Page 42 - Rural Tourism Report Washington County

CHAPTER 3: THE WASHINGTON COUNTY RURAL TOURISM SECTOR

Tualatin River. Photo courtesy of Washington County Visitors Association, Scott Spiker

Rural Tourism in Washington County - What Do We Currently Have?
Rural tourism operations in the County were analyzed in order to understand their locations, scale, and
tourism product offerings.

Rural Tourism Analysis by Attractions
Consultant Mary Stewart compiled a list of 279 rural
tourism attractions hosted within or near rural
Washington County, gleaned from Washington
County Visitors Association marketing materials, an
internet search, agriculture commodity commission
information, suggestions from stakeholder

interviews, and the consultant’s familiarity with the
area. Organized by nearest community and by rural
tourism sectors, the list indicates a range of events,
activities, and locations – both urban and rural –
including on-farm direct markets; community
farmers markets; cultural, agricultural, specialty
food, and wine-related festivals; sites where

wine, beer, cider, or spirits are produced and
sold; recreational opportunities; and more (see
Appendix A, “Inventory of Attractions"). This laid the
groundwork for additional research conducted by
County staff, which first approached rural tourism
from the perspective of primary property use, and
then explored supplemental activities per property. Lavender Festival at Helvetia Lavender Farm. Photo courtesy of Helvetia
Lavender Farm.
38 WASHINGTON COUNTY RURAL TOURISM STUDY