1. George Fox University
City: Newberg, OR
Category: Education
Telephone: (503) 538-8383
Address: 414 North Meridian St.
Description: Originally founded in 1891 by Quaker pioneers, this liberal arts college has been named one of America’s best colleges numerous times by U.S. News & World Report. It includes Herbert Hoover among its alumni, though when he attended, the college was known as Friends Pacific Academy. Some things have stayed the same since President Hoover’s time: The pretty residential campus is still in the town of Newberg, about a half-hour southwest of downtown Portland. It still emphasizes moral and religious as well as intellectual development. But George Fox is in every way a modern college too, with a new mission that includes working adults in its graduate, seminary, and degree-completion programs. Classes for the George Fox MBA program, which are held in Portland, are offered one night a week and occasionally on weekends at the Newberg campus. The students, faculty, and staff number about 2,700 persons.
2. Chehalem Skatepark
City: Newberg, OR
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (503) 538-7454
Address: 1210 Blaine St.
Description: This landmark facility is worth a special trip. Skate Oregon calls this the best skatepark on Earth, with 29,000 square feet of skatable surface. It was designed and executed with the help of actual skateboarders. There’s also a BMX track at the same site, so BMXers are not competing for space. Chehalem Skatepark is free; helmets are required.
3. Rex Hill Vineyards
City: Newberg, OR
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (800) 739-4455
Address: 30835 North Oregon Hwy. 99 West
Description: Rex Hill Vineyards boasts a warmly furnished tasting room with a huge fireplace, antiques, and an interesting collection of modern art. Winemaker Lynn Penner-Ash produces wonderful Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and White Riesling on more than 225 acres of vineyards. Visiting hours are from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The winery is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.