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Gardens, Orchards and Vineyards of the Willamette Valley

Program Number: 12739RJ
Start and End Dates:
6/9/2013 - 6/14/2013; 9/22/2013 - 9/27/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Newberg, Oregon
Price starting at: $675.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Homes & Gardens; Food & Wine Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 15; 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Gluten Free; Low Salt; Vegetarian    

Anything grows in Oregon’s central Willamette River Valley! Explore the aesthetic of the Japanese- and Chinese-inspired classical gardens, the diversity of the Oregon Gardens and private green spaces of the Newberg area. See how the rich soils and temperate climate allow for a profusion of flowers, fresh fruit, herbs and vineyards, as you taste and smell the bounty of the Willamette Valley.




Highlights

• A master gardener/nurseryman leads field trips to the world class Oregon Garden, Portland's Classical Japanese, Chinese, and Rose Gardens, private gardens, local orchards, vineyards and farms.
• Meet with various growers of herbs, fruits, hazelnuts, grapes, olives and other produce as you taste the rich foods of the Willamette Valley.
• Sample the fine wines at the Beaux-Frères Vineyard with the owners, and discuss how the terroir and local yeasts makes a fine pinot.



Activity Particulars

Walks up to a mile over garden paths, uneven terrain; some standing and stairs.




Date Specific Information

6-9-2013, 9-22-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by Tilikum Retreat Center.




Newberg

The rich soil of the Willamette Valley, which has contributed to the region’s successful grape-growing industry, also made Newberg the final stop for many pioneers on the Oregon Trail. Quakers settled here, as well, and Herbert Hoover’s boyhood home is nearby.
Accommodations
Retreat center nestled among orchards and vineyards of the Willamette Valley; 92 acres of green meadows, quiet lake, wooded hiking trails. No alcohol on-site.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Arnie Mitchell
Arnie Mitchell is an avid gardener and nurseryman, with an amazing acumen for understanding how to make almost anything grow. He is also a native Oregonian with an intense knowledge and interest in the region's history. Years ago, Arnie and his wife purchased a historic farmhouse and converted it into a B&B where they grow flowers, nursery stock, berries, fruit trees and a community garden. Arnie has been involved with more than 100 Road Scholar programs the past 25 years.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Tilikum Center for Retreats
  Newberg, Oregon 5 nights
 Tilikum Center for Retreats
Type: Conference Center
  Description: Tilikum is in the rolling countryside, among hazelnut orchards and vineyards and is a year-round camp and retreat center. Formerly a family farm, Tilikum has a 15 acre lake, miles of hiking trails, outdoor activities and peaceful surroundings.
  Contact info: 15321 NE North Valley Road
Newberg, OR 97132 USA
phone: 503-538-2763
web: www.camptilikum.org
  Facility amenities: Spacious meeting rooms, inviting dining room with solarium, library, sitting room, game room. Comfortable sleeping rooms, coffee/tea available at all times.Tilikum is an alcohol-free facility, smoking permitted only in restricted outdoor areas. Wireless internet and phone for local calls and long-distance with card are available. Cell phone coverage is spotty and there is no television reception.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Bathroom: 13 rooms have private, attached bathrooms. Several rooms have private bathroom across the hall or next door.
  Additional nights prior:  Tilikum is available for group bookings only.
  Check in time: 4:00 PM
  Additional nights after:  Tilikum is available for group bookings only.
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
4:00pm at retreat center. You will be staying at Tilikum Center for Retreats that night.
  End of Program:
12:00pm You will be staying at Tilikum Center for Retreats the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
No fee for parking. Please contact Tilikum for information on RV parking availability.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Newberg, Oregon
  Nearest highway: Hwy 99W
  Nearest airport:  Portland International Airport
  From End of Program
  Location: Newberg, Oregon
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Portland, OR

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Tilikum Retreat Center
phone: 503-538-2763
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

See comments below
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

1 hour 
   

Tilikum can provide transportation from PDX, Portland hotel, train and/or bus station to our facility. Request forms included in pre-program communication. Cost $60/couple, $35/single (may update). Specific pick up and drop off times are scheduled once we receive all participant times as we work to make it most convenient for all. Ideally, arrivals are early to mid afternoon and departures mid to late afternoon. We are also able to pick up at area hotels for those who choose to arrive early.
 
Driving Directions
  From Interstate 5 Take Tualatin/Sherwood Exit number 289. Turn right and follow Tualatin/Sherwood Road five miles to Hwy 99W at Sherwood. Turn left, going southwest, for eight miles and drive through Newberg until you are on the west side of town. Turn north at the intersection of Hwy 99W and Hwy 240 (Chehalem Valley / Yamhill sign). Follow Hwy 240 for five miles. Turn right (north), onto Ribbon Ridge Road (a Tilikum Retreat Center sign is on your left). After one mile, bear left at the junction onto North Valley Road. Look for the Tilikum sign on the right (one mile).
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Registration and Orientation
(Sunday, June 9)

Note: This is your opportunity to settle into the facilities and become acquainted with your fellow participants and group leaders.
   
 Arrive To: Registration and check-in begin at 4pm.
 Dinner: Welcome dinner. Food Service at Tilikum: We strive to present our guests with outstanding customer service and top-quality food. We make this possible by preparing our food from scratch, utilizing the freshest local ingredients and herbs picked fresh from our garden. We are happy to accommodate your special dietary needs with advance notice. Meals will include homemade bread, from scratch pastries and desserts, local & freshly roasted coffees along with a variety of menus.
 Evening: Program orientation and introductions
   
Accommodations: Tilikum Center for Retreats
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Chinese Classical Garden, International Test Rose Garden, Japanese Garden
(Monday, June 10)

Note: While exploring these three distinct world-class gardens of Portland, you will evaluate the purposing and design of each garden and reflect on your personal preferences among them.
   
 Breakfast: In the dining room. Fresh coffee available around 6am. Breakfast typically includes a starch such as honey wheat pancakes or French toast, Scrambled Eggs, Local Peppered Bacon, Fresh Seasonal Fruit Platter, Cereal Bar* & 100% fruit juice along with coffee, tea and cocoa beverages. *Includes a variety of cold cereals and our famous seven-grain hot cereal
 Morning: Field trip to Portland Classical Chinese Garden and lecture regarding Garden Designs and Purposes
 Lunch: Picnic Lunch at Rose Garden
 Afternoon: Tour of Rose Garden and Japanese Garden - A Portland Highlight!
 Dinner: Food Service at Tilikum.
 Evening: Flora & fauna lake walk at Tilikum
   
Accommodations: Tilikum Center for Retreats
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: The Oregon Garden of Silverton, Oregon, and driving tour of Willamette Valley agriculture, Mills Organic Fruit and Nut Farm
(Tuesday, June 11)

Note: A tram ride through the Oregon Garden introduces you to the 20 specialty gardens which you will then explore according to your interests. From the bus windows you will observe the richness of the soil deposited by the Great Missoula Flood that makes the Willamette Valley a gardening paradise. Interacting with 85 year old heritage farmer, Glen Mills is certain to entertain and stimulate your interest in challenges farmers face.
   
 Breakfast: In the Tilikum dining room.
 Morning: Field trip to Silverton and The Oregon Garden: a success story of symbiotic development of waste water management and beautiful commercial gardening displays Enjoy one of Oregon's most popular destinations, where thousands of plants are displayed in more than 20 specialty gardens. Explore amazing water features, the Conifer garden, garden art, wetlands, the Rediscovery Forest, a playful garden just for kids, and the 400-year-old Signature Oak. Discover how easy it is to relax and be dazzled at The Oregon Garden, located on 80 acres in Historic Silverton.
 Lunch: Picnic lunch at the garden
 Afternoon: Heirloom Roses features hundreds of varieties of their own root-stock miniature, hybrid, heritage and climbing roses, grown under meticulous care. Glen Mills organic fruit farm delights every visitor with stories of innovation and change. The driving tour of the Willamette Valley showcases the richness of agricultural and forest resources that make it famous.
 Dinner: Served by the Tilikum staff in the dining room.
 Evening: Musical performance by a local artist.
   
Accommodations: Tilikum Center for Retreats
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Elk Rock Garden at Bishop's Close, Private Gardens, Hazelnut Orchard
(Wednesday, June 12)

Note: Roaming through the 13 acre Elk Rock Garden exposes you to hundreds of varieties of labeled trees, shrubs and flowers, carefully landscaped to set off the Manor House and its expansive lawns. Later in the day, your experiences will be contrasted with efforts of local gardeners and orchardists.
   
 Breakfast: In the dining room.
 Morning: Field trip to Portland--Bishop's Close/Elk Rock Garden and lecture. In 1957 upon the death of Peter Kerr, original owner of the Manor House and creator of its extensive gardens and woodlands, his daughters gave the home and gardens to the Episcopal Bishop of Oregon together with an endowment for the care and maintenance of the garden, with the stipulation that the garden be open to visitors. Your instructor will assist you in identifying the many species and growing habits of the garden's plantings.
 Lunch: Lunch in Tilikum's Dining Room
 Afternoon: Tour of local community and private gardens in Newberg area and Hazelnut Orchards. Western Oregon has been a leader in organic growing, community gardening and eco-friendly innovations you will observe during this afternoon field trip.
 Dinner: Served by Tilikum's chefs and hosts.
 Evening: Hops growing and processing presentation. Grafting demonstration. Your instructor will guide you through the process of growing and harvesting hops for the beer industry. Then round out your knowledge with a hands-on experience of the world of plant grafting.
   
Accommodations: Tilikum Center for Retreats
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Red Ridge Herb Farm, Durant Vineyards, and Smith Berry Barn
(Thursday, June 13)

Note: Along with the world-famous vineyards of the Willamette Valley you will engage in conversation with the owners of one of the few commercial olive orchards and olive oil presses in Oregon. Smell, taste and savor these fresh oils. Side by side you will be delighted with the fragrances of many varieties of herbs used in cooking, medicine and landscaping. Finally visit a local berry farm and actually pick your own raspberries and strawberries to be served for evening dessert.
   
 Breakfast: In the dining room.
 Morning: Red Ridge Herb and Olive Farm and Durant Vineyards. Looking for an unusual herb or specialty plant? Stop by Red Ridge Farms to add variety to your garden. You’ll find more than 300 varieties of herbs, including 100 types of lavender, and many other culinary, medicinal and landscaping plants that flourish in the Northwest. Most of our plants are grown right here in the Red Hills of Dundee, where the Jory soil is rich and deep. Wine grapes have been growing here for more than 30 years. Red Hills has long-term familiarity with the growing conditions of this region and plant species that do well here,striving to use organic, sustainable farming methods to keep plants and soil healthy. As pioneers in the Oregon wine industry, the Durant family has focused on producing premier Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. They recognized early on the distinctive character of wines produced in the Dundee Hills due to the unique soil types and climate conditions.
 Lunch: Lunch in Tilikum's Dining Room
 Afternoon: Explore the acreage of Smith's Berry Barn, Hillsboro, OR and reach down and pick vine-ripened raspberries and strawberries. What first began in 1978 as a u-pick raspberry farm, is now a 30-acre family farm and much more than just berries. Specializing in over 10 varieties of cane berries, including red raspberry, golden raspberry, Marionberry, several varieties blackberries including boysenberry, loganberry and tayberries, they also tend to a 5-acre apple orchard, featuring over 20 varieties of antique and modern apples. In the remaining corners of the farm grow a variety of specialty produce including gourmet greens, fresh herbs, gourmet squash & pumpkins and heirloom tomatoes & peppers.
 Dinner: Enjoy in the Tilikum dining room.
 Evening: Special dessert: Oregon Berries & ice cream.
   
Accommodations: Tilikum Center for Retreats
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Beaux Freres Vineyard Tour; Class discussion and wrap-up
(Friday, June 14)

Note: Before your final farewells a quick trip to the neighboring Beaux Freres vineyard and winery rounds out discussions with local viticulturists. Mike Etzel's specialty is top quality, world-class Pinot Noir produced from their small, select vineyard.
   
 Breakfast: In the dining room.
 Morning: Class discussion and Wrap-up, and Beaux Freres Vineyard Tour with the proprietor, Mike Etzel or his chief winemaker. Since the first vintage in 1991, the Beaux Frères philosophy remains the same; to produce a world-class Pinot Noir from small, well-balanced yields and ripe, healthy fruit that represents the essence of our vineyard. In pursuit of these goals, the Beaux Frères Vineyard is planted with tightly spaced vines, and yields are kept to some of the lowest in our industry. Our winemaking philosophy is one of minimal intervention with clean fermentations utilizing indigenous yeast. Previous vintages demonstrate that these methods also allow our Beaux Frères to develop significant perfume, weight, and texture in the bottle.
 Lunch: Box lunches and check out by 12pm
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Newberg, Oregon Newberg Chamber of Commerce
Chamber of Commerce information For additional information, visit www.newberg.org
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Gardenwalks in the Pacific Northwest: Beautiful Gardens Along the Coast from Oregon to British Columbia


Author: Alice Joyce


Green Afternoons: Oregon Gardens to Visit


Author: Amy Houchen


Human Nature: The Japanese Garden of Portland, Oregon


Author: Bruce Taylor Hamilton


Oregon Viticulture


Author: Edward Hellman


The Oregon Garden


Author: Jessica Sall


Timber Press Guide to Gardening in the Pacific Northwest


Author: Carol W Hall




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