Posts Tagged ‘Shopping’
April 9th, 2012 by WCVA
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.
Tags: annual events, antiques, art galleries, bed-and-breakfast, breweries, dining, Events, family, Forest Grove, hotels, Lodging, Pacific University, sake, Shopping, university, vacation rental, Wineries
Posted in Attractions, Events, Farmers Markets, Food & Drink, Restaurants, Shopping, Wineries | No Comments »
March 6th, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan
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.
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.
Tags: alloro vineyard, Anam Cara, antiques, Barron-Wahl, Beckham Estate, brewery, DevonWood Equestrian, Dressage at DevonWood, Events, farm store, farms, Fat Milo's Kitchen, Hawks View Cellars, horse events, Lavender Tea House, Old Town, Oregon wine, Oregon's Washington County, Quailhurst Estate, Railroad Street Antique Mall, Robin Hood Festival, Sherwood, Shopping, Sleighbells Gift Shop, Sleighbells of Sherwood, tasting room, tea, teahouse, Tualatin River Bird Festival, u-pick farms, washington county, wine, wine tasting, Wineries, winery
Posted in Attractions, Events, Nature, Restaurants, Shopping, Wineries | No Comments »
January 18th, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan
Tualatin Hills Nature Park and Interpretive Center, located in the heart of Beaverton, is one of several attractions in this growing city.
Oregon’s Washington County encompasses 727 square miles and boasts 10 cities. Each month, we’ll be spotlighting each city and highlighting its various attractions. This month the featured city is Beaverton.
Beaverton is Washington County’s second-largest city, with a population of more than 90,000. Apparel giants Nike and Columbia Sportswear, Reser Foods, optical scope maker Leupold & Stevens, and makers of test and measurement equipment, Tetronix, are just some of the major companies that call this city home.
Nestled in the heart of the Tualatin Valley, Beaverton is surrounded by farm lands and natural resources, and boasts 30 miles of hiking trails and a 25-mile network of bike paths. It is home to a diverse array of attractions, dining and family entertainment centers, plus tens of miles of hiking trails and bike paths. Beaverton also is home to two wineries, which earn the acclaim of being the closest wineries to Portland.
Shop
Bibliophiles rejoice! Beaverton boasts a smaller version of the infamous independent bookseller Powell’s City of Books at Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing (3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd., Beaverton; 800-878-7323). With more than half-a-million used, new, rare and hard-to-find titles, it’s easy to spend half a day browsing the aisles of this iconic bookstore. See more shopping options in Beaverton.
Dine
Fresh Italian cuisine, prepared with locally sourced ingredients makes up the ever-changing menu of decarli restaurant (4545 SW Watson Ave., Beaverton; 503-641-3223). Inventive and delicious cocktails, diverse wine list, warm and inviting dining room, and hopping happy hour make decarli a must while in Oregon’s Washington County. Also in Beaverton is the venerable Hall St. Grill, which specializes in traditional American dishes prepared with a distinctive Northwest flair. For more dining options in Beaverton, and throughout Washington County, visit our dining page.
Play
Beaverton is home to two nationally-recognized wineries, Ponzi Vineyards (14665 SW Winery Ln., Beaverton) and Cooper Mountain Vineyards (9480 SW Grabhorn Rd., Beaverton), both noted for their exceptional wine and commitment to sustainable farming practices.
For those under the age of 21, Beaverton offers myriad family-friendly activities, from batting cages and laser tag to indoor rock climbing and bingo. See the complete list of attractions and activities for the entire family.
Explore
The 222-acre Tualatin Hills Nature Park and Interpretive Center features 1.5 miles of paved trail (which is ADA accessible) and four miles of secondary trails, each offering a relaxing journey through the ecologically diverse habitat that includes ponds, creeks, marshes and forests. The Interpretive Center offers programs and special events for all ages. The trails and the center are open year-round; admission is free. There are plenty of other places to explore in and around Beaverton. Check out our website for more interesting things to see in do here.
Cooper Mountain Nature Park, a 230-acre site, features 3.5 miles of trails that traverse the park and pass through a mosaic of oak and madrone woodlands, native prairies and conifer forests. The park also houses a demonstration garden and a play area for children.
Stay
The Beaverton area has a bed-and-breakfast, Rose Cottage Bed and Breakfast (3392 SW Delaney Pl., Portland), plus nearly a dozen hotels and motels.
If you’re in the Beaverton area, be sure to stop by the Washington County Visitors Association’s visitor information center (11000 SW Stratus St., Beaverton; 503-644-5555, open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., closed holidays) to pick up a visitor guide, area map, biking and recreation map and a host of additional material about Oregon’s Washington County.
Tags: attractions in Beaverton, attractions in Portland, beaverton, bed and breakfasts, bookstore, cedar hills crossing, Cooper Mountain Nature Park, Cooper Mountain Vineyards, Decarli, dining, Enchanted Garden, Hall St. Grill, hotels, motels, Nature, outdoor, Ponzi Vineyards, Portland restaurants, Powell's, restaurants, Rose Cottage, Shopping, Tualatin Hills Nature Park, visitor information, visitor information center, walking trails, Washington County Visitors Association, wildlife watching, wine tasting, Wineries, wineries in oregon
Posted in Attractions, Family Fun, Farmers Markets, Lodging, Nature, Outdoor Recreation, Recreation, Restaurants, Shopping | 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 »
December 21st, 2010 by Angie Marsh
No need to panic–the perfect, unique gift is still within reach! Here are a few ideas to make your Washington County shopping trip(s) merry and bright:
RedTail Golf Center, at 8200 SW Scholls Ferry Rd. in Beaverton, has an annual storewide holiday sale that continues through the end of the day Dec. 24, with the lowest prices guaranteed on holiday golfing gifts. Deals include: 50 percent off Callaway, Titelist and other wedges; bonus coupons for gift card purchases; 30 to 50 percent off men’s and women’s outerwear from name brands such as Nike and Adidas; and 25 to 50 percent off private one-on-one golf lesson packages.
In addition, gift wrapping is free. For details, click here
McMenamins is offering holiday gift packs for sale at all its locations. Gift pack options include 10 percent off a case of McMenamins wine, or an etched-glass growler plus a gift card good for ale refills. For more information, click here
There are “pop-up shops” (a.k.a. holiday tenants) this season for your shopping convenience; Canyon Place Shopping Center in Beaverton on Canyon Rd./117th Ave. has an express Toys R Us, and The Streets of Tanasbourne has Brookstone, Made in Oregon, Toy Zam and Drunken Monk for the season.
If you’re headed to Washington Square in Tigard, you can zero in on stores offering current deals, such as 30 percent off an entire purchase at The Gap, or 30 percent off already marked-down merchandise at Lucky Brand Jeans. Details here.
If you want a taste of Portland boutiques without paying for parking, try the following at Bridgeport Village: Goodnight Room for unique kids’ gifts, Bella Casa for unique home wares, or Oregon Scientific for the explorer on your list.
Happy shopping!
Tags: beaverton, bridgeport village, mcmenamins, RedTail Golf Center, Shopping, streets of tanasbourne, tigard, washington county oregon, washington square mall
Posted in Holiday, Shopping | No Comments »
December 6th, 2010 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan
I love shopping! Yet, I have to admit that holiday shopping sometimes can be more of a chore than a festive occasion. But it doesn’t have to be.
Here in Washington County, Oregon, there are a couple of shops that not only make holiday shopping fun again, they also make the season bright all year long. (And with no sales tax, shopping can also be a bargain!)
The holidays last all year 'round in Washington County, Oregon (Photo: Allison George)
Santa’s sleighbells ring year-round at Sleighbells of Sherwood, located in Sherwood. This magical place is the Northwest’s largest Christmas gift store, and it’s filled to the rafters with Christmas ornaments and holiday décor and gifts, plus candles, fudge and other food items. Throughout the year, collectors flock to Sleighbells, which offers collectibles for other holidays, as well, including Halloween, Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter and Independence Day.
Miki’s Christmas Shop, located in Forest Grove at Shafer Vineyard Cellars winery, celebrates the holiday season all year long with its wide variety of Christmas gifts and holiday collectibles from countries near and far. Miki’s Christmas Shop specializes in German smokers, traditional wooden German incense burners, and it stocks a large variety of Santa collectibles from around the world. This Christmas shop is unique as it’s the only shop of its kind with a winery. But don’t take our word for it, let’s hear from the Shafers themselves: Grants Getaways: Miki\’s Christmas Shop.
In Washington County, holiday shopping is a year-round activity. So, if you can’t get here before the holidays, don’t worry, we’ll keep the holiday candles burning for you.
Video courtesy of Travel Oregon
Tags: Christmas, collectibles, gifts, Holiday, holidays, Oregon, Shopping, washington county, wine
Posted in Family Fun, Holiday, Seasonal Fun, Shopping, Wineries | No Comments »
August 28th, 2009 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan
There are plenty of shopping options in Washington County to ensure you get what you need to send your kids to school in style.
First off, I have to admit that I love to shop. So, it is with excitement that it is, once again, time for back-to-school shopping. With only 11 days left until my daughter starts school – her freshman year of high school, at that – I am feeling the rush to finish up the back-to-school shopping.
If you’re anything like me, you’re feeling that rush too. Before you head out for your own last-minute shopping, why not make a quick visit to Washington County, Oregon? It’s a shopaholic’s dream, with its multitude of boutiques, brand-name fashion clothing stores, and top-of-the-line retailers. Need more convincing?
There’s no sales tax in Oregon! None. Zero. Zilch. Oregon has no sales tax, which makes back-to-school shopping a bargain (especially for those who are visiting from out of state).
Special offers and discounts are available to out-of-town shoppers! Bridgeport Village and Washington Square both offer discounts and incentives to out-of-town visitors, and Macy’s has a savings pass, specifically aimed at both domestic and international travelers. (Visit Washington Square’s website and Bridgeport Village’s site for more information and a list of participating partners and packages.)
Parking is FREE (and there’s lots of it)! Parking is a breeze at the major retail centers, such as Washington Square, Streets of Tanasbourne and Bridgeport Village, so you can spend more time shopping, instead of looking for a parking spot. Plus, you will have more dollars in your wallet for fun stuff, not parking tolls.
The art of shopping is always in fashion (and easy on the wallet) in Washington County. And with three major shopping and retail centers (each easily accessible from major highways) there is a large variety of stores to choose from, including many of the nation’s best-known shops, as well as local favorites.
Visit the shopping section of our website for a list of the myriad shopping experiences you can have all year round.
Tags: beaverton, bridgeport village, Hillsboro, mall, Shopping, shopping packages, streets of tanasbourne, tigard, Tualatin, washington county, Washington Square
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May 4th, 2009 by Sunyi
Hey Portland & Metro residents and visitors,
Here’s something free to check out while you’re out and about. Titanic: Treasures from the Deep, a new mobile museum featuring over 50 authentic artifacts recovered from the wreck site of the legendary RMS Titanic, tells the personal stories of its passengers in a setting unlike anything seen before. This experience will be on display at Washington Square in the parking lot near the Newport Bay Restaurant on the following days and times:
Thursday, May 7: 12pm – 8pm
Friday, May 8: 12pm – 8pm
Saturday, May 9: 12pm – 8pm
Sunday, May 10: 11am – 4pm
To learn more about the mobile museum, and to follow the Titanic: Treasures from the Deep tour, visit www.countrytitanic.com.
Kill two birds with one trip - shop and experience the Titanic!
Tags: Arts & Culture, mobile museum, Museum, Shopping
Posted in Arts & Culture, Events, Family Fun, Shopping | No Comments »
