Photo courtesy Vancouver USA Regional Tourism Office
Tell me about some off-beat spots for off-site events?
- The Pacific Northwest’s impact on aviation takes flight at the Pearson Air Museum, among the nation’s oldest continuously operating airfields. Barnstormers, experimental aircraft and World War I and II flying aces become built-in decor for events.
- Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is more than a tourist attraction. Its Marshall House, a Queen Anne Victorian, is an elegant event space for parties of up to 210. The Red Cross Convalescent House, restored and sparkling after its former life as a recovery space for injured soldiers, has gleaming wood floors, a fireplace, a sunporch and space for up to 200.
- Are you ready for a rowing competition or a lakeside cookout? Head to Vancouver Lake.
Tell me about some restaurants with local flavor.
On Officers Row, 34 restored residences where Fort Vancouver’s officers lived, the family-operated Grant House is a local favorite. The home that houses it is the oldest on Officers Row, named for Ulysses S. Grant, who visited but never lived there. The home’s upstairs, recently restored, is now the Ulysses Club, featuring several private meeting rooms.
From Lapellah’s handmade interior to the foods cooked on a wood-fired grill in its open kitchen, the locally owned eatery is all about being sustainable. 360 Pizzeria’s menu changes with the seasons and presents local ingredients in fresh ways. For one of the best looks at the Columbia River while you dine, try the patio at Beaches Restaurant and Bar. Innovative dining in an atmosphere that accentuates the Pacific Northwest distinguishes Roots Restaurant and Bar, in Camas’ Riverstone Marketplace.
How can I spend my free time?
- Walk the Renaissance Waterfront Trail, a five-mile path along the Columbia River. Parks and restaurants line the trail, which connects to Fort Vancouver by land bridge.
- Shop Uptown Village, packed with wineries, restaurants, coffee shops and retail stores.
- Enjoy a tasting at some of Vancouver’s 11 wineries, which stretch from downtown to the north end of the county.
Tell me about some extra-special CVB services.
The Vancouver USA Regional Tourism Office will set up vendor fairs for various conferences and meetings, bringing in local vendors to provide services and products for the event. Convention attendees are offered Tourism Dollars, for discounts at local restaurants. The tourism office will promote qualifying event and conferences through social media and its print newsletters.
