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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. 

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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.

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New Year’s Eve Happenings

Posted on: December 14th, 2012 by Angie Marsh No Comments

The countdown to 2013 is approaching–on a Monday, no less. We cordially invite you to check out these options:

New Years Eve at Grand Lodge

There are not one, not two, but three bands playing within the Grand Lodge in Forest Grove on New Year’s Eve, all of which start at 9 p.m. and are for those age 21 and over:

- John Bunzow & Bobby Cole – Roots rock
Garage Door Stage
Freechampagne

- Ants in the Kitchen – Cover band playing everything from the Rolling Stones to Tina Turner**

- Rockin’ Chair – Acoustic country-rock foursome
Pat’s Corner Stage
Free

**This show is limited to those who’ve purchased a lodging package for the night

New Years Eve at Cornelius Pass Roadhouse

Rock out in the Octagonal Barn at Cornelius Pass Roadhouse in Hillsboro at the live show at 9 p.m.:

Garcia Birthday Band – Playing Grateful Dead favorites
Age 21 and over
Free
More information

New Year’s Eve Black & White Ball

The Ballroom Dance Company in Tigard is offering an actual ball, complete with food, live shows, dance lesson and multiple ballrooms. The night kicks off at 8 p.m. with lessons, followed by DJs spinning tunes; West Coast Swing in one ballroom and Latin and traditional ballroom music in the other ballroom.
$12 per person
More information

New Year’s Party, Accommodations at Holiday Inn Portland South (Wilsonville)

Start the night off with a prime rib and salmon dinner buffet, followed by dancing to live music in the Lounge and DJ music in the Atrium, as well as party favors and a midnight toast and balloon drop. Packages also include New Year’s Day brunch buffet for two and late checkout.

All-inclusive couples’ packages are available for $189 and $209
More information

New Year’s Eve at John’s Incredible Pizza

Enjoy the bumper cars, rides, video games and so much more, from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. at their Beaverton location. The IncrediBear will lead a horn parade at midnight! Different packages are available for your partying enjoyment.

New Year’s Eve at Big Al’s

Enjoy bowling specials as Big Al’s remains open until 1 a.m. on New Year’s Day.

Santa Sightings

Posted on: November 28th, 2012 by Angie Marsh No Comments

Santa’s sleigh is touching down in locations throughout Washington County during the 2012 holiday season. Mrs. Claus will be at select events as well. Plot out your Santa sighting with this handy list:

There are ample opportunities to see Santa nearby this season!

Storytime with Mrs. Claus
Al’s Garden Center – Sherwood

Mrs. Claus will read Christmas stories to kids of all ages. This event is free, and is at 1o:30 a.m. on the following days: Saturday, Dec. 1; Saturday, Dec. 8; and Saturday, Dec. 15.

Santa Helicopter Fly-in
Sherwood Plaza

Santa arrives in style via helicopter on Saturday, Dec. 1 at noon and will visit until 4 p.m.–when he’ll participate in the parade with Mrs. Claus. There will also be a limited number of free Santa surprise bags for kids.

Breakfast with Santa
Loch Lolly Christmas Forest – North Plains

Enjoy breakfast on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 9 a.m. alongside Santa. Cost is $8 per person, and reservations are recommended.

Santa will also be in his antique sleigh on select weekends (Dec. 1-2, 8-9 and 15) to greet children and pose for photos (no cost; bring your own camera). His (live!) reindeer will also be on hand through Dec. 9.

2012 Holiday in the Grove

Enjoy breakfast and so much more on Saturday, Dec. 1 from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Santa will also be at Barnes & Noble Pacific University in Forest Grove, offering photos and holiday story readings in the afternoon. Santa’s schedule continues in the parade at 5 p.m. through downtown Forest Grove.

McMenamins Grand Lodge

All ages are welcome to enjoy this extensive buffet and take a photo with Santa. Seatings available Saturday, Dec. 8 and Sunday, Dec. 9 at 9 or 11 a.m.

California Pizza Kitchen at Bridgeport Village

Meet the special guest at this breakfast on Saturday, Dec. 15 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Tickets are $10.

McMenamins Cornelius Pass Roadhouse

All ages are welcome to enjoy this extensive buffet and take a photo with Santa. Remaining seatings available are Saturday, Dec. 15 and Sunday, Dec. 16 at 8 a.m. Call for reservations.

Santa Visits
Hagg’s Tree Farm – Hillsboro

Santa visits the farm on Saturday, Dec.1; Sunday, Dec. 2; Saturday, Dec. 8; and Sunday, Dec. 9 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sleighbells of Sherwood

Santa is at Sleighbells on weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., as well as on Monday, Dec. 24 the same hours.

Santa at Local Shopping Centers

Washington Square – All day, every day through December 24 at 5 p.m. New this year: Text or call to see how long the wait is to see Santa.

Cedar Hills Crossing – Santa has hours every day in his festive cottage, through December 24.

Bridgeport Village – Santa is housed in a new tiny cottage, and is there daily through December 23 at 6 p.m.

Santa at Community Tree Lighting Celebrations
Saturday, Dec. 1:
-Santa at “Holly Days” Hillsboro Market, 2 p.m. – Bring your own camera

-Santa at the Sherwood Winter Festival (arriving via helicopter, as noted above)
Thursday, Dec. 6:
-Santa at the North Plains Jingle, begins at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 7:
-Santa & Mrs. Claus at Beaverton Tree Lighting, 5 p.m.

 

Organized Runs on Thanksgiving

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

There is fun to be had–and calories to be burned ahead of the big meal–on Thanksgiving day in the area. These four runs are arranged in order by start time. The forecast for the holiday says rainy with a daytime high of 46 degrees, so dress accordingly!

Finishers of this year's Oregon Turkeython win this medal

Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, Nov. 22

Turkey Trot at the Zoo
World Forestry Center/Zoo

Oregon Road Runners Club presents this fun run, which includes zoo admission. Runners start at 8 a.m., walkers at 8:15 a.m., and strollers and anyone coming late at 8:30 a.m. Run or walk the four miles, or opt for the Tot Trot 1/2 miler. Details.

Oak Hills Turkey Trot in Beaverton
Oak Hillls Elementary School

This neighborhood event offers a kids 1/2 mile run at 8:30 a.m. and a run/walk (two or five miles) at 9 a.m. Register the day of the race starting at 8 a.m.; cost is $2 each plus two food items. Proceeds go to the Beaverton Elks food basket drive and the Beaverton School District. Details.

Sherwood Give ‘n’ Gobble 5 or 10k
Sherwood High School

Join about 1,000 others for this run/walk, which begins at 9 a.m. (registration begins at 7:30 a.m.) and helps raise funds and food for the Oregon Food Bank. Details.

Oregon Turkeython
Beaverton Town Square

Join in this fun Thanksgiving family event that’s in a new location this year. Race options are a 5K, 10K and kids’ race through a scenic neighborhood course. And don’t miss live music beforehand and a special guest from the North Pole at the end! Details.

 

Fall Farmers Markets Filled with Food and Fun

Posted on: September 22nd, 2012 by Angie Marsh No Comments

Washington County’s farmers markets are offering more than kale and squash this fall; they’re offering unique events and entertainment!

The Beaverton Farmers Market features an abundance of fresh goods--and entertainment

Beaverton Farmers Market

Saturday, Sept. 29: Author Diane Morgan will be at the market to sign copies of her recipe book, Roots. Her book offers simple yet creative ways to prepare dozens of different root vegetables, many of which are sold at the market, such as beets, potatoes and parsnips.

Saturday, Oct. 13: Fresh from their UK tour, The Water Tower Bucket Boys perform their foot-stompin’ eclectic mix of folk, bluegrass and rock music.

February 2 & 16, March 2 & 16, and April 6 & 20, 2013: Announcing the first-ever Beaverton Winter Farmers Market! Watch for details regarding vendors and entertainment.

Hillsboro Farmers Market

Saturday, Oct. 6: Enjoy the acoustic folk rock sounds performed by Dan Abrahamson.

Oct. 13: A Time Traveler’s Exposition, benefitting the Hillsboro Historical Society, will feature sword fighting, blacksmithing, pirates and related vendors in space adjacent to the regular farmers market. The Exposition lasts from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The fun continues at 7 p.m. with a Time Traveler’s Ball.

Saturday, Oct. 27: Enjoy the guitar sounds of Jon Koonce, whose genre is described as “rock and roots.”

Experience a taste of what visiting farmers’ markets is like here:

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.

Cruisin’ with the Classics

Posted on: May 10th, 2012 by Angie Marsh No Comments

Get in gear for five different car shows in Washington County–all of which are in June, July and August, each one customized.

All Ford Car Show & Swap Meet

Enjoy the 30th annual show that focuses on Ford models (and is sponsored by the Mustang Club)–Saturday, June 2nd at the Washington County Fair Complex in Hillsboro. The day kicks off with a Shriners pancake breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m., followed by the car show with more than 80 awards and raffles, as well as car-related items for sale at the swap meet. The fun continues until 4 p.m., and cost for general admission is $5 per person. Car show entrants must pre-register; cost of showing a car is $15.

Cruisin’ Sherwood

The streets of Old Town Sherwood will be filled with hundreds of hot rods, classics, motorcycles, collector cars and customs, as well as military vehicles on display for the 22nd Annual Cruisin’ Sherwood on Saturday, June 9th. This free event also includes: a kids zone, auto vendors, arts and crafts, food booths, live entertainment and a beer garden. In fact, the entertainment includes an Elvis impersonator.  Follow Cruisin’ Sherwood on Facebook for the latest updates.

The 2012 Concours d'Elegance celebrates Mercedes July 15.

Concours d’Elegance

Join in this 40-year tradition in Forest Grove–the Councours d’Elegance theme for 2012 is “Celebrating Mercedes-Benz.” This show on Sunday, July 15th features more than 300 classic cars, as well as musical stage entertainment and food, all on the campus of Pacific University. Advance tickets are available for $17 per adult; $15 for seniors; $5 for ages 13-18; ages 12 and under are free. Gates open at 8:30 a.m. and judging, entertainment, an auto emporium, awards and more continues until 4:30 p.m.

Classic at T-Hills

To see hot rods, Corvettes, cobras, motorcycles, trucks, imports and customs, join in the 8th annual Classic at T-Hills Car Show Saturday, July 28th as part of the “Party in the Park” in Beaverton. Prizes will be awarded in more than 20 categories. Participants can also enjoy live music, food booths and raffles–as well as all the Party fun: an international celebration, family triathlon, kids activities, live music and performances as well as various food and drink for purchase. A participant fee is required for showing a car as well as for participating in the triathlon, but viewing of cars and participating in other activities is free.

Wapato Showdown

The Wapato Showdown 2012 marks the 16th annual party for car enthusiasts from all over, who will get together Saturday, Aug. 25 in Gaston. The day starts with a pancake breakfast, followed by food booths and a beer/wine garden. Sponsored by the Gaston Lodge, this event features “tricked-out” vehicles, classic cars, trucks and motorcycles–many of which will receive rewards. The Gaston parade is typically the night prior to this event at 6:30.

A Basket Full of Goodies: Events April 6-8

Posted on: March 27th, 2012 by Angie Marsh No Comments

If it’s holiday entertainment you’re looking for, Washington County is the place for fun ranging from an egg hunt in a swimming pool to pony rides and live music.

The Easter Bunny has a packed schedule in the area this year. Photo by Frank M., Flickr commons.

Friday, April 6

Underwater Easter Egg Hunt
Peter Rabbit kicks off weekend festivities with the “Underwater Easter Egg Hunt” at Beaverton’s Conestoga Aquatic Center. Kids ranging in age from infants to 13 years old are invited to join in the water-logged hunts, which will be divided by age, with those age 7 and under accompanied by an adult in the pool. Additional free activities include an inflatable play structure and arts and crafts during the event, which runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Participants are asked to register in advance for the fun night.

Saturday, April 7

Breakfast with Bunny
Spring Egg Hunt
Start off the morning with a pancake breakfast alongside the Easter Bunny at Cedar Hills Recreation Center, which runs from 9 to 9:40 a.m. The Easter Bunny and participants will then take time for photos, followed by the general egg hunt(s) at 10 a.m.–rain or shine.

Children ages 1 to 7 are invited to the hunt, and are asked to bring their own baskets to collect the eggs and candy. Cost varies based on participation in both events: all must register for the breakfast and hunt.

Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Join in the 52nd annual Easter Egg Hunt on the Pacific University campus in Forest Grove, a free tradition sponsored by the local Kiwanis Club. Participants will be divided into three age groups: 0-3 years; 4-6 years; and 7-10 years to all hunt for candy and several prize eggs at 9 a.m.

The Great Westside Family Easter Event
Join in this free event at the Washington County Fair Complex, where the egg hunts are every hour (based on kids’ ages) and the fun includes pony rides, a petting zoo, inflatable bounce houses, photos with the Easter Bunny, face painting and other fun. Food will be available for purchase. The event is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; see when egg hunts are scheduled.

Alpenrose Dairy Easter Egg Hunt – *** CANCELLED due to soggy conditions***

Tualatin Easter Egg Hunt
Kids ages 8 and younger are invited to the Tualatin Community Park for a free egg hunt at 3 p.m. This 38th annual event is sponsored by the Tualatin Lions Club, who will be collecting canned food donations.

Easter Bunny at Local Shopping Centers
Washington Square: This is the final day for photos with the Easter Bunny, who will be available 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. in Summit Court inside Washington Square. Here’s a bunny photo coupon for your visit.
Cedar Hills Crossing: The Bunny’s hours for this final day are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Bridgeport Village: It’s ‘Breakfast with the Bunny‘ at 8:30 a.m., tickets are $10; sponsored in part by Radio Disney.

Sunday, April 8

Egg Hunt at Garden Vineyards
Enjoy an egg hunt featuring both farm fresh eggs and chocolate at this Hillsboro vineyard. The hunt is at 11:30 a.m.; cost is $5 per family. Food and wine will be available for purchase, and Garden Vineyards is open until 5 p.m.

String Concert
Enjoy an Easter afternoon chamber music concert featuring songs of “love in the time of Shakespeare,” performed by the group ‘Music in Small Spaces’ at the Beaverton City Library Auditorium at 2:30 p.m. Tickets range from $5-$9, and will be available at the door. Music in Small Spaces members will also speak about the music.

Experience the Diversity of Oregon’s Washington County

Posted on: March 2nd, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

The Walters Cultural Arts Center is home to many culturally diverse performances.

Did you know that Oregon’s Washington County is the most culturally diverse county in the state? What does that mean for you, the visitor? It means you can experience a range of diverse cultural experiences and festivals, without having to renew your passport or leave the country.

Celebrate the Hindi spring festival, Holi (also known as Festival of Colors) at the Rang Barse ~ Holi Party at the Washington County Fair Complex (March 10; $15 for adults/$10 for children).

Each August, SakéOne (820 Elm St., Forest Grove), an American owned-and-operated saké brewery, hosts a Pacific Rim Festival (August 25; admission $5), celebrating the music, food, art (and saké) of Japan, Hawaii and the Pacific Northwest.

This year marks the second annual International Celebration (July 28, 2012 at the Howard M. Terpenning Recreation Complex, located at the intersection of 158th and Walker Rd.) which celebrates cultures from around the world through song, dance, arts and crafts and more.

Celebrate the luck o’ the Irish year round at the Winona Grange (8340 SW Seneca St.; Tualatin) with the “First Friday Live Irish Music and Dance” (the first Friday of each month; $10 for adults/$5 for students and 65+). These monthly events are produced by S and A Irish Entertainment, which also hosts Celtic concerts each month.

The Glenn and Viola Walters Cultural Arts Center, located in downtown Hillsboro, is home to a host of cultural music events. From spoken word events to dance and live music, the center features entertainment from around the world. Coming up is “Sampradaya: Traditions from Temple to Theater,” classical Bharatanatyam dance incorporating chants from ancient scriptures and the music and rhythm of ancient India (7:30 p.m., March 9; $20 in advance/$25 the day of show).

In April, the center will host the Oregon Mandolin Orchestra, which will be performing the music of Italy, including works from venerable composer Raffaele Calace as well as Italian classics, such as Feniculi-Fenicula (7:30 p.m., April 6; $15 in advance/$17 day of show). For a complete list of upcoming events at the Walters Cultural Arts Center, visit their website.

Film buffs may want to check out Joy Theater (11959 SW Pacific Hwy., Tigard), which shows Hindi and South Indian hit films. To learn more about this unique theater, read this blog post from  November 2010.

Finally, visitors can dine on some of the most authentic and exotic food from around the world, without having to leave the country. Beaverton has been praised for its variety of Korean restaurants, boasting some of the most acclaimed spots in the Greater Portland region!  If curry, masala and tandoori are your favorite flavors, try one of the area’s hottest Indian restaurants, also known as some of the best eateries in the area. Oregon’s Washington County also has a German, Mediterranean and Vietnamese restaurants, just to name a few of the many types of cuisine served here.

This is a sampling of the many experiences you can have here in Oregon’s Washington County.  Visit our website or our event calendar, updated weekly, for ideas of places to see, play and eat while visiting.