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fort with trappers and traders dressed in 1840 period costumes. There are tepees, baking and cooking demonstrations, tomahawk throwing, and
other demonstrations.
On the first Saturday in October, the locals get together to venerate their nearly two-century-old apple tree at the sensibly named Old Apple
Tree Festival (360/619-1108, free). The festival focuses on environmental and historical preservation, and the Urban Forestry Commission is on
hand to give away free cuttings from the legendary tree itself. In early October, don't miss the very popular Fort Vancouver Candlelight Tours
with interpreters dressed in 1840s period clothing.
The Christmas Ship Parade ( www.christmasships.org ) is another favorite event, with decorated vessels plying the Columbia and Willamette
Rivers on the second and third weeks of December. You'll also find Officers' Row decorated with traditional evergreens for the holidays, plus
concerts and carriage rides to get you in the spirit of the holidays.
SHOPPING
The two-level Vancouver Mall (8700 NE Vancouver Mall Dr., 360/892-6255, www.westfield.com/vancouver ) has over 115 shops, restaurants,
and services, including JCPenney, Macy's, Nordstrom, Sears, and Old Navy. It is hard to miss at the junction of I-205 and Highway 500.
SPORTS AND RECREATION
The 14-foot-wide, paved Columbia River Waterfront Trail follows the shore eastward for 3.5 miles from downtown to Tidewater Cove. It's
a wonderful place for a sunset stroll or bike ride. Find trailheads at Wintler Community Park, Marine Park, Waterfront Park or downtown Van-
couver.
Vancouver Lake Park (6801 NW Lower River Rd., 360/487-7100, daily 7 A.M.-dusk, $3 cars, free for pedestrians and bikes), three miles
west of downtown, is a local hot spot for both sailboarders and anglers. The nearly 300-acre strip of land offers picnicking, swimming, and fishing,
plus grassy and shady areas. It is also home to one of the largest great blue heron rookeries in the region, and bald eagles can be found roosting in
the trees during the winter months.
A 2.5-mile hiking trail connects Vancouver Lake park with Frenchman's Bar Park (9612 NW Lower River Rd., 360/619-1123, 7 A.M.-dusk
daily, $3 cars, free for pedestrians and bikes) along the Columbia River, where there is a public beach for swimming, fishing access, and a very
popular sand pit with eight volleyball courts set up in the summer.
There are no lifeguards at either park, which is why most families prefer Salmon Creek Park (off NW 117th St., 360/696-8171), a small lake
with trained professionals on the lookout during the summer months.
ACCOMMODATIONS
While comfy lodging is plentiful on the Washington side of the river, dozens of motels and a hostel are also available in Portland, Oregon.
Under $100
Right in downtown Vancouver, near I-5, there is an Econolodge (601 Broadway, 360/693-3668, $70 s or $80 d) with standard motel rooms with
fridges and microwaves. Whirlpool-bath rooms are also available.
For the touch of home that only a B&B can offer, try the Briar Rose Inn (314 W. 11th St., 360/694-5710, $75 d), a lovely 1908 Craftsman in
the center of downtown. The four rooms, two of which have private baths, have wireless Internet, and the unbeatable “Grandma's house” feel of
antique sumptuousness.
There are two Shilo Inn locations in the metropolitan Vancouver area. Pass up the one downtown on East 13th; it is ho-hum at best. Instead,
visit Shilo Inn & Suites Salmon Creek (13206 NE Hwy. 99, 360/573-0511, www.shiloinns.com , $79-89 s or d) in Hazel Dell. It may not look
special from the outside, but walk through the door and you'll see it is a class above most chains. The interiors are brand new and immaculate at
this well-tended hotel. The property has a pool, spa, and sauna. Beds are comfortable and rooms have fridges and microwaves. There's also free
Wi-Fi, continental breakfasts, and cookies during the day.
$100-150
Convenient to downtown and the fort district, Red Lion Vancouver at the Quay (100 Columbia St., 360/694-8341 or 800/733-5466,
www.redlion.com , $100 s or $110 d) sits right at the base of the I-5 Interstate Bridge next to a 1.8-mile riverfront trail. Ask for a room with a
view of the river to watch the lights of Portland twinkle over the Columbia. The furnishings and bathroom fixtures are a bit tired, but the rooms
are clean and the linens are new. There's an outdoor pool, fitness center, business center, and a restaurant and lounge on premises. The hotel also
offers free wireless Internet and a free Portland airport shuttle to its guests. Plus, it is pet-friendly.
East of downtown, just off of I-205, is Phoenix Inn (12712 SE 2nd Circle, 360/891-9777 or 888/988-8100, www.phoenixinnsuites.com , $129
s or $134 d) with 98 mini-suites. A free continental breakfast buffet is included, along with an indoor pool and hot tub.
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