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Last Updated: Feb 24, 2020 - 8:42:40 PM |
Edward Quan, known as the the travel writer with the fancy shoes high above Brunswick Canyon, Oregon on the Pumpkin Ridge Zip Tour.
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Located just west of Portland, the Tualatin Valley is the gateway to Oregon’s wine country. Offering an abundance of world-class wineries and breweries, a culturally diverse dining scene and an array of outdoor adventures, a visit to the Tualatin Valley is an enriching vacation experience.
During my recent visit to Tualatin Valley, I discovered that the region, with all its outdoor delights, is less than one hour from downtown Portland. As a savvy traveler, I always prefer cruising along quiet back roads during a relaxing weekend getaway so I steered clear of the congested I-5 South highway, the standard route to central Oregon’s wine country.
I recommend you begin your Saturday by enjoying Oregon’s natural setting with hiking, biking or zip-lining. Follow that with a taste of some flavorsome beverages at one of the region’s many breweries and distilleries. After a sleep-in on Sunday, savor a French bistro brunch, then explore one or more of the 30 wineries showcasing the Valley’s famous pinot noir as well as dozens of other varieties.
The dining choices are abundant and range from Thai, Japanese, Indian, French, Chinese, and farm-to-table American fare. Don’t forget that Oregon has tax-free shopping for those in need of some retail-therapy.
SEE
Pumpkin Ridge Zip Tour
Pumpkin Ridge Zip Tour has seven zip lines that take you over 100 feet into the evergreen trees on the edge of Brunswick Canyon. Offering astonishing views of the natural landscape of Oregon, each zip line gets progressively higher and longer as you advance through the course.
Standing on the platforms perched atop beautiful cedar trees is a thrilling and unforgettable experience. All equipment is provided and the staff are skilled and friendly.
Temperatures in the mountains are usually cooler than in Portland, so dress warmly and wear sturdy shoes. And don’t forget to bring your camera, water bottle and snacks in a small backpack.
Ponzi Vineyard sits atop Chehalem Mountains offers visitors panoramic views of their 130 acre vineyards in Tualatin Valley.
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SIP
Ponzi Vineyards
Instrumental in establishing Willamette Valley as a world class wine region, Ponzi Vineyards celebrating 50 years of winemaking excellence this year.
For several years now, Ponzi Vineyards has set the benchmark for Oregon pinot noir, chardonnay and specialty small production bottles of sparkling vintages. Here, on the 130 acres of this second-generation family owned vineyard, you will undoubtedly discover your next favorite bottle. Take a few home to savour later. You won’t regret it.
Located on top of the Chehalem Mountains with panoramic views of their vineyards and Willamette Valley, Ponzi Vineyards’ modern wood, steel and glass tasting room features winery tours by appointment, fireside seating, a covered outdoor terrace with tableside wine service, Bocce ball courts, complimentary shipping within Oregon for visitors traveling by bike and even EV charging stations.
After a day exploring Tualatin Valley great outdoors, visit Ancestry Brewing where you will find some of the best brews in Oregon.
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Ancestry Brewing
After a day spent in the Tualatin Valley’s great outdoors, head for Ancestry Brewing where you’ll find family crafted IPAs as well as American, Irish, English and Belgian style brews. Their warm and welcoming taproom is located on a wetland and has both outdoor and indoor lounge seating areas and a casual American dining menu.
Oregon breweries are known for the best beer on the planet and Ancestry Brewing is no exception. Just behind the taproom is the brewing room where customers can have a pour straight from their Zwickels. Unwind after a long day outdoors at Ancestry Brewing - you won’t be disappointed.
Beautiful murals depicting the ancient Japanese Sake brewing process adorns Sake One facility in Tualatin Valley, Oregon.
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SakéOne
Established in 1997, SakéOne in Forest Hills has become America’s first successful craft saké producer. Made from the clean river water of the Willamette Valley and exclusive rice from California’s Sacramento Valley, a SakéOne craft saké is sure to be a treat.
Open to the public, SakéOne’s tasting room offers over 30 delicious craft Oregon saké, all brewed onsite. Sample their premium g fifty saké which is medium dry on the palate with subtle notes of nectarine, grape and pear. Its taste is complex yet smooth, reflecting a unique blend of Japanese and American heritage.
At SakéOne, they believe that where and how a premium saké is brewed matters. The use of pristine Oregon water - crisp, clean with a balance of softness and minerality - guarantees a unique and delightful beverage. This tasting experience is just one of the many unique travel experiences here in Tualatin Valley.
Wake up to a fabulous Sunday brunch at La Provence Boulangerie & Patisserie in Tualatin Valley, Oregon.
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SAVOR
La Provence Boulangerie & Patisserie
Famous for brunch, La Provence Boulangerie & Patisserie offers a superb French-inspired menu of traditional bread, pastries and food from the countryside of Provence, France.
One of my brunch favorites is the Di Parma Omelet with basil, fresh mozzarella, parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes cooked in an enormous three-egg omelet. The omelet comes with an artichoke-herb salsa and a freshly baked butter croissant with raspberry sauce. Or try their warm berry crêpe filled with local blueberries and topped with a warm mixed berry sauce. Vegetarian friendly options are, of course, available.
Even when traveling through Oregon on assignment, I always find a reason to drop into one of La Provence’s locations.
Famous for their farm to fork menu plus terrific brews, an ideal dinning spot in Tualatin Valley.
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Industry Restaurant
As the name implies, Industry Restaurant is a large open restaurant that resembles a warehouse with a central bar and a menu of locally sourced dishes that are mainly made from scratch, including fresh bread, cheeses and pickles.
Here, they call their food farm-to-fork. A focus on local and seasonal ingredients from local businesses and farmers allows Industry to serve the very best the pacific northwest has to offer. The menus have weekly offerings, from tacos and seasonal harvest bowls to pasta and burgers to fried chicken and fish.
Ideal location for families and groups of friends looking to relax after a day outdoors.
edward@styledrama
11:59 AM (5 hours ago)
to me
Visit Thai Bloom in Tualatin Valley for that craving of spicy Thai dining.
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Thai Bloom
Thai Bloom restaurant in Beaverton offers up the exquisite aromas and flavors of SE Asia to locals and tourists alike. For those craving spice, consider the crab pad thai, pumpkin curry or the hung-lay chops.
This family run restaurant offers a broad menu, including happy hour appetizers such as pot stickers, chicken satay and Pad Thai. A good choice for casual family dining.
The modern comfort decor of the Holiday Inn Hillsboro made an excellent choice for a weekend getaway in Tualatin Valley, Oregon.
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STAY
Holiday Inn Hillsboro
The Holiday Inn Hillsboro welcomes visitors with modern rooms and amenities. Centrally located in Tualatin Valley, this is an ideal hotel to stay at when visiting this region.
I enjoyed a quiet, spacious room with huge comfortable beds and courteous staff. On site guest can enjoy the Boardroom Restaurant and Lounge, a heated indoor swimming pool with a hot tub and fitness and business centers.
The Holiday Inn Hillsboro made my visit to Tualatin Valley a pleasant one and I would not hesitate to return again.
Read other articles by Edward Quan
About the author:
Edward Quan is a luxury fashion and travel writer who shares
exceptional and emotional stories from across the globe. From European
fashion runways to traveling well, he covers the best in people and
culture, luxury hotels and resorts, fine food and drink and of course
shopping. Read more about Edward Quan at styledrama.com
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