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Mother’s Day Weekend in Oregon’s Washington County

Posted on: May 3rd, 2013 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

If you’re in the area visiting your mother, or are planning to take her away for a Mother’s Day getaway, several events throughout Oregon’s Washington County will leave your mom feeling like a queen (and you will be anointed as the “favorite child” …  at least for the weekend).

Weekend-Long Events

NEW ADDITION: Alloro Vineyard winery is hosting a special chocolate and wine tasting this Mother’s Day weekend, Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sample exotic chocolates, paired with Alloro Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Local jewelry designer Jessica Moquin will be showing off her artisan wares at a special trunk show. Cost for the event is $15 per person.

The Barefoot Quilt Festival is a Mother’s Day weekend tradition.  The historic Jenkins Estate hosts this celebration of the art of quilting with displays, demonstrations and sales of quilt-related items, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m, May 11-12.

Also an annual tradition, Smith Berry Barn celebrates “Mom”  during its Mother’s Day Open House, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., May 11-12, with samples of gourmet foods and fine teas.

Enjoy Mother’s Day weekend with wine tastings, food and music, hosted by Garden Vineyards (to be held at a special location: 23800 NW Meier Rd. Hillsboro), Friday, May 10, from 5-10 p.m. and Saturday, May 11, from 12-10 p.m. Admission is $10 per person, per evening.

Saturday, May 11

Oregon’s largest all-agricultural market, the Beaverton Farmer’s Market, opens for the season at 8 a.m. More than 200 vendors, including Oregon Craft Distillers “local liquids,” where visitors can taste artisan beer, wine and spirits, and an impressive selection of flower baskets and bouquets, delicious baked goods and more. (Open Saturdays through November 23, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.)

Apolloni Vineyards is unveiling its new Tuscan-inspired wine cave, from 4-7 p.m. Enjoy special tastings, featuring an exclusive selection of library wines, with vintages dating back to 2012. Italian-style appetizers, gourmet cheese and charcuteries will be served. Cost to attend the event is $20 per person.

Enjoy a mother-daughter run at this year’s Hippie Chick Half & Quarter Marathon, starting at 8 a.m. This ladies-only event takes runners through Oregon’s Washington County’s flat, tree-lined streets, ending at the Gordon Faber Recreational Complex in Hillsboro.

Sunday, May 12

NEW ADDITION: Plum Hill Vineyards is hosting a Mother’s Day Wine Brunch, with delicious offerings, such as empanadas, quiche, stuffed endive leaves, Meyer lemon tarts and hibiscus caramel candies, paired with Plum Hill Wines. Bruch is $27 and may be purchased at the tasting room or by calling 503-359-4706.

NEW ADDITION: Celebrate Mom at the Mother’s Day Brunch at McMenamins Grand Lodge, in the Compass Room Theater. The menu will include sugar snap pea salad with mint and pine nuts, tortellini salad, breakfast breads and pastries, cottage-fried red potatoes, homemade biscuits and sausage gravy and a lot more. Brunch is $26 for adults; $15 for kids (5-12): free for kids 4 and under. Reservations are required, 503-992-9533; toll free, 877-992-9533.

The Holiday Inn in Wilsonville is hosting a Mother’s Day Brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This traditional buffet features carved prime rib, whole round of pork, oven-roasted salmon, pan-seared chicken scallopini, omelet station, taco bar, a variety of salads, signature desserts, chocolate fondue bar and more. Guests will enjoy unlimited coffee, orange juice and punch, and champagne for the adults. Prices are $25 per adult, $22 for seniors, $13 for children under 12, and free for kids under 5. Reservations are required, 503-682-2211.

Apolloni Vineyards is partnering with Sundial Specialty Baking for a Mother’s Day Brunch at 10 a.m. This four-course brunch will feature artfully crafted dishes, such as truffled deviled eggs, smoked salmon crepes, and sangria basil mousse served in a poppy seed cookie bowl. Each course will be paired with delightful white and rosé Apolloni wines. All-inclusive cost is $29. Reservations are required, 503-359-3606.

Celebrate Mother’s Day with Garden Vineyards (23800 NW Meier Rd., Hillsboro). Enjoy brunch and live music from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and take a stroll through the lush private gardens until 5 p.m. Cost is $35 per person. Reservations are required, 503-547-9046.

For more events and festivals happening in Oregon’s Washington County, please visit our Event & Festivals Calendar.

 

Find places to stay. | Create a personalized itinerary. | Find places to eat. | View the digital visitor guide.

 

 

Farm-to-Table Dinners

Posted on: March 20th, 2013 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Smith Berry Barn will be hosting two Plate & Pitchfork farm-to-table dinners this summer.

Plate & Pitchfork is one of the Greater Portland area’s most popular farm-to-table dinners. Many of the region’s hottest chefs, farmers and winemakers will be collaborating to bring the freshest, locally produced food directly from the farm to your table in a gastronomic celebration that has become a beloved tradition during the summer months.

The evening starts with a wine tasting reception with the guest winemaker, followed by a farmer-led tour of the host farm. The exquisite dinner consists of a family-style meal prepared by some of the Portland area’s hottest chefs, who artfully crafted the meal with ingredients picked fresh from the host farm.

This year, we’re excited that four of these signature dinners will be held in Washington County:

  • Chef Johanna Ware of Smallwares, an “inauthentic” restaurant in Northeast Portland, and Chef Anthony Cafeiro of the new modern tapas restaurant Racion will prepare an exciting meal paired with wine from Forest Grove’s Apolloni Vineyards at Smith Berry Barn in Hillsboro (July 20, 5 p.m.; $125).
  • Also at Smith Berry Barn, Chef Matthew Busetto of Firehouse and Gretchen Glette of Woodlawn Coffee & Pastry will feature their delicious culinary concoctions paired with wines from Grochau Cellars (July 21, 5 p.m.; $125).
  • Chef Benjamin Bettinger of Imperial, Chef Vitaly Paley’s Southwest Portland restaurant; Chef Dustin Clark of  Wildwood, founded by James Beard Award winner, Corey Schreiber; and Chef Erik Van Kley, of Little Bird Bistro (the sister restaurant to multiple-award-winning French restaurant Le Pigeon) will be preparing an amazing meal, paired with Brooks Wines from Amity, Oregon, at Sun Gold Farm, a sustainable farm in Forest Grove (August 17, 5 p.m.; $135).
  • Also at Sun Gold Farm, Chef Chris DiMinno of the European-style tavern Clyde Common and Chef Gregory Gourdet of Departure, which specializes in modern Asian cuisine, will showcase their culinary talents with Love & Squalor Wines (August 18, 5 p.m.; $135).

Tickets are $125-$135 (all-inclusive), and go on sale today (March 20). Vegetarian meals are available. These events typically sell out quickly, so if you’re planning a visit to Oregon’s Washington County this summer, purchase your tickets early. For more information about these events or to purchase tickets, visit Plate & Pitchfork’s website.

Plan an Oregon’s Washington County “plate and pitchfork” farm-to-table getaway today!  Use our Trip Planner to create a personalized itinerary. Don’t forget to add to your planner a trip to a u-pick farm to pick your own berries, or take a trip to one of the regions many farmers’ markets to sample the fresh-picked produce of the season.

For more travel planning tips, view our digital visitor guide.

 

Celebrate Independence Day in Oregon’s Washington County!

Posted on: June 29th, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Warm temperatures, fun activities and awe-inspiring fireworks mark a day of festivities this Fourth of July. So, if you’re planning to be in the Greater Portland region this Independence Day, or you are interested in visiting Oregon’s Washington County for the holiday, here is a sampling of what to expect:

Parade

Hillsboro 4th of July Parade
Parade starts at 10am at corner of Second and Main Streets

Berry picking is just one of several activities planned for the annual 4th of July Berry Festival at Smith Berry Barn.

Activities

Smith Berry Barn’s 4th of July Berry Festival, featuring berry picking, family activities, food and live entertainment (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Location:  Smith Berry Barn – 24500 SW Scholls Ferry Road, Hillsboro

Firecracker 100 Race, DAA Extreme Late Models vs. Dirt Car Super Late Models (6-10 p.m.); fireworks display immediately following race
Location: Sunset Speedway Park – 485 South Main Street, Banks, Oregon

Red, White and Celebrate, wine tastings, live music, new-release tastings, barrel samplings, and more (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Location: Wineries countywide

Fireworks Displays

Forest Grove’s 4th of July Celebration, with live music (8:30 p.m.) and fireworks show (10 p.m.)
Location:  Tom McCall School – 1341 Pacific Avenue

Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration (Tigard, Ore.) with kids’ activities, clowns, live music, concession stands selling light snacks. Gates open at 6pm; fireworks at dusk.
Location:  Tigard High School – 9000 SW Durham Rd.

Have a safe and fun 4th of July!

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.

Apples to Apples: It’s Apple Season!

Posted on: October 7th, 2011 by Angie Marsh 3 Comments

Area festivals celebrate all things apple.

Just as the crisp, cool air of Fall settles in, so do the Honeycrisp, Gala and so many more varieties of apples ripen in the orchards of Oregon’s Washington County. In celebration of the season and its harvest, there are multiple festivals devoted to all things apple:

Applefest at Oregon Heritage Farms
Saturday, Oct. 8, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Oregon Heritage Farms in Hillsboro holds its annual apple celebration, which is particularly noted for the caramel apples, as well as the apple cider and apple samplings. The fest includes: live Bluegrass music, a hay maze, a hay ride, a giant apple to jump in, an apple launcher, face painting and a balloon artist. The farm store was remodeled recently and now has additional crafts and treats for sale. There are also pumpkins for sale and the pumpkin patch is open, and the farm animals are available for petting! Proceeds benefit local high school ski teams.

Heirloom Apple Festival at Smith Berry Barn
Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 15-16, noon – 4 p.m.

Join in the tradition as this year marks the 18th annual Heirloom Apple Festival at Smith Berry Barn in Hillsboro. Enjoy a variety of heirloom and modern varieties of apples and pears fresh from their orchard. Enjoy freshly dipped caramel apples, hot apple cider and  homemade apple pie, made from an assortment of apple varieties. Boy scouts will also be selling bratwurst and hamburgers.
Live music includes a “country, blues & swing” band on Saturday and a mandolin player on Sunday. Kids activities include a straw pile treasure hunt, a straw maze, face painting, hayrides and meeting alpacas on hand from EasyGo Farm. Adults are invited to sample pinot noir and pinot gris from Provincial Vineyards.

Cedar Mill Cider Festival
Sunday, Oct. 16, 1 – 4 p.m.

The fifth annual free Cedar Mill Cider Festival, sponsored by Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District, features local boy scouts turning antique cider presses to make fresh apple cider on the grounds of the historic John Quincy Adams Young house in Northwest Portland. There will also be BBQ sandwiches as well as apple crisp. Entertainment includes live bluegrass music and the THPRD rec mobile with kids games and activities.
Dinihanian’s Farm Market will be on hand with fresh apple cider to take home, along with apples and other great produce from local farms. And you can pick out a pumpkin for Halloween! Local craft vendors will have booths, and a history tent will provide information about the historic 1869 house and grounds, and the fundraising effort to restore it.

See the complete list of Washington County’s farms and markets (please note, some berry farms and farm stands may be closed for the season).

 

 

Fruits of the Autumn Bounty

Posted on: September 6th, 2011 by WCVA No Comments

German Sausage with Apples and Sauerkraut Made with Oregon Apples and Other Fabulous Finds at the Farmers’ Market

It is almost apple season here in the Pacific Northwest.  A long, cool spring and delayed summer means a late harvest this year, but rest assured, Oregon-grown apples will be ready for the pickin’ soon.  In preparation for apple season, we’re sharing one of our favorite autumn recipes from our visitor information specialist, Marie Prins.  Many ingredients are available at many of Washington County’s farmers’ markets, and specifically, the Beaverton Farmers Market, which is open Saturday through October (and reopens for one day, Nov. 19, for its annual special Harvest Market).

GERMAN SAUSAGE WITH APPLES & SAUERKRAUT

(Serves 2)

4  Fetzer Bratwurst or Weisswurst sausages
1 – 2    Apples – Granny Smith or Braeburn are good
10 oz.    Apple juice
16 oz.    Sauerkraut
Olive oil (about 1-2 tablespoons – enough to coat the bottom of the pan)

  • Core apples and slice approximately ½ inch thick.  To prevent the slices from turning brown put in water with lemon juice.
  • Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat.  Add sausages to pan and sear them so that you end up with some caramelization in the bottom of the pan.  Remove from pan and keep warm.
  • Pat apple slices dry and place in skillet – cook 1-2 minutes on each side – just enough time for the slices to pick up the caramelization.  Remove apple slices from pan.
  • Drain sauerkraut and lightly rinse with water.  Add to skillet with apple juice and stir.
  • Place sausage on top of sauerkraut and the apples on top of the sausage.
  • Bring sauerkraut/apple juice mixture to a boil.  Cover the skillet, reduce heat so that mixture is just simmering, and continue cooking until sausages are heated through (10 – 15 minutes).
  • Serve with hot buttered noodles, a vegetable (green beans are great) and your favorite mustard for the sausage.

Cooking Notes:

  • It’s best to use a firm, slightly sweet apple because it will hold up to the cooking.
  • Increase the number of servings by adding more sausages (approximately 2 per person) as well as the apple, sauerkraut and juice, but only use enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan.

Where to Buy:

  • Fetzer Bratwurst/Weisswurst Sausages – these Old Word-crafted, additive/filler-free, cooked and uncooked sausages are available at Fetzer’s German Brand Sausages food cart at the Beaverton Farmers Market and other area farmers’ markets (also, the Original Bavarian Sausage deli and store sells authentic German sausages, meats and grocery products).
  • Apples – a large variety of apples is available at area farmers’ markets, the Smith Berry Barn and Oregon Heritage Farms. (During apple season, apple juices and ciders are available at these locations, as well.)
  • Sauerkraut - Curious Farm, also available at the Beaverton Farmers Market, sells pickled goodies, including sauerkraut. (Also, Fetzer’s is said to have some of the “freshest sauerkraut in town.”)

 

BON APPETIT!

 

 

Interpretive Panels Installed Along the Vineyard & Valley Scenic Tour Route

Posted on: January 12th, 2011 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Panels Provide a Glimpse into the Rich Agricultural and Pioneer History of Washington County

New interpretive panels offer historical information about Washington County sites.

New interpretive panels offer historical information about Washington County sites.

The first two of four new interpretive panels were installed recently along the Vineyard & Valley Scenic Tour Route, a 50-mile driving tour, from Helvetia to Sherwood, through the agricultural and historical region of Washington County, Oregon. Each panel offers a quick lesson about the area’s history, and bridges the area’s history with modern culture.

Located at the Old Scotch Church in Hillsboro, a history of Washington County interpretive panel provides a historical perspective about the earliest settlers in the area, from the Atfalati tribe of the Kalapuya Native Americans, to the arrival of early settlers Joe Meek, Joseph Gale and David Hill. The location is fitting, as Meek’s grave and headstone can be found in the church’s cemetery.

An interpretive panel that illustrates the rich agricultural history of Washington County is at the Smith Berry Barn, also located in Hillsboro. From the 1870s to present day, this panel provides a brief account of some of the area’s earliest farmers, as well as the site itself.

The Vineyard & Valley Scenic Tour Route is an experiential tour through Washington County’s countryside, with opportunities to stop at the various attractions along the route: wineries, farms, pioneer settlements and natural habitats. The route launched in April 2009, and several projects have enhanced the route experience, including the installation of crop signs, created with the assistance of the Oregon Agribusiness Council.

Two additional installations of interpretive panels, which will explore the area’s natural and viticultural history, are slated for completion in 2011.

A “Berry” Fun Fourth of July

Posted on: July 6th, 2010 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments
The ripe berries were harder to find, but we found 'em.

The ripe berries were harder to find, but we found 'em.

This year I decided to take full advantage of the cool, temperate weather and spend Independence Day outside. So, my daughter and I ventured to Smith Berry Barn for its annual July 4th Berry Festival.  The “berry barn” is a short drive to rural Hillsboro, and in addition to traditional festival festivities—food, live music and farm animals galore—the event featured berry picking and wine tastings from Washington County’s newest winery.

New winemaker Provincial Vineyards was pouring its 2008 Pinot Noir and 2009 Pinot Gris. Providence has been growing wine grapes at its vineyard site located outside of Forest Grove, next to Apolloni Vineyards and Purple Cow Vineyards. After selling grapes to local vintners, the vineyard owners decided to bottle the grapes under their own label. Provincial doesn’t have a tasting room; however, their wines can be purchased at local wine shops, such as Urban Decanter in Forest Grove.

We ended up with about two pints of raspberries!

We ended up with about two pints of raspberries!

After filling up on hot dogs and strawberry lemonade, we set out for our raspberry picking adventure. This was our first time picking raspberries, and it was quite easy, as the berries were easily pulled off their leaves. We filled about a quarter of the tub, which equated to a little more than two pints. And for only $2.25 for our entire bounty, it was a delicious bargain.

Because of the unusually long spring temperatures, the berries are ripening later than normal, so prime berry picking time is just starting here in Washington County. Raspberries, marionberries, blueberries, loganberries, and a host of other berries I’ve never heard of before are ripe, or nearly ripe, at U-pick farms throughout the region. It’s a great family activity, even for teens, and it’s tasty, too!

For a list of u-pick farms, farm stands and farmers’ markets in Washington County, Oregon, click here.

Pumpkins, Corn and Apples: Autumn Has Arrived in Washington County!

Posted on: October 5th, 2009 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

gourdsAutumn is by far my favorite season:  the crisp, cool air; rust-colored leaves falling from the trees; the bright orange and green hues of the pumpkin patches. Indeed, ’tis the season to get out and explore fall in Washington County, Oregon. On Saturday, my family and I hopped into the car and did just that.

First stop was the Beaverton Farmers’ Market, a cornucopia of fall vegetables, colorful gourds, scrumptious apples and pears, and hearty potatoes and onions, all awaiting shoppers who ventured out on the brisk Saturday morning. Free coffee and fruit samples provided us the energy – and warmth – needed to navigate the market.  

With our newly acquired produce in hand, we ventured off to our next stop, the Smith Berry Barn in Hillsboro. Each year, I make the pilgrimage to the Smith Berry Barn to stock up on apples, and this year is no exception. I loaded up my basket with freshly picked Macintosh apples, perfect for making caramel apple treats.

On a whim, we decided to head over to Baggenstos Farms in Sherwood, to check out the corn maze. Growing up in the desert, corn mazes were something I had only seen on television, or in scary movies. In reality it was not scary at all. Granted, it was a bright and sunny mid-afternoon. (However, my ever-adventurous daughter suggested we return and try the maze at night.) About a half hour after we entered, we mastered the maze, which, visible from the sky, is carved to look like Abraham Lincoln.

Before we left, we decided to try our hand at pumpkin bowling. This was a blast. We each had three tries to knock down the pins while throwing a ripe, orange pumpkin down the makeshift lane. On my second round, I threw a spare!

After our day in rural Washington County, we were exhausted; but, it was worth it to spend a memorable and fun day with my family. (And, yes, we will be going back to the corn maze … at night.)

So, don’t miss out on this opportunity to make your own autumn memories this October. The Beaverton Farmers Market, as well as the pumpkin patches and corn mazes at farms throughout the county are open through October 31. And don’t miss this year’s Apple Fest at Smith Berry Barn, Oct. 18. For a list of other autumn-inspired events, check out our event calendar.