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Posts Tagged ‘art galleries’

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.

Find places to stay. | Create a personalized itinerary. | Find places to eat. | View the 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: 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.