Things To Do
Vancouver Waterfront
Newly developed section of Vancouver along the Columbia River with lively nightlife, restaurants, wine bars, ice cream, and hotels.
Vancouver Farmers Market
Great farmers market centrally located in downtown Vancouver, WA open April-October on Saturdays 9 am-3 pm, and Sundays 10 am-3 pm.
Fort Vancouver Visitor Center
For history nerds who want to learn more about the establishment and history of Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.
Pearson Air Museum
Pearson Air Museum and the Jack Murdock Aviation Center connect visitors to the history of aviation at Pearson Field. From its roots as a military airfield, to its history as the site of the Spruce Mill and its transformation into a civilian field, Pearson Air Museum helps provide a detailed look into the golden age of aviation at Pearson Field.
Pacific House
Our afterparty location, a great place to grab a bite, drink, and televised sporting event.
McMenamins Kennedy School Soaking Pool
Our welcome party venue, a 1915 schoolhouse converted into a hotel, restaurants, a collection of in-venue bars, and a soaking pool.
The Grocery Cocktail & Social
Best bar in downtown Vancouver, WA.
Brothers Cascadia Brewing Evergreen Pub
Best brewery in downtown Vancouver, WA.
Relevant Coffee
Best coffeehouse in Vancouver, WA.
Twigs Bistro
Best restaurant at the Vancouver Waterfront, walkable from our AC Marriott room block.
McMenamins on the Columbia
Good riverfront restaurant walkable from our Hilton room block.
Amaro’s Table Downtown
Best overall restaurant in downtown Vancouver, WA.
Alberta Arts District
For those looking for a taste of Portland, venture 15 minutes across the river to the Alberta Street Arts District for an eclectic mix of bars, restaurants, art galleries, and shops.
Irving Park
A great park in Portland where Brian & Michaela met playing softball 6 years ago.
Northwest 23rd Avenue
Upscale area in Portland for dining and shopping.
International Rose Garden
More than 10,000 individual rose bushes bloom in the International Rose Test Garden (IRTG) from late May through October, representing over 610 different rose varieties. The majority of roses in the Garden are commercially available. About 10 to 20 varieties are replaced each year with some of the best new roses released onto the market. Roses bloom from late May to October depending on the weather.
Coava Coffee Roasters
Best coffeehouse in Portland, OR.
Keys Lounge
Housed in an old locksmith building, this retro-style bar features comfort fare & classic cocktails.
A Roadside Attraction
Artsy cash-only bar with a large plant-filled patio & fire pit out front, plus cozy nooks inside.
The Florida Room
Dimly lit bar with sassy sayings on a reader board features a smoking patio, photo booth & pinball.
Hollywood Theatre
Our favorite movie theatre in Portland, OR. The Hollywood Theatre is a historic movie theater in northeast Portland, Oregon, owned by a non-profit organization. It is a central historical landmark of the Hollywood District.
McMenamins Bagdad Theater & Pub
Laid-back chain pub in Bagdad Theater's back room, with billiards, snooker & a 7-story-high ceiling.
McMenamins Edgefield
Located a 30-minute drive out of town, a former “poor farm,” the 74-acre property now blooms with a winery, distillery, brewery, and spa. Restaurants, a soaking pool, golf, gardens, a theater, and a concert venue complete the picture.
Angels Rest Trail
One of our favorite hikes, moderate intensity, 5 miles.
Dog Mountain Trail
Brian's favorite strenuous hike, 7 miles with 2,800 + ft. elevation gain. Views from the top are unmatched (Michaela has never attempted).
pFriem Family Brewers
Located a 1-hour drive out of town into the beautiful Columbia River Gorge, you will find the best brewery in the Pacific Northwest, maybe in the world ;)
Resonance Vineyard
Located an hour and fifteen minute drive into the Willamette Valley wine country you will find the best winery in the Pacific Northwest, maybe in the world ;)
Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is a great day-trip spot on the Pacific Coast and the closest beach to Portland, OR. Famous for it's Haystack Rock jutting out of the water and beautiful nature area and hiking trails at Ecola State Park. We highly recommend stopping for lunch or dinner at nearby Pelican Brewing.
Astoria
For those wanting to take a day trip to the Pacific Coast, consider stopping in Astoria, OR. Named for John Jacob Astor, American merchant, businessman and real-estate mogul, Astoria is the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. Located near the final destination of Lewis & Clark's famous expedition and famous as being the setting "The Goonies", today Astoria is a sleepy and cute little fishing town near the mouth of the Columbia River. If you go make sure to check out our favorite place for lunch at Bouy Beer Co.