One of the best-kept secrets of the Pacific Northwest, Washington County successfully merges the energy of urban city life with the idyllic settings of Oregon's forests, wetlands, and agricultural areas.

Located just minutes from downtown Portland, Washington County boasts more than 116,875 square feet of meeting space to meet the varied needs of association groups of all sizes. Planners can select from a broad range of facilities, including rustic historical buildings, conference centers, sports venues, fairgrounds, championship golf courses, and intimate wineries.

Finding hotel accommodations in Washington County is equally easy on planners' demanding schedules and budgets. With 5,050 hotel rooms, ranging from luxury, business suites to budget accommodations, rates (and lodging taxes) lower than those in Portland, and free parking, Washington County is an affordable option for all types of association events.

Even better, when it comes to post-meeting activities, Washington County has something for everyone, from festivals and museums to live theater, and shopping. Close to urban centers, yet within reach of rural areas, the region offers unique meeting spots.

Seventeen local wineries, many with regular tasting hours, include the only American-owned sake brewery in the world. Nature lovers will want to visit Jackson Bottom Wetlands, featuring the only eagle's nest to be completely restored from nature; Tualatin Hills Nature Park, a hands-on educational experience; and Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, one of only a handful of urban refuges in the United States. Twelve golf courses, including nationally recognized course Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club and the Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club, round out Washington County's myriad attractions.

For shoppers, there's Bridgeport Village, a European-style, outdoor shopping and dining extravaganza; the Streets of Tanasbourne, a premier lifestyle and retail development; Washington Square, an upscale mall with more than 170 retailers; and Cedar Hills Crossing, which houses a smaller-version of the world-famous Powell's Books.

Meanwhile, if one word describes Washington County's arts and cultural scene, it's "vibrant." The work of local, regional, and national artists fills numerous galleries such as the Glen and Viola Walters Cultural Arts Center and the Kingstad Gallery. Also worth a visit are the Kathrin Cawein Gallery of Art, one of Oregon's best university-owned galleries, and the Hoffman Gallery at the Oregon College of Art and Craft. The Washington County Historical Museum provides a compelling look at the area's history. Several professional theater companies offer high-quality productions year-round.

Washington County is conveniently situated and accessible. Oregon's well-maintained, dependable public transportation system and numerous highways makes traveling throughout Washington County and to/from downtown Portland and Portland International Airport easy, whether by car, bus, taxi, or light-rail.

Washington County At a Glance
Convention Facilities: Washington County offers more than 200 meeting sites, with a collective 116,875 square feet of meeting space.

Accommodations: 5,050 hotel rooms, ranging from luxury, business suites to budget accommodations

Attractions: Seventeen local wineries; fruit, vegetable, and flower picking at "pick-your-own" farms; Jackson Bottom Wetlands; L.L. "Stub" Stewart State Park; Tualatin Hills National Park; Tualatin River National Refuge; Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club; Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club; tax-free shopping; Bridgeport Village; Cedar Hills Crossing; Streets of Tanasbourne; Washington Square; Glen and Viola Walters Cultural Arts Center; Kingstad Gallery; Kathrin Cawein Gallery of Art; Hoffman Gallery; Washington County Historical Museum

For More Information: Contact the Washington County Visitors Association at (800) 537-3149; e-mail: sales@wcva.org; Web site: www.VisitWashingtonCountyOregon.com