Blog, Portland Travel, Upcoming Events

Oregon Ballet Photo Credit: Don Van Wart

Lets face it.  The middle of winter can be a bit….well……blah.  So what better way to spice things up than to take advantage of special offers that grant affordable access to Portland’s vibrant creative arts scene!  We think it is pretty cool that Downtown Portland promotes the performing arts in our city with the successful Blah-Buster promotion  kicking off in February 2012.

For more than a month, arts groups including Portland Center Stage, Oregon Children’s Theater, Oregon Ballet Theatre and the Oregon Symphony will offer two-for-one tickets for events throughout the city.

Full details will be available later this year at www.downtownportland.org.

Other Winter Events Coming Up:

Portland International Film Festival – February 9-25, 2012
The granddaddy of Oregon film events, the Portland International Film Festival packs 100 films from 30 countries into a busy two weeks every February.

Oregon Seafood and Wine Festival – February 3-4, 2012
Scheduled smack dab in the middle of the Dungeness crab season, this upscale festival celebrates both the bounty harvested from the Pacific Ocean and the state’s vineyards. More than 130,000 square feet (3,962 square meters) at the Oregon Convention Center allows plenty of room for festival-goers to wander while enjoying great food, wine and live music.

Portland, Oregon comes alive during the holiday with these annual events. Spend a few days here and you will see why Portland, Oregon is one of the best travel destinations in the country!  There are too many local holiday events to mention in one blog post so visit downtownportland.org and plan your own outing.

Festival of Lights at The Grotto – Through Friday, December 30, 2011.. Closed Christmas Day
The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights is the largest Christmas choral festival in the world. The 2011 festival features nearly 170 indoor holiday concerts and an amazing display of more than 500,000 lights. illuminates the largest choral festival A petting zoo, puppet shows and seasonal food and beverages also highlight the event.

Parade of Christmas Ships – December 8 – 20, 2011
This year marks the 57th year for the Christmas Ship Parade on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers in Portland, Oregon. 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.

ZooLights Festival – Through Jan. 1 (closed Dec. 24 & 25)
The Oregon Zoo becomes a holiday fairyland as one of Portland’s largest light displays blazes to life. More than a million sparkling lights transform the zoo into a winter wonderland. Decorated train rides, kids’ activities, and music by community groups.

From great coffee to beautiful lights to the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Portland will be merry this season!

As we prepare for the holidays here at The Grand Hotel at Bridgeport, this is the ideal time book your holiday gathering or end of the year meeting.

Whether you are planning a family function for one hundred or a professional business lunch for ten, formal or informal, The Grand Hotel has over 2,150 square-feet of flexible meeting space to accommodate your next meeting or special event.

From our festive,  inviting interior to our full-service, professionally trained staff, we are a distinctively different luxury facility ready to host your next event.

Inspired by sustainable, local farms and ingredients, our on-site catering team brings the Northwest’s freshest seasonal offerings to the table. Select items from our extensive menu or work with our staff to create a customized meal that you and your guests are sure to remember.

• The Bridgeport Room offers 1,750 square feet of flexible meeting space, perfect for your next special event. Open the French doors for access to almost 600 additional square feet on our stone patio.
• Available in the afternoon and evening, our Breakfast Room is perfect for casual luncheons, dinners and social events in and around Tigard. The Breakfast Room features 1,650 square feet of meeting space on an as-is basis.
• At 415 square feet, our Executive Board Room is ideal for board meetings, breakout sessions and workshops in the Tigard area. Located past our lobby on the first floor, the Board Room offers natural lighting and plenty of privacy.

To learn more about our meeting space and event space, please contact 503-968-5757 in Tigard or toll free at 866-968-5757 and ask for “Special Events”.

The fall and winter holidays are upon us which means we are in for a very exciting  season here at The Grand Hotel Bridgeport.   Don’t miss the following events happening at Bridgeport Village, one of the premiere shopping destinations in the Pacific Northwest (and our neighbor!). Reserve the Grand Shopping Package and you’ll receive a $25 Bridgeport Village gift card with your stay!

Visit www.bridgeport-village.com to stay current on all events and store promotions!

Halloween Family Fun Festival: Sunday, Oct. 30 from 2-5pm
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Civil War Pep Rally: Wednesday, Nov. 23  4-8pm- Ducks vs. Beavers!

The Beatniks FREE Concert & Holiday Tree Lighting Friday, Nov. 25  6-8:30pm

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, MAC Cosmetics, Tommy Bahama, Under U 4 Men along with the only Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Francesca’s Collections, Hot Mama and Coldwater Creek Spa and the largest Regal Cinema in the state — now with an IMAX Theater.

Spend Thanksgiving in Oregon Wine Country!  Willamette Valley kicks off the winter wine tasting and the holiday season during the 29th Annual Wine Country Thanksgiving Event November 25-27, 2011. More than 150 wineries and tasting rooms in the Willamette Valley will open their doors for special tastings and holiday festivities. For more information about participating wineries, visit willamettewines.com

To receive a mailer that includes a list of activities at each winery and a touring map, email info-at-willamettewines.com. Please include your mailing address when sending an email request.

Celebrate on your getaway with wine tasting and festivities by reserving your “Wining Encouraged” Wine Tour Package here at The Grand Hotel at Bridgeport. Touring some of the valley’s finest vineyards and wineries and end your adventure with us for a night of relaxing bliss. Our partner vineyards include:

Cooper Mountain Vineyards
Elk Cove Vineyards
Helvetia Vineyards
Kramer Vineyards
Montinore Estate
Oak Knoll Winery
Plum Hill Vineyards
Tualatin Estate Vineyards

This package starts at $169.00, plus tax and includes: (8) wine tasting vouchers to the 4 wineries of your choice (1) bottle of local Oregon wine

To make the most of your Oregon wine tasting experience, follow these great Wine Tasting Tips compliments of Willamette Valley Wineries Association!

• Plan your route ahead. Visit wineries that are in close proximity to limit driving. Call ahead to confirm hours.
• Get a designated driver! For a carefree day of tasting…it’s the prudent thing to do. Take advantage of local tour services that are fun and affordable.
• Avoid wearing any perfume, cologne or heavily scented lotions. It will interfere with your tasting experience as well as the experience of those around you.
• Spit…like the professionals. Or use dump buckets that are often placed on tasting room bars. It’s the cool thing to do. You will be able to taste more fantastic wines.
• Ask a lot of questions. This is your opportunity to educate your palate and learn more about the wine making process. Tasting Room staff are friendly and love to share their knowledge with guests.
• Explore a new wine tasting region. Likely you’ll experience less congestion and you’ll have a great time tasting new wines! Check out our wine tasting routes for some ideas.
• Likewise, try a new type of wine or “varietal” during your wine tasting. You must taste the Valley’s signature Pinot Noirs, but don’t be afraid to try something new. You may like it!
• Visit small wineries and larger wineries to enjoy a variety of wine tasting experiences. Chat with winemakers in an intimate setting, taste from the barrel or enjoy some live music and specialty food pairings.
• Don’t miss out on special discounts and offers at wineries during tasting events. And, if you discover a winery you really love, consider joining their wine club. You’ll likely receive discounts, exclusive deals, access to special releases and free tastings.

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

Here are some upcoming events for Fall 2011:

Girls’ Night Out:Thursday, Sept. 15 Enjoy extended happy hours, exclusive offers, special savings and a free gift with $25 purchase. 5:00-9:00pm

Very Engaging Bridal Event: Sunday, Sept. 25: Brides-to-be can find all of their wedding needs in one place at a Very Engaging Bridal Event presented by Bridgeport Village & Portland Bride and Groom 11:00am-4:00pm

Brides Against Breast Cancer Wedding Gown Sale: September 24 & 25 11:00am-4:00pm

Halloween Family Fun Festival: Sunday, Oct. 30

Civil War Pep Rally: Wednesday, Nov. 23

The Beatniks FREE Concert & Holiday Tree Lighting Friday, Nov. 25

The North Willamette Vintners invite you to celebrate 2011 harvest by joining them on the North Willamette Harvest Trail and Grand Tasting October 8, 2011!

This extraordinary event features a guided bus tour to three NWV wineries for complimentary tastings, nibbles and harvest activities at each. Walk the the vineyard, visit the crush pad and tour the winery to discover each step of the wine making process with the professionals. Learn more about the region from your experienced tour guide on the bus and enjoy lunch along the way, all included in your ticket.

The tour concludes at the Grand Tasting event. Enjoy a harvest evening at Garden Vineyards including tastings, appetizers and specials on wine from all 25+ NWV wineries! This event is rain or shine, please dress accordingly. Buses depart from Garden Vineyards at 10am and return for the Grand Tasting, 4pm-6pm.

Tickets are limited and can be purchased at $79 for Harvest Trail and Grand Tasting. A limited number of Grand Tasting only tickets are available for $30. North Willamette Harvest Trail tickets are now on sale at www.NWVintners.org!

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.

The Oregon Football Association (OFA) is partnering with MTV’s “The Buried Life” to provide a free youth football camp and charity flag football game August 6th at Tigard High School, brought to you by Shady Peeps.

The OFA camp is for 3rd through 6th graders and will happen at 1 pm before the charity football game, which will include Oregon Football alumni and the cast of MTV’s “The Buried Life.”

University of Oregon football alumni Anthony Trucks, JD Nelson, Walter Thurmond III, TJ Ward, Jordan Kent, Justin Wilcox, Brian Butters, Jeff Maehl, and OFA Founders Dennis Dixon, Ryan DePalo, Brent Haberly, Garren Strong, and Jaison Williams will be coaching during the camp and playing the in the charity football game with members of MTV’s “The Buried Life.”

The event idea began when OFA dared the cast of MTV’s “The Buried Life” to play them in a flag football game last year, and is now a fundraiser for the non-profit company, while also fulfilling one of the bucket list items for the TV show.

OFA is devoted to helping young student athletes understand the importance of hard work, giving back to their communities, and being a part of something bigger than themselves. OFA works with each student athlete to develop personalized Community Service Action Plans that instill an importance in civic responsibility at a young age. Community Service Action Plans are projects that campers come up with to help better their communities, and OFA helps them to achieve these goals.

There is a suggested donation of $10 and a canned food item for the Oregon Food Bank to gain entrance to the charity football game. All the proceeds from the event and donations go directly back to the kids that OFA is trying to help.

If you would like more information on this event contact the Oregon Football Association at info@oregonfootballassociation.com or find them on Facebook.

Event Facebook page & Twitter

Shoppers at Bridgeport Village are in for a special springtime treat!  The center will be featuring stunning garden and landscape displays for the public to enjoy through May 10 as part of the VaVaBloom Landscape Displays!

Drop by for some inspiration for your own garden or to simply enjoy these wonderful designs.

Participating Landscape companies include

• Autumn Leaf Landscaping
• Garden World
• Green Leaf Design
• Green Thumb LandscapingMarshall Gardens
• Southwest Landscape

Just look at some of the displays from last years VaVaBloom Landscape Display event.

VaVaBloom Landscape Displays at Bridgeport Village through May 10

VaVaBloom Landscape Displays March 21 through May 10

We would love to see your pictures!  Post your favorites on our Facebook page!