Blog, Bridgeport village, Restaurants, Tualatin
The Mysterious History of Valentines Day
Valentine's Day Package at The Grand Hotel in Bridgeport
Each year millions of couples around the world will exchange tokens of affection in the form of gifts, cards, candy or flowers in honor of Valentines Day on February 14. Restaurants are filled with couples celebrating romance over a special dinner; hotels get booked with couples who choose to celebrate with a romantic getaway (like our special Suites for Your Sweets Package)
So how did these Valentines Day traditions begin and who is this mysterious St. Valentine we keep hearing about? My search brought me to History.com which gave me some very interesting details to share:
I learned that the origins of Valentines Day are somewhat mysterious:
- *Legend has it that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome and was ordered to be put to death when he continued to perform marriages after Emperor Claudius II had outlawed it (so men would be better soldiers)
- *Another legend says that Valentine fell in love with the daughter of one of his jailers while in prison and actually sent the first “valentine” greeting to her before his death- a love letter signed “From your Valentine,”
- *Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages (written Valentine’s didn’t begin to appear until after 1400), and the oldest known Valentine card is on display at the British Museum.
- *Valentine’s Day as we now know it began to be popularly celebrated around the seventeenth century in Great Britain.
- *The first commercial Valentine’s Day greeting cards produced in the U.S. were created in the 1840s by Esther A. Howland. Howland, known as the Mother of the Valentine, made elaborate creations with real lace, ribbons and colorful pictures known as “scrap.”
Special Valentines Day Package: The Grand Hotel in Bridgeport is celebrating Valentines Day by partnering with Split Wine Bar to provide you and your Amore with a romantic getaway.
For only $199.00 (plus tax) you will be able to enjoy a fabulous dinner at Split Wine Bar and then return to a luxuriously appointed Jacuzzi suite. If you’ve missed out on the Jacuzzi Suites we are offering the same package added to a Classic King room for $169.00 (plus tax).
The package includes:
- $50.00 Gift Certificate to Split Wine Bar
- Fresh Flowers
- Gourmet Chocolates
- Bottle of Champagne or Sparkling Cider
- Late checkout
Don’t waste any time! These suites book up fast! Please call: 866-968-5757 to reserve.
The 2010 Holiday Season is here and we have several announcements to make to our loyal guests and friends to kick things off!
The Grand Gives Back 2010
This holiday season we have adopted the theme, The Grand Gives Back 2010 . We have purchased our poinsettias that decorate our lobby from Sunnyside Environmental School’s 2010 Wreath & Poinsettia Sale. This is a local school initiative to raise money for school activities by selling fresh holiday decorations.
In keeping with the spirit of giving back, we will also be hosting a Salvation Army Angel Giving Tree to benefit local families who need our help this season. To learn how you can help make someone’s holiday brighter, please come by our lobby or contact us at 866-968-5757.
Stay tuned- we will announcing more initiatives to give back to the community that has given us so much!
The Grand Hotel Bridgeport Black Friday Special
It’s no secret that retail stores are offering BIG discounts to holiday shoppers the day after Thanksgiving so we want to make your Bridgeport Village shopping experience the best. Our Black Friday Special is $99 and includes an early chef prepared breakfast to fuel your day (not to mention we are walking distance of the Bridgeport Village Shopping District- one of Oregon’s Premiere shopping destinations).
You will also have access to our luxurious hotel amenities including:
- Shuttle Service
- Indoor pool and spa
- Work Out Room
- Meeting Rooms
- Complimentary high-speed internet
- Complimentary covered parking
Holiday Events at Bridgeport Village
Bridgeport Village is bringing in the Holiday Spirit with their annual traditions! On Friday, November 26 (Black Friday) Santa will be rolling into Bridgeport Village on the Bridgeport Express Train.
That evening, you won’t want to the miss the big Light Up The Night Holiday Event from 6-8pm featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus, live entertainment from the Tom Grant band featuring Shelly Rudolph, and the official lighting of the stunning Holiday Tree in Center Court.
One of the perks about visiting Oregon during this time is tax free holiday shopping!
Our friends at Washington County Visitors Association put together this helpful guide for travelers to find the best local spots for holiday shopping! Enjoy!
Washington Square Mall
9585 SW Washington Square Rd.
Tigard, OR 97223
(503) 639-8860
• Traditional major mall located in Tigard along Hwy. 217 near its junction with Interstate 5
• Built in 1974, expanded and renovated in 2005 to become one of the largest retail centers in the Portland metropolitan area
• Four anchor department stores including Oregon’s largest Nordstrom, 170 distinctive retailers including the West Coast’s only Dick’s Sporting Goods, five restaurants and 11-eatery Food Court
Bridgeport Village
7455 SW Bridgeport Rd.
Tigard, OR 97224
(503) 968-8940
• Easy-access location just off Interstate 5 on the border of Tualatin and Tigard
• European-style, outdoor shopping area with nearly 500,000 sq. ft. of retail, restaurant and theater space
• Blend of upscale national and local retailers, 10 restaurants, multiplex movie theater with IMAX
Nearby:
The Stash Tea Store
7250 SW Durham Rd., Bldg. J
Tigard, OR 97224
(503) 603-9905
• Exclusive retail location of nationally recognized tea producer
• 200 loose-leaf teas and more than 80 in tea bags, including seasonal and rare varieties
• Daily free tea tastings, weekly tea samplings to compare varieties, teapots and gifts for tea lovers
The Streets of Tanasbourne
19350 NW Emma Way
Hillsboro, OR 97124
(503) 533-0561
• Located just off Hwy. 26 on NW Cornell Road
• Outdoor shopping cluster of more than 50 specialty shops and national retailers, eight restaurants
Hazelnut Growers of Oregon
195 N. 26th Ave.
Cornelius, OR 97113 (moving to Hillsboro’s Orenco Station in August)
(503) 693-0662
• The only hazelnut cooperative in the U.S. with more than 150 growers and 7,500 acres
• Largest processor and handler of Oregon hazelnuts in North America, founded in 1984
• Retail store sells wide variety of hazelnut products under Oregon Orchard and Pride of Oregon labels
Antiques
Le’Stuff Antique Mall
234 E Main St.
Hillsboro, OR 97123
(503) 640-9197
• Located in downtown Hillsboro
• Antiques and collectibles including furniture, pottery, jewelry and clocks, plus clock repair
Railroad Street Antique Mall
16167 SW Railroad St.
Sherwood, OR 97140
(503) 625-2246
• Located in the heart of historic Old Town Sherwood
• Antiques and collectibles including toys, vintage posters, pottery, glassware, costume jewelry, furniture
Whether you have some back-to-school shopping yet to do or want to get a head start on holiday shopping- Bridgeport Village in Tigard Oregon just outside of Portland, Oregon and steps away from our hotel is a one of a kind shopping destination.
Our guests enjoy shopping in renowned stores and boutiques including Coach, Cole Haan, The Container Store, Crate & Barrel, Z-Gallerie, Eileen Fisher, Patrick James, MAC Cosmetics, Tommy Bahama, Under U 4 Men (and much more) along with the first Coldwater Creek Spa and the largest Regal Cinema in the state — now with an IMAX Theater.
Reserve the Grand Shopping Package and you’ll receive a $25 Bridgeport Village gift card and gift with your stay. Hotel amenities include complimentary covered parking, hot breakfast buffet, indoor pool and fitness center and plasma televisions.
Still not convinced? Enjoy this video from our friends at Washington County Visitors Association
Bridgeport Village is Bringing Back the Train!
Summer is in full swing and what better way to celebrate the long warm days than to spend time with the entire family. Many of our guests have been enjoying the variety of activities (many of them free) that have been happening at the shopping center. And the list of fun keeps growing!
Check out what is happening in August.
Summer Concert Series : Each Thursday through August 26 beginning at 5:30 Take in the sights and sounds of talented musicians that represent a diverse range of musical genres. These concerts also feature youth performers from the Tualatin-Tigard School District who perform before the main act.
Guests can now order to-go concert picnic menus by placing an order through Guest Services (503-968-1704) and receive a reserved table at the concert!
Storybook Playhouses Imagination Celebration through August 14: At long last the Storybook Playhouse Project will come to life in Portland this summer! This amazing project features a showcase of storybook themed playhouses designed and built by a select group of Portland’s local architects and home builders. The Playhouses are open from 11am to 6pm Monday through Sunday. Storybook Readings will take place at 11:30am, 2:30pm and 4:30pm daily.
Free Train Rides August 4-8 Due to popular demand, The Bridgeport Express Returns for a limited summer engagement. We loved the train rides around the center during the holidays! Catch a ride around The Village from 11am-5pm daily!
Camp Bridgeport Wednesdays now through August 25, from 10:30am to 12:30pm. Join Radio Disney AM1640 and Bridgeport Village for dancing, games and awesome prizes! Located in Center Court.
Regal Cinemas Free Family Film Festival 10 – 11:30am every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday through August 25. Enjoy popular movies for the whole family for free! Click here for more information.
Very Engaging Bridal Event is Sept. 12 at Bridgeport Village
Being this close to Portland, Oregon has its advantages when it comes to wedding planning. Locals and visitors really have their pick of dream wedding locations: vineyards, outdoors, historic buildings, you name it. Here are some tips to planning your perfect day in Washington County.
Visit the Washington County Visitor’s Association list of local venues. The WCVA’s Wedding Wonderland Page contains great suggestions for vineyards and other unique and special locations well suited for for your big day!
Utilize Local Wedding Planners and Search for Vendors Recommended by the WCVA and Local Merchants. Here are a few to get your started on your search:
- Columbia Crossroads: Tours, Travel, Events (503) 225-9995
- Convention & Meeting Planners of Oregon, Inc. (503) 846-1742
- Peter Corvallis Productions 503-222-1664
- Royce’s Prop Shop (503) 283-8828
Also check out:
Wedding Resource Studio in Tigard
Attend the Very Engaging Bridal Event at Bridgeport Village on Sunday, September 12 from 11am to 4pm
This is your chance to find free expert advice from local wedding planners, sample delicious cakes, nibbles and sip on wine and champagne. Meet bridal jewelry designers, try on sparkly baubles and get inspired by invitation and gift ideas. See beautiful floral creations, get pampered and beautified and register for your must-have gifts and much more! Visit www.bridgeport-village.com for more info.
Consider Hosting Rehearsal Dinners, Showers and Parties at Bridgeport Village. We love Bridgeport Village because it is elegant, unique, service oriented and convenient to our guests. The center also provides a variety of popular restaurants to suite any taste and budget. You may also want to consider booking one of their specialty salons and spas to pamper your bridal party on the big day!
Consider the Service Options Available at The Grand Hotel in Bridgeport. There are numerous reasons we are a great choice to host your important event. Wedding guests love our amenities (Free WiFi, Indoor Pool, Hot Tub, Workout room, and hot breakfast buffet) Our committed staff will provide the outstanding service you deserve to make your day perfect.
Everybody knows that Bridgeport Village offers a great mix of shops, entertainment & restaurants and is only steps away from our hotel. Did you know Bridgeport Village is offering outdoor entertainment to celebrate the warm summer days ahead? Be sure to check the Bridgeport Village Event Page for the most current information on the musicians and movies listed below:
Outdoor Movie Series: Wednesday Nights July 21 & 28 and August 4 &11
Bridgeport Village is launching their first annual Outdoor Movie Series on the top floor of the parking structure! Doors open at 7pm, movies start at 9pm. Under 18 not permitted without a parent. All movies are rated PG-13.
July 21 – The Blind Side
July 28 – Big Fish
August 4 – Dirty Dancing
August 11 – Love Actually
Summer Concert Series: Thursdays July 8 through August 26 from 6:30 to 8:30pm
Youth Performers from the Tualatin-Tigard School District will perform from 5:30 -6pm before every concert.
July 8: The Beatniks & Ian Stephens, James Fogerty and Derek Harris (Tigard High) – Guitar Jazz
July 15: Hit Explosion-B’Elanna Rhodehamel (Hazelbrook) and Parker Ediger (Twality)- African Marimba
July 22: Cool-Ade- Euphony Brothers: Justin Lacey and Cole Sashkin (Tualatin High) – Singer/Guitar
July 29: GruVbox- Shaelynn Dalton (Tigard High) – Singer/Guitar
August 5: Keegan Smith and the Fam- Noah Hocker (Tigard High) and Andrew Olson (Tualtain High) – Jazz
August 12: Zuzo Blue- Rebecca McDade (Tualatin High) – Vocalist
August 19: The Retros- PDX Jazz: Kyle Monitor, Tristan Weitkamp (Tigard High) and Andrwe Olson and Hanna Dexter (Tualatin HIgh) – Jazz
August 28: Suprise Guest & Mhofu Marimba: (Deer Creek Alumni) – Marimba
Bridgeport Village is a shopping, dining and entertainment paradise (and it just happens to be steps away from our hotel!). The center has put together a number of events that are perfect for the whole family all summer long that include outdoor concerts, a free family film festival, and Camp Bridgeport! The center has a safe and welcoming atmosphere with a fun playground for children of all ages to enjoy. Be sure to visit their www.Bridgeport-Village.com for the most current list of events and promotions!
Camp Bridgeport
Join Radio Disney AM1640 and Bridgeport Village for dancing, games and awesome prizes! Located in Center Court.
Wednesdays July 7 through August 25, from 10:30am to 12:30pm.
Free Family Film Festival
Your little ones will love a morning out at the movies every every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday through August 25 from 10 – 11:30am at Regal Cinemas. Parents will love the price: FREE! See the Schedule for a list of movies.
Summer Concert Series
July 8 through August 26 from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Youth Performers from the Tualatin-Tigard School District will perform from 5:30 -6pm before every concert.
July 8 The Beatniks
Ian Stephens, James Fogerty and Derek Harris (Tigard High) – Guitar Jazz
July 15 Hit Explosion
B’Elanna Rhodehamel (Hazelbrook) and Parker Ediger (Twality)- Marimba
July 22 Cool-Ade
Euphony Brothers: Justin Lacey and Cole Sashkin (Tualatin High) – Singer/Guitar
July 29 GruVbox
Shaelynn Dalton (Tigard High) – Singer/Guitar
August 5 Keegan Smith and the Fam
Noah Hocker (Tigard High) – Jazz
August 12 Zuzo Blue
Rebecca McDale (Tualatin High) – Vocalist
August 19 The Retros
PDX Jazz: Kyle Monitor, Tristan Weitkamp (Tigard High) and Andrwe Olson and Hanna Dexter (Tualatin HIgh) – Jazz
August 26 Surprise Guest
Kudu Kids Marimba: (Deer Creek Alumni) – Marimba
Bridgeport Village Recommends Relaxing and Pampering at Coldwater Creek ~ The Spa in Bridgeport Village
We love being a part of this unique and special community that attracts thousands of visitors each year. As members of the Bridgeport community, we are knowledgeable about the surrounding businesses and are happy to make recommendations to our guests to make their visit with us even better.
Many of our guests are here for special events such as weddings or reunions and/or business travel and they want to know of the best place to unwind and indulge in a little pampering after a long day. I usually recommend our indoor pool and spa of course, but sometimes a visit to Coldwater Creek ~ The Spa in Bridgeport Village will certainly do the trick! Their customers appreciate the soothing ambiance and their special attention to detail.
The spa is located across the street and around the corner from the Coldwater Creek store in Bridgeport Village…though we are just steps away, Bridgeport Village has abundant public parking. Visit the Coldwater Creek ~ The Spa Website for a list of services or call 1-503-598-0524 to set up an appointment and enjoy your experience!
Got a local business to recommend that we share with our guests? Let us know! Email us at reservations@grandhotelbridgeport.com or share your idea on our Facebook Page!
Bridgeport Village shoppers have been treated to gorgeous warm weather coupled with lush garden displays over the past few weeks as part of their VaVaVaBloom Landscape Displays event (ending tomorrow, May 10). If you missed the displays- see our photos!
