— What’s the Word?In Washington County, Oregon —

Posts Tagged ‘wine’

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.

 

Wine from Oregon’s Washington County Earns Spots on “Best of” List

Posted on: September 28th, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments
Photo by John Valls

Ponzi Vineyard’s Reserve Chardonnay ranked among Oregon’s top 50 wines (Photo by John Valls, courtesy of Ponzi Vineyards)

Temperate climates and warm dry autumns made 2009 and 2010 stellar years for wine produced in Oregon’s Washington County. A panel of four wine professionals, who experienced two weeks of marathon tasting sessions agree, as six of the area’s wineries made this year’s “Best of” list.

Portland Monthly magazine’s annual “Oregon’s 50 Best Wines” issue (on stands now) praises five Washington County wines among the top 20 Pinot Noir, and one of the region’s most recognized labels nabbed recognition in the white wine category. (Read the article in its entirety here.)

In the Pinot Noir category, Washington County wineries earning nods include:

#3: Elk Cove Vineyards‘ 2010 vintage was given an impressive 97 points for its “classic Oregon version” of Pinot Noir

#8: Apolloni Vineyards‘ 2009 estate vintage was racked up 94 points and was noted for its infusion of “dried fruit, tea leaves and dried roses.”

#11: Hawks View Cellars made the list  for its 2010 Pinot Noir (93 points), a “bold and elegant” wine.

#13: Ardiri Winery and Vineyards, earned 91 points for its “deliciously dark” 2009 Pinot Noir, the only wine to make an appearance on the “best of” list two years in a row.

#19: David Hill Vineyard and Winery received a score of 89 points for its 2009 “Winemakers Cuvée” Pinot Noir

In the whites category, which encompassed a satisfying mix of varietals including Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Viognier and others, Ponzi Vineyards earned 93 points for its 2009 Chardonnay Reserve, “a rich wine with complex layers of citrus, orange blossom, and a touch of caramel.”

Taste for yourself why these wines made Portland Monthly’s list of “Oregon’s 50 Best Wines” (most tasting rooms are open to the public) and explore the other award-winning wineries in the region. For a complete list of wineries in Oregon’s Washington County, please visit our website.

Red, White and Golden: The Colors of Oregon’s Washington County Wine Country

Posted on: September 7th, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Apolloni Vineyards in the AutumnAutumn is a magical time in Washington County, located in the northern part of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. It is a time of transition, when the bounty of harvest yields autumn crops, such as pumpkins, apples and potatoes, it also is a time when winemakers harvest their grapes and prepare for “crush,” which starts the arduous, yet fulfilling, wine making process.

Exploring Washington County’s wine country in the fall is a fantastic experience. From less-crowded tasting rooms to fun-filled events, October and November are premium months to visit the dozens of wineries in the area. Wineries perched atop mountains with amazing vistas also become ideal viewing spots, where onlookers can sip a glass of Oregon Pinot Noir while taking in the autumn sights:

  • Cooper Mountain Vineyards, a biodynamic and organic estate winery located atop Cooper Mountain in Beaverton, overlooks the green and golden Tualatin Valley.
  • Ardiri Winery and Vineyards boasts spectacular views of the Cascade Mountain Range and the valley below.
  • Elk Cove Vineyards sits atop a knoll in Gaston and has gorgeous views of vineyards and the scenic Coast Range.
  • David Hill Vineyard and Winery, located in Forest Grove and regarded as one of the most picturesque wineries in the Willamette Valley, offers sweeping views of the Tualatin Valley and the Coast Range.

October 6 marks the second annual North Willamette Harvest Trail, a day-long event that takes visitors through the wine-making process from the vineyard to the bottle, followed by a grand tasting featuring several wineries.

Give thanks with a glass of Oregon wine this holiday season. Most of Washington County’s wineries, including many that are not normally open to the public, welcome wine lovers to their wineries for Thanksgiving Wine Weekend. This annual event features special tastings, light appetizers, camaraderie and more.

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to autumn in Oregon’s Washington County. View our visitor guide and plan your getaway today!

Last-Minute Labor Day Weekend Getaway

Posted on: August 24th, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Squeeze out the last days of summer with a weekend getaway to Oregon’s Washington County. Temperatures are cooling down with an average high of 80 degrees, but the fun is just heating up.

All Trails Lead to Nature

Banks-Vernonia State Trail

With cooler temperatures, why spend a day indoors when Washington County has myriad outdoor activities that are perfect for a summer day. Rent a bike (or bring your own) and ride along the 21-mile Banks-Vernonia State Trail (it’s 42 miles if you make it a round-trip ride). This gorgeous trail, along an abandoned railway, takes riders, hikers and equestrians down a relatively easy path through lush forests and along trestles and through L.L. “Stub” Stewart State Park.

Head for the tranquil waters of the Tualatin River with a leisurely kayak or canoe ride. Rent a kayak or canoe or take part in a group paddle and the enjoy the natural surroundings, birds and wildlife.

For high-flying adventures, head over to Tree to Tree Adventure Park, an aerial ropes course and zip-line park. Explore the challenging aerial obstacle course, which features a total of 48  tree-top elements and 12 zip lines, or check out the new Woody’s Ziptastic Voyage Zip Line Tour, featuring six “extreme” zip-lines, a bridge and a rappel.  Adult prices start at $45 for the aerial ropes course; $75 for the Zip Line Tour.

Back by popular demand is the Zip, Sip & Stay passport, which includes a one-night stay in a deluxe suite, gourmet lunch, passes to Tree to Tree Adventure Park, wine tasting and a $29 wine voucher, and dining specials at local restaurants. Passports for two start at $245; family and combo passports also are available.

Sip Your Way Through Oregon’s Washington County

During Labor Day weekend, wineries in the Chehalem Mountains American Viticultural Area (AVA), located in the Willamette Valley, will open their doors for the annual Explore, Tour & Taste event (September 1-3).  Several Washington County wineries will be hosting open houses, featuring special tastings, pre-harvest presentations and much more. Participating wineries include:  Alloro Vineyard, Anam Cara Cellars, Beckham Estate Vineyard, A Blooming Hill Vineyard and Winery, Cooper Mountain Vineyards, Freja Cellars, Gresser Vineyards and Ponzi Vineyards, and Raptor Ridge.  Tasting fees, times and details vary.

Or you can explore Washington County’s wine country with a self-guided tour. Visit our website for a list of wineries in the area and to plan your own excursion.

Shop ‘Til You Drop, Then Shop Some More

Shopping in Oregon’s Washington County is always a treat because it’s TAX FREE! Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to save even more with sales at popular local retail centers, such as Washington Square, Bridgeport Village and The Streets of Tanasbourne. Get a jump-start on your holiday shopping at Sleighbells Farm & Gift, a year-round holiday store specializing in Christmas and holiday decor and collectibles, or Miki’s Christmas Shop, an Old-World inspired shop featuring a large variety of German holiday collectibles.

Plan Your Last-Minute Labor Day Getaway Today

Visit our website and plan your itinerary, or peruse our digital visitor guide for inspiration.

Saké: Wine, spirit or beer?

Posted on: August 22nd, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Visitors enjoy a tour of the kura at SakeOne in Oregon's Washington County

During a recent tour of the saké brewery, SakéOne, in Forest Grove, a valid question arose:  Is saké wine or beer?  It’s brewed in a similar fashion, yet can be enjoyed like a wine, so that doesn’t easily answer the question. However, saké can be substituted for spirits in a number of cocktails (hence the saying, “sakétini”), so is it a spirit?  Although this age-old question may not be answered today, let’s take a better look at this often misunderstood beverage.

What is saké, anyway?

Saké (pronounced sock-ay) is a traditional Japanese rice-based alcohol beverage, which is presumed to have been around for at least 2,000 years (some texts claim that the beverage originated as early as 712 A.D.).  Today, it is consumed globally, and is produced in several countries throughout the world, including the United States. This diverse beverage has numerous categories, all of which explain the purity of the saké, the style of the saké (e.g. sweet, dry, aged, unpasteurized, etc.). Learn more about terminology here.

Many Americans think of saké as a hot beverage; however, this type of saké is low-quality and is heated to mask the inferiorities of the beverage. High-grade, premium saké, such as the labels produced by SakéOne, are meant to be consumed as a chilled beverage, thus enhancing the flavors and aromas of the saké.

Is saké wine, beer or spirits?

Saké has a higher alcohol content than wine or beer  (15-20% for saké, vs. 3-9% for beer and 9-16% for wine), and has a lower content than most spirits (35-60%). While some maintain that saké is “rice wine,” the production process closer resembles beer brewing, rather than wine making. Saké is crafted in a kura (brewery), and the main ingredients consist of rice, water, koji and yeast. The complicated process of turning rice into saké is explained here.

So, perhaps the answer is that saké is neither wine, beer nor spirit; it just is.

Taste for yourself!

Experience saké with a visit to SakéOne, an American owned-and-operated brewery which employs many Japanese saké brewing customs. Their tasting room is open 11am-5pm daily (closed on select holidays). Free daily tours of the kura happen at 1, 2 and 3 p.m.

This month, don’t miss the annual Kura Blessing and International Saké Day Celebration, September 29, 2012. Join this symbolic ceremony with ancient Shinto roots as the Rev. Koichi Barris of the Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America cleanses the kura in this traditional ceremony conducted in both Japanese and English. After the ceremony, pop into the tasting room to celebrate International Saké Day with a flight  SakéOne’s brewing partners in Japan, the Murai Family and Yoshinogawa.

A Closer Look at Our Cities: Hillsboro

Posted on: August 7th, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Hillsboro is Washington County’s largest city (population, approx. 91,000), as well as one of the oldest communities in the state. With the emergence of the technology sector, as part of the region’s “Silicon Forest,” the city’s large farming community shares zip codes with some of technology’s biggest and brightest names. The city’s quaint downtown area has transformed into an artists’ community with art galleries and studios, live music venues and community and professional theater companies.

Play

The Great Egret is one of many species of birds that have been spotted at Jackson Bottom Wetlands (pictured) (Photo by John Wise)

Stop and smell the flowers at the Lloyd Baron Rhododendron Garden at Rood Bridge Park. Tended to by a group of volunteers, this community garden features hundreds of varieties of species and hybrids of rhododendrons, plus thousands of “companion” plants surrounded by walking paths, creeks and woodlands. Also in Hillsboro is Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve, a 725-acre wildlife preserve featuring 4.5 miles of trails, wildlife viewing blinds, nature center and interpretive center that houses the only known authentic eagle’s nest on public display.

Discover

Hillsboro is home to two unique museums both appealing to all ages. The Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals showcases the world’s finest collections of crystals, fossils, meteorites, petrified wood, gems and more.  Near the Hillsboro Airport is the Classic Aircraft Aviation Museum, a “living history” museum/working hangar focusing on aircraft from the jet age and Cold War era. This fall, these two museums will get a new neighbor, so to speak, when the venerable Washington County Museum moves into its new home in downtown Hillsboro.

Dine

Housed in the historic, former Hillsboro library, is Syun Izakaya, a popular local spot near Main Street.  Syun is modeled after small, rustic taverns that are popular gathering places in Japan, and is consistently rated as having the best sushi in the Greater Portland region, and has been included among the best in the U.S. In addition to sushi, and an impressive saké menu, other Japanese dishes are included on the lunch and dinner menus. Located in a rural area of Hillsboro are two “hidden gems”: Cruise In Country Diner, a ’50s-style burger and shake joint, and South Store Cafe, which specializes in sandwiches, soups and salads.   (For more dining options throughout Washington County, visit our website.)

Several farms in Hillsboro, such as the Smith Berry Barn (pictured), offer ready-picked or "u-pick" produce. (Photo by Allison George)

Explore

Main Street Hillsboro is filled with charm and a collection of shops that harken back to a simpler time. This artistic center of downtown Hillsboro features art galleries, live theater and more, and includes the Glenn and Viola Walters Cultural Arts Center, which hosts live music, spoken word performances, informal lectures, art exhibits and art classes.  Also in downtown Hillsboro is the Venetian Theatre and Bistro, a bustling restaurant, movie and performance theater, which is home to local  professional theater company Bag&Baggage.

Antique shops, a book store, home-brewing supply store (home beer brewing, winemaking, soda making and cheese making supplies), bead store, garden shop, theater and restaurant align the historic main street. While on Main Street, check out the Hillsboro Pharmacy and Fountain, and old-timey store and soda fountain hangout serving  breakfast, lunch, ice cream.  or an old-fashioned malt, float or milkshake. (For more shopping options in Hillsboro, visit our Shopping in Hillsboro page.)

Pick

Although known for its high-tech contributions to the “Silicon Forest,” Hillsboro has a vast number of farms and farmers markets, making it a renowned agricultural zone, as well. More than two dozen nurseries and u-pick farms offer crops ranging from berries to pumpkins, while five farmers’ markets provide farm-fresh shopping nearly every day during peak season.  See the list of farms and farmers’ markets in Hillsboro.

Taste

Hillsboro is becoming the hub of Oregon’s Washington County’s burgeoning wine, beer and spirits scene. This area now is home to five wineries–Freja Cellars, Garden Vineyards, Helvetia Vineyards, J. Albin Winery and Oak Knoll Winery– three breweries– Ambacht Brewing, Vertigo Brewing and the brewery at McMenamins Cornelius Pass Roadhouse and Imbrie Hall– and Big Bottom Whiskey, the area’s only spirits tasting room.

 

Plan a weekend or week-long getaway in Washington County’s Hillsboro. Check out these hotels and motels in Hillsboro.

Evenings at Oregon’s Washington County Vineyards and Wineries

Posted on: July 27th, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Summer’s not over yet, and evenings in Oregon’s Washington County wine country are even more special as we near the end of the season.  While many area wineries are closing for the day, these wineries are just getting started. Set out to Oregon wine country and enjoy an evening of great wine, summer fun and friendly folks.

WEEKLY EVENTS

Movie Night at Garden Vineyards

If it’s Thursday, it’s movie night!  Sit back and relax while watching and outdoor movie, sip wines and take in the spectacular views at Garden Vineyards (8-10 p.m. through August 30). Can’t make it on Thursday nights?  Don’t miss live music Friday evenings  (6-9 p.m. through September 7).

Neighbors Night at Cooper Mountain Vineyards

Each Friday (through Sept. 7), from 5-8 p.m., Cooper Mountain Vineyards invites the public to enjoy live music on the lawn, tasting flights or wines by the glass or bottle and views of spectacular sunsets.

Summer Sundays at Ponzi Vineyards

Sundays became a lot more sweeter this summer with Ponzi Vineyards Summer Sundays (through August 26). Savor an evening of wine, live music and bocce ball at Ponzi’s Estate Vineyard each Sunday from 5:30 to 8 p.m. (no event on August 19). Admission is $15 and tickets must be purchased in advance.

MONTHLY EVENTS

Date Night at Plum Hill Vineyards

Bring that special someone to Plum Hill Vineyard’s “Date Night,” August 10, 5-8 p.m., which features snacks music and complimentary wine tasting. Optional catered dinner is $17 (reservations required).

Movie Night at Ardiri Winery and Vineyards

The next featured movie (August 11, 7-10:30 p.m.)  is “Under the Tuscan Sun,” and Ardiri Winery and Vineyards is the perfect setting to watch a film about that other famous wine country, Tuscany.

Third Thursday at Raptor Ridge Winery

Don’t miss the next Third Thursday, August 16, from 5-8 p.m.  Taste Raptor Ridge’s variety of wines, paired with bites created by a guest chef, and take home  the recipe, complete with a bit of wine-pairing wisdom.

SPECIAL EVENTS & CONCERTS

David Hill Vineyards and Winery Summer Concert Series

Rob Stroup and the Blame take the stage August 4 at 6 p.m. at David Hill Winery for an evening of live music, food from the James Gang BBQ Company and delicious wines.  Tickets are $10 and are available in advance or at the door.

Toast to the Tunes at Oak Knoll Winery

Oak Knoll’s popular summer music series returns.  Relax while noshing on grub prepared by the James Gang BBQ Company, sipping Oak Knoll wines and enjoying the tunes. Upcoming performances include Rock Residue (August 9) and The Rust (August 23). Gates open at 5 p.m., entertainment starts at 6 p.m.

Patio Grill Night at Apolloni Vineyards

Enjoy an al fresco dinner featuring a seasonal summer menu paired with Apolloni wines, August 10 at 6 p.m. Reservations are required, $40 per person (all inclusive).

Shakespeare in the Vineyard at Montinore Estate

Would you like a little Shakespeare with your Pinot? If so, head over to Montinore Estate August 10-12 (7-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 6-9 p.m. Sunday)  for Willamette Shakespeare Company’s presentation of  “Much Ado About Nothing.” Enjoy wine by the glass or bottle.

Interested in visiting Oregon’s Washington County’s wineries during regular tasting room hours? Visit our website for a list of area wineries.

 

While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided therein and to include all wineries in Oregon’s Washington County, events are subject to change and we may miss an event or two. 

A Closer Look at Our Cities: Sherwood

Posted on: March 6th, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments
Lavender Teahouse

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 Vineyard

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.

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.