfy the geeky side of me. This museum looks like it would really rock because of its diverse collection of rocks and minerals such as opals, gold, meteorites, dinosaur eggs and fossils.
Set to whet my appetite, it's off to Forest Grove and the tasting room at SakeOne. If I plan my day correctly, I'll make the 2 p.m. brewery tour (one's offered at 3 p.m.) to see how this rice adult beverage is made.
Time permitting, my final stop before settling into my hotel is a stop at the Purple Cow Vineyards for a bit of wine tasting. After all, I'll be in Oregon wine country and NEED to sample the local wines.
Day 2 is a visit to Olson's Bicycles to pick up a Kona Dew Hybrid bicycle and rent it for a leisurely day of bicycling through Forest Grove.
I'll grab lunch somewhere along the way before heading out to the L-Bar-T Bison Ranch. What? I have a quirky affection for the big, fuzzy beasts and rather than making a trek to my favorite national park, I may as well see them while in Oregon. I'll be sure to make time to visit Tualatin Estate Vineyards. In addition to Pinot Noirs and chardonnays, I heard the vineyard has a Gewerztraminer. My fave!
Am I on target? Can this Florida gal do this in a weekend?