Blog, Bridgeport village, Portland Travel, Tigard

Christmas on Broadway

The holiday season is here again and there is no shortage of lively events the whole family will enjoy. Whether you are traveling to visit with family, business or just want to get away for a couple of days, get your holiday spirit on and check out one of these local holiday events happening minutes from The Grand Hotel Bridgeport:

Tigard, OR

Christmas on Broadway November 21 – December 23, 2012 (show times vary)
Snowbound in a Broadway theater on Christmas Eve, four star-struck holiday travelers use costumes, props, and set pieces to live a shared dream – starring on Broadway! Filled with holiday classics and songs from Broadway shows and composers, this is an evening of holiday magic.
Broadway Rose New Stage 12850 SW Grant Ave
503-620-5262/boxoffice@broadwayrose.org
www.broadwayrose.org

Bridgeport Village Light up the Night Event Fri, November 23, 2012 6-8pm
Gather at Bridgeport Village to enjoy a live holiday concert by The Beatniks, followed by a ceremonial lighting of the 40-foot tree and Santa’s arrival at 7 p.m.
Bridgeport Village 7455 SW Bridgeport Rd.
www.bridgeport-village.com

Victorian Christmas Sat, December 1, 2012 1-4pm
The Tigard Historical Association invites you and your family to experience a Victorian Christmas at the John Tigard House Museum. Enjoy the charms of yesteryear when parlors were furnished with velvet settees and food was cooked on a wood-burning stove.
103rd Avenue & Canterbury Lane
503-747-9856
www.tigardhistorical.org

From Heav’n Above Sat, December 1, 2012 7pm
The Oregon Chorale, under the direction of Bernd R. Kuehn, invites you to come hear the major work Von Himmel Hoch by Felix Mendelssohn, performed with orchestra and soloists. Old World Christmas carols will round out the concert.
Tigard United Methodist Church 9845 SW Walnut Place
503-926-8033
www.oregonchorale.org

Photo: Bridgeport Village

Tualatin, OR

Starry Nights and Holiday Lights Fri, December 7, 2012 5:30-8:30pm
Kick off the holiday season at Tualatin‘s Starry Nights & Holiday Lights, a special night filled with thousands of twinkling lights, caroling and a floating holiday tree. Enjoy activities for the kids, refreshments, and holiday cheer.
Tualatin Commons 8325 SW Nyberg Rd
503-691-3076
www.tualatinoregon.gov

Community Concerts off the Commons Sat, December 8, 2012 7:30pm
On the second Saturday of the month, enjoy an evening of musical entertainment at Community Concerts off the Commons. This concert features Bronnie Griffin, Johnny Box Connolly, Cary Novotny, Nancy Conescu and Mike Doolin. Tickets available through www.brownpapertickets.com.
Winona Grange 8340 SW Seneca St
503-691-2078
www.sandairishentertainment.com

Sherwood, OR

Alpaca Open Barn & Holiday Sale November 23rd-November 24th
Take a break from the annual Thanksgiving winery tours to meet colorful alpacas and their babies, chat with breeders, and do some holiday shopping. The Barn Store has teddy bears, clothing, handcrafted items and yarns for knitters and hand spinners.
Alpacas of Oregon 21345 SW Aebischer Rd
503-348-6954
Email: bolewicz@netzero.net
www.easygofarm.net

Sherwood Winter Festival Sat, December 1, 2012
Santa will kick off the holiday season at Sherwood’s Winter Festival. This special holiday event includes a community parade, tree lighting, holiday music, kids’ activities, and free hot dogs and cocoa.
Sherwood Plaza Shopping Center 16300 SW Langer Drive
503-625-4233/RobinHoodFestival@gmail.com
www.robinhoodfestival.org

Portland

Tree Lighting Ceremony presented by SmartPark Friday November 23 5:30pm
Be Merry at the Square! On the busiest shopping day of the year, the day after Thanksgiving, thousands of Portlanders will gather at the Square to celebrate the official start of the season by lighting the City’s spectacular 75ft Douglas-fir tree provided by Stimson Lumber Company. The Tree Lighting Ceremony, now in its 28th year, will feature a holiday sing-a-long featuring Portland’s own Thomas Lauderdale with members of Pink Martini and friends. With a big tree, 14,000 colorful lights and a festive community sing-a-long, this is an event you won’t want to miss in Portland’s living room
www.thesquarepdx.org

Holiday Ale Festival November 28th through December 2nd (check website for times)
Entering its 17th year, the Holiday Ale Festival will be at Pioneer Courthouse Square November 28th through December 2nd. 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. From Belgians and Barleywines to Porters and Stouts, these beers are rich, robust and full of complex flavors. For more information visit www.holidayale.com  Ages 21+

Crafty Wonderland Super Colossal Holiday Sale December 8th & December 9th (11am – 6pm both days)
This biannual sale turns the Oregon Convention Sale into a true wonderland of all things handmade each spring and winter. The December event is scheduled so you find the perfect made-in-Portland gifts in time for the holidays.
www.craftywonderland.com

Festival of Lights at The Grotto – November 23, 2012 through December 30, 2012 (closed Christmas Day)
An amazing display of more than 500,000 lights illuminates the largest choral festival in the Pacific Northwest. A petting zoo, puppet shows and seasonal food and beverages also highlight the event.
www.thegrotto.org

Parade of Christmas Ships December 7 – 21, 2012
For more than 50 years, 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.
Columbia River Willamette River
www.christmasships.org

ZooLights Festival Friday, Nov. 23rd to Monday, Dec. 31st. There will be no ZooLights Monday, Dec. 24 or Tuesday, Dec. 25.
The Oregon Zoo becomes a holiday fairyland as one of Portland’s largest light displays blazes to life. Decorated train rides, kids’ activities, and music by community groups.
www.oregonzoo.org

Check with these sources for additional events and information:

www.oregonswashingtoncounty.com
www.travelportland.com

Oregon Days of Culture, a celebration of the arts, heritage, and humanities in Oregon, begins this week.

The event showcases everyday culture in every Oregon community across the state with author readings, exhibitions, performances and screenings and more. Many of the Days of Culture events are are free; most are family friendly; all represent the lively cultural expression that happens every day in our communities.

Oregon Days of Culture is October 1-8. 2012 and presented by the Oregon Cultural Trust, a statewide funding agency who serves communities throughout Oregon  in the form of grants.

Here are some of the local arts events happening that week:

Sacred Nepali Dance – Dance Mandal 
October 1, 2012 at 7:00 pm
Tigard Public Library
13500 SW Hall Blvd
Tigard, OR 97223

Broadway Rose Theatre Company presents Little Shop of Horrors, Sept. 20 – Oct. 14 in Tigard, Oregon.
12850 SW Grant Avenue
Tigard, OR 97223

First Annual National Star Wars Reads Day 
October 6, 2012 at 2:00 pm
Tigard Public Library
13500 SW Hall Blvd
Tigard, OR 97223

Conversation Project: To Cut or Not to Cut
This Reading/Lecture is a Public event and is Free.
October 2, 2012 at 7:00 pm
Tualatin Public Library
18878 SW Martinazzi Ave.
Tualatin, OR 97062

There are numerous arts events also occurring in Portland, Oregon during the week (too many for me to list!). Please check the Oregon Days of Culture events page to get complete listings and details. http://oregondaysofculture.org/

Follow them in Twitter @OrCulturalTrust and Facebook

The Oregon Cultural Trust is a statewide funding agency fueled by individual donations for which donors receive a 100% Oregon tax credit. Donations to the Cultural Trust return to the community in the form of grants benefiting every county in Oregon. Sign up for action alerts, participate in advocacy projects – and contribute to support the good work underway to support and recognize the diversity of Oregon’s cultural community.

Photo: Bridgeport Village

Fall is just around the corner and this is the perfect time to indulge in some tax free shopping and a bit of “me” time as you relax in your hotel room.  While you are on your visit, we suggest that you be on the look out for some of these fun local events recommended by our staff:

Ongoing: Events, concerts and tastings at wineries throughout the region.  See northwillamettevintners.org for details.

September Event Staff Picks

• Music Fest NW in Portland September  5-9
• Tualatin Riverfront Music Festival September 8
• Bridgeport Village Girls’ Night Out September 13 
• Tualatin Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration September 15 
• Very Engaging Bridal Event at Bridgeport Village Sunday, September 30th 

October Event Staff Picks:

• North Willamette Harvest Trail and Grand Tasting October 06 
• The 26th Annual Great Onion Festival Saturday, October 13
• Smith Berry Barn Heirloom Apple Festival October 13-14
• Oregon Heritage Farms Apple Festival October 14
• 9th Annual West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta Sat, Oct 20th

More Portland Events:

• Art in the Pearl – Labor Day weekend
• Time-Based Art (TBA) Festival – September 6-16
• Feast Portland  September 21-22
• Portland Fashion Week October 5-9
• Portland Open Studios October 13-14, 20-21
• Wordstock October 11-14 (Portland’s literary festival)

For more info, go to www.travelportland.com

@ Festival of Balloons in Tigard, Oregon

Every year, more than 15,000 spectators arrive at Tigard’s beautiful Cook Park early in the morning to experience the amazing sight of 20+ hot air balloons launching into the morning sky at the The Tigard Festival of Balloons.

The festival is a 3 day community event happening June 22nd-24th, 2012 and we are proud to be a 2012 Featured Sponsor.

If you want to catch the balloon launch, plan to arrive VERY EARLY in the a.m. to Cook Park. Balloons launch from the field on Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings. Ascensions are between 5:45 AM – 6:15 AM (weather and winds permitting).

Weekend events will also include a carnival, craft and commercial exhibitors, good food, Twilight 5K Run, GameTime Fun Zone Festival of Cars, premiere youth soccer tournament, rib and corn eating contest, Rogue beer and NW Natural Night Glow (weather pending)!

What:
2012 Festival of Balloons in Tigard, Oregon

When:
June 22nd-24th, 2012

Where:
Cook Park, Tigard Oregon 
17005 SW 92nd Avenue. See driving directions below.

How do I find out more?
For ticket and event information, visit www.tigardballoon.org  You can also Like them on Facebook.

Driving directions to Cook Park from The Grand Hotel in Bridgeport (via Google Maps) 2.2 mi – about 7 mins

1. Head north on SW Hazelfern Rd 102 ft
2. Turn right to stay on SW Hazelfern Rd 167 ft
3. Turn left at Lower Boones Ferry Rd 0.1 mi
4. Continue onto SW 72nd Ave 0.2 mi
5. Turn left at SW Durham Rd 1.3 mi
6. Turn left at SW 92nd Ave 0.5 mi

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

The Old Scotch Church

You probably have already heard that Washington County, Oregon is the place for fabulous wineries, dining, hiking and biking trails, golf courses, and shopping districts. But did you know that we are also home to interesting museums and historic sites?

On your next weekend adventure, be sure to check out a few of these historical places:

1. Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals
26385 NW Groveland Dr.
Hillsboro, OR 97124
(503) 647-2418
www.ricenwmuseum.org
• Recognized as the finest mineral museum in the Pacific Northwest and one of the best in the U.S.
• Meteorite Display presented by Cascade Meteorite Laboratory of Portland State University
• Situated in former 1952 residence of Richard and Helen Rice
• Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2006; recognized for its distinctive architectural style and use of natural stone and native Oregon woods
• Hours: Wed – Sun: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm; admission charged

2. Washington County Historical Museum
17677 NW Springville Rd.
Portland, OR 97229
(503) 645-5353
www.washingtoncountymuseum.org
• Located at Portland Community College, Rock Creek, in unincorporated Washington County
• County history from Atfalati Indians through mid-1800 pioneer settlements to the present
• “Whipsaws to Chainsaws” exhibit: the history of logging and timber in Washington County
• More than 50,000 artifacts, including an 1853 jail building that held county and territorial prisoners
• Research library with 25,000 historic photos, maps, manuscripts, genealogical materials
• Hours: Mon – Sat: 10:00 am – 4:30 pm; admission charged

3. John Tigard House
10310 SW Canterbury Lane
Tigard, OR 97224
• Built in 1880 by the eldest son of Wilson Tigard, founding father of Tigardville (now Tigard)
• Carpenter Gothic Victorian architecture, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979
• Open to the public on the second Sunday of each month

4. Old Scotch Church
30685 NW Scotch Church Rd.
Hillsboro, OR 97124
(503) 648-9573
www.oldscotchchurch.org
• One of the oldest continuously used churches in Oregon – 1873 to present
• Established by settlers from Aberdeenshire, Scotland; early cemetery on church grounds
• Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974

5. The Clark Historic District in Forest Grove
• 18-block district with homes dating as early as 1854
• 10 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places
• Located between 16th and 19th Avenues and “A” and Elm Streets
• Settled by some of the earliest pioneers to come over the Oregon Trail

6. Old College Hall at Pacific University
2043 College Way
Forest Grove, OR 97116
(503) 352-2211
www.pacificu.edu
• Built in 1850, one of the oldest collegiate buildings in the western U.S.
• Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974
• Museum galleries present history and cultural influence of Pacific University, plus foreign artifacts reflecting the university’s strong missionary heritage
• Open first Wednesday of each month and for special events

7. Historic Sherwood Old Town
• Founded as Smockville, platted in 1889 and incorporated in 1893
• Located between NE Oregon Street and Third Avenue, Railroad Street and Ash Avenue

Source: The Washington County Visitors Association (WCVA)

The only thing better this summer than reserving a room or suite at the Grand Hotel is saving money on a unique Oregon adventure with a Grand Hotel package. Packages combine our luxurious guest rooms and suites with some of the best that the Bridgeport, Tigard and Tualatin areas have to offer.

We are very excited to introduce our new Up, Up, and Away! package this summer. We partnered with Pacific Peaks Balloons to offer guests a breath-taking hot air balloon adventure through October 2011 (weather permitting).

Visit grandhotelbridgeport.com for more information on the Up, Up, and Away Package and our other packages suited for Golfers, Shoppers, Wine Lovers, Romantics and More…..

For a fun preview of this adventure, check out Hot Air Ballooning in the skies over Tigard, Oregon: Create Your Adventure by Visit Washington County

Photo courtesy of livingintigard.com

Farmer’s Markets – Fresh. Local. Organic.Sustainable. In the Willamette Valley this is our way of life. At the Grand Hotel at Bridgeport, we too strive to contribute in a sustainable way, as a leading LEED certified hotel in the region. Tree huggers that we are, we fully endorse events that fit into our philosophy.

Nowhere is this sustainable culture demonstrated best than at our local farmer’s markets. The Willamette Valley is home to some of the freshest organic ingredients, and you can find a generous array to choose from at either of the area markets:

Tualatin Farmers Market starts 6/17 from 4-9pm and runs every Friday evening from until September 30th. Located on Tualatin Commons Lake, the market offers fresh produce as well as a free concert series.Check out everything Tualatin farmers have to offer at http://www.tualatinfarmersmarket.com/

The Tigard Farmers Market features hand made furniture, crafts, and local produce as well as live music. The Tigard Farmers Market hapens on Sundays from 9am-2pm, and  is located on 11831 SW Pacific Hwy.http://www.tigardfarmersmarket.com/

Driving directions to Tualatin Commons Lake from the Grand Hotel:

Take I-5 South to exit 289 Tualatin/Sherwood

Turn right onto SW Nyberg

Arrive at Tualatin Commons Lake

Driving directions to Tigard Farmers Market

Take I-5 North to exit 292A

Merge onto OR-217N towards Tigard

Take exit 6 for OR-99W S

Arrive at 11831 SW Pacific Hwy

Photo courtesy of oregonlive

With warm weather just around the corner, getting outside and exploring the area is a must! Here are a few outdoor activities around the Grand Hotel Bridgeport to participate in during the beautiful June weather:

Get on the river! The Tualatin River is a beautiful river and a great way to explore what
the area has to offer. Check out Tualatin River Discovery Day on 6/18/2011 offered by Tualatin Riverkeepers. This is a 2.3 mile paddle from Cook Park to Brown’s Ferry Park. There are a few spots left so checkout their website for more info.

Lift your spirits! The 4th annual Festival of Balloons in Tigard from 6/24-6/26. Hot air ballons. Beer garden sponsored by Rogue Brewery. Carnival. Car festival. What more could you ask for?

In addition to Cook Park, there are two beautiful parks to explore a short distance from the hotel . Tryon Creek Park is a 670 acre forest featuring over 14 miles of trails and a Nature Center. On 6/18 the Nature Center will offer a guided nature walk to explore the park and all it has to offer. Or, hike around Hagg Lake – in addition to the 15 miles of hiking trails, Hagg Lake has boating, fishing and bird watching.

Call today for a reservation at the Grand Hotel and get in on the fun!