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)

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!

If you are planning to be in the Tigard, Oregon the weekend of June 24-26th, you are in for a wonderful summer treat! You must check out the Tigard Festival of Balloons in Cook Park!  We are especially excited about this event because The Grand Hotel at Bridgeport  just signed on as a sponsor!

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

If waking up that early is not your thing, there is much much more to do and see!  2011 Festival of Balloons will include a carnival from Funtastic Traveling Shows, a premier youth soccer tournament, exhibitors, food, Festival of Cars, Rogue beer garden and and NW Natural Night Glows!

Learn more about tickets for this spectacular event by visiting their site:  www.tigardballoon.org You can also Like them on Facebook and share with friends and family! Check out this video from the 2010 Festival of Balloons:

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

Panels Provide a Glimpse into the Rich Agricultural and Pioneer History of Washington County

BEAVERTON, Ore.  – The first two of four new interpretive panels were installed this month along the Vineyard & Valley Scenic Tour Route, a 50-mile driving tour, from Helvetia to Sherwood, through the agricultural and historical region of Washington County, Oregon. Each panel offers a quick lesson about the area’s history, and bridges the area’s history with today’s modern culture.

Located at the Old Scotch Church in Hillsboro, a history of Washington County interpretive panel provides a historical perspective about the earliest settlers in the area, from the Atfalati tribe of the Kalapuya Native Americans, to the arrival of early settlers Joe Meek, Joseph Gale and David Hill. The location is fitting, as Meek’s grave and headstone can be found in the church’s cemetery.

An interpretive panel that illustrates the rich agricultural history of Washington County is at the Smith Berry Barn, also located in Hillsboro. From the 1870s to present day, this panel provides a brief account of some of the area’s earliest farmers, as well as the site itself.

The Vineyard & Valley Scenic Tour Route is an experiential tour through Washington County’s rural countryside, with opportunities to stop at the various attractions along the route: wineries, farms, pioneer settlements, wetlands and natural habitats. The route officially was launched in April 2009, and several projects have enhanced the site, including the installation of crop signs, created with the assistance of the Oregon Agribusiness Council.

Two additional installations of interpretive panels, which will explore the area’s natural and viticultural history, are slated for completion in 2011.

About the Washington County Visitors Association

The Washington County Visitors Association (WCVA) serves the region’s tourism industry by actively promoting Washington County, Ore., to travelers outside of the Portland Metropolitan area as a tourism destination for leisure, business and sporting events. Washington County is scenically situated between Portland and the Oregon Coast, and spans 727 square miles. The destination includes the growing communities of Banks, Beaverton, Cornelius, Durham, Forest Grove, Gaston, Hillsboro, King City, North Plains, Sherwood, Tigard, Tualatin and Wilsonville. For more information about the WCVA, visit www.yourwaytoplay or www.visitwashingtoncountyoregon, or call 503-644-5555.

We have had a “Grand” time decorating our home so it feels more like your home while you are traveling for the holidays.  Enjoy these Christmas photos taken by our General Manager, Josh Sanders!

Decorated for Christmas!

Warm and Cozy Fireplace

Our Christmas "elves" are ready to help make your season bright!

Who Do the Angel Trees Help? Families with incomes of no more than 130% of established poverty levels are encouraged to make an application with The Salvation Army for holiday assistance for food and toys. They screen these families with other organizations to do their best to make sure there is no duplication. Last year Salvation Army Angel Giving Tree program served approximately 4,622 families with a total of 8,749 children in the tri-county metro area (Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas).

Each family received food and at least two age appropriate toys per child. When we don’t have enough toy donations, they must purchase toys so that no child goes without. These purchases are made with funds that are needed for other emergency assistance throughout the year. This is why it is so important for The Salvation Army to develop these partnerships that help us to meet these needs and stretch our dollars as far as possible. Your toy donation will make a real difference for a child in need.

Are you ready to get started on the travel journey of a lifetime this holiday season but feel as though you are forgetting something important? Don’t fret! All you need are a few holiday travel tips to make sure you stay on the right track. Whether you’re going to spend time with your family, or are taking everyone on a fun getaway, it is important that you plan well. So to help you out I am providing some holiday travel tips that will make your vacation time with family and friends a breeze.

Find Out Peak Travel Dates One of my top holiday travel tips is to find out when the peak travel dates are – then avoid them like a plague! Peak travel dates have two problems associated with them:

1) plane tickets, hotel rooms, car rentals, and more tend to be more expensive, and

2) everyone else will be traveling on those dates, hence the name peak travel dates.

If possible, plan your vacation time at work a few days before the peak travel period so that you can avoid the rush. And also try to plan coming back a few days after – that way you can almost always guarantee reductions in prices, reductions in holiday traffic and reductions in headaches.

Do Your Comparison Shopping It is important to stay abreast of holiday travel tips that help you find the best deals for your money. That starts with finding flight specials and continues with locating vacation destination deals. If you are going to visit family for the holidays and are not in need of a hotel room or transportation when you arrive then flight costs are all you will need to take into consideration.

There are plenty of websites that give great holiday deals. Shop around with the major travel search engines such as Expedia and Travelocity, but also look at Cheaptickets.com and others for great rates. Also, you will be surprised to find that many airlines will have great deals if you search their website directly. And if you want the best comparison shopping experience, I recommend using SideStep.com. They use a side-by-side comparison of every flight special, sorted by price. I have found the greatest success using their services.

If you are traveling to a destination that does not include free room and board, then one of my holiday travel tips is for you to comparison shop for great all-inclusive package deals. You can find great places to stay during that holidays that have 3- and 5-night vacation packages with meals and activities included. Also, you will want to try to get a car factored into the price if you need one for your trip. The more specific you are when planning and the earlier you book, the better your results will be.

Plan Your Connecting Flights with Great Care This is one of the holiday travel tips that will reduce your stress level significantly. I say this because I know the feeling of sitting in the airport waiting to board the first of two connections when you hear the airline attendant politely (and nervously) inform passengers that the flight has been delayed for an hour or more due to a snow storm in “Sock-It-To-Me,” Kansas.

When you hear the news, your thoughts quickly shift to your connecting flight that is probably scheduled to depart on time – 30 minutes after this flight is supposed to land. You know pre-boarding begins 30 minutes prior to take off to ensure the flight leaves on schedule. And that’s when questions like “What will I do if my flight doesn’t land before the other flight takes off?” and “Are there additional flights available?” begin to rush through your mind. And of course, the final thought will be, “Why didn’t I schedule my connecting flight for a later time?”

This anxiety can be avoided by choosing connecting flights that allow for an hour and a half or more of layover time. I know that when you make the choice to find connecting flights as close as possible to the time your first flight is to land that you are simply trying to get where you’re going quickly and want to avoid boredom in the airport. But usually one and a half to two hours isn’t that long when you consider that it takes time to exit the plane, find the connecting flights departing gate, which could be in another terminal, then get settled before it is time to board the second plane. Besides, if you allow yourself the extra time, you are almost guaranteed the promise of making your connecting flights – a promise that is more than welcome during the busy holiday season.

Plan Your Packing In Accordance with Current Airport Security Measures. This is one of the holiday travel tips that actually sounds unfair – and trust me; I used to feel the same way too. But after enough hassles at the airport security station, I finally gave in and realized that I couldn’t change what I couldn’t control. So now, instead of fussing at the ways airports are trying to ensure our safety, I simply plan ahead by packing my belongings in accordance with their security measures.

One way to do this is by making sure to pack all of liquids and gels that are larger than 3 ml in the bags I plan to check. The airport has signs up everywhere that let you know that you cannot carry liquids and gels through the security checkpoint; these items include lotion, toothpaste, baby oil, aerosols (hairspray), perfume bottles, bottled water, and much more. If you carry them through the checkpoint they will find and confiscate them – you cannot stop this from happening. So to avoid the drama, why not simply pack them away and happily greet them at the baggage claim at your destination? You are allowed to carry liquids and gels 3 ml and smaller in a zip-top, clear bag, so you are not completely left out in the cold. And by sticking to the rules, you, your family, everyone in line behind you, and airport security will be much happier.

Remembering this helpful holiday travel tips will definitely help make vacationing during this holiday season a better experience. If you are in need of additional holiday travel tips, remember the last time you traveled and all of the challenges you faced, then apply them to the holiday season. By doing this you can assure yourself that you won’t be faced with any unwelcome surprises.

Jeffrey Meier at Jam727 Enterprises at http://www.thearticlehome.com blog offers even more detailed information on a wide variety of topics.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeffrey_Meier

To get the most out of your weekend, we recommend that you do a bit of homework first.  Research wineries, explore wine regions and download maps from the Oregon Wine Explorer and check out this guide to local wineries from  Washington County Visitors Association (WCVA).

Here are some other helpful resources to plan your wine tasting adventure:

Oregon Wine Board – www.oregonwine.org
Willamette Valley Visitors Association – www.oregonwinecountry.org
Willamette Valley Wineries Association – www.willamettewines.com

We also recommend that you visit the vineyard’s site or contact them directly for information about their Thanksgiving Open House Festivities.  Here is a list of some of our local wineries for your convenience.  Please drive safe and enjoy your tour of Oregon Wine Country!

Apolloni Vineyards
14135 NW Timmerman Rd.
Forest Grove, OR 97116
(503) 330-5946
www.apolloni.com

• Family-owned winery started in 1999, specializing in traditional Pinot Noir and Italian-style wines
• Follows the practices of the Oregon LIVE sustainable viticulture program
• Open 12 noon – 5:00 pm Friday – Sunday (March – December) or by appointment

Cooper Mountain Vineyards
9480 SW Grabhorn Rd.
Beaverton, OR 97007
(503) 649-0027
www.coopermountainwine.com

• Founded in 1987, first Pacific Northwest winery to embrace biodynamic viticulture (1999)
• First Pacific Northwest winery to produce all wines from 100-percent certified organic and biodynamic estate-grown grapes
• Three tiers of award-winning Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay, plus Pinot Blanc and Malbec
• Open 12 noon – 5:00 pm daily

David Hill Vineyard & Winery
46350 NW David Hill Rd.
Forest Grove, OR 97116
(503) 992-8545

www.davidhillwinery.com

• Fine estate wines and award-winning port made from Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer grapes; sparkling wine made in traditional French Champenoise style
• 40 acres of some of the state’s oldest vines; tasting in historic 1883 farmhouse with sweeping views
• Open 12 noon – 5:00 pm daily

Elk Cove Vineyards
27751 NW Olson Rd.
Gaston, OR 97119
(503) 985-7760

www.elkcove.com

• One of Oregon’s oldest and most respected wineries founded in 1974; family-owned and operated
• Produces single-vineyard Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc
• · Open 10:00 am – 5:00 pm daily except holidays

Helvetia Vineyards
23269 NW Yungen Rd.
Hillsboro, OR 97124
(503) 647-7596

www.helvetiawinery.com

• Grapevines planted in 1982; Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay wines produced
• Visitor center and tasting room in 100-year old farmhouse of Swiss-German pioneer Jacob Yungen; display of Yungen’s original winemaking equipment
• Open 1:00 – 5:00 pm Friday, 12 noon – 5:00 pm Saturday – Sunday

Montinore Estate
3663 SW Dilley Rd.
Forest Grove, OR 97116
(503) 359-5012

www.montinore.com

• 220-acre vineyard established in 1982; certified organic and biodynamic in 2008
• Five estate-grown varietals: Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Muller-Thurgau
• Open 11:00 am – 4:30 pm weekdays; 11:00 am – 5:00 pm Saturday – Sunday

Oak Knoll Winery
29700 SW Burkhalter Rd.
Hillsboro, OR 97123
(503) 648-8198

www.oakknollwinery.com

• First and longest operating winery in Washington County
• Founded in 1970 by Ronald and Marjorie Vuylsteke, now operated by the family’s second generation
• Award-winning Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Riesling Gewurztraminer and Muller-Thurgau
• Open 11:00 am – 5:00 pm daily; weekdays until 6:00 pm May –  September

Patton Valley Vineyard
9449 SW Old Hwy. 47
Gaston, OR 97119
(503) 985-3445
www.pattonvalley.com

• Hand-crafted, estate-grown Pinot Noir wines; certified sustainable farming practices used
• Open 11:00 am – 5:00 pm Thursday – Sunday

Plum Hill Vineyards
6505 SW Old Hwy. 47
Gaston, OR 97119
(503) 359-1946

www.PlumHillWine.com

• Family-owned winery producing Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Rose wines
• Open 11:00 am – 5:00 pm daily (starting early 2009)

Ponzi Vineyards
14665 SW Winery Ln.
Beaverton, OR 97007
(503) 628-1227

www.ponziwines.com

• Founded in 1970 by Dick and Nancy Ponzi, pioneers of the Oregon wine industry
• Operated by second generation: Michel, Maria and acclaimed winemaker Luisa Ponzi
• Renowned Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and White Riesling wines
• Oregon LIVE Certified vineyards – the world’s highest standard for sustainable viticulture
• Open 10:00 am – 5:00 pm daily; tours by appointment

Purple Cow Vineyards
52720 NW Wilson School Rd.
Forest Grove, OR 97116
(503) 330-0991

www.purplecowvineyards.com

• One of Washington County’s newest wineries producing just 500 cases per year
• Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and unusual grapes such as Marechal Foch and Tempranillo
• Open 11:00 am – 5:00 pm Saturday only

SakéOne
820 Elm St.
Forest Grove, OR 97116
(503) 357-7056

www.sakeone.com

• The only American-owned saké brewery
• Produces traditional craft saké, fruit- and herb-infused saké and specialty saké
• Only producer of certified organic sake carrying the USDA organic seal
• Leading producer of “Ginjo” (premium) grade saké in the U.S. under its Momokawa label
• First company to bottle a new category of flavor-added saké under its Moonstone label
• Open 11:00 am – 5:00 pm daily; tours available at 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00 pm daily

Shafer Vineyard Cellars
6200 NW Gales Creek Rd.
Forest Grove, OR 97116
(503) 357-6604

www.shafervineyardcellars.com

• Begun in 1973 by the Shafer family as a solely grape-growing operation; winemaking since 1978
• Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Muller-Thurgau wines
• Open 11:00 am – 5:00 pm daily

Tualatin Estate Vineyards
10850 NW Seavey Rd.
Forest Grove, OR 97116
(503) 357-5005

www.tualatinestate.com

• Established in 1973 – one of the oldest vineyard sites in the Willamette Valley
• Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris, plus dessert-style Muscat and Gewürztraminer
• Open 12 noon – 5:00 pm Saturday – Sunday (March – December)

By Appointment or Designated Days:

Alloro Vineyard
22075 SW Lebeau Rd.
Sherwood, OR 97140
(503) 320-5696
www.allorovineyard.com

• Artisan producer of small production, handcrafted wines
• Open to the public at Memorial Day and Thanksgiving holidays and by appointment

Ardiri Winery and Vineyards
35040 SW Unger Rd.
Cornelius, OR 97113
(503) 628-0955
www.gypsydancerestates.com

• Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris wines, plus Pinot Blanc in 2009
• Open by appointment

Beran Vineyards
30088 SW Egger Rd.
Hillsboro, OR 97123
(503) 628-1298

www.beranvineyards.com

• Limited production of handcrafted Pinot Noir from old vines
• Open by appointment – please call for information.

Freja Cellars
16691 SW McFee Pl.
Hillsboro, OR 97123
(503) 628-0337

www.frejacellars.com

• Boutique producer of fine artisan Pinot Noir wines

• Open to the public at Memorial Day and Thanksgiving holidays only

Garden Vineyards
12960 NW Dick Rd.
Hillsboro, OR 97124
(503) 547-9046

www.gardenvineyards.com

• Wines available by e-mail request only

• Open to the public at Memorial Day and Thanksgiving holidays and by appointment

J. Albin Winery
19495 Vista Hill
Hillsboro, OR 97123
(503) 628-2986

·         Open by appointment only

Quailhurst Vineyard Estate
15031 SW Pleasant Hill Rd.
Sherwood, OR 97140
(509) 427-5132

www.QuailhurstWines.com

• Award-winning Pinot Noir, Rose, white varietals and Pinot port wines made from French wine grapes with traditional French wine-making methods

• Open to the public at Memorial Day and Thanksgiving holidays and by appointment