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Archive for the ‘Arts & Culture’ Category

Only in Oregon: Upcoming Events

Posted on: April 19th, 2013 by Angie Marsh No Comments

Here in Oregon’s Washington County, there are some unique, funky and fun events this spring and summer–and you’re invited to experience each one firsthand.

Jousting will be a highlight of the Oregon Renaissance Festival. Photo courtesy of the festival.

Faire in the Grove
Saturday, May 4 & Sunday, May 5
McMenamins Grand Lodge – Forest Grove

Step back in time for a day of revels at Faire in the Grove! Experience the Middle Ages and the Renaissance at this annual free event. The Grand Lodge front lawn is transformed into “Fairegrove,” a medieval village containing medieval actors, armored fighters, musicians, singers and dancers, and performances and demonstrations including: combat, dance, blacksmithing, archery, weaving, storytelling, juggling and strolling music. Participatory activities include: lawn games, Norse hat making, wax seal making, beer drinking and more. Storytellers will be featured on a Children’s Stage. Items for sale include: hooded cloaks, jewelry and costumes; and food will be available as well. Event details.

Hippie Chick Half & Quarter Marathon
Saturday, May 11
Hillsboro

The Hippie Chick Half & Quarter Marathon is a run through Washington County on flat, tree-lined streets beginning and ending at the Gordon Faber Recreational Complex. It’s specifically held on Mother’s Day weekend to encourage all its female participants, all of whom are encouraged to wear peace signs! Event details.

Altered Art Festival
Saturday,  June 1
Sherwood

Altered Art means transforming an object from its intended purpose to a new, creative one. In addition to participating artists’ booths, there will be: hands-on make-and-take art booths, an altered art competition, an art sale, live music, BBQ, wine and strawberry shortcake. Event details.

Oregon Renaissance Festival
On weekends: from Saturday, Aug. 24 – Sunday, Sept. 29
Washington County Fair Complex – Hillsboro

This new event transforms the fair complex into a 16th century European village for 13 days of merriment. Enjoy talented artists, non-stop stage entertainers, food, crafts, pageantry and more. You’ll encounter beautiful maidens, wandering minstrels, joking jesters and jugglers. Magicians, acrobats, comedians, swordfighters, pirates and fairies will entertain and delight. Be sure to meet the “washing well wenches” and daily performance of an armored jousting. Feast on renaissance-inspired food and drink, including: savory turkey legs, steak on a stake, bangers & mash and chocolate-covered cheesecake. Event details.

Enjoy your whimsical adventure!

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Appearing on Stage April – June

Posted on: March 27th, 2013 by Angie Marsh No Comments

The drama ramps up this spring on stages throughout the county. Ranging from a production of “Cats” to “Once Upon a Mattress,” there is an interesting mix of genres, talent and creativity among the playbills. Many tickets are available now; productions are listed in date order below. Choose which audience you’d like to be in!

There’s a whole lot of performing going on locally–much like this production by Broadway Rose Theatre Company.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Friday, March 29 – Sunday, April 14
Hillsboro Artists’ Regional Theatre (HART)

The passion of young love and magic spells are just a few of the elements in Shakespeare’s fantasy world in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” An original adaptation and music bring a fresh approach to this timeless classic, sure to charm audiences.

Always…Patsy Cline
Thursday, April 18 – Sunday, May 19
Broadway Rose New Stage Auditorium, Tigard

A musical tribute  tells the true story of country music legend Patsy Cline’s unlikely friendship with a fan, Louise Seger, cemented by years of letter-writing.  This musical tribute features many of Cline’s timeless songs, such as “Crazy,” “I Fall to Pieces” and “Walking After Midnight.”

Ed Asner as FDR
Sunday, April 21
Pacific University – Taylor Meade Performing Arts Center, Forest Grove

This one-man show takes audiences through FDR’s White House years, including the Great Depression, the steps leading up to World War II and the war itself.  Asner’s portrayal of Roosevelt provides keen insight into FDR’s time as Commander in Chief. He delivers a fearless performance of this dynamic world leader.

Steel Magnolias
Friday, April 26 – Sunday, May 12
Beaverton City Library Auditorium

This Beaverton Civic Theatre production is set in Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies who are “anybody” come to have their hair done.Wise-cracking Truvy dispenses shampoos and free advice to the town’s rich curmudgeon, Ouiser; an eccentric millionaire, Miss Clairee; and the local social leader, M’Lynn, whose daughter is about to marry a “good ole boy.”

The Importance of Being Earnest
Friday, May 3 – Sunday, May 19
The Stage at Calvin Church, Tigard

The Mask & Mirror Community Theatre has adopted this from the Oscar Wilde original and set it in Georgia, changing the subtitle to “A Trivial Comedy Set in the Serious South.” In this classic Victorian farce, the protagonists maintain fictitious personae in order to escape social obligations.

Rough Crossing
Thursday, May 9 – Sunday, May 26
Bag&Baggage at Venetian Theater & Bistro, Hillsboro

The co-authors, composer and cast of a musical comedy destined for Broadway are trying to both rehearse and finish writing the play while onboard a transatlantic ocean liner. See just how they face their entertaining challenges.

Once Upon a Mattress
Friday, June 7 – Sunday, June 30
Hillsboro Artists’ Regional Theatre (HART)

A whimsical retelling of The Princess and the Pea with song and dance, including the princess as the clumsy but lovable Fred (short for Winifred).  This musical makes a great family outing.

Cats
Thursday, June 27 – Sunday, July 21
Deb Fennell Auditorium, Tigard

Broadway Rose takes on this musical theater phenomenon, featuring the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber.

 

Be sure to check individual listings for showtimes, dates and ticket availability. Enjoy the production of your choice!

 

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Itinerary: The Hidden Gems of Hillsboro

Posted on: February 11th, 2013 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Explore the “hidden gems” of Hillsboro, Oregon with an itinerary filled with must-see attractions that may not be well-known to visitors or locals alike.  These finds definitely are worth a visit!

Start with a hearty lunch at McMenamins Rock Creek Tavern. The Rock Creek Tavern opened in the mid-1920s as a small country store, and in 1933 the then owners served the first post-Prohibition beers at the store. Rumor has it that Clint Eastwood and members of the bands Santana, The Eagles and Tower of Power once stopped here, and in 1989, scenes of the Tom Berenger film Love at Large were filmed here. This spot has a storied history; read more about it here. (Open daily for lunch and dinner; live music every evening)

The Crystal Gallery at the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals

Next, stop at the Rice NW Museum of Rocks and Minerals, recognized as the finest mineral museum in the Pacific Northwest and one of the best in the U.S. The museum houses an impressive variety of fossils, meteorites, petrified woods, gems and rocks curated from around the world. Situated in former 1952 residence of Richard and Helen Rice, the structure was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2006 for its distinctive architectural style and use of natural stone and native Oregon woods. (Open Wednesday-Sunday, 1-5 p.m.; admission is $8 for adults, $7 for adults 60+ and students ages 5-17)                  

Refuel with coffee from Longbottom Coffee & Tea, one of the region’s pioneering roasting companies. Founded in 1981, Longbottom specialized in hot-air roasting coffee beans for more than 25 years. In 2003, Longbottom was certified organic, and today the facility is used as a training location for organic inspectors.  (Open Monday-Friday, 6 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.)

The tour’s next stop is the Classic Aircraft Aviation Museum, located next to the Hillsboro Airport. This living history museum of aviation artifacts is actually a working hangar, with all aircraft still in flying condition, or being restored to flying condition. Military jets from all eras as well as passenger jets are on display, and the museum offers educational and hands-on experiences for all ages. (Open Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; donations requested)

Final stop for the day is the Washington County Museum, which moved into its expanded space in November 2012 with its newest and largest exhibit, “Hubble Space Telescope: New Views of the Universe.” This interactive traveling exhibit, which was put together by NASA and is part of the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, has traveled to several cities and states throughout the country.  Also on display is “Americans All: The Bracero Program in Washington County,” which takes a look at this unique temporary labor program that brought more than 215,000 workers to work at farms in Washington County during WWII.  (Open Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday, 12-5 p.m. Admission: $6, adults; $4 children ages 4 and older)

Visit our website and plan your own “hidden gems” tour with our Trip Planner.

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Be Mine, Valentine: Kayak, Dinner, Bowling, Plays for Valentines

Posted on: February 7th, 2013 by Angie Marsh No Comments

Valentine’s day deserves some recognition. Whether you enjoy kayaking, comedic plays or a steak dinner, Oregon’s Washington County has these offerings and more to make the holiday your own.

Package Deals

Nothing says romance like a romance package! These hotel packages include special “romantic extras,” such as wine, chocolates, gift cards, movie tickets and more–which can save you money and offer a realm of possibilities of what to do. Or, for a full night’s change of scenery, book a lodging and dining package.
McMenamins Grand Lodge has a special “Sweethearts Package” running for the nights of Feb. 8-16, with an overnight hotel stay, dinner, wine and breakfast. Optional extras are at Ruby’s Spa on the premises.

Dinner & More

A steak dinner is just one Valentine’s Day option out of many here.

The historic Jenkins Estate in Beaverton hosts its 15th annual Chocolate Fantasy on Friday, Feb. 8.  Enjoy a showcase of the finest chocolate delicacies from local chocolatiers, treats from local bakeries, sips from area wineries, and unique Valentine’s Day gift items available for purchase.  Admission $5 per person; 2 years and older.

A Daddy-Daughter Dinner Dance is Friday, Feb. 8 in Portland from 6-8 p.m. Dress in your best, dance to your favorite music, have a special dinner, and celebrate Valentine’s Day together.

A Feb. 14 valentines dinner at Cornelius Pass Roadhouse includes a multi-course dinner with a choice of appetizers, a selection of entrees (including prime rib) and dessert.  Vegetarian options available; please request when booking.

Five courses are on the menu for dinner, and live music is offered as well on either Thursday, Feb. 14 or Friday, Feb. 15 at Primrose & Tumbleweeds in downtown Hillsboro. Each dinner course will be paired with an Oregon wine. Dinner highlights include a Dungeness crab cake and specialty dried charcuterie from Portland’s Olympic Provisions. Reservations are required.

Enjoy a special Sweetheart Valentine’s Dinner the night of Feb. 14 at Champions Grill in the Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club in North Plains. Entree options include smoked prime rib, Pacific halibut and grilled pork tenderloin. A wine list will also be available. Reservations are recommended.

Staged Events

Love Letters (February 14): Returning for a one-night-only performance is this production, where two actors read aloud the letters written to each others characters over the course of their lives. (Tickets are $28 each)

I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (through February 24): The Broadway Rose Theatre Company–one of the Greater Portland’s most acclaimed theatre companies–will take you on a musical trip from dating to marriage, through the truths and myths behind the contemporary conundrum known as “the relationship.” (Tickets start at $20 each)

How the Other Half Loves (February 15-March 3): This punchy comedy is about the interaction of sex and social class in modern English society, performed by Hillsboro’s HART Theatre.  The play juggles time and environment to present the lives and loves, passion and panic of three married couples.  (Tickets are $14 each)

Bowling & Kayaking!

Spend Valentine’s Day at Big Al’s and get special pricing! From 5 p.m. to close on Thursday, Feb. 14, enjoy 2 personal pizzas, 2 medium sodas, choice of dessert, $10 fun (gaming) card, 2 games of bowling, and 2 shoe rentals for $30.

Explore the waters of the Tualatin River on Saturday, Feb. 16 with Kyle Sheeley of OutKayaking, Portland’s LGBT kayaking club, on a three-hour Valentine’s kayak paddle.  This trip is suitable for all skill levels; be sure to pack a lunch and snacks.

We’ve also chronicled the wine-related Valentine’s offerings in the area, including a special “Valentine’s Wine Loop” self-guided winery tour Feb. 15-17 — so be sure to find what your heart and wine palate desire!

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Connecting the Past to the Present

Posted on: February 1st, 2013 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

A Guide to Beaverton’s Historic Downtown District

Downtown Beaverton is experiencing a renaissance lately. Acclaimed restaurants, new antique shops and the return of the venerable Beaverton Farmers’ Market combine to make the historic downtown district in Beaverton a must-visit destination.

Dining & Culinary

Global cuisine takes center stage in Beaverton, as several of the Greater Portland region’s most celebrated and authentic ethnic restaurants are located right here.  In addition to being a hot-spot for Korean BBQ, with restaurants such as Nakwon and Du Kuh Bee, downtown Beaverton is home to decarli Italian restaurant and the popular lunch spot, Gloria’s Secret Cafe.  (View the complete list of restaurants in Oregon’s Washington County, or search by location, cuisine type, price and more.)

The historic Beaverton Bakery is one of Beaverton’s most beloved local brands. It has been producing the highest-quality cakes and desserts since 1925.

For a relaxing cup o’ joe,  stop by Ava Roasteria, one of very few 24-hour coffee houses in the area. Ava Roasteria specializes in fresh-roasted coffee, pastries and sandwiches, and local musicians perform on Friday and Saturday nights.

Finally, from February through November, the state’s largest all-agricultural market, the Saturday Beaverton Farmers’ Market, becomes the cornerstone of the historic downtown district. Located near the Beaverton City Park, which features ping-pong tables, picnic areas and an interactive water fountain and playground, the market’s fresh produce, artisan food products and live entertainment delight and entertain visitors.

Shopping

In addition to random, locally owned stores selling wares ranging from ski and snowboard supplies to barbers and repair shops, Beaverton’s historic district offers many opportunities for tax-free shopping and places to find one-of-a-kind gifts.

The name says it all at Tea Thyme and Lavender Vintage Antiques and Tea House. Browse the antique furniture and enjoy a casual high tea. The new Peonies & Possibilities antiques and vintage shop is a cute shop that features antique furniture, “Shabby Chic,” linen, silver and more.

Quilters will enjoy the Quilter’s Corner Store, a family owned and operated, independent quilt shop featuring fabric, kits, patterns, notions and tools and more.

Art and Culture

Art on Broadway is a fine-art gallery that showcases the works of local, award-winning artists in a wide range of materials and styles. Don’t miss their free monthly reception, which celebrates new work and encourages art awareness.

On a site listed on the 1926 Historic Registry is the Beaverton History Center, complete with archival images, maps and artifacts from Beaverton’s early days.

Local community theater company, the Beaverton Civic Theatre, stages a season of plays–from well-known to little-known plays–at the Beaverton City Library Auditorium, which also hosts book talks, free family matinees, foreign film series and more.

This is just a sampling of the goodies that can be found in Beaverton’s historic downtown district. Include a visit to the district in your Oregon’s Washington County getaway. Plan your trip today.

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Cure for the Wintertime Blues

Posted on: January 28th, 2013 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

After the buzz of the holidays has worn off and the New Year’s resolutions are all but forgotten, there is still much to be excited about during these winter months. Located 90 minutes from Mt. Hood, a popular winter destination, and less than 30 minutes from downtown Portland, Oregon’s Washington County is a hot cool-weather destination, with many things to do and see.

Elk Cove Vineyard in the winter (Photo: Janis Miglavs)

Sip Your Way Through North Willamette Wine Country
With more than 30 wineries open for business, enjoy flights of fancy with tastes of estate-grown Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and other varietals. Map out a self-guided wine tour of Oregon’s Washington County, and taste to your hearts content. Plus, if you visit in February, many wineries will be hosting Valentine’s Day-related events and special tastings!

Observe Birds of Prey at a Wildlife Preserve
The winter months are prime sightings for bald eagles, red tail hawks, turkey vultures and other birds of prey. Watch these birds in action at protected wildlife preserves, such as the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, Jackson Bottom Wetlands and Fernhill Wetlands.  Read more about birding in Oregon’s Washington County. Catch a glimpse of some of the birds that can be found in Washington County  (watch the video).

Indulge in Tax-free Shopping 
From antiques and boutiques to specialty holiday shops, unique wares at reasonable prices (and tax-free) are found here. Select Oregon treasures from Made in Oregon,  Rice NW Museum of Rocks and Minerals gift shop, or Oregon Orchards/Hazelnut Growers of Oregon. Get a jump on this year’s holiday shopping at Sleighbells Gift Shop or Miki’s Christmas Shop. “One-stop” retail centers include Bridgeport Village,  The Streets of Tanasbourne and Washington Square.

Relax with Locally Roasted Coffee & Tea
The Pacific Northwest is known for its coffee, and Oregon’s Washington County has a great selection of local roasters and coffee shops. A handful of local favorites include Longbottom Coffee & Tea, one of the area’s oldest, organic coffee roasters, plus Insomnia Coffee Company, Ava Roasteria and BJ’s Coffee Co. Or enjoy a lavish or casual tea at one of the area’s two tea houses: Tea Thyme & Lavender Vintage Antiques and Tea House and Tea’s Me.

Escape in Works of Art, or Create Your Own
Explore local art at one of Washington County’s art galleries. Or try your hand at making your own work of art at Live Laugh Love Glass, the area’s newest glass-blowing studio, or create a masterpiece to pour into a glass with your own wine blend made at Tigard Wine Crafters.

From bird watching to wine tasting, and many things in between, come see why this is one of the best seasons to explore the region. This winter, plan your escape to Oregon’s Washington County!

Find places to stay. | Create a personalized itinerary. | Find places to eat. | View the digital visitor guide.

The 12 Days of Christmas

Posted on: December 12th, 2012 by Angie Marsh No Comments

While Washington County may not have a live partridge in a pear tree, there are enough holiday events and features here to fill the days in the countdown to Christmas. Here are suggestions:

Catch the train for a ride around Bridgeport Village!

Wednesday, Dec. 12: All aboard the Bridgeport Village holiday express train!
This 35-passenger, solar-operated holiday train runs daily between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. around the perimeter of the 27-acre outdoor shopping center in Tigard. Catch a free ride to travel from one store to the next (such as Finnegan’s Toys) or to a restaurant or the cinemas. Through December 21st.

Thursday, Dec. 13: Tea Time
Enjoy a cup of Christmas tea and treats during lunchtime at this festive high tea at Tea’s Me in Hillsboro. Just call ahead for reservations.

Friday, Dec. 14: Christmas on Broadway
Broadway Rose Theatre Company presents this holiday musical revue, which promises to deliver “Christmas magic.”

Saturday, Dec. 15: Winter Solstice Celebration
Mark the solstice with this concert in Hillsboro by a well-known Celtic duo.

Sunday, Dec. 16: Eat Breakfast with Santa
Enjoy an elaborate early morning buffet at Cornelius Pass Roadhouse, where the bearded celebrity himself will be welcoming kids and posing for photos.

Monday, Dec. 17: Tastes the Wines of Christmas
Enjoy both festive wines and live holiday performances by Bag&Baggage actors–a winning combination!

Tuesday, Dec. 18: Village Gallery of Arts Holiday Show
This show offers unique, handcrafted gifts made locally.

Wednesday, Dec. 19: Entertain Kids at The Velveteen Rabbit
This puppet adaptation of the classic book is geared for attendees of all ages. Showtime is 2 p.m. at the Venetian Theatre in Hillsboro.

Thursday, Dec. 20: “A Christmas Carol” Gone Mad
If you’re ready for antics, “The Farndale Avenue Town Women’s Guild Dramatic Society’s Production of a Christmas Carol” production is just what’s needed for Christmas comic relief.

Friday, Dec. 21: The Sounds of Handel’s Messiah
Multiple choirs are converging for this choral production of the classic, at 7:30 p.m. in Hillsboro.

Saturday, Dec. 22: A ‘Nunsense’ Christmas Musical
“Nuncrackers” is the Hillsboro Artists’ Regional Theatre nuns’ performance of new, humorous holiday songs.

Sunday, Dec. 23: “Narnia” Live
Enjoy a musical production of C.S. Lewis’ classic “Narnia“, performed in Forest Grove.

Monday, Dec. 24: Santa’s Last Stop
This is the final day to see Santa; he’ll be at Sleighbells in Sherwood, Washington Square and Cedar Hills Crossing.

We wish you the happiest of holidays!

 

New Exhibit: Hubble Space Telescope

Posted on: November 15th, 2012 by Angie Marsh No Comments

Debuting both a new exhibit and a new exhibit space, the Washington County Museum is launching “Hubble Space Telescope: New Views of the Universe,” at the Hillsboro Civic Center, which will run from Nov. 17, 2012 to May 31, 2013.

Explore the discoveries of the Hubble at this exhibition in Hillsboro.

This exhibit explores the discoveries made by the Hubble Space Telescope since its launch in 1990. A model Hubble telescope will be displayed, and visitors can participate in hands-on activities about how the telescope works. In addition, the exhibit includes Hubble games, infrared light technology and images captured by Hubble of planets, galaxies and black holes.

Regular hours starting Nov. 17 for the new Washington County Museum are Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free to members, $6 for adults and $4 for children. The museum is inside the Hillsboro Civic Center, which is located at 150 E. Main Street.

 

In the Spotlight: Venetian Theatre & Bistro

Posted on: October 25th, 2012 by Angie Marsh No Comments

Hillsboro’s Main Street is home to the Venetian Theatre & Bistro, a unique venue anchoring downtown and offering a variety of performances–including live theater, music, lectures and second-run movies–as well as a bistro and bar serving lunch and dinner daily.

A view of the Bistro at The Venetian.

Its 400-seat theater regularly hosts the in-house performing arts group, Bag&Baggage, who offer shows in September, December, March and May. More performances are forthcoming, especially with recent improvements to the venue. The Venetian was awarded a grant this year from the WCVA, which was used to extend the depth of the stage from 18 to 24 feet; refurbish the existing stage floor; provide new lighting sconces on theater side walls; and relocate seats in the front row to the center and extend the front of the stage. All of this was completed during the summer with the aim of increasing the use of The Venetian by performing arts groups, touring productions, conferences and weddings.

The auditorium at The Venetian.

Coming up for the remainder of 2012 is:
OMSI Science Pub – Monday, Oct. 29 talk, “Nature vs. Nurture”
Monday, Nov. 26 talk “Paper, Plastic or Cotton Tote Bag? Life Cycle Assessments of Everyday Items”
Christian Youth Theater – “Anne of Green Gables” Oct. 25 through Oct. 28th
Portland Opera – “Mozart’s Don Giovanni” Tuesday, Oct. 30
Tony Starlight – “A Tribute to Neil Diamond” Saturday, Nov. 3
A Martial Arts Spectacular – Saturday, Nov. 3, 5 p.m.
Bag&Baggage – “A Christmas Carol” Dec. 6 through Dec. 23
Bag&Baggage – “The Velveteen Rabbit” Dec. 13 through Dec. 22

 

Rainy Days Are Here Again

Posted on: October 15th, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Hoffman Gallery at Oregon College of Art & Craft

It’s no secret that it rains in Oregon. Locals don’t let the rain stop them from enjoying the Pacific Northwest; however, for those who’d rather stay indoors, we have the ultimate guide to rainy-day activities.

Welcome to “Beervana,” and grab a brew made right here in Oregon’s Washington County at one of several craft breweries and brew pubs in the area. Each location offers a variety of craft beers and many offer seasonal brews. If you’re just not that into beer, stop at a wine bar or wine shop.

Catch a flick in style at Cinetopia, a first-run movie theater with ultra-luxurious seating, wine and beer options and pre-movie dining service in some theaters. It’s an experience unlike any other. (Or check out one of these movie theaters in the area.)

Spend hours at the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals, which boasts a spectacular collection of crystals, meteorites, petrified woods, gems and more from around the world. Or discover new worlds at the Washington County Museum. (See the list of all museums and historical sites in Washington County.)

Discover new artists or create your own masterpiece. Washington County has several art galleries filled with art from emerging artists, as well as established artists throughout the Pacific Northwest. At Live, Laugh, Love Glass glass-blowing studio learn how to create glass works of art.  Take in an evening (or weekend matinee) theater production or musical concert from one of Washington County’s many live performance companies.

Shopping is always tax-free in Oregon’s Washington County, and visitors can splurge at the area’s retail centers, boutiques and antique shops. Bibliophiles need to look no further than the shelves of Powell’s Book at Cedar Hills Crossing, a smaller version of the immense Powell’s City of Books in downtown Portland. At 32,500 square feet and housing more than 500,000 used, new, rare and hard-to-find titles, book lovers can get lost in this amazing store.

If a little rain doesn’t prevent you from exploring the great outdoors, there are dozens of outdoor activities that are open rain or shine. So, kick off your rain boots (or put them on), and explore the wonders of Oregon’s Washington County.

Check out our “hot deals,” find a hotel/motel, and plan your Washington County getaway today.