Posts Tagged ‘washington county’

A “Berry” Fun Fourth of July

July 6th, 2010 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan

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.

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It’s a Whole New Kind of Adventure

June 22nd, 2010 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan

WCVA's own Allison George navigates the tricky obstacles at Tree to Tree Adventure Park

WCVA's own Allison George navigates the obstacles at Tree to Tree Adventure Park

When I first heard about a new aerial adventure park opening in Washington County, Oregon, my first reaction was, “what is an aerial adventure park”?  Now that Tree to Tree Adventure Park is officially open, I now know (as well as many others who have already ventured out to sneak a peek).

Billed as the first adventure park of its kind “west of the Mississippi,” the park consists of four increasingly difficult courses of various tree-top obstacles.  Rope swings, tight ropes, tunnels, bridges, and, yes, several zip lines, from tens of feet from the ground await adventurers of all skill levels. (Well, everyone except for me, who chickened out after attempting the training course, which was a mere three feet or so off the ground.)

My explanation doesn’t do this unique park justice, so take a look for yourself at the latest edition of “Grant’s Getaways,” featuring intrepid reporter Grant McOmie, as he visits Tree to Tree Adventure Park. (Video courtesy of our friends at Travel Oregon.)

Tree to Tree Adventure Park is open March-November, from 10 a.m. until two hours before dusk. Adults are $39, per person, and children are $25. It’s situated on property right near the entrance to Hagg Lake in Gaston, Oregon.

More photos from our excursion are here
treeTotreeZip

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Create Your Own Adventures With New Interactive Videos

March 23rd, 2010 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan

Video Series is First of its Kind to be Used to Promote Tourism

With an innovative, bold new Web video campaign, Washington County, Oregon, is now allowing visitors to create their own vacation adventures with an unprecedented series of videos on the popular video sharing website YouTube.

These “Create Your Adventure” videos allow viewers to discover the many gems of Washington County. Adventurers are given the choice of three tracks, which viewers can tailor to their own interests. Each series ends with a scenic drive along the Vineyard & Valley Scenic Tour Route, which highlights Washington County’s rolling backcountry roads, farm stands and wineries.

Golf is one of several relaxing pursuits on the Create Your Adventure journey.

Golf is one of several relaxing pursuits on the Create Your Adventure journey.

Each track offers nine adventures, with a total of 27 possible vacation itineraries:

  • Relax: highlighting attractions such as shopping, golf, hiking, a day at the spa, and a night out on the town, among other activities
  • Escape: highlighting pursuits such as disc golf, hot air balloon rides, a visit to a farmers’ market and saké tasting, among other activities
  • Explore: highlighting outdoorsy attractions, such as bird watching, hiking, biking and kayaking, among other activities

“Washington County truly is a hidden gem,” said Ruthie Reinert, president and CEO of the Washington County Visitors Association (WCVA). “As a destination marketing organization, we saw a need to create a tool that provided a sample of all the ways a visitor can have an authentic travel experience in Washington County.”

Birding is one of the adventures explorers can choose

Birding is one of the adventures explorers can choose

The videos were modeled after the popular “Choose Your Own Adventure” books, which were popular among school-aged children in the 1980s and ‘90s, and allowed readers to choose what happened next in the story.

“Destinations typically tell you what to do and where to go,” said Martin Stoll, CEO of Portland-based GoSeeTell Network, the production company behind the interactive “Create Your Adventure” videos.  “Washington County is letting its visitors choose their own destiny. Visitors drive the story and decide where they’ll go and what they’ll do. It’s an exciting breakthrough in the often pre-packaged tourism marketing industry.”

The interactive video project, which was a joint partnership between the WCVA and the GoSeeTell Network, is the first of its kind in the tourism industry. It uses a YouTube technology, which links multiple video clips with an interactivity button that causes the next video to play. This is the first time this Web video technology is being used for tourism.

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Give Thanks to Oregon Wines

November 10th, 2009 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan

Apolloni Vineyards

Apolloni Vineyards

Spend a weekend in Oregon wine country, and taste why Oregon has earned a reputation as North America’s most revered handcrafted Pinot Noir. Vintners and wineries of northern Willamette Valley in Washington County, Ore., open their doors for tastings, hors d’oeuvres and conversation during the annual Wine Country Thanksgiving.

The weekend marks the release of new vintages at many of Washington County’s wineries, giving oenophiles a chance to be among the first to taste new wine releases, as well as a chance to visit wineries that are not regularly open to the public.

Participating wineries include:

  • A Blooming Hill Vineyard & Winery
    5195 SW Hergert Rd., Cornelius; (503) 992-1196
    www.abloominghillvineyard.com
    Fri-Sun, 12-5pm
    $5 tasting fee (applied toward purchase of one bottle)
    New release: Pinot Noir
    Douglas Fir Noble Christmas trees available for purchase
    Fee includes: Chocolate cake tastings 
  • Alloro Vineyards
    22075 SW Lebeau Rd., Sherwood; (503) 625-1978
    www.allorovineyard.com
    Fri-Sun, 11am-4:30pm
    $10 tasting fee
    New releases: 2008 Estate Pinot Noir, Riesling & Chardonnay, 2007 Pinot Noir & late-harvest dessert wine
  • Anam Cara Cellars
    22222 SW Nicholas View Drive Sherwood; (503)537-9150
    www.anamcaracellars.com
    Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
    $10 tasting fee
    Fee includes: Selection of Oregon cheeses
    Purchase two bottles of wine, get the third bottle for $1 (must be same varietal/vintage)
  • Apolloni Vineyards
    14135 NW Timmerman Rd., Forest Grove, (503) 359-3606
    www.apolloni.com
    Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
    $5 tasting fee (refundable with wine purchase)
    New releases: 2007 Sangiovese and 2007 Merlot (available in tasting room only)
  • Árdíri Winery and Cellars 
    35040 SW Unger Rd., Cornelius; (503) 628-6060
    www.ardiriwine.com
    Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
    $10 tasting fee
    New releases: 2007 Pinot Noir
    Special tastings: 2008 Pinot Noir, barrel tastings
    Fee includes: Logo glass, light food and chocolates made with Árdíri’s Pinot Noir
  • Barron-Wahl Vineyards
    27015 SW Ladd Hill Rd., Sherwood; (503) 625-7938
    www.barronwahl.com
    Fri-Sun, 11am-4pm
    Light hors d’oeuvres
  • Beran Vineyards
    30088 SW Egger Road, Hillsboro; (503) 628-1298
    www.beranvineyards.com
    Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
    $5 tasting fee (proceeds to benefit Community Action programs)
    Holiday discount, 20% off per case
  • cooper-mtn_corksCooper Mountain Vineyards
    9480 SW Grabhorn Rd., Beaverton; (503) 649-0027
    www.coopermountainwine.com
    Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
    $10-20 tasting fee
    Fee includes: Logo glass, live music, cheese and wine pairings
    Organic and Biodynamic Vineyard Treks at 11am, 2pm and 4pm
    25% off purchases of cases
  • David Hill Vineyard & Winery
    46350 NW David Hill Rd., Forest Grove; (503) 992-8545
    www.davidhillwinery.com
    Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
    $5 tasting fee
    Fee includes: Logo glass and light food
  • Elk Cove Vineyards
    27751 NW Olson Rd., Gaston; (503) 985-7760;                      1-877-ELK-COVE
    www.elkcove.com
    Fri-Sun, 10am-5pm
    $5 tasting fee
    New release: 2008 Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris
  • Freja Cellars
    16691 SW McFee Place, Hillsboro; (503) 628-7843
    www.frejacellars.com
    Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
    $10 tasting fee (applied toward wine purchase of half-case or larger)
    New release: 2006 Reserve Pinot Noir
    Fee includes: Logo glass, assortment of fruit, cheeses, chocolates & bread
  • Garden Vineyards
    12960 NW Dick Rd., Hillsboro; (503) 547-9046
    www.gardenvineyards.com
    Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
    $10 tasting fee (applied toward wine purchase)
    Fee includes: Light snacks
  • Helvetia Vineyards
    23269 NW Yungen Rd., Hillsboro; (503) 647-7596
    www.helvetiawinery.com
    Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
    $2 tasting fee (refundable with purchase)
    New releases: 2007 Chardonnay, 2008 Gewürztraminer Barrel tastings
    Indian-caught smoked salmon
    Gifts and Christmas trees available for purchase
  • J. Albin Winery
    19495 Vista Hill Dr., Hillsboro; (503) 628-2986
    Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
    $5 tasting fee
    Handcrafted Pinot Noir, Saignee Rosé, sparkling wines, dessert wine and Pinot Gris
  • Montinore Estate
    3663 SW Dilley Rd., Forest Grove; (503) 359-5012
    www.montinore.com
    Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
    $10-15 tasting fee
    $10 fee includes: Logo glass
    $15 fee includes: Culinary pairing classes, logo glass
  • Oak Knoll Winery
    29700 SW Burkhalter Rd., Hillsboro; (503) 648-8198
    www.oakknollwinery.com
    Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
    $5 tasting fee
    Fee includes: Live music and light food
    Special case discounts (20-50% off), pick an ornament from the holiday tree and open it to reveal percentage-off discount on purchase of a case
  • Patton Valley Vineyard
    9449 SW Old Highway 47, Gaston; (503) 985-3445
    www.pattonvalley.com
    Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
    $15 tasting fee
    New releases: 2007 Lorna-Marie Reserve Pinot Noir, 2007 Syrah
    Fee includes: Glass, food
  • Plum Hill Vineyards
    6505 SW Old Hwy. 47, Gaston; (503) 359-4706
    www.PlumHillWine.com
    Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
    $5 tasting fee
    Fee includes: Glass, music, snacks
  • Ponzi Vineyards
    14665 SW Winery Ln., Beaverton; (503) 628-1227
    www.ponziwines.com
    Fri-Sun, 10am-5pm
    $15 tasting fee
    The Ponzi Vineyards Cookbook” book signing with author/founder Nancy Ponzi (Sunday only)
    New release: 2008 Tavola Pinot Noir
    Fee includes: Riedel Pinot Noir Glass
  • Purple Cow Vineyards
    52720 NW Wilson School Rd., Forest Grove; (503) 330-0991; www.purplecowvineyards.com
    Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
    $5 tasting fee
    New releases: 2006 Tempranillo Reserve, 2007 Gabriela
  • Quailhurst Vineyard Estate
    15031 SW Pleasant Hill Rd., Sherwood; (509) 427-5132
    www.QuailhurstWines.com
    Saturday, November 28, 9am-5pm
    $20 tasting fee
    Fee includes: Logo glass, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, entertainment
    Specials on selected wines
  • Shafer Vineyard Cellars
    6200 NW Gales Creek Rd., Forest Grove; (503) 357-6604
    www.shafervineyardcellars.com
    Fri-Mon, 11am-5pm
    $5 tasting fee
    Fee includes: Hors d’oeuvres, hot apple cider and coffee
    36th Anniversary Special: Purchase one case, get the second case free (excludes Pinot Noir)
  • SakéOne
    820 Elm St., Forest Grove; (503) 357-7056
    www.sakeone.com
    Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm (Tours: 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm)
    $10 tasting fee
    Rice Exposed Tour“: tastings of fresh Oregon koji rice and kasu, rice cake pressed from fermented saké which is commonly used as a pickling agent in Japanese cuisine
    Fee includes: Tour, saké pairings, chocolate-dipped fortune cookies
    Saké and sakétini holiday gift sets 20% off
  • Tualatin Estate Vineyard
    10850 NW Seavey Rd., Forest Grove; (503) 357-5005
    www.tualatinestate.com
    Fri-Sun, 10am-5pm
    Complimentary tastings

Most wineries are open Nov. 27-29, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (unless otherwise noted).  Each winery may charge a tasting fee, and fees may vary. Event information, fees and participating wineries are subject to change. For additional information about the Thanksgiving holiday weekend tastings, visit the North Willamette Vintners Association’s website.

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

October 5th, 2009 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan

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.

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Reality Superstars Visit Washington County, Oregon, for a Two-Day Celebrity Benefit and Golf Tournament

September 1st, 2009 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan

Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club, located in North Plains, Ore., has hosted various tournaments, including professional, amateur and charity games.

Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club, located in North Plains, Ore., has hosted various tournaments, including professional, amateur and charity games.

Washington County, Oregon, will be in the spotlight September 13-14, as stars from various cable television reality series join the Roloff Family, stars of the TLC series “Little People Big World,” for the Amy Roloff Charity Foundation’s first ever charity golf benefit and tournament.

Along with the Roloff family, special celebrity guests* scheduled to attend include:

  • Crew from “Time Bandit” from the Discovery Channel’s series Deadliest Catch
  • Cast of TLC’s “Orange County Choppers”
  • JM Browning and other stars from the History Channel’s series “Ax Men”
  • Alex Eusebio, a contestant from season five of “Top Chef,” which airs on Bravo
  • AC Green, three-time National Basketball Association (NBA) champion
  • Michael Harper, former NBA player and Portland Trailblazer

*Celebrity appearances are subject to change

The event launches with a “tee-off” dinner and auction at Roloff Farms, followed by a golf scramble and dinner the following day at Pumpkin Ridge’s Ghost Creek golf course. All proceeds will benefit the Dwarf Athletic Association of America (DAAA) and local organization Bridge Meadows.

The Roloff Family owns and operates the Roloff Family Farm, located in Helvetia, Ore. The series, “Little People, Big World” debuted March 2006 on Discovery Network’s TLC, and the fifth season is scheduled to premiere this fall. The farm, which has gained national attention since the reality series started airing, is open to the public each October for its annual pumpkin patch and harvest festivities.

For additional information about the Amy Roloff Charity Foundation’s charity golf benefit, visit www.amyroloffcharityfoundation.org.

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Washington County Has the Fashion for Some Last-Minute School Shopping

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.

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.

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Battle of the Books for Beaverton Education Foundation

July 9th, 2009 by Sunyi

bef-bn_logosJ O I N  U S Friday, July 10 – Saturday, July 11 at Barnes & Noble to support Beaverton students participating in the Battle of the Books. Enjoy FREE in-store fun activities all day Friday and Saturday at the Tanasbourne location. Harry Potter Costume Party from 4pm – 6pm on Friday at Tanasbourne, including free wand making. Shop early during the Early Bird VIP Hour on Saturday from 8am – 9am. Meet local authors; Susan Fletcher – The Dragon Chronicles, Shadow Spinner Walk Across the Sea, Marianne Monson – Finding Fairies and Josie Seid, There’s a Frog in Swan Lake(authors scheduled Saturday from 1pm-2pm).…AND MUCH MORE!

Purchase/Donate a book off the Battle of the Books Wish List and receive a FREE gift, while supplies last!
Present this > bookfair code: 566901  prior to checkout at Barnes & Noble Tanasbourne or Barnes & Noble Washington Square and a percentage of the net sale will be donated to the Beaverton Education Foundation.*

*BOOKFAIR HOURS:
Barnes &Noble Booksellers (Tanasbourne)
Friday 9am – 11pm  &  Saturday 8am – 11pm; BEF VIP SHOPPING HOUR 8am -9am

Barnes & Noble Booksellers (Washington Square)
Friday & Saturday 9am – 9pm

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The Sights and Sounds of Nature in a Serene Suburban Setting

June 23rd, 2009 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan

Hikers discover the natural beauty of Cooper Mountain. The site is now home to the new Cooper Mountain Nature Park.

Hikers discover the natural beauty of Cooper Mountain. The site is now home to the new Cooper Mountain Nature Park.

Amid the musical trill of the White-Crowned sparrow was the shrill call of a cicada, a sound I haven’t heard since I left the desert of Southern Nevada for the cooler, greener pastures of Northwestern Oregon. These insects, as naturalist James Davis pointed out, are not common west of the Cascade Range. So these desert dwellers, much like myself, found their way to the new Cooper Mountain Nature Park, which opens to the public June 27.

 

Washington County’s newest nature spot, located in Beaverton, features three miles of trails with varying difficulty through three distinct habitats – forest, prairie and oak woodlands. Our hour-long walk did not take us through all three miles, but what we didn’t cover trail-wise, we sure earned in newly-acquired knowledge.

 

Along the trail James pointed out many of the native plants and invasive species that lined the gravel trail. We were educated about the Willamette Valley Ponderosa Pine, which is being reintroduced to the area after virtually disappearing from years of logging and urban growth; spotted poison oak and learned how to identify it in the wild; saw a lone St. John’s Wort plant, which is used as an herbal treatment for depression; and discovered a couple of Bitter Cherry trees, which provide nourishment to various birds and wildlife.

 

Further evidence of wildlife living in the park included the discovery of mole holes and squirrel nests, while bird enthusiasts on the tour identified the songbirds behind the chorus of musical chirps.

 

For this desert girl, the guided walk through the park with a group of naturalists provided an eye-opening look into the wonders of nature. Although the loud sound of the cicadas made me a little homesick, the sweet singing of the birds made me realize that this is my home, and I wouldn’t trade it for, well , all the wine in the Willamette Valley.

 

For those who want to learn more about the wilds of Washington County, Cooper Mountain Nature Park will be hosting guided walks, star parties, garden demonstrations, wildlife talks and more throughout the summer.  Check out our event calendar or visit the Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District for more information

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Washington County Visitors Association (WCVA) Awards Grant Funds for Tourism Development Projects

June 3rd, 2009 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan

The Washington County Visitors Association (WCVA), awarded just under $200,000 in tourism grants to local organizations. The WCVA is a destination marketing organization charged with marketing the county as a tourism destination. Up to $200,000 are allocated to local organizations annually for tourism development.

Selected by the WCVA’s grant committee, which is comprised of members of its board of directors, the seven recipients will receive the funds beginning in July for projects designed to enhance Washington County’s tourism products.

Recipients of the WCVA’s 2009-10 tourism grants are: 

  • Banks Community Foundation ($15,000): Funding support to produce a Banks, Ore., visitor guide highlighting the attributes of L.L.
    First store built in Banks, 1901.

    First store built in Banks, 1901.

    “Stub” Stewart State Park, which is an important attraction for out-of-town visitors

  • Broadway Rose Theatre ($30,000): Funding support to hire part-time staff dedicated to promoting upcoming theater productions to out-of-town groups, and funding support for out-of-area advertising
  • Horning’s Hideout ($18,826): Funding support to build two competition-quality disc golf courses, with the goal of hosting tournaments, which will potentially attract out-of-town visitors
  • Hulaman Triathlon ($50,000): Funding support for the Hulaman Triathlon sporting event, with the goal of positioning the event at a higher competitive level to attract and increase the number of out-of-town athlete attendees
  • North Willamette Vintners Association ($30,000): Funding support to develop programs and wine events in Washington County to attract out-of-town visitors
  • L.L. “Stub” Stewart State Park ($8,350): Funding support to build a competition-quality disc golf course, with the goal of hosting tournaments, which will potentially attract out-of-town visitors
  • Tualatin Riverkeepers  ($40,000): Funding support to purchase equipment and hire part-time staff to implement a guided river-rafting program in Washington County, which will enhance the county’s tourism assets for the group tour and independent travel markets
Hornings Hideout

Hornings Hideout

The sole purpose of the funds allocated is for the development or promotion of emerging events, activities and other tourism-related attractions in Washington County. To be considered for funding, projects must have the potential to attract and draw tourists from at least 50 miles outside of Washington County and the Portland Metro area, thereby increasing visitor spending in the local economy.

All grant recipients are required to demonstrate how the awarded funds increased visitor spending in Washington County from visitors who traveled from out of the Portland Metro area, as well as report a return on investment on these grants.

Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients!

 

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