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Archive for the ‘Shopping’ Category

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.

Go Indie: Guide to Oregon’s Washington County’s Independent Book Sellers

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

I love bookstores! If I come across a bookstore when traveling, I will always pop in and browse, and if it’s an independent bookstore, that’s even better. I can browse the shelves for hours, often spotting a rare find: a book for which I’ve been looking for months, or even years in some cases.

For book lovers who include independent and used book stores on their itineraries while traveling, here’s a list of some local stores that are worth a visit (where all purchases are tax-free!):

New and Used Books

Powells Books at Cedar Hills Crossing (3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd., Beaverton), a smaller outlet of the famed Powell’s City of Books in Portland, this store boasts more than one-half-million used, new, rare and hard-to-find titles. The collection of new and used books, plus readings by renowned authors make this a must-see shop.

Located in downtown Hillsboro, Jacobsen’s Books & More (211 E. Main St., Hillsboro) sells new and used books of all genres. This small shop sponsors literature-related events, such as “Bards & Brews,” held at Primrose & Tumbleweeds boutique and wine shop with readings from local authors.

Used Books/Book Exchanges

One of the oldest used bookstores in the area, Arcade Book Exchange (136SE 3rd Ave., Ste. 300, Hillsboro), carries a large selection of newer releases, children’s and young adult (YA) books, as well as a variety of other genres and collectibles. Other booksellers include:  Beaverton Paperbacks (10355 SW Canyon Rd., Beaverton), where prices start at 5o cents, making this shop a bargain-lovers dream, and Jan’s Paperbacks (18095 SW Tualatin Valley Hwy., Aloha), which specializes in used paperbacks, with genres ranging from romance to sci-fi.

McKenzie Books (15370 SW Millikan Way, Beaverton) is a unique used bookstore, as it is primarily an online bookseller.  However, bibliophiles can search for quality used books online, then pick up their selections in person at their store in Beaverton. This small, local, online bookseller has been around since 2001.

Specialty Books

Comic books and graphic novels are the specialty of Things from Another World (4390 SW Lloyd Ave., Beaverton), with thousands of new and back-issue comics from a range of genres and publishers, as well as selection of pop-culture collectibles.

While not an independent bookstore, per se, Kinokuniya Bookstore, located inside Uwajimaya Asian Grocery and Gifts  (10500 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy., Beaverton), is a unique concept in the Greater Portland book market. As one of the largest bookstore chains in Japan and with a handful of locations in the U.S., Kinokuniya offers a diverse selection of Japanese books, ranging from origami books to manga/anime, as well as stationery and more.

Whether you’re a fan of popular fiction or more obscure titles, you are sure to find a treasure trove of books here in Oregon’s Washington County. Happy hunting!

Plan your Oregon’s Washington County getaway today!

View our digital visitor guide.

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.

A Closer Look At Our Cities: Tigard

Posted on: August 31st, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

The Broadway Rose Theatre Company stages a slate of professional live musical theater productions season after season.

With a population of more than 48,000, the bedroom community of Tigard is located just south of Portland in southeastern Washington County.  It is home to the region’s premier tax-free shopping destinations, has a thriving community is devoted to the arts, and offers outdoor recreation opportunities.

Arts & Culture

Tigard is the proud home of the Broadway Rose Theatre Company, Washington County’s only award-winning professional musical theatre company. Each season, Broadway Rose produces a slate of musicals that range from well-known classics to world premieres.

Want a more hands-on experience? Main Street in downtown Tigard is home to two do-it-yourself shops. Blow your own glass masterpiece at Live Laugh Love Glass,  or blend your own wine at Tigard Wine Crafters.

Outdoor Recreation

Recreation is tops here, as Tigard’s Cook Park provides access to the Tualatin River, a calm waterway that is popular with kayakers and canoeists. During weekends through September, rent a canoe or kayak from the Tualatin Riverkeepers for a peaceful and leisurely paddle along the river.

Tax-Free Shopping

Tigard is home to some of the best known shopping brands, and boasts the state’s most beloved shopping centers.

Washington Square is Oregon and Southwest Washington’s premier shopping center with five anchor stores–including Macy’s, JC Penney, Sears, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Oregon’s largest Nordstrom–and more than 170 distinctive shops and restaurants.

Located in the border of Tigard and neighboring city of Tualatin is Bridgeport Village, a European-style outdoor shopping experience with a unique blend of upscale national and local retailers, restaurants, bookstore, spa, and a first-run, multiplex movie theater.  Just a couple blocks down the street is Stash Tea, a retail shop offering more than 200 premium loose-leaf teas, a variety of tea pots, customized gift baskets and other unique gifts.

From the arts to the art of shopping, Tigard provides visitors with many things to see and do. Add Tigard, as well as other cities, towns and attractions to your Oregon’s Washington County itinerary.

 

Last-Minute Labor Day Weekend Getaway

Posted on: August 24th, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Squeeze out the last days of summer with a weekend getaway to Oregon’s Washington County. Temperatures are cooling down with an average high of 80 degrees, but the fun is just heating up.

All Trails Lead to Nature

Banks-Vernonia State Trail

With cooler temperatures, why spend a day indoors when Washington County has myriad outdoor activities that are perfect for a summer day. Rent a bike (or bring your own) and ride along the 21-mile Banks-Vernonia State Trail (it’s 42 miles if you make it a round-trip ride). This gorgeous trail, along an abandoned railway, takes riders, hikers and equestrians down a relatively easy path through lush forests and along trestles and through L.L. “Stub” Stewart State Park.

Head for the tranquil waters of the Tualatin River with a leisurely kayak or canoe ride. Rent a kayak or canoe or take part in a group paddle and the enjoy the natural surroundings, birds and wildlife.

For high-flying adventures, head over to Tree to Tree Adventure Park, an aerial ropes course and zip-line park. Explore the challenging aerial obstacle course, which features a total of 48  tree-top elements and 12 zip lines, or check out the new Woody’s Ziptastic Voyage Zip Line Tour, featuring six “extreme” zip-lines, a bridge and a rappel.  Adult prices start at $45 for the aerial ropes course; $75 for the Zip Line Tour.

Back by popular demand is the Zip, Sip & Stay passport, which includes a one-night stay in a deluxe suite, gourmet lunch, passes to Tree to Tree Adventure Park, wine tasting and a $29 wine voucher, and dining specials at local restaurants. Passports for two start at $245; family and combo passports also are available.

Sip Your Way Through Oregon’s Washington County

During Labor Day weekend, wineries in the Chehalem Mountains American Viticultural Area (AVA), located in the Willamette Valley, will open their doors for the annual Explore, Tour & Taste event (September 1-3).  Several Washington County wineries will be hosting open houses, featuring special tastings, pre-harvest presentations and much more. Participating wineries include:  Alloro Vineyard, Anam Cara Cellars, Beckham Estate Vineyard, A Blooming Hill Vineyard and Winery, Cooper Mountain Vineyards, Freja Cellars, Gresser Vineyards and Ponzi Vineyards, and Raptor Ridge.  Tasting fees, times and details vary.

Or you can explore Washington County’s wine country with a self-guided tour. Visit our website for a list of wineries in the area and to plan your own excursion.

Shop ‘Til You Drop, Then Shop Some More

Shopping in Oregon’s Washington County is always a treat because it’s TAX FREE! Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to save even more with sales at popular local retail centers, such as Washington Square, Bridgeport Village and The Streets of Tanasbourne. Get a jump-start on your holiday shopping at Sleighbells Farm & Gift, a year-round holiday store specializing in Christmas and holiday decor and collectibles, or Miki’s Christmas Shop, an Old-World inspired shop featuring a large variety of German holiday collectibles.

Plan Your Last-Minute Labor Day Getaway Today

Visit our website and plan your itinerary, or peruse our digital visitor guide for inspiration.

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.

Cool Places to Beat the Heat

Posted on: August 3rd, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Looking for cool places to go to when temperatures rise in Oregon’s Washington County? We’ve got some ideas that fit that bill.

Hit the Water

Henry Hagg Lake, located in Gaston, approximately 45 minutes west of downtown Portland,  is the perfect watering hole for swimming in Oregon’s Washington County.  Visitors can water ski, jet ski, swim and fish (angling license required).

If a leisurely boat ride along a tranquil river is more your speed, then the Tualatin River may be your go-to spot. The river provides cool and calming recreation opportunities, and kayak and canoe rentals are available on a drop-in, first-come, first-served basis. Read more from an earlier blog post.

Shop Tax-Free

As hard as it is to believe, the start of the school year is just weeks away. Why not take this opportunity to take advantage of the back-to-school sales at Washington Square? Shop tax-free and save even more with a Shopping & Dining Visitor Rewards Book, chock-full of savings! Simply show your out-of-area identification at the Guest Services booth and start saving.

Play Some (Indoor) Sports

Bowling is a fun family sport, especially during days when you’d rather stay indoors. Oregon’s Washington County has several bowling centers filled with arcade games, food and snacks and more. Sunset Lanes and Big Al’s, both in Beaverton, have a hip, state-of-the-art vibe, while the Tigard Bowl provides a fun, no-frills bowling experience.

Want to try your moves on the ice instead? Don a pair of ice skates and head to the Sherwood Ice Arena. Try your best spin, or jump into a hockey pick-up game (check the public skating schedule for more information).

These are just some of the many indoor activities that will help you stay cool in hot temperatures.  Want more ideas to plan an Oregon’s Washington County getaway? Read our digital visitors guide for helpful tips.

Making Mother’s Day 2012 Memorable (NEW WINE EVENTS ADDED!)

Posted on: May 3rd, 2012 by Angie Marsh 1 Comment

Mother’s Day weekend is approaching—but don’t let the mention of May 12 and 13 turn to panic. Special events and gift-buying opportunities to mark the occasion are happening locally, and any one of these is sure to impress. Take it from me, a mom who is dropping hints about this holiday, your weekend will be happier with a little planning ahead.

Mother’s Day Wine Events

The following wineries are offering special Mother’s Day events and tastings:

Enjoy a Mother’s Day Brunch at Garden Vineyards in Hillsboro on May 13. Beverages include wine, sangria, bellinis and mimosas, all of which will be for sale. The brunch buffet will feature goods that are baked, grilled, cured and roasted–and much of the food is grown on the premises. This buffet is $30 per person.

Taste fine chocolates and wines at three Washington County wineries during Mother’s Day weekend:

  • Artisan Fine Chocolates Tasting at Alloro Vineyard, May 12-13 ($15 per person)
  • Mother’s Day Weekend Red Wine and Chocolate Tasting at Kramer Vineyards, May 12-13 ($10)

Mother’s Day Special Events

Tea is offered at two locations in the county during Mother's Day weekend 2012. Photo by Ann Toffler, flickr.

Beaverton Civic Theatre’s final performance of “The Miracle Worker” is on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 13, at 2 p.m. This moving play brings to life the story of Helen Keller.

A special prime rib Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch is May 13 at Holiday Inn Portland South – Wilsonville. Choose from a carving station, custom omeletes, gourmet buffet items such as smoked bacon, dessert station and beverages. Brunch runs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; reservations are encouraged.

Lavender Tea House in Sherwood is presenting a “Celebration of Mothers” tea on Saturday, May 12, featuring scones, tea sandwiches, fruit, teas and sparkling cider. Seatings are at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 3 p.m.; call for reservations, $35 per person.

Jenkins Estate in Beaverton presents its Barefoot Quilt Festival on both Saturday and Sunday, May 12 & 13. Enjoy quilting displays and demonstrations, as well as quilted items for sale at this free event.
- On Saturday, May 12, this event features “Tea to Remember” at 12:30 p.m., paid event; reservations required.
- On Sunday, May 13, a dessert cafe will be available at the event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; no reservation required.

Cooper Mountain Nature Park in Beaverton welcomes a naturalist to lead a hike, “Mother’s Day Birds and Blooms” on May 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Learn more about wildflowers and songbirds while enjoying the Tualatin River. Cost is $10.

Mother’s Day Gift-Buying Opportunities

So many local farmers’ markets are open Saturday, May 12th, that you’ll have fresh choices ranging from hanging flower baskets at Beaverton Farmers Market to seasonal bouquets and herb pots at Sherwood, Hillsboro or Cedar Mill Saturday Market. The Tigard Farmers’ Market kicks off the very day of–Sunday, May 13–so stop by between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. for gifts ranging from plants to bakery goods.

The Quilt Festival at Jenkins Estate on Saturday, May 12 and Sunday, May 13, also incorporates both an artisan craft fair and a plant sale from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

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.