Photo courtesy of City of Vancouver, Washington
Across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon, the American Vancouver has spent the last few years redefining itself. Nowhere is that revitalization more apparent than in Vancouver, WA’s shiny new waterfront district, which has received more than $1 billion in investment. Here, seven residents of the ’Couve—as locals call Vancouver, WA—show us why PDX’s largest suburb is now worth a side trip.
Great coffee
“Kafiex Roasters–Coffee Lab uses siphons and beakers to brew only certified organic and fair trade beans from around the world,” says Visit Vancouver USA Communications Manager Erica Thompson. “They have a huge variety of coffees, but maybe their most talked about drink is the vibrant Blue Matcha.”
Texas BBQ – yes really
“The Smokin’ Oak’s Texas BBQ is pretty unique for the Pacific Northwest, and I love businesses where you can see the entire cooking process. Their mac and cheese is awesome, but I also love their sangria,” says Kafiex Roasters–Coffee Lab co-owner Seidy Selivanow.
This great local restaurant
“Pacific House is a local restaurant run by a husband and wife. They make traditional fare like burgers and steak, but they’ve also got a great brunch and a really good atmosphere,” says The Smokin’ Oak’s catering director Patrick Blevins.
This friendly boutique
Pacific House general manager Courtney Work recommends Wild Fern Boutique. “The employees are so friendly. It’s mostly women’s clothing, but they also have really great gifts, including locally made jewelry,” says work.
This soulful bistro
“Amaro’s Table has a neighborhood bistro feel, and their food is amazing, ” says Wild Fern Boutique owner Deanna Gaines. “They have a unique tenderloin steak salad, and they make their own potato chips. You can feel the soul in their food.”
Hand-built guitars
Amaro’s Table beverage director Sara Newton recommends Veritas Guitars. “It’s cool to have a shop in town that hand-builds guitars to your specifications,” she says. “I’m not a musician, but I appreciate what Veritas Guitars has been able to bring to downtown Vancouver.”
This new attraction
“The new Vancouver Waterfront Park is awesome,” says Veritas Guitars owner Casey Marvin. “The pier they’ve built looks like the front of a ship, and it feels like you’re hanging out over the water. It has a real big-city feel to it.”
Next-up: Three Perfect Days Montana
