Christmas Ships in Vancouver and Portland 2016 Schedule

You know it's Christmas time in Portland, Oregon when the Christmas Ships sail on the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. For over 60 years, privately owned vessels have paraded on the rivers, stopping to circle and wow onlookers gathered on bridges, shorelines and riverside restaurants.

Fleet on Both Rivers

Most every night for two weeks through the week of Christmas, the fleet will be out on the rivers. All skippers are volunteers and so you'll see changes in the 50 - 60 boats from night to night. Skippers have other parties to attend!

Each Christmas Ship handles their own expenses for fuel and decorations (some are quite elaborate). Donations are received from restaurants and hotels that are located on the waterfront. Donations are used for Christmas Ships, Inc. the coordinating body for this massive annual effort.

You can enjoy the Christmas Ships from Portland, certainly, but if you check the schedule you'll also find other locations such as Vancouver and Camas, WA where you can enjoy the spectacle.

The night I saw the ships, I was with a spirited group at Joe's Crab Shack, located in Vancouver, WA close to the I-5 Bridge. The ships paraded twice in back of the restaurant where onlookers gathered on the outside deck. We had carefully checked the schedule so we would know when to look for the ships. And, they were right on time!

Port of Vancouver Open House

You might enjoy seeing the ships from Vancouver’s port area. The Port of Vancouver is inviting the public to see the Christmas Ships, enjoy holiday treats and learn about the waterfront redevelopment at a Dec. 5 open house at the port’s Terminal 1.

The event is free and family-friendly and runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the WareHouse ’23 event area in the former Red Lion Hotel Vancouver at the Quay, 100 Columbia St., Vancouver.

Activities are planned between the start of the event and the Christmas Ships’ anticipated arrival at Terminal 1 around 8 p.m. The Vancouver Community Concert Band will play live music, and coffee, hot chocolate, cookies and a cash bar proved by WareHouse ’23 will be available.

Also, the port’s waterfront project staff will be present to provide information on the plans to redevelop Terminal 1, the 10-acre original site of the port and home of its first warehouse. In the future the location might include a public marketplace, hotel, commercial and retail space, and visitor amenities.

No formal presentation will be given; rather the community is encouraged to causally drop in.

Parking is available at Terminal 1 as well as along Columbia Way. Outdoor ship viewing will also be available at the high dock above the amphitheater.

More Information

A full schedule for the Columbia and Willamette fleets, as well as a link for donations can be found at www.christmasships.org.

They also have a Facebook Page and will tweet updates @christmasships with either #ColumbiaFleet or #WillametteFleet

Dine the Couve: Three Courses for $23 through October 31st

So what are you waiting for. Get out there and dine in Vancouver, Washington. Enjoy discovering Vancouver's culinary scene. For $23 you can certainly try a new restaurant. There are so many delicious options we can't make all that we put on our list.

Last night the Dining Five headed out to the Hilton Hotel in downtown Vancouver for Happy Hour and Dine the Couve. We stopped just inside Gray's at the Park and enjoyed a Happy Hour Glass of wine and the view of the Salmon Run Bell Tower as the weather cleared.

View from Grays at the Park
Esther Short Park, Propstra Square
and the Salmon Run Bell Tower

We then were shown to our comfortable booth and were presented with our choices for the Dine the Couve $23 menu.

Most of our 5 went for the Salad and Top Sirloin. I opted for Salmon (after all, we were across the street from the Salmon Run Bell Tower! The Soup of the Day, chicken tortilla soup was ideal on a damp fall day.

Warming chicken tortilla soup.
Not spicy but warming

Others opted for the green salad

Salmon, asparagus, risotto and corn - Excellent!

What could be better than pie and vanilla ice cream?

We laughed and talked and were there a good two hours. No one rushed us. We had a wonderful time and highly recommend Gray's at the Park.

Dine the Couve runs through the end of the month. Ready, set... dine!

Here's the list of Breweries, Tasting Rooms and Restaurants.
More on Enjoying Downtown Vancouver

Don't Miss Dine the Couve: 3 Courses for $23 in Vancouver, WA

It's Dine the Couve Month all of October. And we've been out sampling the culinary goodness of Vancouver (The Couve) Washington.

This is the first time Vancouver restaurants and drink purveyors have collaborated on an event like Dine the Couve. And it's about time. “Vancouver’s restaurant and brewery scene continues to grow at a rapid pace,” said Kim Bennett, the CEO of Visit Vancouver USA. “Dine the Couve is a celebration of what makes our local culinary and brew scene stand out — quality, affordability and a collaborative spirit.”

So what's it like out there? First, Diner Nancy went to Niche Wine Bar and Bistro. Now, Nancy frequents Niche and often orders their special tarts. But during the month of October, Niche is offering something new. So she ordered it.

Diner Nancy reported back that she loved the pot pie and hopes that it will become a regular menu item at Niche. She highly recommends the special Dine the Couve menu.

Green Salad with Fresh Tomatoes

Chicken Pot Pie

Fondue

And then, it was time for our Dining Foursome to go to La Bottega. It had been awhile. Dine the Couve Month gave us all a great excuse to get together to break bread, without breaking our budgets!

Couve Foodies Unite!

La Bottega offered two choices of salad, three choices of pasta
and topped it off with a light and fluffy Tiramisu dessert.

After just two foodie experiences we all agreed that we needed to continue meeting that way. So we have scheduled weekly Dine the Couve experiences through the end of October.

Tips for Dine the Couve:
 - Some restaurants take reservations and some do not. Make a reservation if they do.
 - You may need to request the special Dine the Couve Menu
 - Spread the word via social media. Post your photos and tweet your delight. Use #dinethecouve

Ready, set... get out there and dine! Here is the list of participating restaurants and brewpubs.

Vancouver Washington Murals: An Illustrated Walk Through History

Total disclaimer here. I live in Vancouver, Washington. I love the history, the vibrant community and the brightly colored murals. I thought I had seen them all until I did a mapped mural walk with the All Weather Walkers. What I discovered, were more murals, more local history and a great walk on a sunny September day.

The club was set up in the parking lot across from the Columbian Newspaper building. Of course that was my first surprise. I had never seen the newspaper mural! A paperboy delivers his papers as a dog runs behind him. In the background is the history of the newspaper that started out as the Vancouver Columbian.

We walked through Downtown, through Uptown, crisscrossed the route so we wouldn’t miss one (I still did!) and returned to the starting point via the somber Remembrance Wall chronicling the wars and contributions by civilians on the home front. Vancouver was the site of a huge WWII shipyard.

As I walked, I realized that Vancouver is one of those cities where you can walk around downtown feeling safe. New construction and an influx of businesses such as brew pubs adds to the positive vibe of the city.

I looked beyond the grape vines at Cellar 55 and saw, for the first time, a mural celebrating Columbia River life… salmon, huge sturgeon below the water and busy barges above. I’d been to Cellar 55 but always was inside and missed this piece of art.

I rounded another corner and, only because I had a route map, found a delicate painting of dancers practicing at the Barre, a Degas look-alike on the side of a building housing a dance studio.

Another find was on the side of the Leupke Florist building. The Leupke family no longer has a flower shop there but there is good news. A developer purchased the art deco building and plans to revitalize the Luepke building and the florist shop and turn the area into “Luepke Station,” a downtown area with a coffee shop, wine bar or tap room and upscale eatery eventually rounding out the building. A bit of Vancouver history will be saved.

My favorite murals were no surprise. I’ve studied their detail before as I visited downtown.  The Columbia River triptych at 115 W. 7th St. Vancouver, WA has a little  bit of history, a colorful depiction of Columbia River boat traffic and a fanciful mural of recreation on the building. What I enjoy looking at are the details… how the artists incorporated aspects of the building like windows and pipes into the art.

 

I love how the window became a bird!

The murals continue to be painted. The Clark County Mural Society website provides the history, a map of the murals and news on future murals and opportunities for artists.

And it all started with a desire to draw people to central Vancouver. The founders talked about a small town in British Columbia, Canada which had revived its economic fortunes after the local mill downsized by painting murals on every available downtown wall. That town was, and is, Chemainus. Murals have an important role in drawing people to Vancouver’s vibrant downtown and Arts District today.

Vancouver's WareHouse '23 Opens to the Delight of Vancouverites

Vancouver, Washington (you know, the city across the Columbia River from Portland) is up to big things.

Vancouver’s historic waterfront will soon be home to jobs, restaurants, shops, housing, a hotel and a park as new development reconnects 35 acres along the Columbia River to the city’s historic core. The Waterfront Development Project began with demolition of part of the Red Lion and the building of streets through the area linking with downtown.

In the hallway were posted old photos of the original port.

Yesterday, we experienced part of the development. Where the aging Red Lion at the Quay once welcomed travelers, a new restaurant and night spot, WareHouse '23 had opened at Terminal 1. The motel was still being re-purposed by the Port of Vancouver. 

 

The new WareHouse '23

The management of Beaches Restaurant, a riverside restaurant farther east, revamped the old Quay restaurant. After opening for dinner last week, WareHouse ’23 is now open 11 a.m. to midnight every day, with plans to add a Sunday brunch starting at 9 a.m. Aug. 7th. Minors are allowed before 9 p.m. (Source: Columbian)

 

There are still things you'll remember from the old Quay

There are still nautical vestiges of the old Quay. The mast and sails still loom over the bar. But the look is more simple and the menu, certainly an upgrade.

Simple decor and great views

We went for lunch. The vibe was fresh and new with a more bar-like feel. The view of the Columbia River and the I-5 Bridge was certainly the draw as diners asked for window tables. The restaurant, even though new, was full by noon. We arrived at 11:30 and were seated right away by the attentive staff.

 

Intriguing take on chowder

I wanted to try their Northwest-inspired cuisine so noticed a chowder. But this was different... it was a "Kife and Fork Chowder." It sounded hearty so I didn't add a salad. When the dish arrived, it was nicely presented in a bowl. Not the usual chowder, the bowl contained fried deep sea clams, yukon gratin and cured bacon in a creamy lobster sauce. The crisp clam strips were plated over small cubed vegetables. I couldn't really taste the bacon and the chowder was only lightly spiced but it was delicious and different. That dish alone was filling as a lunch option.

My friends enjoyed sampling the rich Double Baked Sweet Potato, the unique 1923 Fries, the Quinoa Kale Salad and the Shrimp Banh Mi sandwich. 

 

Kale Salad

Shrimp Banh Mi

Sweet Sweet Potato

1923 Fries

We concluded that the offerings were intriguing, delicious and filling. The pricing was reasonable.  The view was wonderful (how can you not love the mighty Columbia) and the staff did an excellent job. Perhaps a bit more zip to the sauces would enhance the dishes for those yearning for a more stimulating experience.

We're pleased that WareHouse '23 is open and decided to return one evening for a drink and appetizers and to watch the boats on the river and the traffic on the bridge. And, as WareHouse '23 moves forward, I'd love to see music during Happy Hour. I'm just not a late night person when it comes to entertainment!

A great step in the development of the waterfront area!

When You Go

Website
Phone: 360-750-7256
Address: 100 Columbia St., Vancouver, WA 98661

Explore SW Washington for Wine, Festivals and Music

Enjoy exploring Clark County wine country
Photo Credit: Visit Vancouver USA

Clark County might surprise you. Now is the time to take a drive and explore SW Washington's beautiful wine country.

Small boutique wineries, downtown tasting rooms and larger wine estates are cropping up in Vancouver USA and the surrounding Clark County area - some featuring tasty bites from Spanish tapas to wood-fired pizzas.

If wine-lovers are looking for a fun, cost-effective way to wine taste in Vancouver USA, look no further than the Clark County Wineries Passport.  This Passport guides visitors through the vines of SW Washington's blossoming wine country to experience a variety of unique and award-wining wines.

Not only are visitors discovering this new wine scene, but festivals and events have emerged year-round in the Vancouver USA region to celebrate these fantastic wines:

Vancouver Wine & Jazz Festival August 21-23, 2015 Esther Short Park

North County Wine Run September 12, 2015 United Natural Foods

Steam Evening Wine Run - Chelatchie Prairie Railroad  September 19, 2015 Moulton Falls Winery

The Craft Beer and Winefest June 10-12, 2016 Esther Short Park

Information provided by Visit Vancouver USA

Vancouver's Officer's Row: The Grant House

The beautiful Grant House is now a restaurant.

Officer's Row is a must-see when you come to Vancouver, Washington. Among the stately, restored 100 year old buildings is the beautiful Grant House. The Grant House was once an officer's residence and, later, the Officer's Club. Ulysses S. Grant never actually lived at the house, but was assigned to Vancouver Barracks as a Captain.

The beautiful building now houses the Grant House Restaurant and, upstairs, the Ulysses Club. The new Ulysses Club has meeting rooms available for rent. The restaurant on the main level has a veranda, inside rooms, atrium and back patio for dining and happy hour relaxing. The food there is excellent, with many of the ingredients locally sourced.

If you want to know more about the Grant House and Officer's Row, check out the Clark County Historical Museum Walking Tours.

Photography copyright: Elizabeth Rose Photography

Portland - Vancouver Independent Theaters: Movies with a sense of community

Kiggins Theater on Main Street
in Vancouver, Washington

I haven't been a fan of huge theaters and mall multiplexes. I just don't fit in with the crowds pouring in to see the hyped-up expensive movies after circling the parking lot to find the closest spot. I don't like seeing popcorn priced at $8 and stepping on those sticky aisles after the kiddie matinee. So I gave up going... for many years.

Enter Kiggins Theater in downtown Vancouver, Washington. A movie ticket goes for $5.00. Popcorn can be had for a couple of bucks and, upstairs, you can purchase wine or beer. And Kiggins is all about community. You might find a community service group hosting a lecture or a fun and informative "Nerd Night" where science subjects are presented in an entertaining, interactive way. 

I feel comfortable there. Could it be that it reminds me of the small theaters of my childhood? Yes, it could. Kiggins Theater was originally opened in 1936. Could it be that Kiggins is a place where I'll probably run into friends who live downtown? Yes, it could. Could it be that they are friendly and laid back there? Yes. And, the theater feels clean, comfortable and safe.

The theater was remodeled and upgraded not so long ago. A Kickstarter campaign provided funding so the theater could show digital films. You'll see the old 35mm projector on display in the lobby. And, down the street, Willem's on Main uses some of the old seats to add a sense of nostalgia to their dining room.

Kiggins is only one of the Portland - Vancouver independent theaters. Neighborhood Notes published an excellent listing of Portland Independent Theaters. These range from the neighborhood historic theaters such as Kiggins in Vancouver to Living Room Theaters which are new, but offer the same intimate atmosphere as the historic theaters. The prices might be a little more but you'll often find gourmet food and a full bar. 

I've long been a fan of the McMenamins restaurants and pubs. They, too, have found a niche in the indie theater scene. At a McMenamins theater-pub you can watch a recent-run film with a pint in one hand and a slice of pizza in the other. These are both stand-alone theaters and theaters located within a McMenamins building such as the Kennedy School.

Balboa Theater in San Francisco
Theater of my childhood.

These small independent theaters are not just for the artsy, wine-sipping set. They are also for children. Most offer matinees and special programs for children. Why not introduce your child to movie-going like it was for you. You'll save money and your child will experience the neighborhood feel of yesteryear.

Unless you try out your local independent theater, you may end up like I did... watching a few videos at home from time to time or movies on demand. You'll miss the sense of community that exists in your local theater and you'll miss spending an hour or two re-living the good times of your childhood.

Photography copyright: Elizabeth R. Rose

Wordless Wednesday: Sailboats on the Columbia River

Sailboats during "Sailing on Sunday" as seen from Vancouver, WA
Walk Vancouver... enjoy the Columbia River

Article and more photos

Art in the Heart of Vancouver USA: Hearts, Art Walks and Galleries

Gallery opening during First Friday

Vancouver, USA, on the Columbia River, is surprisingly artsy. Vancouver is known for public art. The Esther Short Park Salmon Clock Tower is one of my favorites. But recently I became aware of their ever-expanding arts scene.

A First Friday Art walk led me from gallery to gallery. I found the Downtown and Uptown areas bustling with people enjoying al fresco dining and bar-hopping. 

The festive atmosphere continued as artisan booths were set up along Main and Evergreen. Musicians added to the fun. 

When I walked along the sidewalks of downtown Vancouver Washington for their monthly Art Walk, I was surprised to see some people-sized hearts on display. 

The "HeArts" are dotted throughout central Vancouver. Hearts made by 30 local artists are be on display throughout Vancouver through September 16th.  These are BIG hearts created to bring awareness to heart health and raise funds for the PeaceHealth SW Medical Center Foundation. Click here for a map of the HeArt locations.

Our tour of art ended with wine and finger foods at Mon Ami Cafe in Uptown. A guitarist entertained us as we sipped on wine and enjoyed the delightful salads and cheeses provided by Mon Ami.

More Information
Vancouver Public Art
Art Walks