July 19, 2024

Today’s Forecast

90º | 10% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 5:40 a.m. | Sunset 8:52 p.m.
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🚜 Head up to Highland Farms

A red highland cow lifts its chin just above a wire fence looking for treats.

“They’re like big, docile dogs with horns,” said tour guide Jaya Graver. “But they will tell you what they want.” | Photo by Ben McBee, PDXtoday

When you think of Scotland, it’s hard not to picture fields of highland cattle, majestic horns... and bangs an angsty teenager would envy. Thousands of tourists travel to the country to see their Weasley-esque auburn hair and experience the magic of the “hairy coos” in their element.

We’re here to save you a plane ticket — or a portkey, for all you witches and wizards out there.

In the foothills of Mount Hood, nestled in the lush forest of Brightwood, you’ll find Highland Farms. This cedar mill turned farm stay has a cottage and lodge, plus an Airstream, that are ideal for a weekend retreat. The 6-acre property also serves as an event venue for enchanting weddings, corporate retreats, and family gatherings.

But we’re here to talk about the animals.

Alternating images show scenes from Highland Farms, including a barn, a Pyrenees dog, a white peacock, a goat and a black sheep. — It’s not quite Noah’s Ark, but it’s pretty close.
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Photos by Ben McBee, PDXtoday

The tour started with the stars of the show. Approaching the front paddock, we were greeted by certified highland cows and their Pyrenees guard dogs. Missy, who has one horn that points up and one that points down — they’re malleable when they’re young — eagerly stretched out her tongue for a treat. Isla, the cutest calf you’ll ever see, hovered just out of reach, unsure about it all.

Our guide Jaya Graver was full of facts about the oldest registered breed of cattle in the world. They were raised for beef in the Outer Hebrides as early as the sixth century. Legend says when Queen Victoria visited the Scottish Highlands, she made her preference for the reddish variety known, and selective breeding has since made black (and other colors) less common.

The ranch was home to plenty of supporting characters too. We fed hay to endangered San Clemente Island goats and were gently ram-inded to keep scratching the Icelandic sheep behind the ears. The resident albino peacock even fanned his feathers for us.

All in all, you could say it was a moo-ving experience.

Plan your visit

Events

Friday, July 19

Shady Pines Festival 2024 | Friday, July 19-Monday, July 22 | Times vary | Camp Tasty’s at McKinnon Airpark, 12960 SE Ten Eyck Rd., Sandy | $60-$150 | Enjoy the sounds of the local music scene like Orquestra Pacifico Tropical and Black Shelton under the sun.
20th Annual Washington County Fair | Friday, July 19-Sunday, July 28 | Times vary | Westside Commons, 801 NE 34th Ave., Hillsboro | Free | Big fair fun awaits you on amusement rides, watching live entertainment and livestock exhibits, digging into the food, and more.
“Despicable Me 4" + “E.T. The Extra Terrestrial” | Friday, July 19-Sunday, July 21 | 6-11:59 p.m. | 99W Drive-In Theater, 3110 Portland Rd., Newberg | $0-$10 | Pull up for this double feature of a new release and timeless classic — the kids will love both.
Hootie & the Blowfish - Summer Camp with Trucks Tour | Friday, July 19 | 7 p.m. | RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater, 17200 NE Delfel Rd., Ridgefield | $41.55-$397.80 | You and me, we come from different worlds, but we’ll all enjoy hearing “Only Wanna Be With You” live.
Rainbow Moon Silent Disco | Friday, July 19 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Leach Botanical Garden, 6704 SE 122nd Ave., Portland | $30 | Celebrate Pride at Leach Botanical Garden’s first-ever “botanical queer dance party” with tunes curated by DJ Jess the Ripper.

Saturday, July 20

Pro Motocross Championship - Washougal National | Saturday, July 20 | 8 a.m.-4:15 p.m. | Washougal Motocross Park, 40205 NE Borin Rd., Washougal | $75-$275 | Rev your engines for the longest running major motorsports event in the PNW, featuring exciting races and chances to meet the pros.
5th Annual Oregon Trail Brew Fest | Saturday, July 20 | 12-9 p.m. | End of the Oregon Trail, 1726 Washington St., Oregon City | $25 | We’re sure the pioneers would’ve loved to end their journey with a cold one, so drink one in their honor.

Sunday, July 21

50th Forest Grove Concours D’Elegance | Sunday, July 21 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Pacific University, 2043 College Way, Forest Grove | Free | Go for a ride and enjoy 300 classic and modified cars on the tree shaded campus; there’s live music, food, and drinks too.
Pittock Mansion Architecture Tour | Sunday, July 21 | 10:30 a.m. + 12 p.m. | Pittock Mansion, 3229 NW Pittock Dr., Portland | $20.50-$23 | Explore the iconic French Renaissance-style chateau nestled in Portland’s West Hills and glean new insights into its origins.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Try This

What do you get a masked mutant anti-hero on his birthday? Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds is an owner of Aviation Gin, and to celebrate the release of the star’s new movie, “Deadpool and Wolverine,” the distillery is offering a special tour, tasting, and escape room. Yes, kids are allowed. (Portland Business Journal)

Eat

Wander on over to WonderLove, a new food cart pod in the Central Eastside. There’s a three-level bar made from two shipping containers, as well as eight trucks, including Bake on the Run and Honeycuspe (more are in the works). Check out the venue’s first major event this weekend at Dollapalooza. (Eater Portland)

Development

Lake Oswego has new affordable housing. Mercy Greenbrae at Marylhurst Commons, built on the former college campus, will provide 100 new units to the area, focusing on “low-income households and people who are in the process of leaving homelessness.” Applications are now open for the complex. (KGW)

Arts

The Portland Chinatown Museum is currently showing “Bong Wai Chen: Reframing Tradition,” an exhibition of the immaculate calligraphy and painting from the beloved artist and community member, who lived 17 years in the city. You’ll also find photos, news clippings, and a touching love letter to his wife Virginia. See it until Oct. 27. (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)

Pets

Cats may have nine lives, but the Catio Tour is back for the 12th time on Saturday, Sept. 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The annual self-guided exploration will highlight curated outdoor habitats in Portland and Vancouver, showcasing the win-win of letting cats get fresh air while keeping wildlife safe.

Drink Up

Clink, clink — we’d like to make a toast. Drink Up Week is coming Monday, July 22-Friday, July 26. To celebrate Portland’s buzzy beverage culture, local businesses are offering fun drink deals throughout the week. Map your route and raise a glass.

Sports

Oregon football missed out on 5-star corner back DJ Pickett, so who will they set their sights on next for the position? The latest uniform release — a throwback to the famed Gang Green defense of the mid-'90s — will surely help on the recruiting trail. Listen to Locked On Ducks break down the options.

Plan Ahead

🎪 High-flying acrobatics under the big top

Cirque du Soleil performers form a human tower, while one in the foreground holds a large teeter totter.

Things are bound to get topsy turvy on the teeterboard. | Photo via Matt Beard & Bernard Letendre / Cirque du Soleil

The Innocent is just a clown trying to find their way in the world. We can relate to that.

Cirque du Soleil fans can help the endearing hero on their journey of self-discovery at “KOOZA,” the circus arts performance company’s latest show to stop in the City of Roses. Running Wednesday, Aug. 21 to Sunday, Oct. 6 at the Portland Expo Center, this exciting show transports the protagonist to a bizarre kingdom filled with dancing skeletons, a mysterious trickster, the Wheel of Death, and more. Patrons will also see thrilling aerial performances under the big top, as acrobats soar around the stage in vibrant costumes.

Kids tickets start at $25 and there are accessible seating options as well.

The Buy

These men’s lightweight cotton-blend undershirts, which are moisture-wicking, tag-free, and on sale in color white.

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Ben

From the editor

I like birds, and so do the folks over at Guëro, the restaurant known for delicious tortas and since 2021, bird watching. The club, organized by kitchen manager Audrey Tawdry, hosts free, weekly walks in search of feathered friends. Who knows, you might even see a purple finch.

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