Blog, Oregon, Portland Travel, Tigard, Tualatin

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!

North Willamette Wine Trail Weekend April 9 – April 10, 2011

Spend a weekend exploring wine country! Journey to 24 neighboring wineries located just minutes from Portland and experience a weekend full of wine, culinary samples, education and fun! From experienced wine lovers to novice wine tasters, the North Willamette Wine Trail has something for everyone.

On April 9 & 10 from 11am – 4pm, 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

Tickets are $45 and include a reusable wine tote filled with a commemorative wine glass, coupons, discounts and other items. Designated Driver tickets are available for $10 and also include a wine trail kit (water bottle in place of the wine glass).

Tickets are available online and in participating tasting rooms. This event does sell out so reserve your tickets early. We look forward to seeing you on the North Willamette Wine Trail!

Make reservations now to stay at The Grand Hotel in Bridgeport and take full advantage of this weekend’s activities! Call us 866-968-5757 or visit our reservations page.

About The North Willamette Vintners
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. NWV is dedicated to bring together, through constructive cooperation, the wineries in our region in order to advance the wineries’ mutual interest in increasing consumer awareness of the county’s wine industry through branding, promotional events and activities, and strategic alliances.

Valentine's Day Package at The Grand Hotel in Bridgeport

Each year millions of couples around the world will exchange tokens of affection in the form of gifts, cards, candy or flowers in honor of  Valentines Day on February 14. Restaurants are filled with couples celebrating romance over a special dinner; hotels get booked with couples who choose to celebrate with a romantic getaway (like our special Suites for Your Sweets Package)

So how did these Valentines Day traditions begin and who is this mysterious St. Valentine we keep hearing about?  My search brought me to History.com which gave me some very interesting details to share:

I learned that the origins of Valentines Day are somewhat mysterious:

• *Legend has it that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome and was ordered to be put to death when he continued to perform marriages after Emperor Claudius II had outlawed it (so men would be better soldiers)
• *Another legend says that Valentine fell in love with the daughter of one of his jailers while in prison and actually sent the first “valentine” greeting to her before his death- a love letter signed “From your Valentine,”
• *Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages (written Valentine’s didn’t begin to appear until after 1400), and the oldest known Valentine card is on display at the British Museum.
• *Valentine’s Day as we now know it began to be popularly celebrated around the seventeenth century in Great Britain.
• *The first commercial Valentine’s Day greeting cards produced in the U.S. were created in the 1840s by Esther A. Howland. Howland, known as the Mother of the Valentine, made elaborate creations with real lace, ribbons and colorful pictures known as “scrap.”

Special Valentines Day Package: The Grand Hotel in Bridgeport is celebrating Valentines Day by partnering with Split Wine Bar to provide you and your Amore with a romantic getaway.

For only $199.00 (plus tax) you will be able to enjoy a fabulous dinner at Split Wine Bar and then return to a luxuriously appointed Jacuzzi suite. If you’ve missed out on the Jacuzzi Suites we are offering the same package added to a Classic King room for $169.00 (plus tax).

The package includes:

• $50.00 Gift Certificate to Split Wine Bar
• Fresh Flowers
• Gourmet Chocolates
• Bottle of Champagne or Sparkling Cider
• Late checkout

Don’t waste any time!  These suites book up fast! Please call: 866-968-5757 to reserve.

Here is some recent news to share from our friends at the Washington County Visitors Association that road trippers and wine lovers will love!

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.

Our halls are decked and our stockings are hung!  Yes, the weather outside IS indeed frightful….so come inside and unwind in our warm and welcoming lobby.  Luxurious hotel amenities which include an indoor pool with spa, fitness room, free WiFi, free covered parking, and a complimentary hot breakfast buffet are sure to please.   By the way, it is not too late to take advantage of  our “Holiday Specials” and receive a discounted rate! Call 866-968-5757 to learn more.

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!

Article by Jeffrey Meier

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

Thanksgiving weekend is a very exciting time for Oregon wine lovers.  Each year, wineries and vineyards all over the region will open their doors to the public for special tastings and festivities.  We are best known for our Pinot noir,Pinot gris, Chardonnay and Pinot blanc.  This holiday weekend is a wonderful time to experience the many flavors and delight Oregon wine has to offer from more than 160 wineries and tasting rooms

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

Image Credit: pdxpipeline.com

In case you have missed it- the City of Tualatin, Oregon has been providing residents and visitors great musical entertainment throughout the summer!

Concerts on the Commons is a free outdoor concert series with performances every Friday night in August. The concerts begin at 6:30 PM and end around 8:30 PM. Concerts on the Commons are held on the plaza near the lake at Tualatin Commons.

Bands of all genres including rhythm and blues, contemporary jazz, big band, bluegrass, salsa, reggae have been entertaining crowds all summer.  So pack a pic-nic, a blanket, bring your lawn chairs (but leave the adult beverages behind- Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the Tualatin Commons.)

Make sure you catch the last 2 performances of the season:

August 20 : intervision (Pop)

August 27  Aquamiel (Salsa)

Directions to the Summer 2010 Concerts on the Commons

From I-5, take Exit 289, Tualatin-Sherwood Rd. Follow Tualatin-Sherwood Rd until turning north onto Boones Ferry Rd. Turn east onto Nyberg St and proceed to the end of the block.