Posts Tagged ‘Oregon’
December 9th, 2011 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan
Let’s face it, by the time winter rolls around, we’re ready for a break, and if you have kids-especially teenagers–you know they are chomping at the bit to get out of the house. Why wait until summer for a weekend or week-long getaway? Winter is a fabulous time to venture to Oregon’s Washington County. The following is quick look at what’s going on this season:
Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals
FOR ARTS & CULTURE BUFFS: ‘Tis the season for arts and culture to take the spotlight, from performing arts to art exhibitions.
- Local professional theatre companies Bag&Baggage and Broadway Rose offer a year-round slate of productions, including special holiday-themed performances.
- The Glenn and Viola Walters Cultural Arts Center has a strong performing arts calendar featuring a diverse array of musical performances, spoken word and poetry readings.
- Through April 12, 2012, the Washington County Museum is home to its latest exhibit, Snapshot!, an impressive and extensive collection of photography equipment, objects depicting home and farm life and numerous historic images.
- Print Arts Northwest has a calendar of several different art exhibitions with varying themes, featuring established and up-and-coming artists from the Pacific Northwest.
See the complete list of performing arts companies and venues, art galleries and museums and historical sites in Washington County.
FOR TEEN SPORTS FANS: See the brightest high school athletes compete in the annual basketball tournament and slam dunk contest.
Watch the college and NBA stars of tomorrow duke it out on the basketball courts when the annual Les Schwab Invitational hits the court December 26-30. This year’s tournament features the top basketball teams in Oregon and welcomes nationally ranked teams Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, VA), Yates High School (Houston, TX) and Riverside Academy (New Orleans, LA).
Great Blue Heron (Photo: Ed Bustya)
FOR WILDLIFE ENTHUSIASTS: Catch a glimpse, or take a photo of wildlife and birds as they “winter” in Oregon.
Not all birds fly south for the winter. Various species prefer to stay in the peaceful nature preserves of Washington County. Heron, geese, eagles, hawks, pheasants, quail, chickadees, wrens, and the occasional seagull, along with beavers, otters, coyote and deer, can be spotted in various locations throughout the area. Best places to view wildlife are the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge (TRNWR), Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve and Tualatin Hills Nature Park, to name a few. See what common, uncommon and rare species of birds and more can be found with the TRWNR’s handy Watchable Wildlife guide (PDF).
FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY: The family that plays together will find a host of winter-fun activities in Oregon’s Washington County.
It may be a challenge to find activities that will entertain teens, while inspiring adults. Try these family-friendly ideas on for size:
Countless hours of activities and a multitude of attractions are waiting to be explored in Oregon’s Washington County. The question isn’t what can you do in Washington County? It’s when can you get here?
Related Articles:
Tags: art, Bag&Baggage, basketball, Big Al's, bird, Broadway Rose, culture, family friendly, galleries, high school sports, history, Jackson Bottom Wetlands, Laserport, les Schwab Invitational, Museum, Oregon, Print Arts Northwest, Sky High Sports, Skyart Indoor Racing, Stoneworks Climbing Gym, things to do, Tualatin Hills Nature Park, Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, Walters Cultural Arts Center, washington county, Washington County Museum, watching, wildlife, winter
Posted in Events, Family Fun, Sports | No Comments »
November 21st, 2011 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan
Visiting Oregon’s Washington County this Thanksgiving and looking for ways to celebrate a weekend of gratitude? Are you a local seeking out things to do with your family and/or out-of-town guests? Look no further, we have some suggestions on how you can navigate this weekend with your wallet–and sanity–intact.
Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner Without All the Work
Several local restaurants will be serving traditional turkey dinner, with a local twist. Great meals, service and company will ensure a memorable Thanksgiving. Some restaurants include:
- Thirsty Lion at Washington Square (10205 SW Washington Square Road, Tigard) will be serving turkey dinner from 12-8 p.m. this Thursday. Dinner is $18.95, kids are $9.95. Reservations requested: 503-352-4030.
- McCormick & Schmick’s Fish House and Bar (9945 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway, Beaverton) and M&S Grill at Bridgeport Village (17015 SW 72nd Ave., Tigard) offer a three-course dinner with the trimmings for $23.95. Reservations requested: 503-643-1322 (Beaverton location)/503:684-5490 (Tigard location).
- Hale’s Restaurant (2755 SE Tualatin Valley Highway, Hillsboro) is putting a twist on the traditional by offering hot turkey sandwiches with homemade stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce.
See a complete list of restaurants in Oregon’s Washington County.
Tackle Black Friday with Tax-Free Shopping
Save some serious cash this season with tax-free shopping at two of the area’s premier retail centers, Washington Square (9585 SW Washington Square, Tigard) and Bridgeport Village (7455 SW Bridgeport Road, Tigard). Both offer free and ample parking and center-wide sales.
Support Small, Local Retailers on Small Business Saturday
Locally owned shops and boutiques are located throughout Oregon’s Washington County, featuring everything from clothing, artisan jewelry, art, gourmet food products and more. Here are a few suggestions to get your Thanksgiving Saturday started, all while supporting small, local retailers.
- Buy gifts, candles, gourmet food and locally produced jams, jellies and other goodies at Smith Berry Barn (24500 SW Scholls Ferry Road, Hillsboro).
- Celebrate the start of the holiday season at Sleighbells of Sherwood (23855 SW 195th Place, Sherwood), a holiday store filled with collectibles, ornaments, decor and treats, and celebrates the magic of the season year-round.
- Stash Tea‘s only retail store (7250 SW Durham Road, Tigard) is located right here in Oregon’s Washington County, and has a huge selection of 200+ loose-leaf and bagged teas and tea gift sets.
- Everything old is new again at the many antique shops that dot the region. Many antique shops–as well as a range of specialty shops–are located on Main Street in the cities of Sherwood, Hillsboro and Forest Grove.
View a list of malls, boutiques, antique shops and other retailers in Oregon’s Washington County.
Sip Locally Produced Wines on Sunday
Thanksgiving weekend is a magical time in Oregon Wine Country. Most of Washington County’s wineries are open during Thanksgiving weekend (Friday-Sunday), offering tastings, pairings and other festivities. Another thing to be thankful for? Tasting fees range from $5-15, making it the most affordable wine country destination in the northern Willamette Valley! Learn more.
No matter where you celebrate this season’s weekend of gratitude, we wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Planning a last minute trip to Oregon’s Washington County? Check out our Hot Deals.
Tags: antique shops, antiquing, beaverton, bridgeport village, Forest Grove, Hale's Restaurant, Hillsboro, holiday shopping, M&S Grill, Oregon, Oregon's Washington County, Sherwood, Shopping, Sleighbells of Sherwood, Smith Berry Barn, Stash Tea, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving wine weekend, things to do, Thirsty Lion, tigard, washington county, Washington Square, Willamette Valley, wine, wine tasting, Wineries
Posted in Events, Food & Drink, Holiday, Seasonal Fun, Shopping | No Comments »
September 14th, 2011 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan
Is it Art? Is it Science? Perhaps it’s both? Whatever it is, Live Laugh Love Glass is pretty cool.
There’s a new kid in town in Oregon’s Washington County, and this one will have you glowing with glee. Live Laugh Love Glass is a new glass-blowing studio, which opened last May in downtown Tigard. But this is no ordinary studio; it’s a large space allowing for individuals or groups to watch or participating in the scientific experiment of creating personalized creations and works of art from glass.
Under the guidance of a teacher, pieces of ice-cube glass and colored metals combine (that’s the science part) and become vivid, colorful creations of art.
This innovative studio offers more than classes. Curious onlookers can view the classes in action (trust me, it’s very fascinating to watch), purchase a finished work of art–most pieces made in the studio–or attend a dinner party and “hot shop” show, a one-of-a-kind, dinner-theater type experience where guests can participate in the creation of a glass art piece.
In the short time Live Laugh Love Glass has been open, travelers from throughout the globe have visited the shop, according to owners Brett and Natalie Vinsant. Visitors can take home a piece of their experience, whether it’s their own creation or an ornament previously hand-crafted in the studio.
Although it is difficult to put into words (you have to see it to believe it), it truly is an amazing experience, and the memories will be cherished for years to come.
Live Laugh Love Glass
12230 SW Main St. #B
Tigard, Oregon 97224
800.913.7015 (toll free) or 503.244.7811 (local)
Tags: art, art classes, art studios, dinner theater, food, glass blowing, hands-on activities, live laugh love glass, new attraction, Oregon, Oregon's Washington County, quirky, Shopping, things to do, tigard, washington county
Posted in Arts & Culture | No Comments »
August 31st, 2011 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan
Tree to Tree Adventure Park is one of several attractions in Oregon's Washington County that your teen will enjoy.
Traveling with teens can be a frustrating experience. Attractions that adults may find inviting, such as museums and art galleries, may be boring to the average American teenager. And kid-friendly spots can be too “babyish” for the finicky teen. As a parent to a teen, here is a handy guide of places that are fun for adults and are teen-friendly, too. (Although they will never acknowledge that they’re having fun, you know they are and will.)
For the Teen with a Sense of Adventure
Hands-down, Tree to Tree Adventure Park remains on the top of the list for teens when it comes to outdoor adventure. The thrill and excitement of playing in the trees while navigating a course of obstacles can bring out childlike enthusiasm in even the most jaded teenager.
Kayaking and canoeing is also a good pastime for teenagers, whether it’s a leisurely ride along the slow-moving Tualatin River, or a family race to an imaginary finish line. Boat rentals are available from the Tualatin Riverkeepers or Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe.
Bonding Time
Hagg Lake, located at Scoggins Valley Park, is one of several fishing spots perfect for a day of parent and teen bonding. Horning’s Fishing and Picnic Hideout also is another popular fishing hole, stocked with rainbow trout. As an added bonus, after a day of angling, try a game of disc golf at each of these locations.
For many, myself included, a great deal of bonding happens while shopping; however, we parents of teens know that this often creates some short-lived drama, so shop ’til you drop at your own risk.
Friendly Family Games
Washington County is chock-full of teen- and family-friendly hands-on activities: laser tag at Laserport, bowling at Big Al’s, outdoor go-kart racing at Malibu Raceway or indoor go-karting at Sykart Indoor Racing Center. For less competitive sports, try trampolining at Sky High Sports or rock climbing at Stoneworks Climbing Gym. (Some attractions are open during evening hours, which will keep your teen happy after the sun goes down.)
Teen-Friendly Dining
So you’ve hiked, biked and climbed your way to an appetite, and you ask, “Where can we go for dinner that has food my teenager will like?” Here are some local places that teens will enjoy, for the food, and the ambiance:
For the complete list of restaurants in Oregon’s Washington County, visit our dining page.
So, there you have it, a quick quide to exploring Oregon’s Washington County with teenagers. My own teenager helped me compile this list, so it has an unofficial stamp of approval. There are hundreds of other things to do and see while here, more than what’s on this list. Whatever you choose to do while visiting, we’re sure you (and your teen) will have a blast.
Tags: Adventure park, Alder Creek, beaverton, Big Al's, canoe, Canoeing, climbing gym, Cruise In, dining, Gaston, go-kart, Hagg Lake, Hillsboro, Hornings Hideout, kayak, kayaking, Laserport, Malibu Raceway, Nacho Mama's, North Plains, Oregon, Pastini Pastaria, rental, restuarants, Riverkeepers, rock climbing, Shopping, Sky High, Skyart, Stoneworks, teenager, teens, Thirsty Lion, tigard, travel, tree to tree, Tualatin, Tualative River, washington county
Posted in Family Fun, Outdoor Recreation, Recreation, Water Fun | No Comments »
August 22nd, 2011 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan
I have a confession to make: I’m not a cook. I have about four go-to dishes that I make pretty well: pork enchiladas, lasagna, crispy rice treats and fruit cobbler. (Chances are anyone who ever has attended the same potluck as I has had one of these four “signature” dishes.)
The secret to these four dishes is that they are all incredibly easy, as in 100% fool-proof. Simple ingredients, plus ample baking time, equal a quick homemade treat that is easy to prepare.
In celebration of blackberry season, which is winding down here in northern Oregon, I’m divulging one of my recipes that found its way in the repertoire, via a friend-of-a-friend-of-a-friend. This cake-like cobbler is a great way to showcase the fresh blackberries (or any other seasonal fruit) that can be found at any of Washington County’s farmers’ markets.
Blackberry “Qwick” Cobbler
PREHEAT oven to 375 degrees (F)
BOIL 2 cups fresh blackberries (other fresh fruit or canned fruit can be substituted)
(Optional: Add ¼ cup of sugar to fresh berries to sweeten)
MELT 1 cube (3 tablespoons) of butter in an 8×8 or 9×9 non-stick baking dish
MIX 1 cup of flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons of baking powder
1 teaspoons of vanilla (to taste)
POUR mixture into baking dish on top of the melted butter
TOP with berry mixture
BAKE @ 375 until golden brown (approximately 20- 25 minutes)
SERVE warm with dollops of whipped cream or ice cream
This recipe serves 6-8, and can be easily modified for larger (or smaller) servings. It keeps well and is even better the next day, warmed up in the micro.
Bon appétit!
Tags: berry cobbler, farmers markets, Oregon, recipe, washington county
Posted in Food & Drink | No Comments »
August 12th, 2011 by WCVA
Oregon’s Washington County Recreation Map Now Available
The Washington County Visitors Association just published its new Recreation Map, a sister publication to the overwhelmingly popular Bike Map.
With highlights of the area’s outdoor recreational areas, the Recreation Map provides a wealth of information about various outdoor activities, including hiking, nature walks, bird watching locations and paddling sites, including GPS coordinates, difficulty levels and contact information. Trailheads, parks, campgrounds, horse camping sites and other pertinent information are also pinpointed on the map.
In addition to recreational sites, the map includes the Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route, wineries throughout Washington County, golf courses, farms and farm stores, and other attractions in the area.
Recreation Map Highlights
- Bird watching sites
- Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route
- Parks and natural areas
- Golf courses
- Wetlands and open spaces
- Community and recreation centers
- Vineyards and wineries
- Day-use parks
- Camping sites
- Paved and unpaved recreational trails
- Historic sites
- Paddling sites
- Mountains/buttes
Request a FREE copy of the Recreation Map online, call 800-537-3149, or send us an e-mail at info@wcva.org.
Tags: Biking, bird watching, Golf, kayaking, lakes, map, Nature, Oregon, Oregon's Washington County, outdoor, outdoor recreation, paddling, parks, parks and recreation, recreation map, rivers, Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route, washington county, Wineries
Posted in Nature, Outdoor Recreation | No Comments »
May 6th, 2011 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan
I probably shouldn’t admit this, but it’s been years since I’ve ridden my bike. It’s not because of laziness, or some deep-seeded aversion to riding a bike. The chain is rusty, the seat ripped, and quite frankly, I don’t even know if the brakes work.
This month, however, there is more incentive to get that ol’ bike fixed and road-worthy. Why? May is Bike Month, and we just published a new bike map featuring bike-friendly paths and trails throughout Washington County.
Another incentive to fix up my bike is to ride the Banks-Vernonia State Trail, Oregon’s first rails-to-trails project, which is open to cyclists, hikers and equestrians. While I may not complete the entire 21-mile (one-way!) trail, I will be able to cover more ground on two wheels than by foot.
But who am I kidding? I am the queen of procrastination, and I probably won’t get my bike fixed, or even buy a new one. Instead, I may just rent some wheels and head off into the wild, green yonder that is Oregon’s Washington County.
VIDEO: Biking at L.L. “Stub” Stewart State Park
Tags: Banks, banks bike shop, banks-vernonia state trail, bike map, Bike Month, bike rental, Biking, Buxton, cycling, Forest Grove, L.L. "Stub" Stewart State Park, Olson's bike shop, Oregon, Oregon's Washington County, state parks, washington county, western Washington County
Posted in Biking | 1 Comment »
April 7th, 2011 by WCVA
When it comes to outdoor adventure, Oregon is tops! In Washington County, miles of beautiful countryside are waiting to be explored. From kayaking and cycling to birding and hiking, and so much more in between, the options are endless.
Activities and attractions such as Tree to Tree Adventure Park, the state’s only public aerial ropes course of its kind; Banks-Vernonia State Trail, a 21-mile trail open to hikers, cyclists and equestrians; and the Tualatin River, which is perfect for kayaks and canoes, are just a sample of the dozens of adventures to be discovered in Washington County.
Create your own Washington County journey via the Create Your Adventure Video Series, interactive videos that allow you to choose a couple’s Washington County adventure.
Don’t just sit there! Plan your Washington County Adventurecation today!
Tags: adventure, Adventurecation, banks-vernonia state trail, Biking, birding, camping, contest, cycling, Forest Grove, Gaston, getaway, hiking, Oregon, outdoor recreation, promotion, state park, Stub Stewart, trails, Travel Oregon, tree to tree, trip, video, washington county oregon, zip line
Posted in Biking, Contests and Promotions, Nature, Water Fun | No Comments »
March 21st, 2011 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan
This weekend marked the fourth annual gathering of dogs and their friends at Pooches on the Green, a “St. Paw-trick’s” event held each year in March. Guests were treated to free swag, including doggy treats, which sent tails wagging.
The crop of well-behaved pooches strutted their stuff during the dog parade, with curious onlookers shooting pictures of the dogs, some dressed up in their best costumes. Beaverton Mayor Denny Doyle was on hand to judge the contests, such as best kisser, silly pet tricks, best dressed and “face only a mother could love.”
If you missed this year’s Pooches on the Green, you can bet your shillelagh that it will be back next year!
This "cowardly lion" wasn't afraid to make a new friend.
The winner of the "best dressed" contest knows she's got the look.
Jack Russell Terriers came in droves to this year's events, such as our friend, Buddy.
"Kiss me, I'm Irish!"
Tags: beaverton, dog, dog events, Events, Family Fun, Oregon, pet friendly, St. Patrick's Day, washington county
Posted in Events, Family Fun | No Comments »
January 21st, 2011 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan
Montinore Estate
Crafting the perfect love potion is right at your fingertips. Put your blending skills to the test Valentine’s Day weekend at Montinore Estate, where guests can create their own wine “love potion”—a special Pinot Noir blend made from grapes from the three best Pinot blocks on the estate—to bottle and take home.
You don’t have to be a chemistry expert, or even a master winemaker, to make your own one-of-a-kind love potion. The steps are simple and follow the basic wine-tasting techniques. Simply swirl your glass, study the color of the wine, take in the aroma and sip the wine, drawing in air as you sip to taste the complex flavors. As you blend your wine, just a bit at a time, continue the process of using your four senses to create your perfect bottle of wine. The best part of all is that much like wine tasting, creating your own blend is a matter of personal taste.
Don’t miss out on your chance to take part in this hands-on experience, February 12-13, at Montinore Estate (3663 SW Dilley Road; Forest Grove, Oregon). Cost is only $45, and includes a bottle of your “love potion” and a tasting of two wine flights.
Montinore has additional information about this great event, as well as other fun happenings in its tasting room that weekend on its website.
For a list of all wineries in Washington County, visit our site, and don’t forget tickets to this year’s Wine Trail Weekend (April 9-11) go on sale Valentine’s Day weekend. Tickets will be available via the North Willamette Vintners.
Tags: Forest Grove, Montinore Estate, Oregon, tasting rooms, Valentine's Day, Valentines, washington county, weekend, wine, wine events, wine making, Wine Trail Weekend, Wineries
Posted in Events, Food & Drink | No Comments »
