I've staged three dances here over the past two years, and the venue is great, with a nice stage &…read moredance floor + great acoustics. Helpful folks running the place. 30 minutes from Portland, so attract both locals and PDX folks.

You want a jarring reminder of why it's good to know the things you've learned with a bit of time…read moreand distance from your past? Try visiting your significant other's old stomping grounds. There's something about Corbett with its crazy wind corridor barreling down on the inhabitants at all times and acres of former farmland. Somehow, it makes the teens take crazy risks with their lives, which is probably the story of teens everywhere in the U.S. But I hear about JB's life as a teenager in Corbett and I'm given a jumble of Dazed and Confused-style antics involving drunk driving, class cutting, and nature walks, not always in that order. You can understand why my outsider's perspective on the small town of Corbett is a little skewed. So when JB's band had the opportunity to practice in the Columbia Grange Hall in Corbett, it was a bit of a revelation. Beyond providing the setting for countless truant excursions out on Rooster Rock, Corbett contains a simple wooden building just off the main highway where the local citizens organize. The grange once served as the physical space to educate people about family farms as well as lobby for more federal money for local farmers. These days, the Columbia Grange members still do a lot of work with food. They collect food items for some residents in the Sandy River area and pass out lunches to seniors once a week. They also use the space to hold craft fairs and flea markets. My friend's grandmother volunteers not just her time but her amazing stores of energy and commitment to her hometown. One sticky summer day, she unlocked the entrance and let her grandson's band loose on the small stage. The fledgling band, with JB on the left side with his guitar, looked pretty happy on the stage despite the lack of air flow. They ran through their set several times. As I chugged down one bottle of water after another, I surveyed the wooden planks along the floor, the ancient piano, and the steeple-shaped ceiling. Every structure appeared like an object time-traveled out of Corbett's history. It wasn't my past, which felt kind of odd. But I watched my boyfriend do what he loves on that dusty stage in the place where he went to high school, and it felt like that place could be part of my history, at some point.

I was not able to give a half star.After paying 4,000.00…read moreJust for the venue and a day of insurance policy for a million dollars from the only insurance company you can go through from Matt he had my mom and grandma walk down the hill and back up the hill they are both over 70 years old. And asked my auntie what she was doing at his property His wife sat in the ceremony as he played the parking police I'm not sure trinity pines should be a place for any kind of joyous celebrations do to the fact you do have day of insurance and a 500.00 deposit he still is 100% involved with what goes on in ur weeding going as far as to yell and scream at the vendors and people trying to help make a beautiful day And will eat your food and drink your booze and tell everyone he owns the place

This was the most wonderful place to get married. I have absolutely zero complaints and would…read morerecommend this venue to any and everyone. The owners were AMAZING to work with. So kind and helpful and really wanted to make sure everything was taken care of. They let us know exactly what to expect before the wedding and what was our responsibility vs theirs. Everything was clean, green, and just beautiful. There are so many different spots to take photos and the bridal suit was perfect for getting ready. Parking was super easy and we had one of our friends drive down those who couldn't walk as far. Worked great. When looking for a venue I wanted to make sure there was a solid backup plan for if it rains. This venue has the most beautiful inside reception area that can easily be made into a ceremony area. A DREAM venue for a Washington bride.

The church was built in 1895. It is an historic looking structure outside with a swiss designed,…read more175 foot bell tower. The church fits appropriately among the giant trees along the downtown south park blocks. Inside the church is also majestic with a curved sanctuary and balcony where you can view and listen to a pipe organ resonating heavenly. I closed my eyes and the choir sang hymns, sounded as beautiful, as any performance I attended at the Arlene Schnitzer Hall (next door) for renown performing artists. We (my wife and I) were greeted warmly by Roger at the front door. We can become too comfortable with the contemporary worship services we may miss the opportunity to experience the holy spirit through classical hymns, the kind that send shivers up and down your spine. Only our first visit, the Word was delivered by 3 lay-ministers, as the church waits on its new senior pastor. It is an open and affirming congregation accepting any race, creed, gender, cultural background, sexual orientation, or gender identity. As a nondenominational believer raised by "fire and brimstone" preaching, later gravitating toward the contemporary smooth church rock and one-liner gifted pastors, it felt right to be in this church at that moment (day of Pentecost) to revive my soul through the teachings of Christ. We will try it again but are also interested to take in other Christ believing churches in downtown,

The First Congregational Church of Portland has been serving it's Community since 1843. The current…read moreChurch was built in 1895 and consists of a stone/sandstone Italian Gothic structure, with a signature tower and gorgeous stained glass, inside and out. It's also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Church is right next to the Oregon Historical Society and it's quite a treat to admire the Church from either the Museum's patio or within the nearby South Park Blocks. I also went inside and went up to the main sanctuary. I looked forward to marvel at their organ and outward to enjoy the glass accented light. And as I'm prone to do sometimes within any religious establishment, I prayed and recited a blessing. After all, May 21st is just around the corner.... :)

First class FREE! What's your excuse? Let's dance, PDX!…read more Ready to shake off stress, laugh with friends, and learn something new? The Basics Ballroom is where you want to be. Their slogan says it all: "Start Learning the Basics of Ballroom Partner Dance!" My husband, friends, and I have been coming weekly since February, and we've been hooked ever since. It's fun, social, affordable, and a fantastic way to move your body, no experience necessary. Our instructors, Grant and Madalin, are the real stars of the show. They're warm, energetic, and welcoming to everyone whether you're a total beginner or brushing up your moves. They bring the perfect mix of technical precision and encouragement, making each class feel empowering and enjoyable. First class is FREE, seriously, there's no catch. Just show up, give it a try, and see if you fall in love like we did. No partner? No problem. Just bring yourself (and maybe your dancing shoes though not required). Group and private lessons are available, and the rates are incredibly reasonable. Whether you're curious about ballroom, Latin, or something in between, there's a class that'll get your body moving. Contact Info: Facebook: The Basics Ballroom Instagram: @thebasicsballroom Email: thebasicsballroom@outlook.com Facility notes: - The AC and heating can be unpredictable, so dress in layers. You'll warm up quickly once you're dancing anyway. - Not all ceiling fans are operational yet. - Each restroom stall could use its own trash can. - Free street parking is plentiful, which makes coming here even easier. P.Y. Toilet seat covers provided in the women's restroom, small detail, but appreciated. This place is a total gem: uplifting, energizing, and welcoming. Come for the free class, stay for the rhythm, the community, and the joy of learning something new. So... what's your excuse?

Great little park with river access, connects to the riverfront trail that takes you to downtown…read moreVancouver. I would give it 5 stars but the safety issues are vagabonds have broken into cars and if the train stops you are locked into the park until it leaves and it once sat there for 45 minutes before moving. Great place to play in the sand we always bring our beach toys and a picnic lunch make a great play date.

Decent park along the Columbia River. It marks the beginning of the trail along the river. The…read moretrail is paved and very scenic. There are many birds to view and fragrant flowers to smell along the trail. The park has about 20-25 parking spaces and restrooms available for use from April through October. There is a fee charged to use this park from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, otherwise it is free. The cost is $5 per vehicle and $3 per motorcycle. Overall a decent place to park and walk.

Providence Academy seems to be widely under-recognized by the Southwest WA and Portland, OR metro…read morearea for the Academy's significance and impact on the development of the region. When the "House of Providence" was dedicated in September 1873, it was the largest brick building north of San Francisco in the West. The iconic, four-story school and orphanage closed doors in 1966, but, not only is "the Academy" still standing, it has been undergoing a multi-million dollar restoration process since 2015. These days, it is a historic commercial and event space with the Academy Chapel and nearby Ballroom as the site of numerous weddings and ceremonies. In 1856, Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart with four other Sisters of Providence from Montreal, Canada arrived at faraway Fort Vancouver to set up a mission in the Washington Territory. Within a year, the Sisters had established a small one-room school in a flood-prone cabin at the Fort. Through vigorous fund-raising efforts and dedication, the 5 Sisters of Providence built the impressive Academy in 1873 on higher ground to serve as a school, orphanage, and governance offices ... and 16 years before Washington would even become a state. As newer schools from other parishes replaced it in 1966, the first 110 years of community service continued to leave a lasting imprint on the region such as the non-profit organization Providence Health which grew from these simple origins to now have 50 hospitals and over 800 clinics. Providence Academy was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 and purchased from the prominent Hidden family in 2015 by the Vancouver Historic Trust thanks to $5 million raised by a philanthropic campaign. Over $2.1 million in renovation efforts have already repaired the roof and porches. An additional $25 million is scheduled to be spent on the chapel, ballrooms, restrooms, parking, accessibility, utilities, and replacing a restaurant built in 1976. Free 1-hour tours are available upon request and I'm glad I got to join one. I had no idea the history, importance, or legacy of the Providence Academy. There is also a free app called the Providence Academy Journey for an augmented reality and virtual tour. If you are new to the region or just interested in learning more about one of the truly historic sites of the Pacific Northwest, I recommend checking out Providence Academy. Otherwise, the building is a memorable choice for leasing office space, hosting a corporate event, or celebrating a wedding, baptism, or other affair.

Many different businesses inside with a chapel i am dying to see. The building is just beautiful…read morebrick with a flower walkway in front. I saw the 'Ne jazz orchestra there. They are excellent but it was too bright in the room. There was a dance floor and snacks, no alcohol.

Company rented out this spot because it was a spacious area to host with lots of activities. The…read moreplace is a combination of Camp Anawana meets Action Park. Way large area with bouncy houses, archery, cornhole but it was during a heat wave. Theres shade from the trees so why was everything out in the baking sun? Company gave us a voucher for a hot dog but nobody was at the Snack Shack. I couldn't find any employees here to ask questions. The final coup de gras: WARM PINK LEMONADE FROM A DRINKING FOUNTAIN. Yuck!

I've been coming to Alderbook Park for various events for most of my life. As a child, it was to…read moreattend my mom's company picnics, back when she worked for Burgerville. As an adult, things came full circle when I started to visit to attend my *own* employer's company picnics, and later, special events like this weekend's Alderbrook Oktoberfest, or a friend's wedding, several years ago. I remember fondly several of its unique attractions: the fountains of pink lemonade; the (semi)-heated pool; the mini mini-golf course; rowboats on the pond (now replaced with paddleboats); all you can eat hot dogs; the dinner buffet and live music under the awning. Some of the above features aren't a part of a standard admission ticket, or present at each and every event. For example, the dining options at this weekend's Oktoberfest were certainly not free, but an a la carte selection of sparse and underwhelming German options; one measly stand selling Costco brats with sauerkraut, some pretzels and cheese...and that's about it. There was beer, of course, and wine, but nothing to write home about. It was basically Alderbrook with a very thin coat of Bavarian paint over the top, which as a seasonal event would be an abject failure, if not for the fact that Alderbrook itself elevates anything that takes place here a few notches above the bar. There are few family-friendly outdoor venues as uniquely appealing in the PNW area. So many play places, open fields for games and sporting events, hiking trails and places to explore, that any kid (or kid at heart) is going to have no shortage of things to do or see. Our toddler son loved jumping around in the provided bouncy castles, wandering the paths, riding the "train", climbing the play structures, exploring the wooden ship, swinging in the swings, paddling out on the pond, and feeding the fish from the 25c food dispensers on the dock. It was a joy to see him experience the very same things I did as a child, with a huge smile on his face, and to hear him giggling with excitement. Not every event at Alderbrook is perfect; what you get is directly related to how much time, effort and money are poured into planning and preparation. Whether that be your company putting on a holiday event or get together, or something more publicly accessible (and put on by Alderbrook itself, to draw in the public), there may be things that could be improved, but in general, there will always be more hits than misses here. The real magic, and draw, of Alderbrook comes in the form of memories that you build and share with your friends, co-workers, and family, and as evidenced in my own case, these memories are fond, romantic, and now, passing on into their third generation. That's something really special, if you ask me.

Our 50th wedding anniversary was held at the Lake House in Scappoose, which is 20 miles from…read moredowntown Portland. It is a fabulous venue to hold any special event. We had well over 100 people in attendance. The staff, including owner Bart Hafeman, made themselves available for planning, set up and even some very memorable entertainment by Bart himself. Our milestone anniversary was everything we hoped it would be. The Lake House and Bart receive our best recommendation. Check it out. You won't be disappointed. Pete and Debbie McHugh