What's the Word

Give Thanks...And, let someone else do the dishes!

2008-11-19T22:38:19Z

Looking to relax this Thanksgiving and spend time with friends and family, rather than the hustle and bustle of the kitchen? Washington County has got you covered!

Black Bear Diner

Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Price: $16.99
Reservations: Not available

Menu: Your choice of Traditional Slow Roasted Turkey or Prime Rib with soup or salad and traditional stuffing, mashed potatoes, fresh carrots, homemade corn bread, homemade bread pudding, soft drink, coffee or iced tea.

Gustav's

Hours: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Price: Not available
Reservations: Recommended

Menu: Rotisserie turkey, creamy homemade mashed potatoes, homemade stuffing, giblet gravy, cranberry sauce, homemade pumpkin pie.

Hayden's Lakefront Grill

Hours: Not available
Price: $24.95 adults, $19.95 seniors, $10.95 children 10 and under.
Reservations: Recommended

Menu - Salad Selections: Broccoli, Raisin, Walnut, and Goat Cheese Salad, Tossed Salad with Ranch or Balsamic, Caesar Salad, Waldorf salad. Entree Selections: Sliced Roast Turkey, Gravy, and Cranberry, Sliced Roast Pit Smoked Ham with Mustard Sauce, Prime Rib, Horseradish Sauce, Au Jus, Herb Roasted Halibut. Side Selections: Mixed Steamed Vegetables, Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots, Roasted Winter Squash, and Sausage and Cranberry Stuffing, Maple Mashed Sweet Potato with Caramelized Pecans. Mashed Yukon Gold Potatoes, Freshly Baked Potato Rolls. Dessert Selections: Pumpkin Pie, Assorted Cheesecake Bites, Petite Fours, Cookies, Apple Pie. Chocolate Caramel Bread Pudding

McMenamin's Grand Lodge

Hours: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Price: $23.95 adults, $18.95 seniors, $11.95 kids 6-12, free for kids 5 and under
Reservations: Required

Menu: Grandma's relish tray, mixed green salad with dried cranberries, mandarin oranges, and honey roasted pecans. Roasted sweet potatoes with brown sugar glaze, Yukon gold mashed potatoes, French green beans with brown butter and roasted garlic, traditional roast turkey with all the trimmings, cider-brined leg of pork with maple mustard sauce, homemade apple crisp, pumpkin pie with Chantilly cream, fresh baked rolls & butter.

Newport Seafood Grill

Hours: Not available
Price: $18

Menu: Traditional Turkey Dinner featuring slow roasted all natural free-range turkey, cornbread and sausage stuffing, parmesan buttermilk mashed potatoes, fresh cranberry relish, roasted vegetables and house made gravy.

Whether you spend your Thanksgiving in Washington County, or elsewhere, we wish you a restful and relaxing holiday!

Beaverton Farmers' Market Closes Season With Harvest Market

2008-11-17T17:19:59Z

The Beaverton Farmers' Market season comes to a close with The Harvest Market on Saturday, November 22, a celebratory day featuring the end of the season's harvest in a grand way. This is the last chance to shop for market specialties before the holidays. Customers stock up on hand made foods for holiday cooking, as well as beautiful hand-crafted wreaths and swags, natural table décor, hostess gifts, hand made gourmet gifts and more. The Harvest Market is a tradition, always popular, featuring many artisans who create products just for holiday dining and decorating.

The Market is especially excited to welcome back radio personality Mike Darcy, KXL's garden expert, sponsored by New Season's Market, who will be broadcasting live from the Market. Market-goers and listeners are encouraged to ask Mike their gardening questions and get advice from one of the Pacific Northwest's most popular garden guru.

At 10am, a James Beard Chef of the Year, Vitaly Paley, chef/owner of Portland's Paley's Place Bistro, will sign his new cookbook "Paley's Place Cookbook," published in October 2008, created in collaboration with local cooking teacher and Chef Robert Reynolds. Chef Paley's comes to the Market following a media tour in New York City to promote his cookbook, which we understand is 'flying off the shelves.' Buy a cookbook at the market, or bring yours for award-winning Chef Paley to sign.

The Harvest Market will be the final market until May 2009, the last chance to gather ingredients for one of the most important meals of the year - Thanksgiving. As Market Master Ginger Rapport says, "This is the time for comfort food, to get out the soup pot, the casserole dishes and Dutch ovens!" The market farmers will be selling ingredients for fall menus, everything from chilies to cheese, dark breads and meats, to root vegetables and beans, apples, pears and more. Local artisans have created stunning holiday tabletop and door décor especially for the Harvest Market. To the Season!

Give 'Thanks' to Oregon Pinot noir at Participating Wineries in Washington County, Oregon

2008-11-04T23:35:14Z

Thanksgiving has a special meaning in Oregon. It is a celebration of the harvest, a time to give thanks to another successful year of crops, which will yield an exquisite wine, and to share the bounty with the pre-release of the new varietals.

As is tradition, this Thanksgiving weekend, November 28-30, 2008, the vintners and wineries of the northern Willamette Valley in Washington County will open their doors for tastings, hors d'oeuvres and conversation. Don't miss this chance to check out the new releases that are often premiered at this annual event, as well as to visit some of the wineries that are not regularly open to the public.

Participating Wineries include:

Alloro Vineyard

Alloro Vineyard is one of Oregon's premier wineries specializing in handcrafted estate wines. Alloro will be pouring its 2007 Estate Pinot noir, Winery Block Pinot noir, Church Block Pinot noir, Fattoria Pinot noir, Chardonnay, and Vino Nettare, a late-harvest dessert wine.

Tasting Fee: Information not available

Hours: Friday, November 28, 11am-5pm; Saturday, November 29, 11am-5pm Sunday, November 30, 11am-4pm

Apolloni Vineyards

Apolloni Vineyards specializes in the production of traditional Pinot noir and Italian-style wines. Apolloni will be sampling its new releases: 2006 Reserve Sangiovese and 2006 Reserve Merlot. Both wines are available in very limited quantities and will be available only at the tasting room.

Tasting Fee: $5 per person (refundable with wine purchase)

Hours: Friday, November 28, 12 pm-5pm; Saturday, November 29, 12 pm-5pm Sunday, November 30, 12 pm-5pm

Ardiri Winery and Vineyards (formerly Gypsy Dancer Estates)

Ardiri Winery, from Napa, California, welcomes Thanksgiving with a tasting of its latest wines. Join the new owners of the former Gypsy Dancer Estates as they celebrate a new home for their Chehalem Mountain and estate-grown Napa Valley Carneros Pinot noir. Ardiri also will be pouring its Oregon Pinot noir and Pinot gris, and will offer barrel tastings of the label's 2008 wines.

Tasting Fee: $10 per person, and includes food pairings and a logo glass

Hours: Friday, November 28, 11am-5pm; Saturday, November 29, 11 am-5pm

Beran Vineyards

Beran Vineyards, makers of limited-production, handcrafted Pinot noir, invite visitors to taste the magic of luscious old-vine Pinot noir as the label releases its 2006 vintage. Enjoy savory hors d'oeuvres and exquisite wine, plus receive a 20-percent discount on a case of wine. A voluntary $5 tasting fee will benefit Community Action Programs.

Tasting Fee: $5 per person (voluntary donation)

Hours: TBD

Cooper Mountain Vineyards

Cooper Mountain Vineyards was the first winery in the Pacific Northwest to earn both organic and biodynamic certifications. This Thanksgiving, Cooper Mountain Vineyards will be pouring its 2007 Pinot gris, Pinot blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot noir. Enjoy music and light appetizers throughout the weekend, and a 25-percent discount on a case (including mixed cases) Thanksgiving weekend only.

Tasting Fee: Nominal tasting fee, includes logo glass

Hours: Friday, November 28, 12 pm-5pm; Saturday, November 29, 12 pm-5pm Sunday, November 30, 12 pm-5pm

Elk Cove Vineyards

Elk Cove Vineyards specializes in the production of single vineyard Pinot noir, Pinot blanc and Pinot gris. Join Elk Cove for the last opportunity to taste and purchase the 2006 Pinot noir Reserve, the 30th Vintage Anniversary, which was awarded 93 points by Wine Spectator magazine, along with the remaining Pinot noir from the outstanding 2006 vintage and the label's 2007 Pinot gris. Elk Cove also will be pouring some highly-rated selections from its library.

Tasting Fee: Information not available

Hours: Friday, November 28, 10 am-5pm; Saturday, November 29, 10 am-5pm Sunday, November 30, 10 am-5pm

Freja Cellars

Freja Cellars, a boutique producer of artisan Pinot noir, welcomes visitors to taste its new releases of the 2007 Estate Pinot noir, 2005 Reserve Pinot noir and 2007 Rosé. Breads, cheeses and chocolates also will be available.

Tasting Fee: $10 per person (refundable with half case or larger wine purchase)

Hours: Friday, November 28, 11 am-4 pm; Saturday, November 29, 11 am-4 pm Sunday, November 30, 11 am-4 pm

J. Albin Winery

John Albin Winery invites visitors to join them for a rare open-house weekend, where the winery will be popping open the label's new release of sparkling wine. J. Albin also will feature its new Blanc de Noir and premiere release of its dessert wine along with the label's signature Pinot noir and Pinot gris.

Tasting Fee: $5 per person, includes hors d' oeuvres and logo stemware

Hours: Open Friday-Sunday, hours not available

Montinore Estate

Montinore Estate is nestled on a 230-acre Demeter Certified Biodynamic® vineyard, and produces 100-percent estate-grown wines. During the Thanksgiving weekend, Montinore Estate invites the public to enjoy a day of live music, food and wine.

Tasting Fee: $25 per person, includes food and wine pairing and logo glass $10 per person, includes logo glass

Hours: Friday, November 28, 11 am-5 pm; Saturday, November 29, 11 am-5 pm Sunday, November 30, 11 am-5 pm

Patton Valley Vineyard

Join Patton Valley Vineyard for the release of the limited-production 2006 Patton Valley Lorna-Marie Reserve Pinot Noir (only 115 cases were made). Patton Valley also will be pouring a number of other wines, and will offer food, fun and conversation.

Tasting Fee: $15 per person, includes glass

Hours: Open Friday-Sunday, hours not available

Plum Hill Vineyards

Discover the newest winery to hit Washington County at Plum Hill Vineyards, a new, small, family-owned winery in a pastoral setting with picnic area and mountain views. Be one of the first to try the label's Pinot noir, Pinot gris, Chardonnay and Rosé.

Tasting Fee: $5 per person, includes glass

Hours: Open Friday-Sunday, hours not available

Ponzi Vineyards

Kick off the season with a visit to Ponzi Vineyards' historic vineyard and winery. Guests are invited you to sample Ponzi's current releases, including the 2007 Tavola Pinot noir. Taste the special holiday flight and take home an exclusive Riedel Oregon Pinot noir glass.

Tasting Fee: $15 per person

Hours: Friday, November 28, 10 am-5 pm; Saturday, November 29, 10 am-5 pm Sunday, November 30, 10 am-5 pm

Purple Cow Vineyards

Purple Cow Vineyards invites the public to enjoy country hospitality reminiscent of years past when wine was a new and personal experience in Oregon. Purple Cow will be pouring its Pinot noir, dry Muscat and Tempranillo, and will be sampling its new releases: 2005 Tempranillo Reserve and 2007 Kelsey's Edition Pinot noir.

Tasting Fee: $5 per person

Hours: Friday, November 28, 12 pm-5 pm; Saturday, November 29, 12 pm-5 pm Sunday, November 30, 12 pm-5 pm

Quailhurst Vineyard Estate

Quailhurst Vineyard Estate will be opening its doors this Thanksgiving weekend, offering visitors a chance to taste the label's new releases: 2007 Abercrombie Reserve Pinot noir, 2007 Affinity Pinot Port, and a unique opportunity to sample and purchase its 2008 Pinot. Event will include food and a festive atmosphere surrounded by lush gardens and spectacular mountain views.

Tasting Fee: $20 per person, includes glass

Hours: Open Friday-Sunday, Hours not available

Shafer Vineyard Cellars

Shafer Vineyard Cellars has been producing estate-bottled wines since 1978. Shafer Vineyard Cellars will be pouring a selection of Pinot noir, Pinot gris, Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Sparkling wine, dessert and holiday wine. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres, hot apple cider and coffee also will be served. While there, visit Miki's Gift and Old World Christmas Shop, located at the winery.

Tasting Fee: $5 per person

Hours: Friday, November 28, 11am-5 pm; Saturday, November 29, 11am-5 pm Sunday, November 30, 11am-5 pm

Apple Season is THE Best Season in the Pacific Northwest

2008-10-31T19:08:15Z

Autumn is finally here! The crisp, cool air. Golden and rust-colored leaves falling from the trees. The smell of wood-burning fireplaces. This truly is my favorite season, which also happens to coincide with one of my favorite - and most versatile - fruits: apples.

Until I moved to Oregon, I only thought there were about a dozen or so types of apples: Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Gala, Rome, Granny Smith, Jonathon and my all-time favorite, McIntosh (yum). I was surprised to learn that there were more than 25 varieties of apples, many of which I've never heard of before. Akane, Gravenstein, King, Liberty, Spitzenberg...and list goes on.

In Washington County, we're blessed to have several apple orchards that sell these wondrous apples. One of my favorite places for apples is the Smith Berry Barn. Don't let the name fool you, although it's known for U-pick berries, in the fall they sell ready-picked apples, lots of 'em, and they host the annual Apple Fest each October.

A couple of weekends ago, my mother and I drove down to Smith Berry Barn to pick up some apples at their annual Apple Fest (they only sell their apples at the store, not at the local farmers' markets). Of course, as with any trip to the Smith Berry Barn, I snagged some other things as well, such as seedless raspberry jam made from the Smith Berry Barn's own berries, and bought some useful kitchen tools that will most likely sit in a drawer unused, since I don't cook.

After snacking on apple sausage and imbibing hot apple cider, we set off for the Oregon Heritage Farms, located not far from the Smith Berry Barn. There, we found various different varieties of apples, of which my mother purchased to go into her delicious apple pie.

After sampling dozens of varieties of apples, I suddenly was inspired by the many apple dishes I could try. This just may be the year that I dust off that apron and start baking again. Apple crisp, baked apples, applesauce, apple betty...the possibilities are endless.

By Sylke Neal-Finnegan

Eat cake!

2008-10-30T17:08:59Z

Beaverton Bakery is a Washington County institution. Not long after I started working at the WCVA, one of my colleagues brought in donuts for the office; we chopped them up and tried some of each (my favorite was the Maple Bar). I've stopped by the convenient downtown Beaverton location a few times since then, and everything from the apple pie to the pineapple upside down cake has been amazing. This weekend, however, the Beaverton Bakery staff truly outdid themselves. I threw a baby shower for my dear friend and co-worker, Cherie, and I asked the bakery to match their nursery theme, "Monkeying Around," and include two baby monkeys for Cherie and her husband's twin boys. The result was unbelievable! Two adorable monkeys, bananas in hand, lounged in a hammock strung between two palm trees. It was tough to make the first slice when it came time to cut the cake, because we didn't want to ruin it, but boy was it worth it! The marble cake was moist and dense, the marbled fudge and cream cheese filling was scrumptious, and there was just the right amount of frosting. If you get a chance to stop by Beaverton Bakery while you're visiting, you will definitely not regret it!

By Julia Adam

5th Annual West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta

2008-10-21T20:28:05Z

On Saturday, October 25th, giant 800-pound pumpkins made into boats will race across the Lake at Tualatin Commons. These pumpkin boats will compete in an exciting series of heats across the lake. You have to see it to believe it!

For more information (pdf)

Oregon Bounty Hits Washington County

2008-10-17T16:02:28Z

The annual Oregon Bounty program, which celebrates the state's awesomely rich agricultural goodness, launched this month. This statewide program is a great way for folks to experience first-hand the region's culinary delights, local cuisine, fruits, coffees, wines, saké, etc. And for those who didn't know, Oregon produces A LOT of beer, wine, distilled spirits (including Absinthe), tea, coffee and the list goes on.

I was very excited when the Oregon Bounty trail hit Washington County with a networking party at SakéOne in Forest Grove. The event, hosted by Travel Portland, was attended by several folks who work in the Portland Metro region, including some of our colleagues and stakeholders, such as Lois Hornberger with Pacific University and Amanda Robinson with McMenamins Grand Lodge.

SakéOne president, Steve Boone, and the incomparable Jennifer Brownstein, tasting room manager, were on hand to greet guests, lead tours of the kura (saké brewery) and to share their incredible saké with guests.

In true Bounty style, a variety of Oregon delights were paired with a flight of saké. It's amazing how great SakéOne's G "Joy" goes with buffalo jerky from L-Bar-T Bison Ranch, and how cashew boules from Moonstruck Chocolates makes a perfect sweet treat when paired with Momokawa Organic Nigori saké.

If you haven't visited the folks at SakéOne, I highly recommend it. The saké is amazing, and will it dispel any misconceptions you may have about saké, which is more versatile that people may think. Plus, you, too, can enjoy the saké parings with some of Oregon's best culinary delights for just $10 per person through November 30.

By Sylke

Last Chance for Farmers' Markets!

2008-10-15T23:00:57Z

It's sad, but true. Summer has left us and fall is here. But, no worries, it's not too late to sample fresh fruits & vegetables from some of Oregon's Finest Farmer's Markets. You'll have to hurry, though; there are only a couple of weeks left!

Here are a few to check out!

Beaverton Farmer's Market
Saturdays Only - Last Day October 25th

Hillsboro Farmers Market
Saturdays Only - Last Day October 25th

Tigard Area Farmers' Market
Sundays Only - Last Day October 26th

More Washington County Farms and Markets

Grant McOmie Walks on Washington County's Wild Side

2008-10-14T20:50:47Z

KGW Outdoor Reporter, Grant McOmie blogged for our friends over at Travel Oregon about Washington County's Wild Side. Read his post, and then why not try the gas tank getaway for yourself!

SakeOne on The Rachael Ray Show!

2008-10-13T20:31:40Z

We know we have some special attractions in Washington County - but when other people notice? We get really excited!

The Rachael Ray Show recently visited our very own SakeOne in Forest Grove!

Take a look!

Arrrghhh! A Pirate Park Adventure!

2008-10-08T16:56:23Z

If you have small kids like I do, you always want to know where a great nearby park is located, so your kids can get some energy out. One my favorite parks to take my kids to is the Pirate Park which is part of the Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District. The park is not easy to find, but once you get there it is a jewel of a park that you and your kids will treasure. (Yes I am trying to be cheesy with the jewel and treasure remarks.) Located in the Bethany area of Beaverton/Portland, the easiest directions I have found to get the park were from here.

The park has several play areas that surround two play structures that resemble pirate ships, and it is a great place for parents to actively play with their kids. The ship on the higher elevation seems to be designed more for toddlers and preschoolers, and the lower ship is geared more toward older kids. Although don't tell my three year old that. He favors the bigger of the two ships with the more challenging elements to play with. Both ships have multiple slides, areas to climb on and a variety of activities to keep kids of all ages engaged. My son and I like to climb top the top of the larger ship and race down the twin slides going down the back. (He always wins.) The park also has swings, picnic tables and a great little sand pit for kids to play in. In the summer months there is a water fall type feature that kids can turn on connected to the sand pit to help kids with their sand castles. It is a fantastic park and very worth taking the time to find. Enjoy.

By Terry Goldman

Where's The Great Pumpkin? In Washington County, of course!

2008-10-03T17:54:57Z

I have a secret to tell you.

Are you ready?

Okay, deep breath.

I still carve a pumpkin every year. Which is exactly why I am absolutely confident when I say that The Best Pumpkins are in Washington County. Really.

But, you should really go see for yourself. And, then thank me when you find the best pumpkin ever.

Baggentos Farm Store - Two words: Pumpkin Bowling. If that's not enough for you, Baggentos pumpkin patch is open 7-days a week and they also have a 5-acre corn maze.

Roloff Family Farms - I'm for SURE getting my pumpkin at Roloff Farms this year. The Roloffs have added a new scenic tour, a food corner, a pumpkin fun house, and an exotic animal hut. On your way out there, it's probably if you stop at Helvetia Tavern for the Best Burger EVER (seriously, I'm not one to exaggerate).

Jim Dandy Farm Market - Jim Dandy's is the perfect place to stop if you're headed to or from Seaside or Cannon Beach. Open "strawberries through pumpkins!" it's a must stop before they close up for the season.

And, there you have it - a few pumpkin patches to get you started. Don't forget to tell us how your trip was! And, for more Farms and Markets, head on over to our website...

Spend your weekend in Washington County!

2008-09-12T20:57:57Z

Here's what's going on in Washington County, Oregon this weekend...

City of Tigard's FamilyFest

Tigard Public Library, City Hall & Jim Griffith Memorial Skate Park

Saturday September 13, Various Times

Details:

Saturday, September 13, the fun begins at 9 AM with a 5K Run/Walk & Breakfast. Start at City Hall - runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate. Free T-shirts to the first 200 participants! Baby strollers and well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome. At the finish line, enjoy a free breakfast with all the fixins! We'll provide a ride back to City Hall. Join the Treasure Hunt (1 PM) and follow the clues that will lead you through downtown Tigard and the WES Commuter Rail. Work with a partner - or a posse - and win some great prizes! Pack a blanket and picnic dinner (5:30 PM) and head for the lawn behind the Tigard Library. We'll be serving up free cake and ice cream (6 PM) to celebrate the City of Tigard's 47th birthday. The Sister City Pavilion Dedication will be at 6:30 PM followed by Magician Tom Waldrop (7:15 PM). Enjoy a Concert (7:30 PM) by the Tualatin Valley Community Band and the Fireworks Show (8 PM) at the library commons. Round out your evening with a Night Skate (8 - 9:15 PM). Grab your skate board and head to the Jim Griffith Memorial Sake Park to skate with neon lights and a disco ball!

Aaron Meyer Concert

Cooper Mountain Vineyard

Saturday September 13, 4 - 7 p.m.

Details:

On the eve of our harvest join us as internationally acclaimed rock violinist Aaron Meyer puts on a concert in the vineyard. Admission: $15, includes logo glass and glass of wine.

Beaverton's Celebration Parade

Downtown Beaverton

Saturday September 13, 10 a.m.

Details: Mark your calendar and plan to join in this citywide celebration. The theme for this year's parade is "Community Pride ... City Wide". The parade winds its way through downtown Beaverton beginning at 10 AM. Grand Marshal is the Roloff Family, stars of television's "Little People, Big World", and guest of honor for the event is retiring Police Chief David Bishop. Award-winning high school marching bands include Aloha, Beaverton, Southridge, Sunset and Westview. There'll be hilarious mascots, themed floats, antique vehicles, merry pranksters and so much more! Enter to win a parade of prizes -- gift certificates from great Beaverton Area businesses.

School's In! Paddle Trip

99W Bridge, Tualatin

Saturday September 13, 10 a.m.

Details:

Explore the Tualatin River from the 99W bridge with the riverkeepers as your guide. Tualatin Riverkeepers (TRK) trips are open to all members and the general public. Space is limited and reservations are required. Alcohol is not permitted on trips and personal flotation devices must be worn.

There is a trip charge of $5 per person for TRK members and $10 for non-members. Canoes are available to members free of charge by reservation, Non-members may rent canoes for our paddle trips for $30. Annual memberships start at $35.

Trips may be canceled due to weather conditions. Trip leaders are volunteers, and are not compensated for the time and energy that they put in to making our Trips & Tours program successful. Trips may be canceled if we are unable to recruit sufficient volunteer support to lead a safe and enjoyable trip.

Hillsboro Glass, Pottery, & More, Show & Sale

Washington County Fair Complex

Saturday September 13 & Sunday September 14

Details: The Pacific Northwest Fenton Association presents the 5^th Annual Hillsboro Glass, Pottery & More Show & Sale in the Main Exhibit Hall at the Washington County Fair Complex.Come discover the fun of a treasure hunt.The show and sales features vintage items to modern collectibles along with home decor.We are econ-friendly by recycling items from our past. There will also be glass repair services and antique reference books.A food concession will be on site and there's an ATM available.

For additional details on these events, or other Washington County events, please visit our Events Calendar.

Out of this World Weekend!

2008-09-11T21:44:36Z

So I have to tell you about the most wonderful new place in Hillsboro, that can & WILL entertain your children for hours. When you are looking for that one activity that will bring a smile to your child's face in seconds entertain them and wear them out accompanied with no whining, crying, or complaining and a bonus of feeding them; then this is the place for you! It is called Out of This World Pizza and Play and it is located on 6255 NW Century Blvd. hidden in a business park like environment it's not too hard to miss! There is a huge space ship training center playground, and I am talking huge! Which features 2 individual race courses with timers, 2 23 foot spiral slide, three person open bumpy slide with moving star field. As if this was not enough there is also a rock wall, two inflatable bouncy play structures, quick moving moon bikes that the kids can cruise along a track on, a pretend store area and an under 2 section for the younger siblings. They have plenty of tables and chairs to eat your pizza and salad on and free refills on coffee, soda, juice. After we ate the kids could not wait to get back to playing and we chilled out on some comfy leather couches and watched them play. When it was time to go, they were completely red faced, out of breath and all three of them asked if they could go to bed when they got home.....yeah that's right they asked to go to bed! Need I say more.......

By Heather

Back to School Shopping? Let us help you!

2008-08-29T20:28:21Z

It's that time of the year, again: Back-to-school shopping season, that time where cut-off shorts and tank tops are replaced with shiny new shoes and the latest fashions. This year, catch up with the latest trends while saving some dough.

Oregon has no sales tax, which makes shopping in Washington County a shopaholic's dream, and the area has a multitude of boutiques, brand-name fashion clothing stores, and top-of-the-line retailers that will entice even non-shoppers to shop 'til they drop.

Bridgeport Village is one of Oregon's newest shopping, dining and entertainment lifestyle centers. Located on the border of Tualatin and Tigard, Bridgeport Village is a European-style upscale center with a unique blend of upscale national and local retailers, restaurants, bookstore, supermarkets, spa and a first-run, multiplex movie theater.

The teenager (and pre-teen) will no doubt find duds to start the new school year right at the trendy Urban Outfitters, preppy teens may find comfort at Anthropologie or American Apparel. College-bound students may prefer Banana Republic or White House, Black Market.

After a day of shopping, relax with a cup of Joe at Borders Books & Music, while grabbing some cool school supplies, dictionaries and reference books. Or take in the latest box-office splash at Regal Cinemas.

Located in Hillsboro, The Streets of Tanasbourne is a lifestyle retail center that mixes "main street charm with shopping center conveniences," with more than 50 specialty shops, locally owned and nationally-recognized retailers.

'Tweens, pre-teens and teenagers can find the hottest new trends for the 2008-09 school year at stores such as Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle, Express, Hollister, Hot Topic, Pac Sun and Zumiez. Not to be left out, grade schoolers can rock a cool look with clothes from Abercrombie, Gap Kids and Limited Too. Shop for the entire family at Macy's, also located at The Streets of Tanasbourne.

Complete the back-to-school look with a new 'do from Salon 17, Great Clips and Pigtails & Crewcuts, a salon for children.

For the largest selection of stores under one roof, visit Washington Square Mall, a high-end mall located in Tigard. Washington Square is a Portland-area mainstay and has more than 170 retail shops, which will make the shopping experience more manageable.

Kids of all ages can start the school year on the right foot with the latest shoe styles at Vans, Journeys, and for the kiddies, Stride Rite. Clothing retailers, such as XXI Forever, Ruehl, Hollister Co., American Eagle Outfitters, Lucky Brand Jeans, as well as staples such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Abercrombie, Gap Kids, Zumiez and more. Anchor stores include Nordstrom, Macy's, JCPenney, Sears and Dick's Sporting Goods, with items that will excite all of the members of the family.

Whether shopping for back-to-school clothes for the kids, updating a wardrobe, searching for an ideal gift, or just looking to splurge, the art of shopping is always in fashion in Washington County. Let us know if you find any great deals!