Cornelius
With a population of over 12100 Cornelius is a small city situated in the fertile Tualatin River Valley 26 miles west of Portland. At first glance Cornelius is an agricultural paradise where rolling hillsides vineyards and farms abound. However those in the know have discovered that beneath the rural exterior Cornelius is home to hidden gems and world-renowned amenities such as world-class wineries and one of the oldest golf courses in the Pacific Northwest.
During summer months visitors can pick strawberries lavender lilies dahlias gladiolas and a host of other floral varieties at local farms. Family-owned farms are well known throughout the area for plump delicious berries which sell at area farmers markets and grocery stores. If golf is your game play a round at Forest Hills Golf Course. Built in 1927 Forest Hills is a challenging course with 18 holes of rolling terrain among scenic farmlands.
Hazelnut Farmers
Oregon produces 99 percent of the nation’s hazelnuts (also known as filberts). At Oregon Orchard Hazelnuts a co-op of Hazelnut Farmers of Oregon shoppers are greeted with a variety of hazelnut products including roasted salted hickory-smoked chocolate-covered and fruit-flavored.
Situated in the Chehalem Mountains American Viticultural Area (AVA) Cornelius is also home to three wineries: Ardiri Winery and Vineyards with spectacular views of the Tualatin Valley (in the northern Willamette Valley) A Blooming Hill Vineyard and Winery one of the newest (and smallest) wineries in Oregon’s Washington County and Gresser Vineyard a small family-owned vineyard and winery.
There is a variety of small family owned restaurants offering Italian barbecue American and pub food. In addition there is no shortage of great Mexican restaurants in Cornelius and one stretch of road holds court. Take a stroll down Adair Street and explore!
City of Cornelius: 503-357-9112 www.ci.cornelius.or.us
Forest Grove/Cornelius Chamber of Commerce: 503-357-3006 www.visitforestgrove.com
