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What’s New in Oregon’s Washington County?

Posted on: June 4th, 2013 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Oregon’s Washington County is an ever-changing destination that offers adventure and surprises around every corner. With myriad attractions and activities, Washington County is the ideal destination for a day trip, weekend getaway or week-long visit.  Here’s a look at what’s new  this summer.

NEW EVENTS

Jousting will be a highlight of the Oregon Renaissance Festival. Photo courtesy of the festival.

Oregon Renaissance Festival

A renaissance of the Renaissance, the inaugural Oregon Renaissance Fair will bring together some of the most talented artists for non-stop entertainment for 13 days of merriment. This new event is not to be missed, and will run weekends from August 24 through September 29. Tickets on sale soon.

Raise a glass of local, craft brew to the Hillsboro Hops, a new Minor League, Single-A  baseball team. The Hops play its inaugural season starting this month through September. Many home games will feature fireworks, music and entertainment. (Individual game tickets, $7-16)

ATTRACTIONS

Campbell’s 3D Archery is a family owned and operated outdoor archery course, which opened in 2011 and features a challenging 25 target 3D course and practice range with shots up to 90 yards on 15 acres of land. The 3D course is now open for the summer, complete with new and updated 3D targets. (Open until October; rates: $5-15, bow rentals, $10 with advance reservations)

Tree to Tree Adventure Park has added two new obstacle courses to its aerial ropes adventure, which now boasts six levels of tree-top fun with more than 60 obstacles to master before zipping to the ground. (Open through October; reservations are required. Admission: $45, $75 and $110 for adults, $25, $35, $75, $90 and $100 for kids and ‘tweens)

SHOPPING

Peonies & Possibilities

Peonies & Possibilities

Peonies & Possibilities sells “vintage and unexpected treasures” in a quaint cottage in downtown Beaverton. Shop from a curated collection of antique and vintage furniture, dishes and glassware; home and gardening décor; jewelry and other unique gifts. (Open Tuesdays – Fridays, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

First created in Sunriver, Oregon, in 1984, Goody’s Candy Store is a family run company that makes handmade chocolates, candies and ice cream, and recently opened a new store in Beaverton. Goody’s manufactures approximately 20 tons of chocolate a year, and the store also stocks old-fashioned candies, chocolates, ice-cream treats and sodas at the shop.

FOOD & DRINK

Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar, a popular eatery and hot spot throughout Washington State, opened its first Oregon location in March at Bridgeport Village. The extensive food and creative cocktail and martini menus appeal to all palates. Each month, Twigs offers martini making classes, taught by its talented bartenders (reservations required).

Indio Spirits has been producing distilled spirits since 2004, and officially opened its first tasting room January 2013. Visitors to their new tasting room can sample whiskey, vodka–including flavored vodkas–rum and gin, as well as tour the distillery. Spirits and spirits-related gift items–including tasty barbecue sauce using Indio’s Canadian whiskey–are available for purchase at the tasting room. Read about our recent visit to Indio here. (Tasting fee, $5; open every Thursday-Sunday, times vary).

Read about new wine-tasting rooms open this summer >>>

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Cool Places to Beat the Heat

Posted on: August 3rd, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Looking for cool places to go to when temperatures rise in Oregon’s Washington County? We’ve got some ideas that fit that bill.

Hit the Water

Henry Hagg Lake, located in Gaston, approximately 45 minutes west of downtown Portland,  is the perfect watering hole for swimming in Oregon’s Washington County.  Visitors can water ski, jet ski, swim and fish (angling license required).

If a leisurely boat ride along a tranquil river is more your speed, then the Tualatin River may be your go-to spot. The river provides cool and calming recreation opportunities, and kayak and canoe rentals are available on a drop-in, first-come, first-served basis. Read more from an earlier blog post.

Shop Tax-Free

As hard as it is to believe, the start of the school year is just weeks away. Why not take this opportunity to take advantage of the back-to-school sales at Washington Square? Shop tax-free and save even more with a Shopping & Dining Visitor Rewards Book, chock-full of savings! Simply show your out-of-area identification at the Guest Services booth and start saving.

Play Some (Indoor) Sports

Bowling is a fun family sport, especially during days when you’d rather stay indoors. Oregon’s Washington County has several bowling centers filled with arcade games, food and snacks and more. Sunset Lanes and Big Al’s, both in Beaverton, have a hip, state-of-the-art vibe, while the Tigard Bowl provides a fun, no-frills bowling experience.

Want to try your moves on the ice instead? Don a pair of ice skates and head to the Sherwood Ice Arena. Try your best spin, or jump into a hockey pick-up game (check the public skating schedule for more information).

These are just some of the many indoor activities that will help you stay cool in hot temperatures.  Want more ideas to plan an Oregon’s Washington County getaway? Read our digital visitors guide for helpful tips.