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The O. O. Howard House in Vancouver, Washington.

Heritage and Opportunity Intersect at Vancouver National Historic Reserve

The Vancouver National Historic Reserve is one of the most significant pieces of property in the entire Pacific Northwest. Reserve grounds are home to historic and cultural gems that include Fort Vancouver, Pearson Air Field and Museum, Vancouver Barracks and Officers Row and the Water Resources Education Center. In addition, millions of artifacts that have been recovered during 50 years of on-site archaeological excavations, several parks, monuments and a waterfront trail along the mighty... Read More »
Rides at the Clark County Fair in Vancouver, WA

Clark County Fair in Vancouver, WA

Clark County FairWhile it's actually held in nearby Ridgefield, the folks in Vancouver, WA, feel as much a part of the Clark County Fair. It is their county afterall, and Vancouver is the original location of the fair. You can count on Clark County to deliver a fun fair. It's been a hit since 1868. The Comcast Kids Park and Radio Disney will keep kids busy, while foodies will flock to various culinary contests such as the Cheesecake Contest, the Hershey's Cocoa Classic Contest and the... Read More »
Columbia River Gorge in Vancouver, WA

Vancouver's Outdoor Adventures Make for a Great Staycation

The scenery alone in Vancouver, WA, is enough to make anyone think twice about leaving. Surrounded by the Coast Mountains and not far from the majestic Mount St. Helens and Mount Hood, the city sites are impressive. But residents know that Vancouver is pretty impressive even without its mountain enclosure. Where to Stay The Luxurious: The Heathman Lodge The Affordable: Hilton Vancouver The Quaint: Briar Rose Inn Bed & Breakfast What to Do Outdoors: Esther Short Park, climb Mount Hood or... Read More »
Burgerville in Vancouver, WA

Burgerville in Vancouver, WA Offers Fresh, Local, Sustainable Food

With a name like Burgerville, you might expect a generic fast food joint with the typical offerings. Nothing could be further from the truth. Since its 1961 founding in Vancouver, Wash., Burgerville's standards for fresh, locally produced, sustainable food has set the Washington and Oregon-based chain of quick service restaurants apart. Only quality ingredients from responsible local farms make it onto Burgerville's health-conscious menu. An average burger at any of the gourmet chain's... Read More »

History Sets the Stage for Slocum House Theater Company

Theater patrons get a bit of local history as well as a quality stage production when they visit the Old Slocum House Theater, a converted residence saved from the wrecking ball more than 40 years ago. The home, which was moved to its Esther Short Park location in 1966, is Vancouver’s oldest nonprofit community theater. It is the last building standing in a former residential section of town that dates back to the mid-1800s. Built by Charles W. and Laura Slocum as a modified Italianate villa,... Read More »

Natural Beauty Lures Anglers and Hunters

Despite its proximity to the bustling urban center of Portland, residents of Vancouver and Clark County have just as convenient access to nature, making hunting and fishing a booming pastime. “It is a unique opportunity in an urban setting,” says Guy Norman, the regional director of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Region 5. “The people of Clark County have the best of both worlds.” A significant draw for outdoorsmen and women is the area’s spectacular scenery, which includes... Read More »

Mount St. Helens, Mount Hood Are Challenging For Climbers

Now that Mount St. Helens is calm‚ try climbing it. It was May 18‚ 1980‚ when the volcano had its famous eruption‚ spewing volcanic ash and lava for nine hours. In 1982‚ President Ronald Reagan established the 110‚000-acre National Volcanic Monument‚ and the envi­ronment has responded naturally from that point forward. Fresh‚ green and newly ready to explore‚ the mountain is again open for climbers. Those interested must apply for a climbing permit before scaling the renowned volcano. Mount... Read More »
Esther Short Park in Vancouver, WA

Vancouver's Esther Short Park Hosts Concerts, Festivals and More

Situated in the heart of downtown Vancouver, Esther Short Park has long been known as the place for community gatherings and cultural activities. The park – which was named for one of the city’s early settlers – traces its roots back to the 1850s and is widely regarded as the oldest public park in the state of Washington. Featuring everything from a rose garden and children’s playground to an interactive fountain and one-of-a-kind bell tower, the park covers four square blocks between West... Read More »
Beaches Restaurant

Beaches Restaurant Serves up Cuisine With a Cause

When Mike Barret, head chef at Beaches Restaurant and Bar in Vancouver, took the job in 2000, he didn’t realize that preparation of green eggs and ham for thousands would be an annual culinary requirement. Known throughout southwest Washington for their warm hearts and high energy when it comes to raising money for children’s causes, Beaches, its employees and owner Mark Matthias host the Green Eggs and Ham reading program in local schools each year on the March birthday of Dr. Seuss. “It... Read More »