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A Visit to Indio Spirits

Posted on: May 1st, 2013 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments
Inside the tasting room at Indio Spirits

Inside the tasting room at Indio Spirits

Located in a semi-industrial location, near Stash Tea and Bridgeport Village in Tigard, is Indio Spirits, a local distillery that makes some fun and interesting and seriously good spirits.

Indio Spirits has been distilling for eight years, and just this December opened its tasting room, which is open to the public Thursdays-Sundays (times vary).

The tasting room is warm and welcoming, with a beautifully crafted wood bar and table as the centerpiece, where visitors may taste a flight of four spirits for $5. Choosing which four to taste is the difficult part, as Indio produces a variety of spirits, including flavored vodkas (such as lemongrass lime, marionberry, and wasabi), gin, lime-flavored rum, and aged whiskeys.

Spirits and spirits-related gift items are available for purchase at the tasting room. Also available is barbecue sauce using Indio’s Canadian whiskey and made by local company Beaverton Foods – the largest producer of horseradish and specialty mustards. Can’t get to the tasting room? Indio Spirits is sold in retail outlets in 30 states.

Indio’s shaking things up with new summer recipes, paired with drinkable balsamic vinegar available at Lucero Olive Oils at Bridgeport Village! DO try this at home:

Lemongrass-Lime Press
1 tbsp. Lemon White Balsamic Vinegar
2.5 oz. Lemongrass-Lime Vodka
Fill with even parts lemon-lime soda and club soda
Serve in a tall glass over ice

Fun fact: Local iconic institution, Beaverton Bakery, uses Indio’s spirits in some of their tasty creations, such as its Whiskey Fudge Cake and Marionberry Lemon Chiffon Cake.

 

Create your own tasting tour of Oregon’s Washington County. Find breweries, saké and spirits >>>

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

 

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. 

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

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.

 

A Closer Look At Our Cities: Tigard

Posted on: August 31st, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

The Broadway Rose Theatre Company stages a slate of professional live musical theater productions season after season.

With a population of more than 48,000, the bedroom community of Tigard is located just south of Portland in southeastern Washington County.  It is home to the region’s premier tax-free shopping destinations, has a thriving community is devoted to the arts, and offers outdoor recreation opportunities.

Arts & Culture

Tigard is the proud home of the Broadway Rose Theatre Company, Washington County’s only award-winning professional musical theatre company. Each season, Broadway Rose produces a slate of musicals that range from well-known classics to world premieres.

Want a more hands-on experience? Main Street in downtown Tigard is home to two do-it-yourself shops. Blow your own glass masterpiece at Live Laugh Love Glass,  or blend your own wine at Tigard Wine Crafters.

Outdoor Recreation

Recreation is tops here, as Tigard’s Cook Park provides access to the Tualatin River, a calm waterway that is popular with kayakers and canoeists. During weekends through September, rent a canoe or kayak from the Tualatin Riverkeepers for a peaceful and leisurely paddle along the river.

Tax-Free Shopping

Tigard is home to some of the best known shopping brands, and boasts the state’s most beloved shopping centers.

Washington Square is Oregon and Southwest Washington’s premier shopping center with five anchor stores–including Macy’s, JC Penney, Sears, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Oregon’s largest Nordstrom–and more than 170 distinctive shops and restaurants.

Located in the border of Tigard and neighboring city of Tualatin is Bridgeport Village, a European-style outdoor shopping experience with a unique blend of upscale national and local retailers, restaurants, bookstore, spa, and a first-run, multiplex movie theater.  Just a couple blocks down the street is Stash Tea, a retail shop offering more than 200 premium loose-leaf teas, a variety of tea pots, customized gift baskets and other unique gifts.

From the arts to the art of shopping, Tigard provides visitors with many things to see and do. Add Tigard, as well as other cities, towns and attractions to your Oregon’s Washington County itinerary.

 

Gluten-Free Goodness

Posted on: August 16th, 2012 by Angie Marsh No Comments

Dining out and gluten-free can go hand-in-hand in Oregon’s Washington County, particularly in Beaverton and Hillsboro, where there’s an upswing in the number of area eateries specifying gluten-free menu items. This is a sampling of the different delicious gluten-free options here:

Gluten-free buns are offered on many menus in the area.

Earth Oven Pizza – Hillsboro
Any of the pizzas on their menu can be made with a gluten-free crust, and all of their wood-fired pizzas come standard with mozzarella, parmesan, asiago, romano and fresh basil. Creative toppings range from BBQ pulled pork to thin sliced rib eye steak. Pair the pizza with a salad and a wine from their local selection–and it’s a complete gluten-free meal! Sit back and enjoy the nightly live music as well.

The Venetian Theatre & Bistro – Hillsboro
Enjoy lunch or dinner in this classic setting; choose from the gluten-free section of their menu, which offers gluten-free pizzas, gluten-free salad dressings, gluten-free pasta and creative salad and small plate options.

Gustav’s – Tigard
Gustav’s offers authentic German, European, and Northwest food–and has one of the most extensive gluten-free menus in the area. It specifies everything from appetizers to beer that is all sans gluten. Choose from rotisserie meat entrees, three gluten-free desserts and several sides as well.

Monteaux’s Public House – Beaverton
Monteaux’s offers American classics as well as worldly favorites–and their lunch and dinner menus specify which items are gluten-free. Entrees such as grilled wild salmon, flat iron steak and schnitzel look sumptuous, and their natural beef burgers (which they deem “Best Burgers in the Burbs”) all have the option of a gluten-free bun. Top off dinner with the chocolate mousse and a selection from either their red or white wine menus.

The South Store Café – Hillsboro
This historic landmark cafe specializes in breakfast and lunch with fresh-made soups, salads and entrees. All sandwiches–which include meatloaf, chicken salad and club–have a gluten-free bread option. Pair these options with a drink from their full espresso bar. Directly across the street is Smith Berry Barn, where fresh berry milkshakes are always gluten-free.

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro – Hillsboro and Tigard locations
Enjoy ordering from a gluten-free menu featuring favorites such as crab fried rice, Mongolian beef and lettuce wraps. Several desserts are listed as well.

McMenamins – Nine locations throughout Washington County
All McMenamins pubs offer gluten-free buns for their naturally grown burgers, including the “Communication Breakdown” burger loaded with cheddar, mushrooms, onions and bell peppers. Dinner specialties such as flat iron steak and grilled rib-eye are also gluten-free.

Blue Moon Bakery – Hillsboro Saturday Farmers Market
Eena Kadeena – Beaverton Farmers Market
Gluten-free treats and mixes are the specialty of both of these vendors.

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!

Comfort Food in the Comfort of a Restaurant

Posted on: January 25th, 2012 by Angie Marsh 1 Comment

Lately there’s lots of talk about a favorite winter pastime here: eating. Specifically, eating comfort food. Lucky for visitors, these are items found on menus throughout the area. Here are the top picks that we here at the Washington County Visitors Association have sampled–and thought we’d share:

Raiza Dottin, Administrative Assistant:
My favorite go-to dish is the Teriyaki Beef at Roxy’s Island Grill in Beaverton. There was a line out the door to order last time I was there, which is a good indicator of their yummy food. The service is quick, too. I always get this dish because the barbecue sauce is the perfect mixture of sweet and salty.

As a close runner-up, I like the Mushroom Soup at The South Store Café in Hillsboro; it’s just the right thickness and pairs well with sandwich of the day, which, last time I was there, was turkey with brie and apples. The apples made the sandwich unique. The soups are house-made daily and served with focaccia bread.

Marie Prins, Visitor Information Specialist:
I could make a meal of just the Polenta Fries with Gorgonzola Butter at decarli restaurant in downtown Beaverton. Also, I’ve enjoyed the Braised Beef Shortribs served with spaetzle–yum!
Allison George, Stakeholder Development Manager:
The decarli Burger at decarli restaurant is juicy and gourmet. You won’t look pretty eating it, but you won’t care what anybody thinks after your first bite.

Taco plate at La Superior Restaurant. Photo by Gary S.

Angie Marsh, Communications Associate:
The Fondue at Gustav’s in Tigard is the perfect recipe of melted swiss, served with cute skewers and two kinds of bread for easy dipping.
Another comfort-in-a-bowl I like is the Phở at Pho Van Beaverton. The lean brisket is perfectly cooked, and works well with the rice noodles in broth, and I add the sides; a few bean sprouts, all the jalapenos and a few sprigs of the Asian basil.

Melissa Hay, Online & Interactive Coordinator:
I like the Fish Taco at La Superior in Beaverton–it’s fresh, not “fishy.”

Another favorite is at McMenamins Cornelius Pass Roadhouse in Hillsboro: the Communication Breakdown Burger, which has cheddar, mushrooms, onion and bell peppers–the perfect combo. It comes with a choice of fries, tots, soup or salad, so I mix up by choosing a different side each time.

Christopher Glawe, Graphic Designer:
If you’re looking to eat homestyle Mexican food, Pepper’s Mexican Grill in Hillsboro is the place–especially the Carne Asada. The steak is grilled to perfection and the homemade tortillas are delicious. Try the sample plates to see how everything has a good, fresh taste. Pepper’s also has the best Chile Relleno I’ve ever tasted. Try to leave room for dessert; they have tasty flan.

A close second is the BBQ Pork Tamale at The Tamale House in Tigard. I had never really cared for tamales; I found them to be dry and often bland. Then I discovered this place, where the tamales are homemade by the family. I also tried the tacos with homemade corn tortillas–Delicious!

Where to do the Superbowl Shuffle

Posted on: January 20th, 2012 by Angie Marsh 1 Comment

There’s sure to be a place in Washington County that suits your game-viewing tastes for Superbowl XLVI. In fact, with a little planning, you could watch it all–the game, commercials and Madonna’s halftime show–on a massive high-definition screen while enjoying food and/or drink specials. Game day is Sunday, Feb. 5 with kickoff at 3:30 p.m.

We’ve seen lines to claim prime viewing seats start as early as 10 a.m. at Big Al’s, so be sure to scope out your spot before kickoff at your venue of choice! And designated drivers are always a good idea.
Here are the places we’ve heard about for game-watching:

In Beaverton:

People often up at Big Al's at 9 a.m. to reserve their tables!

People often line up at Big Al's at 9 a.m. to reserve their tables on game day!

Big Al’s Beaverton – To describe their viewing area as massive TV screens is an understatement. We’d venture to guess that the screens rival the span of a football field–all the better for seeing every detail of the big showdown.
14950 SW Barrows Rd.
503-748-6118

Cinetopia – This is a prime Superbowl event this year: included is a prime rib buffet and a choice of viewing in either the plush Living Room Theater ($50) or watching on the GXL giant 70′ screen ($30). If you go big, you’ll be watching the game “on the largest screen in the Northwest.”

Malone’s Ale House – View the game on two 73″ HD TVs while enjoying a tap special and super nachos, as well as free peanuts.
1175 NW 185th
503-439-0630

In Tigard:

Blitz Sports Pub – 99W – There are 30 TVs in this latest addition to Washington County sports pubs!
10935 SW 68th Pkwy.
503-719-5157

Thirsty Lion Pub and Grill – Game-day specials abound. Choose from the 52 beers on tap as well.
10205 SW Washington Square Rd.
503-352-4030

Whichever option you choose, enjoy!

 

*McMenamins Grand Lodge (3505 Pacific Avenue) will be presenting the game in the Compass Room Theatre. Admission is free and minors are welcome with a parent or guardian. http://www.mcmenamins.com/events/85562-Tostitos-Bowl-Championship-Series-Oregon-Vs-Auburn.

*Grendel’s (2004 Main Street) will be offering special beer and appetizer options during the game.

*Ballad Town Billiards (2036 Pacific Avenue) has Monday beer and taco specials along with a special hourly pool table rental rate for anyone wearing Ducks gear!

Discover Discount Shopping

Posted on: January 11th, 2012 by Angie Marsh No Comments

Winter is what we call “shopping season” in Washington County. What better time to comb through racks of retail deals, and find what you’re looking for while still keeping within your budget and never–ever–paying sales tax or paying for parking.

Even better, many stores here aren’t found elsewhere in the Portland area:

There are deals to be had in Washington County. Photo by Lynn Friedman.

Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th

This gem of a store, located in Bridgeport Village, is currently the only Saks 5th Avenue OFF 5TH north of San Francisco. Open in this location since Fall 2010, you can expect to find brand names ranging from DKNY to Calvin Klein, with designated sections of the store for men’s, women’s, children’s clothing; and footwear and accessories as well. Bargains can especially be had on off-season wear.

TJ Maxx

With two Washington County locations–Beaverton and Tualatin–this renowned discounter offers affordable fashion, much of which is brand name. Their stores are divided into sections, including activewear, women’s plus and baby–thereby giving shoppers the chance to find all sorts of retail items for less than the suggested retail prices.

Marshalls

Three of the four Marshall’s stores in the Portland-Metro area are in Washington County; specifically, in Beaverton, Hillsboro and Tigard, making one accessible around every turn here.

Nordstrom Rack

This shiny store is new to the county and not far from the freeway with ample parking, so it’s a must-see for many travelers. The discounted clothes, shoes and more are all from Nordstrom stores. With 450,000 square feet of shopping, there are deals to be had!

 

In addition, visitors from out-of-area can also enjoy the perks of a free coupon book for use at Washington Square, offering savings at dozens of participating retailers and select dining: details. Happy shopping!

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!