— What’s the Word?In Washington County, Oregon —

Posts Tagged ‘Events’

Mother’s Day Weekend in Oregon’s Washington County

Posted on: May 3rd, 2013 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

If you’re in the area visiting your mother, or are planning to take her away for a Mother’s Day getaway, several events throughout Oregon’s Washington County will leave your mom feeling like a queen (and you will be anointed as the “favorite child” …  at least for the weekend).

Weekend-Long Events

NEW ADDITION: Alloro Vineyard winery is hosting a special chocolate and wine tasting this Mother’s Day weekend, Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sample exotic chocolates, paired with Alloro Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Local jewelry designer Jessica Moquin will be showing off her artisan wares at a special trunk show. Cost for the event is $15 per person.

The Barefoot Quilt Festival is a Mother’s Day weekend tradition.  The historic Jenkins Estate hosts this celebration of the art of quilting with displays, demonstrations and sales of quilt-related items, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m, May 11-12.

Also an annual tradition, Smith Berry Barn celebrates “Mom”  during its Mother’s Day Open House, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., May 11-12, with samples of gourmet foods and fine teas.

Enjoy Mother’s Day weekend with wine tastings, food and music, hosted by Garden Vineyards (to be held at a special location: 23800 NW Meier Rd. Hillsboro), Friday, May 10, from 5-10 p.m. and Saturday, May 11, from 12-10 p.m. Admission is $10 per person, per evening.

Saturday, May 11

Oregon’s largest all-agricultural market, the Beaverton Farmer’s Market, opens for the season at 8 a.m. More than 200 vendors, including Oregon Craft Distillers “local liquids,” where visitors can taste artisan beer, wine and spirits, and an impressive selection of flower baskets and bouquets, delicious baked goods and more. (Open Saturdays through November 23, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.)

Apolloni Vineyards is unveiling its new Tuscan-inspired wine cave, from 4-7 p.m. Enjoy special tastings, featuring an exclusive selection of library wines, with vintages dating back to 2012. Italian-style appetizers, gourmet cheese and charcuteries will be served. Cost to attend the event is $20 per person.

Enjoy a mother-daughter run at this year’s Hippie Chick Half & Quarter Marathon, starting at 8 a.m. This ladies-only event takes runners through Oregon’s Washington County’s flat, tree-lined streets, ending at the Gordon Faber Recreational Complex in Hillsboro.

Sunday, May 12

NEW ADDITION: Plum Hill Vineyards is hosting a Mother’s Day Wine Brunch, with delicious offerings, such as empanadas, quiche, stuffed endive leaves, Meyer lemon tarts and hibiscus caramel candies, paired with Plum Hill Wines. Bruch is $27 and may be purchased at the tasting room or by calling 503-359-4706.

NEW ADDITION: Celebrate Mom at the Mother’s Day Brunch at McMenamins Grand Lodge, in the Compass Room Theater. The menu will include sugar snap pea salad with mint and pine nuts, tortellini salad, breakfast breads and pastries, cottage-fried red potatoes, homemade biscuits and sausage gravy and a lot more. Brunch is $26 for adults; $15 for kids (5-12): free for kids 4 and under. Reservations are required, 503-992-9533; toll free, 877-992-9533.

The Holiday Inn in Wilsonville is hosting a Mother’s Day Brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This traditional buffet features carved prime rib, whole round of pork, oven-roasted salmon, pan-seared chicken scallopini, omelet station, taco bar, a variety of salads, signature desserts, chocolate fondue bar and more. Guests will enjoy unlimited coffee, orange juice and punch, and champagne for the adults. Prices are $25 per adult, $22 for seniors, $13 for children under 12, and free for kids under 5. Reservations are required, 503-682-2211.

Apolloni Vineyards is partnering with Sundial Specialty Baking for a Mother’s Day Brunch at 10 a.m. This four-course brunch will feature artfully crafted dishes, such as truffled deviled eggs, smoked salmon crepes, and sangria basil mousse served in a poppy seed cookie bowl. Each course will be paired with delightful white and rosé Apolloni wines. All-inclusive cost is $29. Reservations are required, 503-359-3606.

Celebrate Mother’s Day with Garden Vineyards (23800 NW Meier Rd., Hillsboro). Enjoy brunch and live music from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and take a stroll through the lush private gardens until 5 p.m. Cost is $35 per person. Reservations are required, 503-547-9046.

For more events and festivals happening in Oregon’s Washington County, please visit our Event & Festivals Calendar.

 

Find places to stay. | Create a personalized itinerary. | Find places to eat. | View the digital visitor guide.

 

 

Celebrate Independence Day in Oregon’s Washington County!

Posted on: June 29th, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Warm temperatures, fun activities and awe-inspiring fireworks mark a day of festivities this Fourth of July. So, if you’re planning to be in the Greater Portland region this Independence Day, or you are interested in visiting Oregon’s Washington County for the holiday, here is a sampling of what to expect:

Parade

Hillsboro 4th of July Parade
Parade starts at 10am at corner of Second and Main Streets

Berry picking is just one of several activities planned for the annual 4th of July Berry Festival at Smith Berry Barn.

Activities

Smith Berry Barn’s 4th of July Berry Festival, featuring berry picking, family activities, food and live entertainment (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Location:  Smith Berry Barn – 24500 SW Scholls Ferry Road, Hillsboro

Firecracker 100 Race, DAA Extreme Late Models vs. Dirt Car Super Late Models (6-10 p.m.); fireworks display immediately following race
Location: Sunset Speedway Park – 485 South Main Street, Banks, Oregon

Red, White and Celebrate, wine tastings, live music, new-release tastings, barrel samplings, and more (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Location: Wineries countywide

Fireworks Displays

Forest Grove’s 4th of July Celebration, with live music (8:30 p.m.) and fireworks show (10 p.m.)
Location:  Tom McCall School – 1341 Pacific Avenue

Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration (Tigard, Ore.) with kids’ activities, clowns, live music, concession stands selling light snacks. Gates open at 6pm; fireworks at dusk.
Location:  Tigard High School – 9000 SW Durham Rd.

Have a safe and fun 4th of July!

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.

The 2012-2013 Visitor Guide Debuts

Posted on: April 18th, 2012 by Angie Marsh No Comments

The latest and greatest Washington County Visitor Guide is now available, featuring articles highlighting the region, as well as listings and information about all the unique attractions the area has to offer. This is a different guide than in years past; its magazine-style look and feel is aimed at giving readers a sense of place and an insider’s look at what to do and see when visiting.

This edition is divided into several easy-to-navigate major categories:

The magazine-style Visitor Guide is now available!

Discover: Farmers’ Markets, kid-centered attractions, annual events and more
Around the Towns: A rundown of the area’s cities and communities and their history and highlights
Happy Trails to You!: Camping, biking, hiking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, picnicking, birdwatching, horseback riding–so much to do!
A Rich Tradition: History of winemaking here; Wine 101; regions of vintners in the area

The departments come next in the magazine, which include: play, harvest, shop, see, dine, stay and resources. These illustrate that there is, indeed, something for everyone in Washington County.

Additional details make the listings even more user-friendly, with a breakdown of restaurants by city, then divided by type of cuisine. An updated matrix shows all area hotels, bed & breakfasts and camping/RV parks and amenity details such as “pet friendly” and “outdoor pool.”

In order to navigate the county, the back of the book has an updated custom map, complete with new points of interest that include: kayak/canoe spots, farms open to visitors, and TriMet’s MAX light rail line. You’ll also find shopping centers, wineries, golf courses and recreation points, among other highlights.

Look for the guide to arrive soon at select Visitor Information Centers throughout Oregon, as well as Chamber offices in the County and select area hotels. Starting Friday, April 20, copies will be available for pick up at WCVA’s Visitor Center in Beaverton at 11000 SW Stratus St., Suite 170. Or request your own printed copy. The digital version is available here.

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.

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.

Warrior Dash Wins Again

Posted on: September 12th, 2011 by Angie Marsh 1 Comment

Tires, junk cars and 9 other obstacles made up the course.

In its second year here, Warrior Dash Oregon was a fire-jumping success for the 15,000 participants on Sept. 10 and 11.

The 3.12-mile obstacle course on the Horning’s Fishing and Picnic Hideout property was reportedly tougher than last year, with bigger Douglas Fir logs to roll over in the water; giant poles to slide down; and ropes that required more muscle to foist yourself up and over barriers.The 94-degree heat meant–for me–the muddy slide into the water/lake obstacle was the most enjoyable out of the 12 required to complete the course, or what organizers referred to as “the battleground.”  Though running with squishy, water-soaked tennis shoes up the steep slopes of Horning’s property was tricky.

The best part? The finish line. How often do you spend 58 minutes overcoming obstacles and get rewarded with cheers, a medal, and an “I survived” T-shirt?!

Climbing up and over the bridge? No sweat. The hill before it? A lofty goal.

This is how warriors wash.

Hello, mud pit! Next up, barbed wire!

Warriors triumph!

Tualatin Riverfront Music Festival

Posted on: August 29th, 2011 by Angie Marsh No Comments
The third annual Tualatin Riverfront Music Festival is Saturday, Sept. 10–and is sure to rock. Legendary soul diva Linda Hornbuckle is the headliner, and is a performer with a strong set of lungs and a fierce and friendly stage presence, as I’ve observed in person. Here’s a sample:

The Festival also features performances by jazz piano trio The Originals and singer-songwriter Tyler Stenson. To accompany the music, there will be food, beer from Max’s Fanno Creek Brew Pub, as well as a selection of wines available for purchase.
And it wouldn’t be a riverfront festival without the option to enjoy the river; kayaks will be available for rent for $5. Families can also enjoy an assortment of nature activities. All this fun takes place from 3 to 8 p.m. at Tualatin Community Park, and admission is $5 with ages 15 and younger free. Proceeds from the event benefit the Tualatin Riverkeepers in their effort to protect and restore the Tualatin River. More information or reply to the event invite on Facebook titled “Tualatin Riverfront Music Festival with Linda Hornbuckle.”

Celebrate Oregon Craft Beer Month Here

Posted on: July 6th, 2011 by Angie Marsh No Comments

Local beer served next to one of its key ingredients, Cascade hops.

July is officially Oregon Craft Beer Month, and the breweries in Washington County are joining in the fun with special events, releases and tastings. I recently sampled Vertigo Brewing’s Apricot Cream Ale, which was crisp and fruity, making it just right to quench my thirst for a refreshing summer beverage.
Here’s the rundown of when and where you can find equally tasty locally brewed beers and beer-centric events for the remainder of July:

Wednesday, July 20
Enjoy limited edition tastings and meet the brewers at McMenamins Oak Hills Brewpub.

Wednesday, July 27
Brewers at Cornelius Pass Roadhouse will tap a small-batch keg and answer questions.

Ongoing

Every Saturday: Fill your growler and get a $2 discount at Vertigo Brewing in Hillsboro.

Every Thursday, 2-4 p.m.: This is the window of time each week that Ambacht Brewing is open in Hillsboro, where you can taste the classic Ambacht Golden Farmhouse Ale, or the four others currently available: Porter, Matzobraü, Pie Cherry Pale and Pie Cherry Porter. If you can’t make this timeframe, their bottled beer is available for sale at both the Hillsboro Tuesday Marketplace (as well as by the glass there) and at Orenco Station’s Sunday Farmers Market this summer.

Every Tuesday, 7-8:30 p.m.: It’s Trivia Night at Fanno Creek Brew Pub, where even if you answer the question incorrectly, you still get to drink

Watch for taps around the Greater Portland area serving beer from Off the Rail Brewing, too. This Forest Grove-based brewery is distributing more and more!

I also recommend imbibing on the patio of the Old Market Pub & Brewery, where the Gravelberry Ale is a must.

Keep track of what local beer you’ve sampled with the new Oregon Craft Beer Month badge on UnTappd on your mobile device. Cheers!