Blog, Tigard, Upcoming Events

Bridgeport Village

One of the perks of staying at The Grand Hotel at Bridgeport is having Bridgeport Village within walking distance.

The center is one of the premiere shopping destinations in the Pacific Northwest and features a blend of upscale national and local retailers, 10 restaurants, and a multiplex movie theater with IMAX.

Here is a “Summer-y” of their upcoming events:

Family Fun Fest June 16 from 12-2pm
Enjoy 15% off at your favorite kids and baby stores : Finnegan’s Village Toys, Violet Boutique and Goodnight Room. Enjoy entertainment for kids at each location and be sure to catch all the activities going on in PF Chang’s Plaza, like face painting and balloon twisting for the kids while you enjoy mini-facials from Origins and chair massages from Coldwater Creek Spa!

Wine & Jazz in The Village: June 16 from 4-6pm
This rsvp only event features the Devin Phillips Quartet performing live and local wineries and Bridgeport Village restaurants offering free tastings. The suggested $5 donation will be donated to CHAP (Children’s Healing Art Project) who will be on site displaying artwork during the event.

Regal Summer Movie Express
Selected G or PG rated movies for only a dollar on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10:00. Click here for the list of movies and times.

Summer Concert Series
Thursdays July 12 -August 30 from 6:30-8:30pm in Center Court.

Camp Bridgeport
Wednesdays July 11 -August 29 from 10:30am to 12:30pm in Center Court. Entertainment provided by Radio Disney.

Visit their events page for more information.

We are proud to announce that The Grand Hotel at Bridgeport has received TripAdvisor’s 2012 Certificate of Excellence, an award that honors hospitality excellence.

TripAdvisor® is one of the top trusted travel sites that features consumer reviews and advice on hotels, resorts, flights, vacation rentals, vacation packages, travel guides, and more.

The accolade is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor, and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide.

To qualify for the Certificate of Excellence, businesses must maintain an overall rating of four or higher, out of a possible five, as reviewed by travelers on TripAdvisor. Additional criteria include the volume of reviews received within the last 12 months.  Here is what TripAdvisor says about this award:

“TripAdvisor is proud to congratulate Grand Hotel At Bridgeport on earning the prestigious 2012 Certificate of Excellence award. Our travelers consistently commend your property with the highest praise, and we recognize your 4 rating as an exceptional achievement. Only the very best in the business are awarded a Certificate of Excellence — display yours proudly in a place where your guests can see it.”

Approximately 10 percent of accommodations listed on TripAdvisor receive this prestigious award and we are extremely proud to be recognized for our sparkling-clean, well-maintained hotel and our excellent service! From all of us at The Grand Hotel at Bridgeport, Thank You!

Photo Credit: Festival of Balloons in Tigard, Oregon

Now that summer is right around the corner, it is time to plan your next getaway to Oregon’s Washington County. We are home to a diverse range of events, from garden and agricultural events to athletic adventures.

Here are some local event highlights happening this summer (complete event calendar is available online).  You can also visit the Washington County Visitors Association’s (WCVA) Facebook page or Twitter feed for the latest news and events.

Coming Up!
Memorial Day Weekend in Wine Country (May 26-28, 2012) Various locations. Tasting fees vary
Each year during Memorial Day weekend, wineries throughout the Willamette Valley open their doors for a weekend of fun, food and entertainment. Taste new releases from some of Washington County’s award-winning wineries and partake in the weekend’s open house festivities.

For a complete list of participating wineries, visit the websites for the North Willamette Vintners Association, Chehalem Mountain Winegrowers Association and Willamette Valley Wineries Association.

June 2012 Events

18th Annual Spring Garden Tour (June 3, 2012)
Tour starts at the Old Train Station (Forest Grove, Oregon) Set in the heart of the agricultural community, Forest Grove is a culturally and agriculturally rich community. Each spring, Friends of Historic Forest Grove lead tours of the city’s best local gardens for one
day only. Cost is $12, includes refreshments.

22nd Annual Cruisin’ Sherwood (June 9, 2012) Old Town Sherwood (Sherwood, Oregon)
Car collectors and aficionados will fill the streets of Old Town Sherwood for the annual car show, Cruisin’ Sherwood. This show features more than 550 hot rods, classic collector calls and military vehicles, as well as automotive vendors, arts and crafts vendors and kids play area. Admission is free.

Festival of Balloons in Tigard (June 22-24, 2012) Cook Park (Tigard, Oregon)
The annual Festival of Balloons in Tigard is a summer tradition. Dozens of balloons take flight in the early morning skies, while several events and activities provide fun for the entire family. Carnival rides, helicopter scenic tours, car show and beer garden are among the festivities planned. Admission, $5-7 for a three-day pass; children ages 6 and under are free; parking is $5.

Les Schwab Bowl (June 23, 2012) Hillsboro Stadium (Hillsboro, Oregon)
2012 marks the 65th anniversary of the annual “North vs. South” high school all-star football game, where Oregon’s top graduating high school senior football players meet face-to-face. Proceeds from the Les Schwab Bowl will benefit the Oregon Athletic Coaches Association general scholarship fund, as well as Oregon’s 5A and 6A schools. Tickets are $6-15.

Tualatin River Discovery Day (June 30, 2012) Tualatin Community Park (Tualatin, Oregon)
Discover the tranquil wonders of the Tualatin River during the annual Discovery Day, presented by the Tualatin Riverkeepers. The day’s events include a paddle trip along the Tualatin River and a community fair featuring organizations that are working to protect this natural asset. Registration opens June 1.

Stub Stewart Summer Solstice Celebration (June 30, 2012)
L.L. “Stub” Stewart State Park (Buxton, Oregon) Celebrate the beginning of summer, astronomy-style, at this “star party.” Beginners and experts alike can view the stars and celestial objects (weather permitting). Admission is free; parking is $5.

July 2012 Events

Hagg Lake Triathlon & Duathlon (July 9, 2011) Hagg Lake, Gaston, OR
The annual Hagg Lake Triathlon and Duathlon, one of the nation’s oldest and longest triathlon events, returns to Oregon’s Washington County for its 32nd year. Register to compete in the Olympic Triathlon, Olympic Duathlon, Sprint Triathlon and Tri-iT (novice) Triathlon. Entry fees are $45-55 per person, per team, or $80-90 for individual participants.

Oregon Lavender Festival (July 14-15, 2012) Multiple locations throughout Washington County and neighboring counties
Explore six lavender farms in Washington County as part of this annual Festival: Helvetia Lavender Farm, Jackson School Lavender, Mountainside Lavender, and Seasonal Mary Herb and Flower Farm. Each location will feature specials and events, including u-pick lavender, food infused with lavender, and lavender plants for sale. Admission to the farms is free.

Forest Grove Concours d’Elegance (July 15, 2012) Pacific University, Forest Grove, OR
Celebrate the Mercedes-Benz at this year’s annual Concours d’Elegance. The show features more than 300 antique and special-interest cars, as well as live music and food booths. Ticket prices range from $5 (youth) – $17 (adults).

Sherwood Robin Hood Festival (July 20-21, 2012) Old Town, Sherwood, OR
Sherwood continues its signature festival, which celebrates Robin Hood, his Merry Men and Maid Marian. Enjoy Renaissance reenactments, an archery contest, a parade, sword fighting, medieval kids’ area, live music, a beer garden and more. Admission to the festival is free.

Washington County Fair (July 26-29, 2012) Fair Complex, Hillsboro, OR
This annual county fair includes carnival rides, food, booths, and activities for kids. This year’s fair features shows, such as a truck and tractor pull, draft horse show and monster truck show, as well as a headline performance from Miranda Cosgrove, star of Nickelodeon’s hit series, iCarly, Friday, July 27, at 7:30 p.m. Admission to the fair is free; some events and shows may require separate, paid ticket; tickets to headline act are $20-25.

The Main Course (July 28, 2012) Main Street, Forest Grove, OR
This unique event showcases local food and wine with an outdoor dinner held on Main Street. Local wineries offer tastings and pairings to top off the fine dining. Participants can choose from a wine and appetizer option or the wine tasting and full dinner. Ticket prices range from $30-80.

ABOUT OREGON’S WASHINGTON COUNTY
Washington County, Oregon, is scenically situated between Portland and the Oregon Coast, and is only minutes away from downtown Portland. The county spans 727 square miles, and includes the growing communities of Banks, Beaverton, Cornelius, Durham, Forest Grove, Gaston, Hillsboro, King City, North Plains, Sherwood, Tigard, Tualatin and Wilsonville. Washington County is home to world-class golf courses, award-winning wineries, an array of outdoor recreation opportunities, lush, natural and scenic wetlands and wildlife preserves, superb dining, and myriad shopping, from lifestyle centers and mall to boutiques and antiques. For more information about the region, visit www.visitwashingtoncountyoregon.com

Warmer weather means one thing in Oregon: time to hit the great outdoors! Hopping on your bicycle and hitting one of the many bike paths and trails in our region is nothing less than blissful.

Fortunately for us, there is no shortage of bicycle trains to explore for all levels. Whether you are a seasoned cyclist or a newbie- there is something for everyone here.

Just remember to travel at a safe speed and follow the rules of the road!

WCVA recommends checking out the Banks-Vernonia State Trail for 21 miles of uninterrupted, car-free, smooth riding.

L.L. Stub Stewart State Park (featured in the above video), a 1,673 acre park where outdoor lovers are invited to explore more than 20 miles of trails. Bring your horse or bicycle and spend hours exploring the far reaches of the park.

Other tips:

• Be sure to visit the City of Tigard’s new bicycle resource featuring bike maps, links, and a listing of upcoming events.
• Visit the WCVA’s new comprehensive bike map detailing bike trails, lanes and designated paths and routes throughout Washington County,
• Check out rideoregonride.com for featured Itineraries, events, maps, recommendations and more.
• Check out the WCVA list of local Bicycle rental and repair shops

Credit: Travel Portland

Want to take a grand tour of Portland without breaking the bank? Lucky for you, there are many ways to enjoy our city on the cheap! Here are 5 of our favorite ideas from the article, Portland on a Dime on Travel Portland.

You can even get to many of these attractions for free when you ride on The Free Rail Zone which includes most of downtown Portland (within the boundaries of the Willamette River, NW Irving and I-405), as well as MAX stations from the Rose Quarter to Lloyd Center.

1) Visit Powell’s City of Books: You will find a book lover’s heaven in the heart of downtown Portland. Powell’s City of Books is the largest used and new bookstore in the world. You can spend an entire day browsing their estimated 1 million titles. You are even allowed to bring up to 3 books into the coffee shop for perusing). Location: 1005 W. Burnside St. 503.228.4651 www.powells.com

2) The Grotto: This serene and beautiful sanctuary and gardens located on Northeast Sandy Boulevard at 85th Avenue is filled with surprises and attracts over 175,000 visitors each year. There is no charge to see the lower-level gardens and structures. To access the upper gardens, each visitor must purchase an elevator token. Tokens are $4.00 for ages 12-64, ages 6-11 $2.50, and seniors over 65 $3.00. Children under 6 are free. 503.254.7371

3) Pioneer Courthouse Square: Located in the heart of Downtown Portland, this is a public space hosting more than 300 programmed events each year. With more than 26,000 people visiting the Square each day, it is the single most visited site in Oregon’s most visited city. Location: Bordered by Southwest Sixth Avenue, Broadway, and Yamhill and Morrison streets.

4) Visit the 24 Hour Church of Elvis: 3 words: Elvis, Quirky and Free. Need we say more? Location: 408 N.W. Couch St.

5) Portland Farmers Market & Saturday Market- Features locally grown and prepared foods, live music, handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing, artwork and more!

The Portland Farmers Market is held on Saturdays in the South Park Blocks at Portland State University, March-December. On Mondays, the market comes to Pioneer Courthouse Square (June-October), and Wednesday’s market is held in the South Park Blocks of the Cultural District (May-October).

Portland Saturday Market: Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., March through December 24. Location: Southwest Ankeny Street & Naito Parkway (in Waterfront Park, Skidmore Fountain MAX station) 503.222.6072

Credit: Travel Portland

Springtime is here, which means- sunshine (on some days), Easter, Mother’s Day, warmer weather, and Portland comes alive with fun events and festivals.   Here are just a few event highlights from Travel Portland to check out during your visit this spring:

Portland Farmers Market Saturdays, March 17 through December 15
Celebrating its 20th season, Portland Farmers Market operates vibrant farmers markets that contribute to the success of local food growers and producers, strengthen the food economy and serve as community gathering places.

18th Annual Spring Beer & Wine Fest April 6-7, 2012
A Taste of the Best! Sample from over 100 brewers, vintners, cheese makers and chocolatiers on April 6-7, 2012 at the Oregon Convention Center. The festival also features great food and music.

2012 Bridgetown Comedy Festival, April 12-15
The Pacific Northwest’s premier comedy festival, returning for its fifth year! Local comedians and fans banded come together at one of the nation’s funniest and fastest-growing comedy festivals.

Stumptown Comics Festival April 28 & 29, 2012
The annual Stumptown Comics Fest is the largest comic book convention in Portland, Oregon, dedicated primarily to the artists, writers, and publishers who make everyone’s favorite comics! “Best. Comic book festival. Ever.” -Travel Portland

28th Annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta May 4th, 5th, and 6th, 2012
Waterfront Park will be transformed into a Mexican Fiesta for the weekend and features live entertainment, authentic food, rides, family fun, and much more!
Presented by Portland Guadalajara Sister City Association (PGSCA).

Taste of the Nation Portland, OR Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Held at JELD-WEN Field, this is one of the city’s premier food and wine-tasting events. The best part is ticket sales support Share Our Strength’s efforts to end childhood hunger. This event features food from the finest Oregon chefs and restaurants, wine, microbrews, local music, and a silent auction.

Crafty Wonderland SPRING SHOW - Saturday, May 12th, 2012
Portland’s Art + Craft Extravaganza features 200+ artists selling their amazing handmade goods!

Portland Indie Wine Festival May 14, 2012
Join the independent producers that represent the heart and soul of Oregon’s world-class wine industry as they pour their wines on May 14th at the Bison Building.

Montinore - Image Credit: Janis Miglavs

Willamette Valley is the place to be for Memorial Day 2012! Over 150 wineries and tasting rooms will be open all over the region May 26-28, 2012 for the 22st annual Memorial Weekend in the Wine Country.

This is the perfect way for wine lovers to kick off the summer season with extraordinary tastings, vineyard tours, food, special events and entertainment.

As an added bonus, Willamette Valley Wineries will donate a portion of event fees (or other proceeds) to Ecotrust’s Farm to School Programs. These programs work to bring more locally-grown, healthy products to the school lunchroom, educate children about agriculture and support regional farmers.

Here are some tips from The North Willamette Vintners to get the most of your holiday weekend:

• Drive less, taste more. Avoid the long drive and congested roadways by visiting the wineries located in Portland’s backyard, shaping the northern gateway to Oregon’s wine country.
• Discover new wineries. Experience a new label or visit a boutique winery not typically open for tastings.
• Taste exceptional wines. Be among the first to enjoy new releases, barrel samples and paired flights.
• Learn from the pros. Meet the winemakers and learn about the style, characteristics and unique attributes of their wine.
• Experience wine country. Participate in a traditional tribal salmon bake, watch a live landscape painting, stroll along a garden walk, tour the vineyards, relax to live music and soak in the spectacular vineyard views while enjoying a picnic lunch.

For more information and to plan your weekend visit Willamette Valley Wineries Association.

Need a place to stay? The Grand Hotel Bridgeport is proud to offer wine lovers luxurious accommodations, free parking, free WiFi(helpful as you are planning your afternoon of wine tasting!), and a free chef prepared breakfast the following morning! What more do you need?  Book a Grand Hotel at Bridgeport Wine Package and you will see what we mean!

Tulips in full bloom at the Woodburn Tulip Festival

It might feel chilly outside now, but Spring is officially here and the Willamette Valley is an ideal destination to enjoy natural beauty, entertainment, food, family friendly events, and of course- Willamette Valley wine! To make your visit even more enjoyable, we have several packages at The Grand Hotel at Bridgeport to add value to your trip:

March Madness Special – Stay 2 Nights and get the 3rd Night FREE!
For the weekends in March stay Friday and Saturday night at the regular rate ($129 or $139) and get Sunday night FREE. The offer is valid for our Classic King or Classic Double Queen rooms. Please call the front desk at 503-968-5757 and ask for the “March Madness” special to reserve this offer.

It’s Tee Time Golf Package
Love Golf? We have forged dynamic partnerships with local golf courses so that when you come to play golf, you will receive some of the best deals possible!

Wine Tour Package
When you book our Wine Tour Package, you will spend Friday and Saturday touring some of the valley’s finest vineyards and wineries and end your adventure with us for a night of relaxing bliss. You will also receive (8) wine tasting vouchers to the 4 wineries of your choice and (1) bottle of local Oregon wine. Our partner vineyards include: Cooper Mountain Vineyards, Elk Cove Vineyards, Helvetia Vineyards, Kramer Vineyards, Montinore Estate, Oak Knoll Winery, Plum Hill Vineyards and Tualatin Estate Vineyards.

Up, Up, and Away!
What could be more breath-taking than a hot air balloon adventure! Between April and October, weather permitting, you will be able to enjoy a beautiful scenic flight with Pacific Peaks Balloons. This package includes: Hot Air Balloon Adventure (this includes transportation to and from launch site), Gourmet Breakfast at a local restaurant, Jacuzzi Suite, late checkout.

Here are some tips and upcoming events to make the most of your Willamette Valley springtime getaway:

Upcoming Events at Bridgeport Village

• Strolling Easter Bunny: Visit the Easter Bunny on Saturday, April 7 from 12-2pm in Center Court. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
• Easter Seals Oregon BloomFest: April 5-7 and 12-14 Easter Seals Oregon will be selling Tulip bundles for $5 from 11am to 5pm in Center Court.
• VaVa Bloom: Seek inspiration for your garden and get top tips from local experts at our weekly Saturday seminars in April. Check out installations from local nurseries and garden centers throughout Bridgeport Village.

North Willamette Wine Trail Weekend
Explore Oregon’s wine country March 31-April 1, 2012 with the North Willamette Vintners (NWV). Journey to 24 local wineries and experience a weekend full of wine, culinary samples, education and fun! northwillamettevintners.org

Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route
When traveling through wine country, experience the natural beauty of the area by taking the Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route. This beautiful 50 mile stretch of road is home to many of the local wineries as well as farms and spectacular mountain views.

Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival March 30-April 30 (Woodburn)
This family friendly event features 40+ acres of spectacular tulips and daffodils along with food, entertainment, and more. www.woodenshoe.com/tulip-fest

Tualatin River Bird Festival – May 18-20th
This annual event takes place at the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge. This three-day event features hands on activities and experiences for kids and adults. tualatinriverbirdfestival.org

Need more ideas? visitwashingtoncountyoregon.com will help you plan a great vacation!

The North Willamette Vintners (NWV) invites you to spend a weekend exploring Oregon’s wine country March 31-April 1, 2012!  Journey to 24 neighboring wineries located just minutes from Portland and experience a weekend full of wine, culinary samples, education and fun!

The North Willamette Vintners (NWV) represents the wineries located in, or immediately adjacent to, Washington County, Oregon. Together this diverse group of wineries shapes the northern gateway to Oregon’s wine country.

Guests are treated to complimentary wine tastings, pairings, entertainment and activities at EACH participating winery. Taste a new release, reserve label or a barrel tastings while enjoying specially paired samples. Then, participate in a variety of activities at each location. In addition, Wine Trail guests receive a variety of discounts and offers from restaurants, hotels and other wine tour partners.

After reserving a ticket for the weekend, guests are treated to the following benefits at EACH participating winery:

• Complementary tastings! New releases, reserve labels, barrel tastings and much more
• Pairings! Paired samples from a variety of culinary collections carefully selected to enhance each wine.
• Activities! Tours, one-of-a-kind demonstrations and hands-on activities

To purchase your tickets, visit shop.northwillamettevintners.org and choose from a Wine Trail Full Weekend Ticket or Wine Trail Sunday Only Ticket.

Make it a weekend getaway by booking  The Grand Hotel Bridgeport Wine Tour Package Where wining is encouraged. Spend Friday and Saturday touring some of the valley’s finest vineyards and wineries and end your adventure with us for a night of relaxing bliss.