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About Vancouver USA |
| WASHINGTON STATE > VANCOUVER WA HOTELS > VANCOUVER WA ATTRACTIONS > SEATTLE HOTELS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Downtown Vancouver sits on the north bank of the Columbia River directly across
from Portland, Oregon. Considered the cornerstone of Pacific Northwest history,
Vancouver serves as the hub for all of Clark County and the gateway to the
Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Saint Helens. In the state's oldest and fourth
largest city you can find the perfect blend of historically rich heritage and
modern growth, a welcoming small town feel, and all the conveniences of a major
metropolitan area. Along the Vancouver Waterfront Vancouver is one of the most walker-friendly cities in the west with a well maintained system of trails and bike paths, varying from paved to primitive. Take a walk or bike ride along the Waterfront Renaissance Trail, a 14-foot wide, four-mile long paved trail that connects downtown to the restaurants, shops and historical monuments lining the riverfront. Stop along the way at the Kaiser Shipyards viewing tower with historical information about Henry J. Kaiser and his shipyard that turned out more than 140 ships during WWII. The trail provides spectacular views of the river and Mt. Hood in the distance and wildlife in natural wetland habitat. It is also a popular spot for viewing the lights of the Christmas Ships Parade in December. To get to the trail from downtown, head south on Columbia Street until you reach the Columbia River. Esther Short Park is at the Heart of Downtown Vancouver Esther Short Park, named for an early pioneer who arrived here with her husband in 1845, is the oldest public square in the Pacific Northwest. The four-square block park is home to numerous festivals, events and concerts throughout the year including the Micro Blues Festival in June, the Hot July Nights music festival in July, and the Vancouver Wine and Jazz Festival in August. The park features towering Douglas firs, paved walkways, a gazebo, bronze sculptures, a playground, a rose garden, water features for the kids to play in and the 69-foot Salmon Run Bell Tower and glockenspiel that rings several times daily and tells a legend of the Chinook Salmon. On the south corner of the park is the Old Slocum House. Built in 1867, it is the only building remaining of the old residential section of Vancouver in the mid-1800s. The house was moved one block north to its present site in 1966 and convened to an intimate theatre for plays. The park is located between 6th and 8th streets, and Esther and Columbia streets. Shop and Explore Downtown Vancouver: From Main Street to Uptown Village Visitors will be able to do some specialty shopping while in Vancouver. The year-round indoor Vancouver Farmers Market next to Esther Short Park provides casual opportunities to browse among local growers' and craftsman's' wares. From April to October, the market expands outdoors into the streets with over 150 local vendors. Main Street, from downtown to Uptown Village, is the perfect place to peruse the
specialty shops, antique stores and art galleries. Stop by the Vancouver Visitor
Information Center on Main Street between 7th and 8th streets to pick up a
downtown walking map and plan your downtown Vancouver shopping experience QUICK FACTS ABOUT VANCOUVER WA |
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