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Posts Tagged ‘Sherwood’

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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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.

 

Haunted Jaunts

Posted on: October 19th, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Tales of haunted houses and ghost stories that will make your hair stand on end are an American tradition, especially around Halloween. In Oregon’s Washington County, those stories are not only legend, but have become stories to celebrate. Eerie tales from pioneer days of the area’s earliest settlers abound; however, the most bone-chilling are the stories about ghostly spirits from more recent times.

Haunted Museum

Located in the heart of Sherwood’s Old Town, the Morback House has been the subject of many ghostly tales. The house, which now is home to the Sherwood Historical Society and formerly housed the Sherwood Police Department, has been the site of paranormal activity, such as heavy footsteps on the central staircase and a tombstone appearing in front of a door, only to disappear as mysteriously as it appeared three days later. In 2009, the North Oregon Paranormal Investigators (ghost hunters) checked out the Morback House Museum to investigate, and were greeted by ghostly voices in the basement saying, “Go away; go away.”

Want to learn more about the ghostly happenings at the Morback House Museum? Watch the video: Watch the Video: “Haunted Museum in Sherwood, Oregon”

The Haunting of Knight Hall

Founded in 1849 as the “Tualatin Academy,” Pacific University (pictured, left) is one of the region’s oldest academic institutions.  Today, it is the site of one of Washington County’s most eerily haunting ghost, Vera.

As legend stands, Vera, a former music student at the school, died in Knight Hall (now the admissions building). Various stories exist about how Vera’s spirit came to inhabit the university, including one tale that she took her own life over an ill-fated love affair.

What is known about Vera is that for decades there have been many sightings of her. She has been heard singing and playing piano and voicing her displeasure at some students’ performances by audibly sighing or telling the budding pianists to “please stop.”

Each Halloween, Pacific University students hold an event, “A Night in Knight Hall,” where students spend the night in the building and attempt to communicate with Vera’s ghost.

Haunted Hotel

McMenamins Grand Lodge (pictured, right) is a stately European-style hotel with a storied past. Built in 1922 as the Masonic & Eastern Star Home, the property originally served as a rest home for Master Masons, their widows and orphans. It has since become synonymous with many strange happenings, aided in part by its colorful wall décor–Masonic imagery and symbols and historical photographs, giving the hotel a uniquely eerie feel.

Various locations throughout the property have been witness to alleged paranormal and unexplained activities. Perhaps the best-known spirit at the Grand Lodge is the “Lavender Lady,” whose presence is known not just by the guest room named in her honor, or by her likeness painted on a wall mural. When the “Lavender Lady” is around, an unmistakable strong lavender scent permeates the hallway.

Stories of the Grand Lodge’s haunting have flourished for years and are folklore for ghost hunters . The hotel’s guests and staffers have shared their tales and sightings in the “ghost log,” which is kept at the front desk to record the strange happenings at the property.


The Phantom of the Theatre

The Venetian Theatre and Bistro, a movie and live performance theatre, bistro and wine bar, (pictured, left) is a site of recent paranormal activity. The building, located in downtown Hillsboro, has experienced a series of mysterious events: unexplained water leaks, lights and music magically being turned on, ghost-like apparitions, and more. These events spooked enough people to warrant bringing in professional ghost hunters.

Last year, a team of paranormal investigators were called in to check out the otherworldly happenings in the building. During the investigation, one especially chilling event happened in the projection room of the theatre.  The lead investigator asked the spirit in the only climate-controlled room in the building, to change the temperature. The temperature went from 70 degrees up to 78 degrees, then down to 68 degrees, the preferred temperature for the room.

Long after Halloween is over, these spooky spirits remain, with sightings year-round. Check out the sites for yourself. The next time you smell lavender, it just may be the Lavender Lady welcoming you to Washington County.

Related post:

 

(Parts of this post were originally published October 2010)

 

Winged Opportunities in Washington County

Posted on: April 2nd, 2012 by Angie Marsh 2 Comments

As migratory songbirds flutter into the area this spring, their presence will be captured on cameras, celebrated with a festival and altogether watched and enjoyed. Whether it’s joining in the weekly “Lunch with the Birds” event or enrolling in the workshop “Wildlife Photography Opportunities in Oregon,” this is a time to celebrate a changing season for birdwatching.

Migrating waterfowl are spotted in the area every spring. Contest photo by Shawn Weishaar.

Visit Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve in Hillsboro this spring to see the migratory birds that are arriving. A “Spring Bird Walk” is Wednesday, April 4, at noon that follows mostly flat trails around the Preserve and to the feeding stations to observe the visiting birds. “Lunch With the Birds” is Wednesdays at the  Preserve in Hillsboro and typically offers sightings of bald eagles and great blue herons; migrating species are seen in spring as well.

The Audubon Society of Portland hosts a walk with two leaders around Dawson Creek Park in Hillsboro on Sunday, April 8 to see an assortment of waterfowl as well as Acorn Woodpeckers. Bring binoculars and meet at 9 a.m. at the north end of the parking lot of the Hillsboro Library at 2850 NE Brookwood Parkway in Hillsboro; the walk is until noon.

In May, join Friends of Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge for three days of guided workshops, field trips and seminars during the new three-day event, “Focus on Nature: A Weekend of Learning About Wildlife through Your Camera Lens.” Presenters include well-known nature photographers, optics specialists and local birding experts; options include nine fee-based classes and two free workshops, which run Friday, May 11th through Sunday, May 13th at the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge in Sherwood. The signature event will be an evening presentation by Arthur Morris, a premier bird photographer and author.

Also in May is the Tualatin River Bird Festival, a signature annual event that offers bird and habitat walks, workshops and winery eco-habitat tours. This year it runs Friday, May 18 through Sunday, May 20, at the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge and includes a diversity of family-friendly activities celebrating wildlife and wild places. Participate in guided bird and habitat walks and hands-on conservation activities geared toward kids, such as building a bat house. Enjoy live bird shows, music, storytelling and food. Go canoeing with the Tualatin Riverkeepers (in Tigard). Listen to a presentation by John Muir about the history of American conservation. View the winning photographs of the recent nature photography contest. Explore exhibits and products promoting wildlife and greenspaces. On Saturday, there will be free offsite parking and a shuttle service. This event is hosted by the Friends of Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

For more about birds in the area, use the comprehensive guide “Watchable Wildlife.” Be sure to check out our list of area parks for ample bird-watching opportunities throughout the County as well.

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.

The Changing Beer Here

Posted on: January 13th, 2012 by Angie Marsh 1 Comment

While Pinot has put Oregon wine on the map, microbrewing has carved a niche for Oregon beer, and breweries and brew pubs in Oregon’s Washington County are multiplying each year.

The beer here is defined by the local hops, thanks to hop plants (shown in background).

The newest addition to the area is Golden Valley Brewery in Beaverton, which is slated to open in late January. The success of Golden Valley’s initial brewery in McMinnville led to this expansion to a second location that mirrors the first, with an emphasis on serving food from local suppliers–even all-natural beef from the owners’ ranch for its burgers and steaks, as well as a selection of sandwiches, salads and seafood. As a brewery, it will serve its own original craft beer, such as Chehalem Mountain IPA, as well as beers that change when the seasons do–including award-winning “Tannenbomb” in the winter months.

The new location’s patio, banquet room, and so much more will be housed in its 9,000 square feet of space–including about 10 taps for its delicious draft beer. The eatery will also include a full bar with liquor, a regional wine list and specialty drink menu.

For other seasonally delicious beers, venture to Old Market Pub and Brewery. The beer names tell the story: Mr. Toad’s Wild Red Ale, Old Granny Smith, Mr. Slate’s Gravelberry Ale and Pacific Porter, among others. This and the tater tots “covered in molten liquid cheese” and other menu items–soups, specialty salads, pizzas, pastas–pair well with the beer selections.

Another popular Washington County brewery with a Portland address is Art Larrance’s Raccoon Lodge and Brewpub. Seasonal beers are, well, always in season, and the iconic beer is the “Portland Ale.” Choices include: Razberry Wheat (summer), Back to School Bitter (fall) and the Pub Crawl Porter, among others. Be sure to try the award-winning sour beer. Select beers are discounted during happy hour.

For another one-of-a-kind brewpub, head to Main Street in Tigard for a pint at Fanno Creek Brewpub. Again, the beer names tell all: Vanilla Cream Porter, Dry Hopped Pacific Red, Raspberry Stout, Imperial Majesty IPA and more.”Hoppy Hour” is offered twice daily to enjoy quesadillas, nachos or a salad with the craft beer in this spacious brewpub.

A brewpub round-up would not be complete without naming the McMenamins brewpub establishments in the area, all of which you can count on to offer: Terminator Stout, Hammerhead Pale Ale, Ruby and IPA–as well as Northwest-style pub fare. In Tigard is John Barleycorns, a Cathedral-shaped building with an outdoor terrace. In Hillsboro, enjoy the classic Cornelius Pass Roadhouse & Imbrie Hall, a former farmstead with a lot of outdoor summer seating. In Southwest Portland, have a seat at the Oak Hills Brewpub to peer through the large interior windows at the active onsite brewery while enjoying the latest nitro beer on tap.

No discussion about Oregon beer is complete without mentioning local breweries with tasting rooms. Similar to wine tasting rooms, these breweries do only one thing: they serve beer.  Beer tasting rooms in Washington County include: Ambacht Brewing, Vertigo Brewing, Off the Rail Brewing and Two Kilts Brewing Company.

We wish you well on your journey through Oregon’s Washington County beer country.

It’s Tea Time!

Posted on: December 2nd, 2011 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

The Lavender Tea House

As a child living in England, I adored tea time. My childhood memories of having a spot of tea (with milk, of course), scones with a dab of lemon curd, and cucumber sandwiches remain among the fondest, and now I can relive those days of yore at the quaint English-style tea houses located here in Oregon’s Washington County.

The Lavender Tea House (16227 SW 1st. St., Sherwood) is housed inside a Queen Anne Victorian, originally built in 1896, located in the heart of Old Town Sherwood. Enjoy a lovely selection of freshly made sandwiches, scones and a variety of teas with all the accompaniments. Reservations are recommended.

Tea’s Me (1601 B SE River Road, Hillsboro) has a themed menu that changes monthly, complete with a wide variety of all-natural and organic teas, freshly baked scones served with traditional English curd and cream, plus finger sandwiches and more. Tea’s Me also is a gift shop, offering tea pots, sets, cups and accessories. Reservations are recommended.

Tea Thyme and Lavender (12675 SW 1st St., Beaverton) is part antique shop, part tea house. Located in downtown Beaverton, walking into this quaint shop is like going back in time.  Tea Thyme offers a variety of teas, sweets, sandwiches and more, plus loose-leaf tea may be purchased by the package. Throughout December, a “Christmas Tea” is available, featuring soup, sandwiches and sweets for $25 per person.  Reservations are required.

And, of course, no conversation about tea in Oregon’s Washington County is complete without mentioning the Stash Tea Retail Store (7250 SW Durham Road, Tigard). While not a tea house, per se, this retail shop of the popular tea brand sells more than 200 varieties of loose-leaf and 80 varieties of bagged teas, as well as tea gifts, pots, cups and accessories. Plus, there’s always a hot pot of tea available to taste-test their signature teas (complimentary tastings).

If English tea time is your, well, cup of tea, you’re bound to find a spot that will allow you a jolly good time, without all of the pomp and circumstance.  Cheers!

Santa & Mrs. Claus Appearances

Posted on: November 28th, 2011 by Angie Marsh No Comments

Santa has a busy schedule in Washington County this holiday season. At some events, Mrs. Claus will be joining him as well. To catch a glimpse–and maybe even a photo–of Santa, plan to attend one of these many festivities:

There are ample opportunities to see Santa nearby this season!

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

Mrs. Claus and some of the elves 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. 3; Saturday, Dec. 10; Tuesday, Dec. 13; Thursday, Dec. 15; and Saturday, Dec. 17.

Storybook Lane/Christmas in Dairyville
Alpenrose Dairy – Portland

The popular Storybook Lane is back, complete with holiday trees, lights and Santa. Storybook Lane and Santa’s House are open weekends in December–11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Santa’s Pizza Party
John’s Incredible Pizza Company – Beaverton

Santa, Mrs. Claus and John’s ‘Incredibear’ will join in the fun of eating pizza for breakfast on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 8 to 10 a.m.

Santa Sing-Along
Broadway Rose New Stage Auditorium – Tigard

Santa presents a lively sing-along and storytelling event for all ages. Broadway Rose Theater Guild performers will lead the singing of favorite carols along with live accompaniment, followed by stories read by Santa. This one-time event is Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Santa Helicopter Fly-in
Sherwood Plaza

Santa arrives in style via helicopter on Saturday, Dec. 3 at noon and will visit until 4 p.m. Photos with Santa are $5 or two cans of food, all of which benefits a food bank.

Victorian Christmas Celebration
John Tigard House – Tigard

Santa will be on hand Saturday, Dec. 3 as part of the Tigard Historical Association’s annual Victorian Christmas Celebration. Santa will be chatting and handing out candy canes, as well as enjoying the free hot cider and cookies, from noon to 3 p.m.

Breakfast with Santa
Loch Lolly Christmas Forest – North Plains

Enjoy breakfast on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 9 a.m. alongside Santa. Reservations recommended.

Santa will also be in his antique sleigh on weekends (Dec. 3,4, 10 and 11) waiting for the children to come visit with him. His reindeer will also be on hand through Dec. 4.

Santa Visit
Hagg’s Tree Farm – Hillsboro

Santa visits the farm on Saturday, Dec.3; Sunday, Dec. 4; Saturday, Dec. 10; and Sunday, Dec. 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Santa at Community Tree Lighting Celebrations
Friday, Dec. 2 :
Santa & Mrs. Claus at Beaverton Tree Lighting
Saturday, Dec. 3:
Santa at the Tualatin Commons, 7:30ish p.m.
Santa at “Holly Days” Hillsboro Market, 2 p.m.
Santa at the Sherwood Winter Festival (arriving via helicopter, as noted above)
Details

Breakfast with Santa
Grand Lodge – Forest Grove on Saturday, Dec. 10 & Sunday, Dec. 11
Cornelius Pass Roadhouse – Hillsboro on Saturday, Dec. 17 & Sunday, Dec. 18

Enjoy a delicious breakfast with all the fixins, and a personal meeting with Santa. Choose either 9 a.m. or 11 a.m. on the weekend days listed above. Advance tickets are recommended.

Santa at Local Shopping Centers
Santa is also making scheduled appearances at the following locations:

Washington Square – All day, every day through 6 p.m. on December 24
Cedar Hills Crossing – Hours every day in his festive cottage
Bridgeport Village – Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 3, 10 and 17

Navigating Oregon’s Washington County this Thanksgiving Weekend

Posted on: November 21st, 2011 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

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.