Current Newsletter - Washington County, Oregon

October 2008

Autumn Bounty in Washington County

The smell of autumn is in the air, with the colorful leaves gleaming a brilliant yellow, orange and rusty-red. And there’s no better time to enjoy a Washington County getaway. Watch as birds start making their way south for the winter, as apples and pumpkins replace the berries of summer, and as local vintners start harvesting grapes during “crush,” which starts another season producing the finest Oregon Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and numerous other varietals. Just one trip to Washington County in the fall and you will be hooked.

See what Washington County has to offer you, this fall...

Upcoming Events

Autumn Colors Paddle Trip - October 11, Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

Great Onion Festival - October 11, Archer Glen Elementary School

Apple Fest - October 11, Oregon Heritage Farms

A Ghostly Experience in Washington County

October is a time to dust-off the most spine-tingling ghost stories, or for those who have a more “spirited” approach to the haunting season, to experience their own supernatural experiences. Many haunting tales about spooky hotels abound, and Washington County, Oregon, is home to one of the most notorius hot-spots of such legends. Where is this Haunted Hideaway?

Give Thanks This Fall for Washington County Wines

The cool, crackle of fall means only one thing in wine country: It’s time to harvest the next, great vintage of Oregon Pinot Noir. Each Thanksgiving, after the hard work of crush – the time of year when grapes are harvested and crushed into juice and readied for the fermentation process – vintners celebrate with an open house complete with festivities and tastings.

This Oregon tradition is one of the best times of the year to take in a trip to Washington County’s wine country, as most wineries are open to the public this celebration weekend, including those that are not open throughout the rest of the year. In addition to the many festivities, including preview tastings of new releases, barrel tastings, live music and hors d’oeuvres, visitors can meet and talk with the winemakers and owners, and share their wine philosophies with other wine lovers.

With more than 20 wineries to choose from, as well as a selection of lodging options, Thanksgiving weekend in Washington County’s wine country will give you even more reasons to be thankful this holiday season.

Bountiful Culinary Delights in the Portland Metro Region

Each fall, Travel Oregon unveils its annual Oregon Bounty program – a celebration of the plethora of the state’s culinary bounty. In October and November, visitors can experience first-hand the region’s culinary delights, local cuisine, fruits, coffees, wines, saké and more.

From lodging to wine tasting, Washington County is showing off its culinary assets. Join us as we celebrate the wonder of Oregon’s cornucopia of goodness. See Washington County Bounty Participants

Giant Pumpkins Take Over Tualatin

On Oct. 25, 600-plus-pound pumpkins take to the water at Tualatin’s Lake of the Commons for the 5th annual West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta, the only event of its kind on the “left” coast. Sponsored by the Pacific Giant Vegetables Growers Association, the regatta is a must-see event as the growers of these giant pumpkins race their prize-winning gourds to the finish line.