Vancouver

Not to be confused with Vancouver, British Columbia, "America's Vancouver" lies just north of Portland, Oregon in the southwestern corner of Washington State. Beautifully set on the Columbia River, Vancouver offers the many sights and sounds of nature combined with the amenities of a metropolitan area.   
Photographer: pfly

For the history buffs, visit Fort Vancouver, a center of commerce and politics for the entire Pacific Northwest in the mid 1800's.  Actors in period-clothing bring history to life on a daily basis for tour groups.  Another must see is Officers Row, a street with 22 perfectly preserved Victorian homes, all on the National Historic Register.  Vancouver also offers three additional museums.

Shop to your heart's delight for home-made crafts and goods at the Vancouver Farmers Market, open annually from April through October.  You can also find year-round shopping in Uptown Village,  the Heart of Vancouver area.

The Columbia River Gorge has been called the "Windsurfing Capital of the World" by some because the winds here create the most ideal conditions for the sport.  Other popular outdoor recreation consists of fishing, hiking, walking, golf, and camping.  Skiing and snowboarding are available within an hour's drive at Mt. Hood.


 
Local events in the areaEvents
    Visit Historic Fort Vancouver
    "Fort Vancouver is the heart of the Vancouver National Historic Reserve. The Reserve brings together a national park, a premier archaeological site, the region's first military post, an international fur trade emporium, one of the oldest operating airfields..."

    SW Washington Convention and Visitors Bureau 
    Visit this website to find local events.  This site features a searchable monthly calendar of events.