Blog, Upcoming Events, WCVA

Photo: North Willamette Vintners

Love Oregon’s Wine Country?  The North Willamette Vintners invite you to spend a weekend exploring dozens of local wineries! 

Now in it’s 5th year, the annual wine-touring weekend takes place Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14, 2013 from 11-4 each day.

Guests are treated to complimentary wine tastings, pairings, entertainment and activities at EACH participating winery along with food, local art and live entertainment.  Each winery has partnered with a local artisan food producer, cookbook author, artist or craftsperson to showcase Oregon’s northernmost wine region and its artisan community.

Make it a weekend getaway by booking  The Grand Hotel Bridgeport Wine Tour Package 

To purchase your tickets, visit shop.northwillamettevintners.org

TICKETS: (On Sale Now)

Saturday & Sunday, April 13-14, 2013 – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• $45 per person includes the two-day Wine Trail weekend with activities, wine tastings, light food pairings, North Willamette Vintners wine glass, and canvas tote bag for wine purchases.
• $30 per person for Sunday only ticket from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ticket includes Willamette Vintners logo glass, activities, wine tastings, light food pairings and canvas tote bag for wine purchases.
• $10 for Designated Driver ticket includes a wine trail kit with a bottle of water, beverage bottle and snacks in a reusable tote bag.

About North Willamette Vintners
Located near the northern boundary of Oregon’s Willamette Valley wine region, North Willamette Vintners is a cluster of independent wineries crafting finewines from the valley’s most fertile land. Passionate, creative and diverse, this young industry association is made up of 43 members representingwineries, tasting rooms and wine tourism partners throughout the northern reaches of the valley. Most of the wineries are located just outside Portland, in the nearby communities ofBeaverton, Cornelius, Forest Grove, Gaston, Helvetia, Hillsboro and Tigard. On the way to Oregon’s scenic coast and to the heart of the Willamette Valley, the North Willamette Valley wine region is easily accessible for a day trip or weekend excursion. For more information or a list of member wineries, please call 503-941-0609 or visit www.nwvintners.org. Follow North Willamette Vintners on Facebook and Twitter at @NWVintners.

The winter chill does not keep us Portlandians from getting out! After all, Oregon is a year-round destination and you can fantastic trip to Portland any time of the year.

There is always something to do in this area, check these helpful resources to plan your trip

• www.travelportland.com @travelportland
• www.traveloregon.com @traveloregon
• www.downtownportland.org @inDowntownPDX
• www.oregonswashingtoncounty.com @WCVA

Here are just a few events The Grand Hotel at Bridgeport staff recommends checking out during your stay:

Downtown Tigard Night Out - Friday, January 18, 2013: Downtown Tigard merchants are hosting specials on local shopping, tastings, unique dining, music, classes and more! Mark your calendar for the 3rd Friday of each month from 4 to 9 p.m. for Downtown Tigard Night Out.

ChocolateFest - January 18-20, 2013: Chocolate lovers and chocolatiers come together at the Oregon Convention Center. All proceeds benefit the 501(c)(3) non profit the World Forestry Center.
www.facebook.com/ChocolateFestPDX

Fertile Ground Festival – January 24 – February 3, 2013: Presented by Portland Area Theatre Alliance, this10-day arts festival aspires to increase the appreciation for Portland’s lush creative culture. The event showcases play premieres, art installations and events, all created by local artists. Follow their events on Facebook 

Chinese New Year at Lan Su Chinese Garden  – February 10-24, 2013: Celebrate the Year of the Snake at this family friendly event spanning over a 2 week period. Highlights include a lantern-viewing ceremony, lion dances, children’s activities, martial arts and cultural and historical demonstrations.
Lan Su Chinese Garden on Facebook 

Portland Jazz Festival – February 15-24, 2013: A multi-venue series of jazz events presented each February within Portland, Oregon. Nationally and regionally supported as a cultural tourism initiative in celebration of Black History Month, Portland Jazz Festival is dedicated to preserving America’s indigenous art form by presenting internationally recognized jazz masters alongside local jazz musicians. A series of jazz education and outreach programs that extend into Portland’s schools and neighborhoods is at the heart of the annual event. Follow them in Twitter  and Facebook

Oregon Seafood and Wine Festival – February 1& 2, 2013: This winter event is a celebration of all things Oregon, but most specifically our wonderful Oregon seafood and wines. The 2 day festival features Fresh Oregon Seafood, Wines from 50 Oregon Wineries and Live Music.  Follow them in Facebook

The 36th Portland International Film Festival -February 7-23, 2013: The biggest film event in Oregon, premiering more than 100 international shorts and feature films to Portland audiences each February. Audiences can experience a variety of parties, visiting artists, and plenty of festival adventure taking in this feast of cinematic fare. Follow them in Facebook and Twitter

Source: www.travelportland.com

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

De La Warr will be one of the featured bands at the Tualatin Riverfront Music Festival

The Tualatin Riverfront Music Festival is happening on Saturday, September 8 at Tualatin Community Park.

This family friendly event supports Grow Tualatin and is organized by the Tualatin Riverkeepers, an amazing group of volunteers that protect and restore Oregon’s Tualatin River system.

The Riverfront Music Festival will feature music from Rust, De La Warr & special guests. There will also be food and drink and more fun for the whole family. Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the gate.

Organizers are seeking event volunteers to help with set-up, take-down, registration, security, and more. In return, you get to enjoy the Music Festival for free on September 8. For more information on volunteering, visit or email www.tualatinriverkeepers.org  monica@tualatinriverkeepers.org.

Tualatin Riverkeepers (TRK) is a community-based organization working to protect and restore Oregon’s Tualatin River system. TRK builds watershed stewardship through education, public access to nature, restoration and advocacy.

Photo Credit: Oregon International Air Show

Need some tips on what to do during your next trip to the Portland area? Late summer fun and festivals are abundant throughout the region. Whether you enjoy a round of golf, shopping, wine tasking, bicycling, family friendly activities, dining or going to fairs and festivals, there is something for all visitors to enjoy.

Our front desk staff will be happy to give you recommendations or follow our Facebook updates; and you can also check the following resources to plan your getaway.

Washington County Visitors Association
Travel Oregon
Travel Portland 
Visit Downtown Portland 
Oregon Festival and Events Association 
Bridgeport Village

Here is a round up of some local events that we recommend checking out this month:

Bridgeport Village Summer Concert Series- Each Thursday evening through August.

2012 Oregon International Air Show August 3-5 at the Hillsboro Airport
Family friendly event features the best of the best: U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, U.S. Marine Corp. Harrier Demo Team, Oregon Air National Guard F-15 fly-by, Air Force C-17 fly-by, B17 – Sentimental Journey and more.

The 2012 Tualatin Crawfish Festival August 10-11, Tualatin, OR
This annual festival features a fun parade and offers a wide variety of food, entertainment and activities. The event kicks off Friday evening near the lake at Tualatin Commons and continues on Saturday at Tualatin Community Park.

The 15th Annual North Plains Elephant Garlic Festival August 10 – 12, 2012 Jessie Mays Community Center
“Where Fun Stinks”- The festival features entertainment of all kinds–from the kid’s stage, jammin’ blues, and blues grass, an arts and crafts mall, games a parade, a Smelly King and Queen and a beer and wine garden.

67th Annual Banks BBQ & Tractor Pull August 17-19, 2012 Banks Sunset Park
The annual Banks BBQ features truck and tractor pulls and the combine demolition derby. Banks Sunset Park is a 25 acre park featuring four baseball fields, children’s play equipment, picnic areas and Schlegel Hall which can be rented for various events.

Forest Grove Uncorked August 18, 2012 6-8pm Forest Grove, OR
Celebrate in the streets of Forest Grove for the downtown annual “Uncorked” event. This event features Oregon’s abundance of fine wineries, micro-brew beer, skillfully crafted food, fine arts, and local music talent.

Credit: Forest Grove Uncorked

@ Portland Rose Festival

Now that the warm weather is finally here, it is time to get out and take in the great outdoors. If hiking or biking isn’t your thing, not to worry. “Festival Going” is a sport too! Visit our post Washington County Oregon Summer Event Highlights to see a list of the top events this summer in Washington Country and Bridgeport Village.

Featured Event: 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.

Featured Festivals in Portland

Portland, Oregon hosts some of the best festivals in the country, and there is no shortage of them in the summer months. As you plan your trip this way, considering heading into town and checking out a few on your own! Here are a just a few of our favorites from the list of annual festivals compiled by www.travelportland.com. Visit their site to see the full listing, including festivals in the Fall, Winter and Spring months.

*Hot Travel Tip*- June is Dining Month in Portland! Enjoy special three-course, prix-fixe dinners at participating restaurants through June 30. Visit www.opentable.com to learn more and to make your reservations.

Oregon Zoo Summer Concerts – June-August
Every summer, fans of folk, rock, world music and more stake out spots on the zoo’s amphitheater lawn, and enjoy performances from some of the hottest, most diverse acts performing today.

Portland Rose Festival – June
The Portland Rose Festival, which celebrated its centennial in 2007, offers three weeks of family events. Highlights include the Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade, the Starlight Parade, a waterfront carnival for families, dragon boat races, concerts and fireworks.

Waterfront Blues Festival – July
The largest blues festival west of the Mississippi River takes place each year during Independence Day week. Portland’s Gov. Tom McCall Waterfront Park sets the stage with top national acts performing over five days. Large fireworks display on July 4.

The Bite of Oregon – August
Benefitting Special Olympics Oregon, The Bite is one of the “Rose City’s” most popular festivals. Sample food created by local chefs and taste regional wines at the Oregon Wine Garden. Live music by national and local bands, chef demonstrations and family entertainment.

Source: 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

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.

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