Oregon, Restaurants

Last month, Terry Goldman became the new President and CEO of The Washington County Visitors Association (WCVA).  With over 16 years in tourism and hospitality industry, he is the ideal person to do the job! Most recently,  Terry has taken on another exciting  role as “The Washington County Wanderer”!

Terry will give visitors a glance at the hidden gems and attractions to be found throughout Washington County, Oregon in his video-blog series produced by the WCVA.   To see other travel videos highlighting our area, be sure to visit the WCVA You Tube Channel and subscribe!  Watch this premiere video as Terry visit’s Tree to Tree Adventure Park in Gaston, Oregon.

The Washington County Visitors Association serves the region’s tourism industry by actively promoting Washington County, Oregon, as a destination for sports, business, and leisure travelers. Washington County is scenically situated between Portland and the Oregon Coast. Spanning 727 square miles, it 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, award-winning wineries, an array of outdoor recreation, and superb dining and shopping. For more information about the WCVA, visit www.yourwaytoplay.com/about or www.visitwashingtoncountyoregon.com, or call 503-644-5555, toll-free, 800-537-3149.

With lush scenery, hills, and beautiful summer weather, Oregon is a truly golf lover’s paradise.   While it is enjoyable to play golf year round, summer is our favorite season to tee off and we invite visitors to check out our local courses during your stay.

It is a little known fact that we are located close to some of the finest 18-hole, championship courses and executive nine-hole and public courses in the region.  Here are a couple of recommendations for nearby course, but we recommend visiting the Washington County Oregon Visitor Association’s Golf Guide!  Enjoy!

Golf Courses Close to The Grand Hotel at Bridgeport

Summerfield Golf Club: Summerfield Golf Club is a beautiful executive golf course in a park-like setting with nine holes for a par of 33. The course features a chipping area, putting green, driving range, an on-staff pro, golf cart rentals, and a restaurant and lounge. (503) 620-1200

Tualatin Island Greens Features an impressive driving range, putting course, and Island Grill restaurant. Also offers golf instruction from our PGA Teaching Professionals, along with club fitting and repair services.(503) 691-8400

Bridgeport Village Recommends Relaxing and Pampering at Coldwater Creek ~ The Spa in Bridgeport Village

We love being a part of this unique and special community that attracts thousands of visitors each year. As members of the Bridgeport community, we are knowledgeable about the surrounding businesses and are happy to make recommendations to our guests to make their visit with us even better.

Many of our guests are here for special events such as weddings or reunions and/or business travel and they want to know of the best place to unwind and indulge in a little pampering after a long day. I usually recommend our indoor pool and spa of course, but sometimes a visit to Coldwater Creek ~ The Spa in Bridgeport Village will certainly do the trick! Their customers appreciate the soothing ambiance and their special attention to detail.

The spa is located across the street and around the corner from the Coldwater Creek store in Bridgeport Village…though we are just steps away, Bridgeport Village has abundant public parking.  Visit the Coldwater Creek ~ The Spa Website for a list of services or call 1-503-598-0524 to set up an appointment and enjoy your experience!

Got a local business to recommend that we share with our guests? Let us know! Email us at reservations@grandhotelbridgeport.com or share your idea on our Facebook Page!

Since opening in August of last year, many of our guests have praised us for providing Free Wi-Fi.  I have heard time and time again how they are fed up with being charged extra fees so they may access their wireless Internet (sometimes as much as $14.00 a day!!).   In fact, we are hearing more and more that Free Wi-Fi is one of the services our guests value the most.

The costs of providing wireless Internet have come down- it simply does not make sense to nickel and dime our guests….or make them join some Loyalty program or jump through hoops.  From the beginning, our hotel has been committed to providing our guests with the most luxurious and comfortable accommodations in the area- and this means Free Wi-Fi .

The article Business travelers winning battle for free hotel Internet access in USA Today by Barbara DeLollis posted last month addresses  this issue:

More business travelers are getting what they say they want most from hotels: free Internet access in their rooms……Henry Harteveldt, a travel industry analyst at Forrester Research, says that it’s time for hotels to drop Internet charges. ”Hotels realize that companies and individuals are fed up with paying extra for Wi-Fi,” he says. “Consumers are smart enough to know the cost of providing it has come down.”

Unless you are living under a rock, you have heard that the airline security scare from last month has caused even more safety restrictions to air travel and is testing the patience of business travelers throughout the world.  On one hand, of course we want to do everything we can to support new ways to prevent violent and hostile acts to air travel- but the downside is these new measures will likely burden an already stressed travel industry.

Most airline passengers are frustrated by the new measures- but are willing to tolerate new restrictions if officials think they will keep them safer. Here are some of examples of what we may see for a while:

Airport police operating checkpoints for vehicles entering International Airports; Extra screening and new limits on carry-on luggage from Aviation security officials; Extra long security lines; Increased police patrols at checkpoints and screening stations at the airport; and less freedom to move around the airplane during flight.

It is unknown how long the measures would be in effect and the limits could vary from airport to airport.   Here are some of our suggestions to prevent additional headaches:

Be Prepared!! Review and/or familiarize yourself with the most recent TSA Guidelines before entering the airport by going to their site and following their Travel Assistant tips.   This section does a great job addressing many air travel questions including:

* The Screening Experience
* Dress the Part
* What You Need
* Do I Have to Remove My Shoes?
* Keep Your Experience Simple
* Travel Tips to Make Your Screening Experience Hassle-Free
* Know What to Expect

PACK LIGHTLY & BE PREPARED TO BE SEARCHED: After reviewing these guidelines- pack as lightly as possible and be prepared for your items to be searched- and possibly searched again.  The closer you can stay within the TSA guidelines- the easier it will be for you to get through airport security and on your way.   If you are delayed due to increased screening procedures- remember that it is nothing personal, it is their job to do this and keep all passengers safe.  Most travelers I talk to pack for their journey a day ahead of time so they are not rushed or frantic while packing (making it lightly they will forget some of the travel guidelines).

Check Your Flight Status Before You Leave for The Airport! Go to your airline’s Website or contact their customer service prior to

ARRIVE REALLY EARLY- I know this sounds like common sense, but you would not believe how many passengers find themselves in a pinch or experience unnecessary stress because they have failed to arrive with enough time to check in and move through security.  You must plan to arrive early to make your flying experience more enjoyable.  At this time- the TSA recommends passengers arrive 3 hours prior to their flight for all domestic flights. If you find that you have allowed too much time- enjoy a book or a favorite magazine and be grateful you are not in jeopardy of missing your flight.

Be Patient!  Be Polite! Please do not make things worse for other passengers by expressing your frustration at the new security measures.   If nothing else, think of the excellent service and luxurious accommodations you will be receiving once you arrive in our hotel- visualize yourself relaxing in our Grand Lobby…In all seriousness- as I stated before-  do not take it personally if you are subject to increased searches or delays due to heightened security.  It is a small price to pay for safety.

Here are some additional statements from the TSA:

Q: What additional security measures is TSA taking domestically?
A: TSA has a layered approach to security that allows us to surge resources as needed on a daily basis. We have the ability to quickly implement additional screening measures including explosive detection canine teams, law enforcement officers, gate screening, behavior detection and other measures both seen and unseen. Passengers should not expect to see the same thing at every airport.

Q: What additional security measures are being taken for international flights to U.S. destinations?
A: TSA issued a directive for additional security measures to be implemented for last point of departure international flights to the United States. Passengers flying into the United States from abroad can expect to see additional security measures at international airports such as increased gate screening including pat-downs and bag searches. During flight, passengers will be asked to follow flight crew instructions, such as stowing personal items, turning off electronic equipment and remaining seated during certain portions of the flight.

Q: Do passengers need to do anything differently to prepare for checkpoint security procedures? Has anything changed in terms of what passengers can bring in their carry-on or checked bags?
A: At this time, security checkpoint requirements for passengers departing U.S. airports remain the same. Passengers do not need to do anything differently, but they may notice additional security measures at the airport.

Q: Should passengers plan to arrive at airports earlier than normal?
A: Passengers traveling within the United States should give themselves extra time to check in and proceed through the security checkpoint before their flight, especially during the busy holiday travel season. TSA advises that passengers traveling on international flights to U.S. destinations allow extra time for security and arrive an additional hour earlier.

Q. How long will these measures remain in place?
A: TSA will continuously review these measures to ensure the highest levels of security.

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I recently came across this fantastic video highlighting Portland, Oregon from Travel Portland and had to share on our blog.  This fast paced video demonstrates the diverse activities in this area- from the hustle and bustle of downtown Portland to the serene natural surroundings in areas like the Oregon Coast, Columbia Gorge and more.  TravelPortland.com is a great resource for visitors to plan their trips to Oregon with a wealth of information on events, attractions and other tips.

If you have not visited Portland before, this piece shows you what you are missing and will likely entice you to check it out!  Portland and the surrounding area is actually a great place to visit AND live (a rare combination!)  Enjoy!

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