Blog, Weddings
Did you get engaged over Valentines Day?
It should come as no surprise that February is one of the most popular months for couples to get engaged. In fact, roughly 10 percent of couples in the United States choose Valentine’s Day to pop the question.
If you were among the many that got engaged this Valentines Day, congratulations!
Luckily, brides-to-be have a number of dream wedding locations to choose from throughout the Portland area, especially in Washington County. From vineyards to traditional churches to historic buildings, there is something for every taste and budget.
Here are some recommendations to get you started!
- Visit the Washington County Visitor’s Association list of local venues. The WCVA’s Wedding Wonderland Page contains great suggestions for vineyards and other unique and special locations well suited for for your big day!
- Consider Hosting Rehearsal Dinners, Showers and Parties at Bridgeport Village. We love Bridgeport Village because it is elegant, unique, service oriented and convenient to our guests. The center also provides a variety of popular restaurants to suite any taste and budget. You may also want to consider booking one of their specialty salons and spas to pamper your bridal party on the big day!
- Consider the Service Options Available at The Grand Hotel in Bridgeport. There are numerous reasons we are a great choice to host your important event. Wedding guests love our amenities (Free WiFi, Indoor Pool, Hot Tub, Workout room, and hot breakfast buffet to name a few). Our committed staff will provide the outstanding service you deserve to make your day perfect. We also offer special group rates when you reserve a block of rooms.
- Utilize Local Wedding Planners and Search for Vendors Recommended by the WCVA and Local Merchants. Visit the WCVA Wedding Venue and Services Finder to locate the perfect venue and find caterers, photographers and more.
photo credit: Edgar Barany via photopin cc
photo credit: Sean Molin Photography via photopin cc
Our Tigard setting lets the Grand Hotel Bridgeport fill a special niche for business and leisure travel to the Portland Oregon metropolitan area. While the hotel is a short drive from the bustle of Portland’s downtown commercial and shopping districts, we enjoy Tigard’s peaceful, small-town atmosphere. It is important to us that our guests and our staff alike can enjoy the warm, friendly community that has been our home for many years.
For our guests, shopping at Tigard is worth the trip itself. The markets of Bridgeport Village, a stone’s throw from our hotel, draws visitors from around the Northwest with its diverse restaurants; upscale retailers like Saks, Apple Store and Crate and Barrel; specialty salons, an IMAX theater and a charming old-world design. At Washington Square in downtown Tigard, visitors can shop at Nordstrom, Coach and many others. Unlike downtown Portland, parking is a cinch and the markets are easy to navigate.
Our town is home to so much. Oregon has an outstanding reputation as home to some of the best artisan beers in the nation, and Tigard is no exception. We are particularly fond of McMenamins’ John Barleycorns brewery and Max’s Fanno Creek Brew Pub. Golfers enjoy Tigard’s Summerfield course and the RedTail course in nearby Beaverton. Tigard’s cultural offerings rival those of neighboring Portland with fun experiences like the Broadway Rose Theater Company and the Lakewood Center for the Arts. And each June, Tigard hosts the unforgettable Festival of Balloons, an annual weekend celebration of air balloons with carnival rides, a fun-run, ribs and music.
Tigard is a business-friendly, thriving community perfectly situated outside of one of the West’s favorite cities. It has treated us well over the years and we are proud to call it our home.
photo credit: EJP Photo via photopin cc
photo credit: jenny downing via photopin cc
Photo via Woodburn Company Stores
Even if you missed the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, there is still plenty of time of take advantage of great savings at premiere shopping centers like Bridgeport Village and Woodburn Company Stores without having to pay a pesky sales tax!
Just for you holiday shoppers, we created the Grand Hotel at Bridgeport Shopping package to help you enjoy holiday shopping by day and unwind in your comfortable room at night. When you book this package, we will also give you a $25 gift card to Bridgeport Village or Woodburn Company Stores (you choose).
Enjoy amenities like free covered parking, free WiFi, indoor pool and workout room, cozy lobby with a fireplace, friendly service, free hot breakfast……and the best part: Convenience! We are within walking distance of Bridgeport Village and a quick drive to Woodburn Company Stores, the largest outlet center in Oregon.
While you are here, also check out:
Washington Square Mall
9585 SW Washington Square Rd.
Tigard, OR 97223
(503) 639-8860
• Traditional major mall located in Tigard along Hwy. 217 near its junction with Interstate 5
• Built in 1974, expanded and renovated in 2005 to become one of the largest retail centers in the Portland metropolitan area
• Four anchor department stores including Oregon’s largest Nordstrom, 170 distinctive retailers including the West Coast’s only Dick’s Sporting Goods, five restaurants and 11-eatery Food Court
The Streets of Tanasbourne
19350 NW Emma Way
Hillsboro, OR 97124
(503) 533-0561
• Located just off Hwy. 26 on NW Cornell Road
• Outdoor shopping cluster of more than 50 specialty shops and national retailers, eight restaurants
Visit www.oregonswashingtoncounty.com for more information on great holiday shopping destinations!
photo credit: ryanjzeigler via photopin cc
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:
One of the many perks of staying here at The Grand Hotel at Bridgeport is the easy access to Pacific Northwest’s preeminent fashion and lifestyle shopping center: Bridgeport Village.
With an enviable array of renowned stores, boutiques, restaurants and the largest Regal Cinema in the state (now with an IMAX Theater), it is easy to see why visitors find this destination so appealing.
In the spirit of Halloween, the center is offering fun activities for the whole family that includes:
Pumpkin Decorating Party: Saturday, October 13 from 2-5pm. Decorate mini-pumpkins courtesy of Baggenstos Farm and enjoy live pumpkin carving by a master Pumpkin Carver and entertainment by Radio Disney.
Streets of Treats Harvest Festival: Sunday, October 28 from 2-5pm. Trick-or-Treat at participating stores, costume contest, witch shack and more from Radio Disney.
Halloween, October 31 from 4-6pm, Wander the streets and stores of Bridgeport Village in search of yummy treats and goodies.
Bridgeport Village & Portland Bride and Groom will present a Very Engaging Bridal Event on Sunday, September 30th, and you are invited!
Know someone who is planning a wedding? Brides-to-be can find all of their wedding needs in one place from 11:00am-4:00pm. More than 20 Bridgeport retailers and 60 wedding professionals will be on hand to help you plan every detail of your big day and admission is free!
Very Engaging Bridal Event
11am-4pm Sunday, September 30, 2012
Bridgeport Village 7455 SW Bridgeport Rd. Tigard, OR 97224
Admission is free
Click here for more details.
Portland Monthly’s Bride & Groom is a consumer-focused, bridal fashion magazine. Each issue contains columns, advice, tips, fashion photography, photographs of real weddings, style—all designed to help the future bride-to-be design the wedding of her dreams.
Bridgeport Village is the Pacific Northwest’s preeminent fashion and lifestyle shopping center. Consisting of 500,000 sq.ft., the center offers an outstanding and enviable array of the regions first and exclusive one of a kind and internationally renowned stores and boutiques including Cole Haan, The Container Store, Crate & Barrel, Z-Gallerie, Eileen Fisher, Patrick James, MAC Cosmetics, Tommy Bahama, Under U 4 Men along with the first Coldwater Creek Spa and the largest Regal Cinema in the state — now with an IMAX Theater.
Visit www.bridgeport-village.com to see a complete list of Center Events and a current list of Store Promotions and Sales
photo credit: D.Clow – Maryland via photo pin cc
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
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
Bridgeport Village is bringing the music back in their annual free Summer Concert Series every Thursday in July and August. Bridgeport Village, (walking distance to our hotel) is one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier fashion and lifestyle shopping centers featuring entertainment, delectable restaurants and popular retail stores.
Photo Credit: Bridgeport Village
The concert series kicked off this week with over 3000 in attendance to hear Hit Explosion perform. Here are the details for the rest of the 2012 series:
Bridgeport Village Summer Concert Series
Thursdays, 6:30-8:30pm in Center Court
July 19 Radical Revolution
July 26 Petty Fever
Aug 2 Quarterflash
Aug 9 Apple Jam
Aug 16 Stone In Love
Aug 23 Cool-Ade
Aug 30 The Beatniks
Want more music? Local concert series include:
- Beaverton Last Tuesday Concert Series
- Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District Concerts in the Park
- Toast to the Tunes: Every other Thursday in Hillsboro
- Neighbors Night Every Friday at Cooper Mountain Vineyards in Beaverton
And movie buffs will love watching free outdoor films Saturday nights during July and August at Tualatin’s Movies on the Commons at sunset (around 9:00pm). The Tualatin Commons is located 8325 SW Nyberg St.
Visit blog.visitwashingtoncountyoregon.com to learn more details about local concerts and events this summer.
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.