As a native Idahoan who spent 11 years in Montana, Vancouver has always been a bit off my beaten path whenever I’ve headed West to check out the cities of Portland and Seattle. That said, I’m always up for a Pacific Northwest road trip, and as I gear up for “Now is the Time to Lead Through Change,” Philanthropy Northwest’s annual conference coming up October 3-5, Vancouver has piqued my curiosity.
Nestled on the north bank of the Columbia River in Southwest Washington, Vancouver is the fourth largest city in the Evergreen State with nearly 170,000 people (think bigger than Bend, smaller than Boise). It’s flanked by Mount St. Helen’s and the Cascade Mountains to the east.
Vancouver is the ancestral home of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, a federally recognized tribe located closest to the city. For the history buff, Vancouver’s Officers Row is a must-see where you can tour 22 preserved Victorian houses and visit Washington’s only remaining grain-grinding mill. And, with more than 7,000 acres of public parks and 44 miles of trails, there’s no excuse to forgo your morning run before the conference breakouts begin. Here are my top five as I start planning my trip. And, if you want a second opinion, check out Anne Yoon’s blog from last winter.
History Is Right Downtown. Vancouver is one of only two cities in the Pacific Northwest that boasts a U.S. National Park Service Historic Site, Fort Vancouver, in its downtown core. It’s one of the oldest permanent settlements in the U.S. Check out the reconstructed fort with a bastion, seasonal gardens, an outlying village, and working trade houses showcasing how baking, carpentry and blacksmithing was done in the late 1800s and early 1900s. After walking around the 191-acre site, you may work up an appetite. Dine at Grant House for a farm-to-table experience that incorporates local history.
Experience the Waterfront. The Water Renaissance Trail is five miles (one-way) of beautiful, easy paved trail accessible for walking, jogging, biking, or rollerblading. It connects downtown’s Esther Short Park and beach-front Wintler Park.
Wineries Galore! Did you know the first grapes in Washington State were grown at the historic Fort Vancouver site? Wine is a big deal in Southwestern Washington, and maps abound to help the adventurous tourist take in the local wineries. The $20 Clark County Wineries Passport is available digitally and can save you a bundle as you check out English Estate, Burnt Bridge Cellars and many more.
Live Like a Local. A town’s farmer’s market is a window to its soul! Vancouver is no exception, and it’s a short walk from the Hilton. While much smaller and calmer than neighboring Portland’s market, Vancouver’s market includes local art, plants, flowers, as well as veggies and local soaps, honeys, and wines. It’s open Saturdays and Sundays through October.
Kitschy Shopping. With a name like Dave’s Killer Magic Shop, how could you not want to stop inside? Whether you plan to play a post-conference trick on your colleagues back home or you are shopping for the little magician in your life, Dave’s has something for everyone. Dave also performs regular shows, which can be booked on the website. Other shops that are worth checking out include Old Glory Antique Mall, Old Faithful Shop for luxury housewares and lighting, and I Like Comics, if you indeed like comics, located at 1715 Broadway St.
What’s missing from this list? Especially those of you from Southwest Washington or Portland, let me know your recommendations via Twitter @caitlincopple or @philanthropynw. Be sure to use #PNW17 so we can all join in the conversation.