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 Vineyards, in Sherwood, Oregon, is one of several wineries in Washington County offering special Valentine's weekend tastings.
- Alloro Vineyard (also pictured) (open Friday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and by appointment)
- Anam Cara Cellars (open during special events and by appointment only)
- Barron-Wahl Vineyards (starting in July, open Saturday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., please call in advance)
- Beckham Estate Vineyard (contact winery for information)
- Blakeslee Vineyard Estate (open by appointment only)
- Hawks View Cellars (open by appointment only)
- Quailhurst Vineyard Estate (open Saturday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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.