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Archive for the ‘Restaurants’ Category

The Nominations Are in, and the Nominees Are…

Posted on: April 22nd, 2013 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

The nominations are in for our first-ever Oregon’s Washington County People’s Choice Awards, and voting is now open!  Let your voice be heard and vote for your favorites by 3 p.m., Friday, May 3rd.

Favorite Attraction

  • Dawson Creek Park, a popular, scenic park in Hillsboro, was nominated for its proximity to the library, its fountains and 1.17 miles of walking paths and trails.
  • The Friendly Vine wine shop is an eclectic, sommelier-owned wine bar and bottle shop that offers wines by the glass, tasting flights and a retail collection of fine wines from the Willamette Valley.
  • Garden Vineyards is a boutique estate vineyard with beautiful views of the Tualatin Valley described as “like visiting a rich friend’s mansion and enjoying the landscaping.”
  • Hagg Lake is a jewel of Oregon’s Washington County, and was nominated for being “very calm and quiet, with plenty of space to find your own private area, even during the summer months and hot days.”
  • Jenkins Estate features pristine walking trails and beautiful gardens, which garnered this attraction a nomination: “Spring is my favorite time of the year when the trees and rhododendrons are in bloom.”
  • McMenamins Grand Lodge is a not just a hotel, it’s a destination complete with restaurants, bars, movie theater, spa, disc golf course, live entertainment and events and more.
  • Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club is one of Oregon’s premier golf courses and features stunning natural beauty, immaculate conditioning and an array of upscale amenities.
  • Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals, a unique museum filled with rocks, gems, fossils, meteorites, petrified woods, and more, was nominated for being  “a world-class treasure, in the middle of the country.”
  • Washington Square is a popular retail center that boasts more than 170 specialty stores, five anchor stores, and an awesome “Shopping & Dining Rewards” coupon book for out-of-area visitors.

Favorite Restaurant

  • Cafe Mingo is a sustainable, Italian restaurant with a “nice atmosphere, good food, good service.”
  • Chennai Masala, a popular Indian restaurant was nominated for its “excellent food.”
  • Cruise In Country Diner, a family-friendly diner located in a rural area of Hillsboro, is nominated for its “wonderful owners and staff. Great burgers and ‘old time’ milkshakes.”
  • Decarli is committed to showcasing Oregon’s bounty of seasonal ingredients through Chef Paul Decarli’s culinary style, which draws on his Swiss-Italian-American roots.
  • Hall St. Grill has been a Beaverton staple since 1976 and has been offering traditional American dishes with a distinctive Northwest flair ever since.
  • Jin Wah‘s Pepper Salted Squid earned this popular Chinese/Vietnamese restaurant in Beaverton a nomination.
  • Reedville Cafe, an American restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, is noted for its “great food, excellent service, good value.”
  • Syun Izakaya is one of the most popular sushi/Japanese restaurants in the Greater Portland region, and can be summed up in one word: “Delicious.”

 

Nominations were open to visitors, residents and stakeholders from March 15, 2013 until April 21, 2013. Quotes were taken directly from the nomination ballets.

Liquid Libations

Posted on: April 3rd, 2013 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Oregon’s Washington County is a growing, thriving destination, with new adventures around every corner. With new things to discover (and dear treasures that need to be rediscovered),  it’s time to make a return visit to Washington County if you haven’t been here in a while. If you haven’t visited Washington County yet, what are you waiting for?

Liquid Libations

SakeOne

Tour the saké brewery at SakéOne, the only craft saké brewery in Oregon.

From new attractions to veteran establishments, take a self-guided tour to taste a variety of artisan liquid libations.

Start your journey in Hillsboro at Longbottom Coffee & Tea, one of the region’s pioneering roasting companies. Founded in 1981, Longbottom was certified organic 10 years ago and today is used as a training location for organic inspectors.

Travel to the city of Forest Grove for a brewery tour and saké tasting at  SakéOne, the first American owned-and-operated saké brewery and leading brewer of craft saké in America.  Next head over to Bull Run Cider, also in Forest Grove, and tour the apple orchard and small-production facility of the newest sustainable craft-cider producer.

Lunch at 1910 Main: An American Bistro, one of Oregon wine country’s premier restaurants. 1910 Main specializes in classic comfort foods, prepared with locally sourced ingredients with a Pacific Northwestern flair.

Next, venture to the city of Tigard and visit one of the newest tasting rooms, Indio Spirits Distillery and Tasting Room. Tour the distillery of this distillery, which has been producing a variety of spirits since 2004, and sample whiskey, vodka, rum and gin. Afteward, stop next door at Stash Tea, the original retail store for this venerable tea producer. Sample the latest teas and choose from more than 250 loose and bagged teas.

Finally, enjoy a martini and a tasty entree at the new Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar at Bridgeport Village.  Choose from three dozen signature martinis, paired with a menu that ranges from pizza to seafood. The popular Washington State-based eatery opened its first Portland-area location last month.

For more itineraries, such as the Saké, Beer & Spirits Trail or Wine: Oregon Style, please visit our website.

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

 

Luck O’ the Irish

Posted on: February 25th, 2013 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

“If you’re lucky enough to be Irish, then you’re lucky enough.”

Saint Patrick’s Day is nearly upon us. Don’t miss out on this fun slate of events to celebrate this festive holiday weekend.  Wear your green, and raise your glass of green beer and toast to St. Patty’s Day in Oregon’s Washington County. Sláinte!

Friday, March 15 – Sunday, March 17

Clancy’s Family Restaurant in Sherwood will host its 25th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Party all weekend long, featuring local Irish music, bagpipe and drum performances and door prizes. Don’t forget the traditional Irish fare; corned beef and cabbage and Irish stew will be served. Kids are welcome with parents until 9 p.m. Must be 21+ after 9 p.m.

The party doesn’t stop at the Thirsty Lion, which celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with a three-day festival of live music, bagpipers and Irish food specials. The annual “St. Baldrick’s” head-shaving event to benefit Children’s Cancer Research will take place on Saturday and Sunday. Live music starts at 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, all day on Sunday.

Saturday, March 16

It’s not St. Patrick’s Day without a parade, and this year Murphy’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Party will feature local businesses, car clubs, schools, motorcycle drill team and more. The parade will start and end at Hare Field at Hillsboro High School (151 Northeast Grant Street Hillsboro) and the festivities continue with a traditional corned beef and cabbage meal. Parade starts at 11 a.m. Admission is free.

Luckython 2013Kick off St. Patrick’s Day weekend at the Beaverton Farmers Winter Market (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.). Shop for seasonal produce and artisan food products while enjoying live performances from the Sir James McDonald Pipe Band and the An Daire Academy of Irish Dance and more. Admission is free.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a Luckython run (first race starts at 3 p.m.). Choose from the 5K, 10K, 15K team relay and a 5K “HeadLamp” nighttime run/walk at The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club. The little kiddies can take part in the “Lil’ Leprechaun Dash,” which starts the evening of events. There’s a pot o’ gold at the finish line, with a full Irish potato bar with all of the fixings.  Registration starts at $30 For more information or to register, visit the Luckython website.

Sunday, March 17

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Irish style at McMenamins Grand Lodge in Forest Grove and Cornelius Pass Roadhouse & Imbrie Hall in Hillsboro. All ages are invited to enjoy live music, bagpipers and leprechauns at this day-long event.  McMenamins’ Irish Stout beer, Irish coffee cocktails, Irish food specials and more will also be available. Admission is free.

The Dublin Pub hosts a day of live music starting at 12 noon. This Irish-themed pub is a St. Patrick’s Day institution, and features 59 beers on tap–including Irish beers. Must be 21+. Cover charge may apply.

Keep St. Patrick’s Day weekend safe, please drink responsibly. 

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

A Closer Look at Our Cities: North Plains

Posted on: February 15th, 2013 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Situated in northwestern Washington County, just off Highway 26, the main route between Portland and the Oregon Coast, the small city of North Plains packs quite a punch.  North Plains (population 1,700) is surrounded by lush farm land, and attracts throngs of sports enthusiasts and thrill seekers who flock to the area for its collection of activities, such as biking, golf, disc golf, and glider plane rides.

The North Plains Glider Port (Photo by Paul Loofburrow)

Play

Nestled in a picturesque wooded canyon is Horning’s Fishing and Picnic Hideout, a multi-activity attraction that offers fly fishing and cast and lure fishing, and also allows overnight tent and RV camping. Don’t let the name fool you, this pastoral “hideout” wears many hats, as it boasts three highly rated disc golf courses, is home to endurance sporting events, such as Warrior Dash, and holds several music festivals throughout the year – all of this, plus fishing, picnicking, hiking and more.

If golf is your game, tee up at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club, the famed, championship golf facility that has hosted many well-known golfers. Framed by spectacular vistas, Pumpkin Ridge has ranked among the country’s best courses to play for more than 20 years.

Take to the skies in a glider plane with a guided flight piloted by the Willamette Valley Soaring Club, which offers rides at the North Plains Glider Port (11870 NW Dersham Rd., North Plains) May through October (weather permitting).  Marvel at the breathtaking views of the Tualatin and Willamette Valleys while soaring 3,000 feet in the air. Rides are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and a standard ride is $120.

Shop

During summer months,  visit the North Plains Farmers Market for a taste of local produce and artisan good (Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., June 15-September 28). Year-round, browse the one-of-a-kind treasures at The Treasure Chest Antique Mall (open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Sip

Tantalize your tastebuds at one of Oregon’s Washington County’s newest wineries/tasting rooms: Abbey Creek Winery. This family run winery, which operates a vineyard estate not far from Washington County, produces Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, and is open Saturdays from 12-5 p.m. (or by appointment).

Dine

Grab a burger and a brew at the Rogue Brew Pub & Eatery.  This unassuming restaurant, located in the city’s center, earns raves for its burgers and selection of microbrew beers. The joint is jumping on Friday nights with live music.  Or pop into the Old Hich-en Post for breakfast and lunch, or partake in their happy hour, which is daily from 3-7 p.m.

Mark Your Calendars

North Plains is home to several annual events, including the four-day bluegrass and Americana music fest, the Northwest String Summit (July 18-21, 2013) and the Warrior Dash endurance race (September 7, 2013).

Plan your North Plains and Oregon’s Washington County getaway today: Find places to stay. | Create a personalized itinerary. | Find places to eat. | View the digital visitor guide.

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.

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

Gluten-Free Goodness

Posted on: August 16th, 2012 by Angie Marsh No Comments

Dining out and gluten-free can go hand-in-hand in Oregon’s Washington County, particularly in Beaverton and Hillsboro, where there’s an upswing in the number of area eateries specifying gluten-free menu items. This is a sampling of the different delicious gluten-free options here:

Gluten-free buns are offered on many menus in the area.

Earth Oven Pizza – Hillsboro
Any of the pizzas on their menu can be made with a gluten-free crust, and all of their wood-fired pizzas come standard with mozzarella, parmesan, asiago, romano and fresh basil. Creative toppings range from BBQ pulled pork to thin sliced rib eye steak. Pair the pizza with a salad and a wine from their local selection–and it’s a complete gluten-free meal! Sit back and enjoy the nightly live music as well.

The Venetian Theatre & Bistro – Hillsboro
Enjoy lunch or dinner in this classic setting; choose from the gluten-free section of their menu, which offers gluten-free pizzas, gluten-free salad dressings, gluten-free pasta and creative salad and small plate options.

Gustav’s – Tigard
Gustav’s offers authentic German, European, and Northwest food–and has one of the most extensive gluten-free menus in the area. It specifies everything from appetizers to beer that is all sans gluten. Choose from rotisserie meat entrees, three gluten-free desserts and several sides as well.

Monteaux’s Public House – Beaverton
Monteaux’s offers American classics as well as worldly favorites–and their lunch and dinner menus specify which items are gluten-free. Entrees such as grilled wild salmon, flat iron steak and schnitzel look sumptuous, and their natural beef burgers (which they deem “Best Burgers in the Burbs”) all have the option of a gluten-free bun. Top off dinner with the chocolate mousse and a selection from either their red or white wine menus.

The South Store Café – Hillsboro
This historic landmark cafe specializes in breakfast and lunch with fresh-made soups, salads and entrees. All sandwiches–which include meatloaf, chicken salad and club–have a gluten-free bread option. Pair these options with a drink from their full espresso bar. Directly across the street is Smith Berry Barn, where fresh berry milkshakes are always gluten-free.

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro – Hillsboro and Tigard locations
Enjoy ordering from a gluten-free menu featuring favorites such as crab fried rice, Mongolian beef and lettuce wraps. Several desserts are listed as well.

McMenamins – Nine locations throughout Washington County
All McMenamins pubs offer gluten-free buns for their naturally grown burgers, including the “Communication Breakdown” burger loaded with cheddar, mushrooms, onions and bell peppers. Dinner specialties such as flat iron steak and grilled rib-eye are also gluten-free.

Blue Moon Bakery – Hillsboro Saturday Farmers Market
Eena Kadeena – Beaverton Farmers Market
Gluten-free treats and mixes are the specialty of both of these vendors.

A Closer Look at Our Cities: Hillsboro

Posted on: August 7th, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Hillsboro is Washington County’s largest city (population, approx. 91,000), as well as one of the oldest communities in the state. With the emergence of the technology sector, as part of the region’s “Silicon Forest,” the city’s large farming community shares zip codes with some of technology’s biggest and brightest names. The city’s quaint downtown area has transformed into an artists’ community with art galleries and studios, live music venues and community and professional theater companies.

Play

The Great Egret is one of many species of birds that have been spotted at Jackson Bottom Wetlands (pictured) (Photo by John Wise)

Stop and smell the flowers at the Lloyd Baron Rhododendron Garden at Rood Bridge Park. Tended to by a group of volunteers, this community garden features hundreds of varieties of species and hybrids of rhododendrons, plus thousands of “companion” plants surrounded by walking paths, creeks and woodlands. Also in Hillsboro is Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve, a 725-acre wildlife preserve featuring 4.5 miles of trails, wildlife viewing blinds, nature center and interpretive center that houses the only known authentic eagle’s nest on public display.

Discover

Hillsboro is home to two unique museums both appealing to all ages. The Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals showcases the world’s finest collections of crystals, fossils, meteorites, petrified wood, gems and more.  Near the Hillsboro Airport is the Classic Aircraft Aviation Museum, a “living history” museum/working hangar focusing on aircraft from the jet age and Cold War era. This fall, these two museums will get a new neighbor, so to speak, when the venerable Washington County Museum moves into its new home in downtown Hillsboro.

Dine

Housed in the historic, former Hillsboro library, is Syun Izakaya, a popular local spot near Main Street.  Syun is modeled after small, rustic taverns that are popular gathering places in Japan, and is consistently rated as having the best sushi in the Greater Portland region, and has been included among the best in the U.S. In addition to sushi, and an impressive saké menu, other Japanese dishes are included on the lunch and dinner menus. Located in a rural area of Hillsboro are two “hidden gems”: Cruise In Country Diner, a ’50s-style burger and shake joint, and South Store Cafe, which specializes in sandwiches, soups and salads.   (For more dining options throughout Washington County, visit our website.)

Several farms in Hillsboro, such as the Smith Berry Barn (pictured), offer ready-picked or "u-pick" produce. (Photo by Allison George)

Explore

Main Street Hillsboro is filled with charm and a collection of shops that harken back to a simpler time. This artistic center of downtown Hillsboro features art galleries, live theater and more, and includes the Glenn and Viola Walters Cultural Arts Center, which hosts live music, spoken word performances, informal lectures, art exhibits and art classes.  Also in downtown Hillsboro is the Venetian Theatre and Bistro, a bustling restaurant, movie and performance theater, which is home to local  professional theater company Bag&Baggage.

Antique shops, a book store, home-brewing supply store (home beer brewing, winemaking, soda making and cheese making supplies), bead store, garden shop, theater and restaurant align the historic main street. While on Main Street, check out the Hillsboro Pharmacy and Fountain, and old-timey store and soda fountain hangout serving  breakfast, lunch, ice cream.  or an old-fashioned malt, float or milkshake. (For more shopping options in Hillsboro, visit our Shopping in Hillsboro page.)

Pick

Although known for its high-tech contributions to the “Silicon Forest,” Hillsboro has a vast number of farms and farmers markets, making it a renowned agricultural zone, as well. More than two dozen nurseries and u-pick farms offer crops ranging from berries to pumpkins, while five farmers’ markets provide farm-fresh shopping nearly every day during peak season.  See the list of farms and farmers’ markets in Hillsboro.

Taste

Hillsboro is becoming the hub of Oregon’s Washington County’s burgeoning wine, beer and spirits scene. This area now is home to five wineries–Freja Cellars, Garden Vineyards, Helvetia Vineyards, J. Albin Winery and Oak Knoll Winery– three breweries– Ambacht Brewing, Vertigo Brewing and the brewery at McMenamins Cornelius Pass Roadhouse and Imbrie Hall– and Big Bottom Whiskey, the area’s only spirits tasting room.

 

Plan a weekend or week-long getaway in Washington County’s Hillsboro. Check out these hotels and motels in Hillsboro.

Oregon Craft Beer Month: A Local Celebration

Posted on: July 3rd, 2012 by Angie Marsh No Comments

Local beer served next to one of its key ingredients, Cascade hops.

July is officially Oregon Craft Beer Month, and the breweries in Washington County are joining in the fun with special events, releases and tastings. My summer beer pick looks to be the Apricot Cream Ale on tap at Vertigo Brewing in Hillsboro.

Here’s the rundown of when and where you can find equally tasty locally brewed beers and beer-centric events to mark the occasion this year:

July 1-7
McMenamins is marking Oregon Craft Beer Month by offering all its IPAs at happy hour prices all day at all Oregon locations this week–and they have nine locations in Washington County.

Friday, July 6
You’re invited to a beer collaboration release party at Big Al’s in Beaverton, where they’re featuring a Belgian IPA developed with Fort George Brewing of Astoria, Oregon.

July 8-14
McMenamins offers all its fruit beers at happy hour prices all day.

Saturday, July 14
The “Plate and Pitchfork” gourmet farm dinner at Smith Berry Barn in Hillsboro features beer from Widmer Brothers Brewing paired with each iteration of the 4-course meal prepared by two Portland chefs. Advance tickets are required.

July 15-21
McMenamins offers all its wheat-style beers at happy hour prices all day.

July 22-28
McMenamins offers all its Cooper Moon beer at happy hour prices all day.

July 29-31
McMenamins offers all its 50/50 blend beers at happy hour prices all day.

Ongoing

Every Thursday, 4-6 p.m.: This is the window of time each week that Ambacht Brewing is open in Hillsboro, where you can taste the classic Ambacht Golden Farmhouse Ale, or the others currently available: Dark Farmhouse Ale, Golden Rye, Golden Rose, G++, Matzobraü, Pie Cherry Pale and Pie Cherry Dark.

Every Friday: Vertigo Brewing & Taproom in Hillsboro is offering $3 pints from 4-8 p.m. Choose from unique offerings ranging from High Dive Rye to Razz Wheat and Arctic Blast.

Every Saturday: Ambacht Brewing serves up its signature Belgian-inspired beers at the Beaverton Farmers Market. Farmhouse Ale, anyone?

Every Saturday: Vertigo Brewing & Taproom is open noon to 6 p.m. with $3 pints from noon to 2 p.m.

I also recommend imbibing on the patio of the Old Market Pub & Brewery, where the Gravelberry Ale is a must.

Keep track of what local beer you’ve sampled with the new Oregon Craft Beer Month badge on UnTappd on your mobile device, or using the Twitter hashtag #OCBM. Cheers!

A Closer Look at Our Cities: Forest Grove

Posted on: April 9th, 2012 by WCVA No Comments

This month we go westward for a closer look at Forest Grove, located in northwestern Washington County, a small city that transcends its college-town atmosphere with its exquisite wineries, unique stores, distinctive restaurants and historic lodge.

Forest Grove's iconic Main Street

Forest Grove, Oregon

Located in the foothills of the Coast Range at the base of the Tillamook State Forest, Forest Grove is home to Pacific University, unique restaurants, six wineries, one craft beer brewery and the world’s only American owned-and-operated large-production saké brewery.

Sip

Forest Grove boasts an impressive collection of placed to sip handcrafted beverages at the source–wineries and breweries. In addition to visiting the area’s artisans, two wine shops, both located on downtown’s Main Street, pour wines from around the world.  Or relax at one of Forest Grove’s coffee houses  or pubs.

Shop

Forest Grove’s collections of boutiques, ranging from antiques to art, provide a rewarding shopping experience, while a seasonal farmers’ market, farm stores and tree farms offer visitors more shopping options.

Dine

Forest Grove has a multiude of restaurants serving cuisine from the four corners of the world. Nosh on American comfort-food dishes,  pair a locally produced wine with your favorite Italian dish, explore Middle Eastern cuisine,  satisfy a craving for Mexican food, try Pad Thai or other Thai specialty, explore a buffet of your favorite Chinese dishes, or taste yummy baked delights from area bakeries and cafes.

Explore

Finding your way through downtown Forest Grove is now easier, thanks to its new way-finding signs, which connect visitors to the area’s key districts and points of interest.

Play

Forest Grove offers many events throughout the year, appealing to all interests, including these upcoming popular annual events:

Sleep

After a day (or two, or three) of exploration, you can be rest assured that Forest Grove has a selection of places to stay overnight, including

For additional information about Oregon’s Washington County and its  amazing cities, visit our website.

A Closer Look at Our Cities: Sherwood

Posted on: March 6th, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments
Lavender Teahouse

The Lavender Tea House transports visitors to a bygone era.

Located in the southern part of Oregon’s Washington County, minutes from the college town of Newberg, is the small city of Sherwood.  With a population of more than 16,000, this city is steeped in tradition, and the historic “Old Town” is the community’s center. Antique and specialty shops, a tea house and historic buildings all serve as reminders of Americana and small-town living from another era.

Dine
For breakfast, lunch or dinner, visit  Fat Milo’s Family Kitchen, which prepares its entrees with seasonal ingredients. Or enjoy a spot of tea, scone and finger sandwich in a 126-year-old Queen Anne Victorian cottage at the Lavender Tea House (pictured). (For a complete list of restaurants in the area, visit our “Dining” section.)

Shop
Located in the rural landscape of Sherwood is Sleighbells Gift Shop, a year-round Christmas and all-season holiday gift shop featuring collectibles, decorations, gourmet food and fudge. Antique shops in Sherwood include the Railroad Street Antique Mall, set in the heart of Sherwood’s Old Town.

Sip
Sherwood is making a splash in with its award-winning and celebrated wineries. With six wineries (and counting), this burgeoning wine destination is worthy of exploration.

Alloro Vineyard

Alloro Vineyards, in Sherwood, Oregon, is one of several wineries in Washington County offering special Valentine's weekend tastings.

If you’re more into suds than grapes, visit Two Kilts Brewing Company, Sherwood’s only brewery tasting room.

Explore
Rich, fertile soils–perfect for growing various produce, plants, flowers, and, yes, wine grapes–give way to several “U-pick” farms featuring berries, flowers, gourds and more, depending on the season.  Check out these agriculture-related attractions to explore in Sherwood.

Oregon’s Washington County’s only national wildlife refuge, the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, also resides here. This national refuge features restored habitats, walking trails and is home to more than 200 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and insects.

Play
Each year, Sherwood plays host to various events that showcase the fun, quirky spirit of this small town.

  • Tualatin River Bird Festival (May 18-20) is a three-day event featuring speakers, hands-on activities and photo opportunities for all ages.
  • Robin Hood Festival (July 20-21, 2012) is a two-day event featuring a parade, games, medieval court, archery competitions, contests, crowning of a Maid Marian and more.
  • Dressage at Devonwood (July 20-22), of one the most prestigious horse competitions in the state, is held annually at the DevonWood Equestrian Centre.
  • The Great Onion Festival returns to Sherwood this October, and features activities centered around onions, such as cooking contests, and eating contests (keep the tissues handy).

There are plenty of reasons to visit Sherwood while in Oregon, and dozens of reasons to come back! Use our Trip Planner tool to plan your Oregon’s Washington County and Sherwood getaway today.