Archive for the ‘Family Fun’ Category
August 19th, 2010 by Allison George
Beaverton, Ore.: Hundreds of visitors report sightings of a 12’ tall Sasquatch-like creature sporting a #16 baseball jersey, lurking by the doorway of Big Al’s, a newly-opened entertainment Shangri-La for all ages.
"Greetings and welcome!" said the friendly sasquatch to visitors.
Those same visitors also reported sightings of a 7,000 sq. ft. arcade, bowling alleys, a stadium-style sports bar & grill with 50” and 42” HD Plasma televisions, and a 14’ x 55’ jumbotron linked up to these premiere channels: DirectTV’s NFL Season Ticket, College Football Game Day, Big Ten Network, NBA League Pass, Mega March Madness, MLS Direct Kick, Fox Soccer Channel, and MLB Extra Innings.
Frankly, we’re just not sure we can believe them. Come on, a jumbotron in a sports bar? We wish! Who’s going to believe that?
Big Al’s is now open in Beaverton, at 14950 SW Barrows Road in Progress Ridge Town Square. For more information, visit their new Facebook page
KGW Channel 8 Big Al’s Grand Opening
The Big Al's in Beaverton was specially constructed to fit in big amenities, including a jumbotron and bowling!
Tags: beaverton, beaverton arcade, Family Fun, sports bar beaverton, washington county oregon
Posted in Family Fun, Food & Drink | No Comments »
July 22nd, 2010 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan
Boating is just one of many water activities available at Hagg Lake
Locals have known for years that Forest Grove, Ore., is a hidden gem in Oregon’s wine country, and now this quaint diamond in the rough is getting its time in the spotlight.
The city of Forest Grove, Ore., recently was named as one of America’s Top Summer Lake Towns of 2010 by Budget Travel magazine. Noted for being “laid-back and outdoorsy with a healthy dose of quirk,” the small city with a population of approximately 20,000 was recognized for its historic downtown, classic ice cream shop, unique lodging, and, of course, its proximity to Hagg Lake, which is in the neighboring town of Gaston. Hagg Lake, located nine miles from Forest Grove’s city center, is locally recognized as a spot for “serious fishermen,” and for its water activities, such as kayaking and waterskiing.
“It’s quite an honor for Forest Grove and Hagg Lake to earn recognition from such an influential publication,” said Teri Koerner, executive director of the Forest Grove Chamber of Commerce. “Hagg Lake provides a wide array of outdoor recreational opportunities for all ages, for visitors and local residents alike, and it helps make Western Washington County a great place to live and play!”
David Hill Vineyard and Winery, situated on a hill in Forest Grove, provides grand views of the Tualatin Valley
Forest Grove, approximately 45 minutes west of downtown Portland, boasts a growing wine industry. This area, part of the famed Willamette Valley wine region, includes some of Oregon’s most revered wineries: Apolloni Vineyards, Montinore Estate, David Hill Vineyard and Winery, Purple Cow Vineyards, Shafer Vineyard Cellars, Tualatin Estate, and SakéOne, the world’s only American-owned and operated saké brewery.
A short drive down Highway 47 leads visitors to Gaston, where four wineries —Elk Cove Vineyards, Patton Valley Vineyards and Plum Hill Vineyards—and the new Tree to Tree Adventure Park are located.
Budget Travel’s list also included the lake towns of Chelan, Wash.; Grand Marais, Minn.; Dillon, Colo.; Rangeley, Maine; Leland, Mich.; Truckee, Calif.; and Oakland, Md. Read more about Budget Travel’s Top Summer Lake Towns.
Tags: Forest Grove, Gaston, Hagg Lake, Willamette Valley
Posted in Family Fun, WCVA News, Water Fun, Wineries | 2 Comments »
July 6th, 2010 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan
The ripe berries were harder to find, but we found 'em.
This year I decided to take full advantage of the cool, temperate weather and spend Independence Day outside. So, my daughter and I ventured to Smith Berry Barn for its annual July 4th Berry Festival. The “berry barn” is a short drive to rural Hillsboro, and in addition to traditional festival festivities—food, live music and farm animals galore—the event featured berry picking and wine tastings from Washington County’s newest winery.
New winemaker Provincial Vineyards was pouring its 2008 Pinot Noir and 2009 Pinot Gris. Providence has been growing wine grapes at its vineyard site located outside of Forest Grove, next to Apolloni Vineyards and Purple Cow Vineyards. After selling grapes to local vintners, the vineyard owners decided to bottle the grapes under their own label. Provincial doesn’t have a tasting room; however, their wines can be purchased at local wine shops, such as Urban Decanter in Forest Grove.
We ended up with about two pints of raspberries!
After filling up on hot dogs and strawberry lemonade, we set out for our raspberry picking adventure. This was our first time picking raspberries, and it was quite easy, as the berries were easily pulled off their leaves. We filled about a quarter of the tub, which equated to a little more than two pints. And for only $2.25 for our entire bounty, it was a delicious bargain.
Because of the unusually long spring temperatures, the berries are ripening later than normal, so prime berry picking time is just starting here in Washington County. Raspberries, marionberries, blueberries, loganberries, and a host of other berries I’ve never heard of before are ripe, or nearly ripe, at U-pick farms throughout the region. It’s a great family activity, even for teens, and it’s tasty, too!
For a list of u-pick farms, farm stands and farmers’ markets in Washington County, Oregon, click here.
Tags: 4th of July, agritourism, berry barn, berry picking, Events, farm, farms, Hillsboro, Oregon, Smith Berry Barn, u-pick farms, washington county
Posted in Events, Family Fun, Seasonal Fun | No Comments »
June 25th, 2010 by Terry Goldman
So, how many of you were up early this morning to see a colorful array of hot air balloons gracing the skies over Washington County? If you missed it, you still have a few chances to see the 17 different hot air balloons as part of the Festival of Balloons in Tigard.
The balloons almost looked like Christmas ornaments delicately hung on the feathery white clouds as I drove to the kick-off breakfast hosted by The Tigard Area Chamber of Commerce. As I arrived, I saw a variety of activities that will be awaiting attendees of the festival, including The Funtastic Carnival, food vendors, the Rogue Brewery Beer Garden, the main stage where Friday night’s music lineup includes the likes of local YouTube phenom-turned-pop-star Savannah Outen, Portland area favorite, Nobody’s Bizness, and the ultimate dance and show band, Five Guys Named Moe.
While you are enjoying the musical performances in the evening, look to the skies for the NW Natural Night Glow, as the balloons rise into the air and are lit up for all to enjoy. For Saturday’s musical line-up check the Music Listing Page on the festival website. Additional activities include The Festival of Cars on Sunday, and a Soccer Tournament throughout the weekend where you can watch some terrific young athletes compete.
Buy your tickets online at a special discount, and note that the ticket price is good for entry to the festival all weekend. (Parking, the carnival rides and food & beverage are an additional expense.)
What a great way to celebrate one of Washington County’s terrific communities this weekend, and it is not too late to drive in from out of town, stay the night and enjoy the festivities. Rooms are still available at the headquarter hotel, The Best Western Northwind Inn and Suites.
While visiting don’t forget to check out Tigard’s premier shopping destinations, Washington Square Mall and Bridgeport Village, where you can take advantage of Oregon’s fantastic tax free shopping. We hope to see you at the festival, where you might just get carried away.
The weather should be grand! See forecast >>
Tags: Ballooning, Festival of Balloons, Festival of Cars, hot air balloons, tigard
Posted in Events, Family Fun, Seasonal Fun | No Comments »
June 22nd, 2010 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan
WCVA's own Allison George navigates the obstacles at Tree to Tree Adventure Park
When I first heard about a new aerial adventure park opening in Washington County, Oregon, my first reaction was, “what is an aerial adventure park”? Now that Tree to Tree Adventure Park is officially open, I now know (as well as many others who have already ventured out to sneak a peek).
Billed as the first adventure park of its kind “west of the Mississippi,” the park consists of four increasingly difficult courses of various tree-top obstacles. Rope swings, tight ropes, tunnels, bridges, and, yes, several zip lines, from tens of feet from the ground await adventurers of all skill levels. (Well, everyone except for me, who chickened out after attempting the training course, which was a mere three feet or so off the ground.)
My explanation doesn’t do this unique park justice, so take a look for yourself at the latest edition of “Grant’s Getaways,” featuring intrepid reporter Grant McOmie, as he visits Tree to Tree Adventure Park. (Video courtesy of our friends at Travel Oregon.)
Tree to Tree Adventure Park is open March-November, from 10 a.m. until two hours before dusk. Adults are $39, per person, and children are $25. It’s situated on property right near the entrance to Hagg Lake in Gaston, Oregon.
More photos from our excursion are here
Tags: aerial adventure, family activities, family friendly, gaston oregon, outdoor, outdoor recreation, park, parks, tree to tree, tree to tree adventure, washington county, washington county oregon
Posted in Family Fun, Nature, Sports | No Comments »
June 1st, 2010 by Allison George
August is jam-packed with more unique events in Washington County than you can shake a stick at! Now, if you still insist on attempting to shake a stick just to prove us wrong, please wear eye protection. Remember, safety first! Speaking of safety, don’t forget your sunscreen before heading out to these can’t-miss events:
It's garlic on parade at the annual Garlic Festival!
North Plains Garlic Festival, North Plains, August 6-8. This 13th Annual Festival celebrates the pungent, tasty goodness known as “Elephant Garlic” with a variety of festivities and entertainment. Remember, “Fun Stinks.“
Tualatin Crawfish Festival, Tualatin, August 13-14. The nation’s oldest crawfish festival celebrates 60 years of the Cambaridae Camburus with a variety of food, entertainment and activities. More info
LPGA Safeway Classic Golf Tournament at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club, August 16-22. The 39th annual tournament features 144 of the world’s top women golfers competing for a 1.5 million purse. Last year it drew a record crowd of 87,800 to Pumpkin Ridge(!). The Golf Channel will be there for TV coverage Friday – Sunday, so make sure they get your good side. More from organizers Tournament Golf Foundation
The Reserve in Aloha is the new home of this annual event!
Best of Oregon Food & Wine Festival at the Reserve Vineyards & Golf Club, August 14. You had us at “food.” The second annual festival showcases the best of Oregon’s culinary culture, world class wineries, and food artisans. This year’s program includes a golf tournament a few hours prior to the food and wine festival.
For tickets and information, go here
International Air Show at the Hillsboro Airport, August 20-22. Cue the “Top Gun” soundtrack! The 23rd Annual Air Show is proud to announce the return of the Marine Corp AV-8B Harrier II Demonstration Team, and America’s only civilian jet team, the U.S. Patriots. For tickets and information, go here
Tractors lined-up. Photo courtesy of Shilo Inns.
Banks BBQ & Truck/Tractor Pull, Banks, August 20-22. The City of Banks cooks up its annual festival with down-home charm, featuring a grand parade, truck/tractor pull and demolition derby, drive-in car show, arts and crafts, games and its “famous” BBQ sandwiches. More info
For the June and July 2010 events in Washington County, click here
Tags: Banks Truck/Tractor Pull, Best of Oregon Food Wine Festival, Events, Hillsboro, Hillsboro Air Show, LPGA Safeway Classic, North Plains Garlic Festival, Tualatin Crawfish Festival, washington county oregon, wine tasting
Posted in Events, Family Fun, Food & Drink, Seasonal Fun | 2 Comments »
May 24th, 2010 by Allison George
The Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge hosted its 14th annual Migratory Songbird Festival on May 15, 2010 in celebration of International Migratory Bird Day. The festival was a fun day of activities including bird and nature walks, live music, canoe paddles on the Tualatin River, bird house-building, a live bird show by the Portland Audubon Society, and last – but certainly not least – an appearance by Blue Goose, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service mascot.
Laura and I would like to extend a big THANKS to all of the young artists who stopped by the WCVA table to enter our coloring contest during the festival. We received 37 colorful masterpieces, each as unique and creative as the other, making it quite a challenge for our staff to judge! The prize for each of these winners was a lovely set of *washable markers (*parents, we’ve got your back).
1st Place Winners
Cali - 5 years & under
Andrew - 6-9 years
Connor - 10-12 years
2nd Place Winners
Adonia-2nd Place; 5 years & under
Blair - 2nd Place; 6-9 years
Kyrin-2nd Place; 10-12 years
Honorable Mentions
Krystian, 13 & up
Chloe, 10-11 years
Tags: briding, coloring contest, songbird festival, Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge
Posted in Events, Family Fun, Nature | No Comments »
May 5th, 2010 by Sunyi
Get ready for some outdoor fun! Here are some great ideas from our partners that represent one of the greatest assets in Washington County: nature (and everything in it).
This summer, the Tualatin Riverkeepers is offering a bounty of scheduled events for kids and adults of all ages, including parent-child hikes and paddle trips along the Tualatin River. For kids from ages 4-13, there are six summer sessions of nature day-camps, a series of daylong camps with different themes to encourage awareness of and love for the natural world. See details.
For more information, read the Riverkeepers’ informative quarterly newsletter, “The Green Herald”.
The Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge also has plenty of summertime activities for the entire family, such as guided ‘Night Creature Walks’, where explorers can experience the mysteries of the Refuge after the sun goes down.
While visiting the Refuge, don’t forget to borrow a Nature Discovery Pack, a backpack full of activities, binoculars, field guides and nature journals. The packs are loaned to guests, free of charge, during visitor center hours.
Get the family excited for a trip to the Refuge, thanks to the U.S. Department of Interior and the U.S. Department of Fish & Wildlife’s recently launched website (recommended for children, ages 5+). This interactive site features learning sessions, quizzes, and a chance to earn a free tree to plant in your own backyard. (Supplies are limited.)
Tags: hiking, Nature, Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, Tualatin Riverkeepers, wildlife, wildlife habitats
Posted in Events, Family Fun, Nature, Seasonal Fun | No Comments »
October 15th, 2009 by Angie Marsh
On a recent crisp fall day, I made a date with Stub. That is, a picturesque cabin at a new (circa 2007) Oregon park in Washington County–L.L. Stub Stewart State Park.
Cabins with a view in the "Mountain Dale Cabin Village"
The online booking process allowed me to view available options for my specified overnight stay, so cabin #1 it was–and just 10 days in advance. I paid online as well, which meant I didn’t have to check in and was e-mailed the code for unlocking my cute lil’ cabin.
I was en route to the Coast, and this proved to be the perfect stopover for the night; a welcome respite from Friday rush-hour traffic on Highway 26, which is just 4 miles from this site. Signage to the park off Highway 47 made for an easy drive to what felt like a remote area, but now boasts 78 camping sites, 23 hike-in primitive campsites, 12 walk-in tent sites, 16 horse camp sites and 15 cabins in the Park.
With shining wood floor, heat and insulated windows, I commented, “This is my kind of cabin!”
The tidy fire pit and nearby water spigot made “roughing it” that much easier as well. The restrooms & showers are centralized, as is the parking–a design that means any of the 15 cabins are great options.
Choosing from the myriad trail options
Hiking paths snake in all directions from the Park, and many are specified for bikes and/or horses. The new Banks-Vernonia State Trail–once a railroad and now a paved, multi-use path–is nearby as well, offering 21 miles of smooth and scenic exploration.
No need for our flashlights when the full moon rose over the Douglas Fir stand adjacent to our cabin, and my daughter (age 3) instructed me to “tiptoe down the moon path.”
Heading to the day-use overlook area
A stop at the Visitor's Center
Tags: banks-vernonia state trail, Family Fun, LL Stub Stewart State Park, oregon cabins, oregon camping, Stub Stewart, washington county oregon
Posted in Biking, Family Fun, Nature | 2 Comments »
October 5th, 2009 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan
Autumn is by far my favorite season: the crisp, cool air; rust-colored leaves falling from the trees; the bright orange and green hues of the pumpkin patches. Indeed, ’tis the season to get out and explore fall in Washington County, Oregon. On Saturday, my family and I hopped into the car and did just that.
First stop was the Beaverton Farmers’ Market, a cornucopia of fall vegetables, colorful gourds, scrumptious apples and pears, and hearty potatoes and onions, all awaiting shoppers who ventured out on the brisk Saturday morning. Free coffee and fruit samples provided us the energy – and warmth – needed to navigate the market.
With our newly acquired produce in hand, we ventured off to our next stop, the Smith Berry Barn in Hillsboro. Each year, I make the pilgrimage to the Smith Berry Barn to stock up on apples, and this year is no exception. I loaded up my basket with freshly picked Macintosh apples, perfect for making caramel apple treats.
On a whim, we decided to head over to Baggenstos Farms in Sherwood, to check out the corn maze. Growing up in the desert, corn mazes were something I had only seen on television, or in scary movies. In reality it was not scary at all. Granted, it was a bright and sunny mid-afternoon. (However, my ever-adventurous daughter suggested we return and try the maze at night.) About a half hour after we entered, we mastered the maze, which, visible from the sky, is carved to look like Abraham Lincoln.
Before we left, we decided to try our hand at pumpkin bowling. This was a blast. We each had three tries to knock down the pins while throwing a ripe, orange pumpkin down the makeshift lane. On my second round, I threw a spare!
After our day in rural Washington County, we were exhausted; but, it was worth it to spend a memorable and fun day with my family. (And, yes, we will be going back to the corn maze … at night.)
So, don’t miss out on this opportunity to make your own autumn memories this October. The Beaverton Farmers Market, as well as the pumpkin patches and corn mazes at farms throughout the county are open through October 31. And don’t miss this year’s Apple Fest at Smith Berry Barn, Oct. 18. For a list of other autumn-inspired events, check out our event calendar.
Tags: apples, Baggenstos Farms, beaverton, Beaverton farmers market, corn mazes, farmers market, farms, Hillsboro, pumpkin patch, pumpkin patches, pumpkins, Sherwood, Smith Berry Barn, washington county, washington county oregon
Posted in Family Fun, Seasonal Fun | No Comments »
