Blog, Portland Travel

Travel Oregon, in partnership with Sustainable Travel International, is proud to introduce the Oregon Travel Philanthropy Fund. The first statewide program of its kind, this fund will support sustainable tourism development in Oregon by connecting businesses and travelers to projects that improve the environment, support local culture and enhance the destination for future visitors.

Participating businesses throughout the state can raise funds for projects via an optional $1 donation from customers. All projects selected as beneficiaries of the fund protect Oregon’s natural assets and/or support communities in a way that improves their appeal as a destination.

“Oregonians have a rich history of stewardship of the land and love of community,” said Kristin Dahl, Travel Oregon’s Senior Manager of Destination Development. “This program is a natural fit as we will raise funds to directly improve and enhance Oregon communities. We expect this to result in enriching experiences for visitors and participating businesses.”

The Oregon Travel Philanthropy Fund will work with lodging properties during the initial phase of the program, which lasts through 2012. Other types of businesses, such as restaurants, tour operators and retail stores, will be invited to participate in the next phase. Individuals and corporations can also contribute directly to the fund.

The fund will support one project from each of Oregon’s seven tourism regions. Examples include: supporting agritourism in Eastern Oregon by developing new point-of-sale options for local food products; creating a new recreation trail from the town of Rogue River to the Rogue River Valley, provided by The Rogue River Greenway Foundation; and in Portland, the Living Highways Project will plant and maintain over 5,000 trees along I-205, as part of the Greenspace Initiative. For more information and to view the full list of selected projects, go to: www.traveloregonforever.com/giveback

“We chose these projects because they represent some of the best work being done to steward the environment, build community and showcase the food and culture that make Oregon a great destination,” said Jon-Paul Bowles, Sustainable Travel International’s Vice President of Destination Stewardship.

Travel Oregon
The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, works to enhance visitors’ experience by providing information, resources and trip planning tools that inspire travel and consistently convey the exceptional quality of Oregon. The commission aims to improve Oregonians’ quality of life by strengthening economic impacts of the state’s $8.7 billion tourism industry. www.TravelOregon.com

Sustainable Travel International
Sustainable Travel International’s (STI) forward-thinking solutions strengthen the positive impacts of tourism worldwide, with a clear focus on the bottom line. The STI team specializes in connecting constituents across the value chain in order to effect change in the industry. As a result, STI partners with destinations and multi-national corporations to advance their sustainability efforts, and offers small to medium-sized businesses a suite of turnkey sustainability management tools.
Ultimately, STI’s programs help tourism businesses safeguard the authenticity of the destinations
they serve, helping to protect their natural and cultural heritage, while contributing to local
economic development.

The Santa House at Bridgeport Village Photo Credit @Bridgeport Village

I know there are many of you who have not finished their holiday shopping right? The Washington County Oregon Visitors Association has created a helpful shopping itinerary to help you take advantage of tax-free holiday shopping! Here is how you can finish all of your holiday shopping in a single day:

Start off at Washington Square located near three of Portland’s main roadways (I-5, HWY 217 and HWY 26). With five major department stores, 170 distinctive shops, nationally recognized restaurants, such as the Cheesecake Factory, and a large food court, Washington Square is a shopper’s paradise. This shopping center even boasts Oregon’s largest Nordstrom.

Next, visit Bridgeport Village, (walking distance to our hotel) one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier fashion and lifestyle shopping centers. Consisting of 500,000 square feet, the center offers one of-a-kind boutiques and well-known brands including crowd pleasers such as the Apple Store, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th and J. Crew. Stop and have lunch at one of the dozen delectable restaurants, whether it is at a popular national chain or a one-of-a kind eatery.

Tea aficionados flock to the Stash Tea Retail Store, which features hundreds of varieties of loose-leaf and bagged teas made with leaves from around the globe. As one of the first internationally recognized tea brands, Stash Tea remains to be one of the pioneers of Oregon tea.

Another option for the power shoppers: Take a drive down HWY 26 to 4 The Streets of Tanasbourne. Mixing European charm with shopping center convenience, this is a great place to meet for dinner. Enjoy tax-free shopping at more than 50 fabulous shops, or grab something to snack on at Buffalo Wild Wings or P.F. Chang’s before searching for great buys at Macy’s, REI, Abercrombie & Fitch or Coldwater Creek.

An entirely different option is Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing in Beaverton. This sister location to the famed Powell’s City of Books in downtown Portland is an ideal addition to a Washington County shopping itinerary. At 32,500 square feet, filled with new and used books, appearances by noteworthy authors, and a knowledgeable, book-loving staff, this bookstore is a haven for bibliophiles.

For more shopping ideas and a map to these locations, download the WCVA Shopping Guide.

Portland, Oregon comes alive during the holiday with these annual events. Spend a few days here and you will see why Portland, Oregon is one of the best travel destinations in the country!  There are too many local holiday events to mention in one blog post so visit downtownportland.org and plan your own outing.

Festival of Lights at The Grotto – Through Friday, December 30, 2011.. Closed Christmas Day
The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights is the largest Christmas choral festival in the world. The 2011 festival features nearly 170 indoor holiday concerts and an amazing display of more than 500,000 lights. illuminates the largest choral festival A petting zoo, puppet shows and seasonal food and beverages also highlight the event.

Parade of Christmas Ships – December 8 – 20, 2011
This year marks the 57th year for the Christmas Ship Parade on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers in Portland, Oregon. This fleet of 55-60 brightly lit boats has staged performances on the Willamette and Columbia rivers during the holiday season. Visit the Christmas Ships website for dates, times and best viewing locations.

ZooLights Festival – Through Jan. 1 (closed Dec. 24 & 25)
The Oregon Zoo becomes a holiday fairyland as one of Portland’s largest light displays blazes to life. More than a million sparkling lights transform the zoo into a winter wonderland. Decorated train rides, kids’ activities, and music by community groups.

From great coffee to beautiful lights to the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Portland will be merry this season!

There is a bounty of local festivals and celebrations this month in and around Portland, Oregon! Here are a few highlights of what you will find just minutes from The Grand Hotel at Bridgeport.   A special thanks to the Washington County Visitors Association for sharing this great info!

Beaverton Harvest Market Saturday, Nov. 19 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Fill your cornucopia at this one-time harvest market, timed perfectly for the Saturday before Thanksgiving. In addition to seasonal foods, the market features vendors offering flowers and crafts

German Holiday Market at German American School, Beaverton
Saturday, Nov. 19 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) &
Sunday, Nov. 20 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Enjoy traditional German food, novelties, nutcrackers and live entertainment at this free, two-day event, which is in its 12th year. Admission is free. For more information, please contact the school at 503-626-9089

Thanksgiving Wine Weekend- Various Washington County wineries Friday, Nov. 25 – Sunday, Nov. 27
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Celebrate Thanksgiving weekend in Washington County’s wine country, when wineries are all open and often have special perks such as vintage tastings, live music and/or light appetizers.

16th Annual Holiday Ale Festival November 30th – Sunday, December 4th, 2011.  Pioneer Courthouse Square, Portland.  Each year, the Holiday Ale Festival annually gathers up dozens of these winter warmers for a joyous five-day celebration. More than 40+ breweries will be featured at this year’s event, all of which are created specifically to bring warmth and cheer to the holiday season.

Hillsboro “Holly Days” Market Saturday, Dec. 3 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Second & Main Streets, downtown Hillsboro
This seasonal market is held in conjunction with the tree lighting and Santa visit. This year, there will be about 35 vendors, as well as live entertainment and activities for children. More info.

Hard core shoppers know there are holiday bargains to be found on Black Friday. For many, it is a holiday tradition to wake up before dawn the day after Thanksgiving and advantage of the great deals retailers offer.   Lets not forget one of the perks about visiting Oregon during this time is tax free holiday shopping!

To make shoppers a bit more comfortable, we are offering a special Black Friday Package for $99 that includes an early, on-the-go breakfast. Why wake up early, skip breakfast, and travel to get to your shopping destination?

Here is a guide for travelers to find some popular local spots for holiday shopping! Enjoy!

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

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
Woodburn Company Stores
The largest outlet center in Oregon with big-name brands and outlet savings at more than 95 stores, including: adidas, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Columbia Sportswear, J.Crew, Polo Ralph Lauren, Nike Factory Store, The North Face, Under Armour and more!
Minutes from The Grand Hotel at Bridgeport and Located just 25 minutes south of Portland, off I-5 at Woodburn Exit 271.

Please call the Front Desk directly at 866-968-5757 and ask for the “Black Friday Special” to take advantage of this offer.

As we prepare for the holidays here at The Grand Hotel at Bridgeport, this is the ideal time book your holiday gathering or end of the year meeting.

Whether you are planning a family function for one hundred or a professional business lunch for ten, formal or informal, The Grand Hotel has over 2,150 square-feet of flexible meeting space to accommodate your next meeting or special event.

From our festive,  inviting interior to our full-service, professionally trained staff, we are a distinctively different luxury facility ready to host your next event.

Inspired by sustainable, local farms and ingredients, our on-site catering team brings the Northwest’s freshest seasonal offerings to the table. Select items from our extensive menu or work with our staff to create a customized meal that you and your guests are sure to remember.

• The Bridgeport Room offers 1,750 square feet of flexible meeting space, perfect for your next special event. Open the French doors for access to almost 600 additional square feet on our stone patio.
• Available in the afternoon and evening, our Breakfast Room is perfect for casual luncheons, dinners and social events in and around Tigard. The Breakfast Room features 1,650 square feet of meeting space on an as-is basis.
• At 415 square feet, our Executive Board Room is ideal for board meetings, breakout sessions and workshops in the Tigard area. Located past our lobby on the first floor, the Board Room offers natural lighting and plenty of privacy.

To learn more about our meeting space and event space, please contact 503-968-5757 in Tigard or toll free at 866-968-5757 and ask for “Special Events”.

On your next visit, we recommend you check out some of the many antique, vintage and collectibles shops found in Washington County. With 150 years of history, it’s no surprise that antique stores are abundant in Oregon; visitors have their pick antique boutiques rich with history and hidden treasures.

You can find shops that appeal to all collectors, from furniture to jewelry, and everything in between throughout the region. Here are a few top picks we found on www.visitwashingtoncountyoregon.com

Hillsboro, Oregon
Hillsboro has become a haven for the antique hunter, and a stroll down the city’s downtown area, including Main Street is like a trip to yesteryear, with its fine collection of art, consignment and antique shops.

Antiques take center stage on and near Main Street, with shops such as Le’Stuff Antique Mall, a co-op with thousands of antiques ranging from furniture and jewelry to unique knick-knacks.

Sherwood, Oregon
From Sherwood’s historic “Old Town” to the main drag, many antique shops in this growing city have attracted many collectors from around the globe.

In historic “Old Town” Sherwood, the Railroad Street Antique Mall is a haven for antique lovers, with collectibles ranging from toys and advertising, pottery and glassware, costume jewelry, furniture and much more.

Just a quick walk from the Railroad Street Antique Mall is the Lavender Tea House, a traditional, English-style tea house that is located in a quaint house in Old Town.

Unger’s Trading Post is an antique mall conveniently located on Highway 99W, between Newberg and Sherwood. The Trading Post has a wide variety of vintage and antique pottery, furniture, clothes, collectibles and art.

Forest Grove, Oregon
The city of Forest Grove is not a typical college town. Home of Pacific University, a small, private institution, Forest Grove’s retro-feel blends well with its popular wineries, saké brewery, performing arts venues, art galleries and eclectic shops.

Main Street is home to three of the city’s antique shops, and becomes a hub of activity the first Wednesday of each month with the “Forest Grove First Wednesday” event. Many local businesses, including antique shops, in downtown Forest Grove welcome visitors with special offers and tastings from Oregon wineries.

Antique collectors will enjoy the vast selection of items at Collections in the Attic, which boasts a wide selection of hard-to-find items, ranging from small collectibles to plates and glasses and furniture.

For a treat, antique hunters can stop into Maggie’s Buns,, an eclectic, retro-style coffee shop, that serves homemade baked goods, vegetarian-friendly entrees and salads. The “Buns” in Maggie’s Buns refers to the delectable cinnamon buns, which often sell out quickly.

The fall and winter holidays are upon us which means we are in for a very exciting  season here at The Grand Hotel Bridgeport.   Don’t miss the following events happening at Bridgeport Village, one of the premiere shopping destinations in the Pacific Northwest (and our neighbor!). Reserve the Grand Shopping Package and you’ll receive a $25 Bridgeport Village gift card with your stay!

Visit www.bridgeport-village.com to stay current on all events and store promotions!

Halloween Family Fun Festival: Sunday, Oct. 30 from 2-5pm
Powered by Radio Disney

Civil War Pep Rally: Wednesday, Nov. 23  4-8pm- Ducks vs. Beavers!

The Beatniks FREE Concert & Holiday Tree Lighting Friday, Nov. 25  6-8:30pm

Bridgeport Village is the Pacific Northwest’s preeminent fashion and lifestyle shopping center. Consisting of 500,000 sq.ft., the center offers an outstanding and enviable array of the regions first and exclusive one of a kind and internationally renowned stores and boutiques including Cole Haan, The Container Store, Crate & Barrel, Z-Gallerie, Eileen Fisher, MAC Cosmetics, Tommy Bahama, Under U 4 Men along with the only Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Francesca’s Collections, Hot Mama and Coldwater Creek Spa and the largest Regal Cinema in the state — now with an IMAX Theater.

Spend Thanksgiving in Oregon Wine Country!  Willamette Valley kicks off the winter wine tasting and the holiday season during the 29th Annual Wine Country Thanksgiving Event November 25-27, 2011. More than 150 wineries and tasting rooms in the Willamette Valley will open their doors for special tastings and holiday festivities. For more information about participating wineries, visit willamettewines.com

To receive a mailer that includes a list of activities at each winery and a touring map, email info-at-willamettewines.com. Please include your mailing address when sending an email request.

Celebrate on your getaway with wine tasting and festivities by reserving your “Wining Encouraged” Wine Tour Package here at The Grand Hotel at Bridgeport. Touring some of the valley’s finest vineyards and wineries and end your adventure with us for a night of relaxing bliss. Our partner vineyards include:

Cooper Mountain Vineyards
Elk Cove Vineyards
Helvetia Vineyards
Kramer Vineyards
Montinore Estate
Oak Knoll Winery
Plum Hill Vineyards
Tualatin Estate Vineyards

This package starts at $169.00, plus tax and includes: (8) wine tasting vouchers to the 4 wineries of your choice (1) bottle of local Oregon wine

To make the most of your Oregon wine tasting experience, follow these great Wine Tasting Tips compliments of Willamette Valley Wineries Association!

• Plan your route ahead. Visit wineries that are in close proximity to limit driving. Call ahead to confirm hours.
• Get a designated driver! For a carefree day of tasting…it’s the prudent thing to do. Take advantage of local tour services that are fun and affordable.
• Avoid wearing any perfume, cologne or heavily scented lotions. It will interfere with your tasting experience as well as the experience of those around you.
• Spit…like the professionals. Or use dump buckets that are often placed on tasting room bars. It’s the cool thing to do. You will be able to taste more fantastic wines.
• Ask a lot of questions. This is your opportunity to educate your palate and learn more about the wine making process. Tasting Room staff are friendly and love to share their knowledge with guests.
• Explore a new wine tasting region. Likely you’ll experience less congestion and you’ll have a great time tasting new wines! Check out our wine tasting routes for some ideas.
• Likewise, try a new type of wine or “varietal” during your wine tasting. You must taste the Valley’s signature Pinot Noirs, but don’t be afraid to try something new. You may like it!
• Visit small wineries and larger wineries to enjoy a variety of wine tasting experiences. Chat with winemakers in an intimate setting, taste from the barrel or enjoy some live music and specialty food pairings.
• Don’t miss out on special discounts and offers at wineries during tasting events. And, if you discover a winery you really love, consider joining their wine club. You’ll likely receive discounts, exclusive deals, access to special releases and free tastings.