Forest Grove Named One of ‘America’s Summer Lake Towns’ for 2010
July 22nd, 2010 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan
Boating is just one of many water activities available at Hagg Lake
Locals have known for years that Forest Grove, Ore., is a hidden gem in Oregon’s wine country, and now this quaint diamond in the rough is getting its time in the spotlight.
The city of Forest Grove, Ore., recently was named as one of America’s Top Summer Lake Towns of 2010 by Budget Travel magazine. Noted for being “laid-back and outdoorsy with a healthy dose of quirk,” the small city with a population of approximately 20,000 was recognized for its historic downtown, classic ice cream shop, unique lodging, and, of course, its proximity to Hagg Lake, which is in the neighboring town of Gaston. Hagg Lake, located nine miles from Forest Grove’s city center, is locally recognized as a spot for “serious fishermen,” and for its water activities, such as kayaking and waterskiing.
“It’s quite an honor for Forest Grove and Hagg Lake to earn recognition from such an influential publication,” said Teri Koerner, executive director of the Forest Grove Chamber of Commerce. “Hagg Lake provides a wide array of outdoor recreational opportunities for all ages, for visitors and local residents alike, and it helps make Western Washington County a great place to live and play!”
David Hill Vineyard and Winery, situated on a hill in Forest Grove, provides grand views of the Tualatin Valley
Forest Grove, approximately 45 minutes west of downtown Portland, boasts a growing wine industry. This area, part of the famed Willamette Valley wine region, includes some of Oregon’s most revered wineries: Apolloni Vineyards, Montinore Estate, David Hill Vineyard and Winery, Purple Cow Vineyards, Shafer Vineyard Cellars, Tualatin Estate, and SakéOne, the world’s only American-owned and operated saké brewery.
A short drive down Highway 47 leads visitors to Gaston, where four wineries —Elk Cove Vineyards, Patton Valley Vineyards and Plum Hill Vineyards—and the new Tree to Tree Adventure Park are located.
Budget Travel’s list also included the lake towns of Chelan, Wash.; Grand Marais, Minn.; Dillon, Colo.; Rangeley, Maine; Leland, Mich.; Truckee, Calif.; and Oakland, Md. Read more about Budget Travel’s Top Summer Lake Towns.
Tags: Forest Grove, Gaston, Hagg Lake, Willamette Valley
This entry was posted on Thursday, July 22nd, 2010 at 10:00 am and is filed under Family Fun, WCVA News, Water Fun, Wineries. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
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