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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: 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.

Counting Down the Days Until Memorial Day Wine Weekend

Posted on: April 15th, 2011 by WCVA 2 Comments

This year marks the 21st annual “Memorial Day Weekend in Wine Country,” when wineries throughout the Willamette Valley open their doors for a weekend of fun, food and entertainment. With more than 20 wineries welcoming visitors for tastings, entertainment and specials, Washington County will be one of the hottest spots in the valley to sip new and library releases of pinot noir and other varietals. Plus, during Memorial Day weekend, many visitors are offered a chance to visit numerous wineries that are not regularly open to the public.

Memorial Day Weekend in Wine Country
May 28-30, 2011
Various locations throughout Washington County
Many wineries will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (hours may vary)
Tasting fees vary

Participating wineries in Washington County may include:

Photo by Scott Spiker

Photo by Scott Spiker

For a complete list of participating wineries throughout the region, visit North Willamette Vintners Association, Chehalem Mountain Winegrowers Association and Willamette Valley Wineries Association.

Want to map your route to the wineries? Start with the Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route, a 50-mile driving tour of Washington County’s agricultural and viticultural bounty. Download the map and set out for a wine weekend adventure. (Note: Because portions include narrow county roads, low bridge overpasses and winding roads, the route is not recommended for tour buses or bicyclists.)