Additional Experiences in Tualatin Valley
Tualatin Valley offers a host of experiences throughout the year. While some may be seasonal, other experiences can be enjoyed any time of the year.
Agricultural Experiences
FARMS:
Farms are abundant in the area, providing visitors with hands-on experience at dozens of “u- pick” farms with crops ranging from berries and fruits to flowers. Summertime is berry season, and several u-pick farms offer a variety of berries to pick, while during late-summer through fall, apples are the croup du jour. Smith Berry Barn grows two dozen varieties of berries and several varieties of heirloom apples (as well as other crops). In July, lavender is a peak season and a handful of lavender farms welcome visitors to pick bouquets of lavender and buy lavender-scented products made with the distilled oils of the fragrant flowers. In October, pumpkin patches open for the season, including Roloff Farms, made famous by the TLC network series, Little People, Big World.
FARMERS’ MARKETS:
Farmers’ markets are extremely popular in this region, and one can be found nearly every day of the week during market season (May through October). The Beaverton Farmers Market touts itself as being the largest farmers market in the state, and during peak summer months, more than 20,000 visitors head to the outdoor Saturday market in downtown Beaverton.
Arts, Culture & History
LIVE THEATER:
Tualatin Valley has a burgeoning theater community, and is home to three premier professional theatre companies: the famed Broadway Rose Theatre Company, which stages musical theatre productions, and Bag&Baggage Productions, known for its provocative take on classic plays, and the Experience Theatre Project, known for its interactive productions. These companies produce acclaimed, award-winning productions in the Tualatin Valley.
MUSEUMS:
Tualatin Valley is an ideal destination to “geek out” at some of the most unique museums in the country. The Smithsonian-affiliated Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals houses gemstones, geodes and rocks, fossils, petrified wood and more. The museum boasts the largest collection of its kind in the United States’ Pacific Northwest. VintageTEK showcases the history of technology from high-tech pioneer, Tektronix, which has preserved its vintage instruments, memorabilia and photographs from its 70-year history.
Dining & Shopping
Photo by Doug Frierott
DINING:
While Portland’s dining scene has earned huge buzz, Washington County has laid claim to some of the region’s best global cuisine. Restaurants such as Syun Izakaya, Chennai Masala and Nak Won (the latter located in the burgeoning Restaurant Row in Beaverton) have been recognized among the best restaurants in the Greater Portland region for their authentic and innovative menus. In 2018, the city of Beaverton became the first city in Tualatin Valley to have a permanent food cart pod. Located in central Beaverton, and close to light rail and other Beaverton amenities, the BG Food Cartel has more than 20 food carts in a single location, each serving different types of cuisine. The pod also has indoor space and two beer and wine bars.
SHOPPING:
Tax-free shopping, plus the diversity of shopping experiences, makes Tualatin Valley an ideal shopping location. Find antiques and locally-owned boutiques, plus big-box stores, and a variety of artisan, gourmet food and wine shops. Two of Oregon’s most beloved shopping destinations—Washington Square and Bridgeport Village—are located in Tualatin Valley.
Annual Signature Events*
Tualatin Valley plays host to hundreds of events annually. The following are some of the more popular events that attract a fair number of out-of-area visitors:
Valentine’s Wine Loop (February) – Romance-themed self-guided winery tour featuring wines, chocolates and live music
Tigard Festival of Balloons (June) – Hot-air balloon festival with carnival rides and live entertainment
Concours d’Elegance (July) – Annual car show featuring more than 300 classic cars from the dawn of the automobile age
Washington County Fair (July) – Annual fair featuring live entertainment, carnival rides and livestock demonstrations
Canines Uncorked (August) – Self-guided winery tour where dog owners are encouraged to bring their pets for a day of wine tasting and activities for pet owners and their dogs
Beaverton, Banks and Beyond Bicycle Tour (August) – Annual ride (options include 32-, 64-, 86- or 100-mile ride) showcasing the beauty of Oregon’s Washington County
Harvest Century Ride (September) – Autumn ride (options include 3-, 45-, 75- or 100-mile routes) through Oregon’s Washington County, culminating in a catered meal and live music for participants
West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta (October) – Festival and race featuring boats crafted from giant pumpkins
For a complete list of events, please visit tualatinvalley.org/events-festivals.
*Events are subject to change
About Oregon’s Tualatin Valley
Tualatin Valley is scenically situated between Portland and the Oregon Coast. The destination is home to world-class golf courses, award-winning wineries, an array of outdoor recreation opportunities, lush, natural and scenic wetlands and wildlife preserves, superb dining, and tax-free shopping centers and boutiques. Tualatin Valley covers 727 square miles and includes the growing communities of Banks, Beaverton, Cornelius, Forest Grove, Gaston, Hillsboro, King City, North Plains, Sherwood, Tigard, Tualatin and Wilsonville. Learn more at tualatinvalley.org
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