top of page
Things to do


Waterfront evenings with Waterline: celebrating film, community and love
A cinematic love story on the Vancouver waterfront My partner Maria and I have always shared a deep bond over movies. We met years ago debating the emotional punch of a black-and-white classic, and our relationship blossomed over weekend matinees and late‑night foreign films. Those shared stories taught us about cultures beyond our own, helped us understand different perspectives and even inspired some of the values we hold as a couple. It’s no exaggeration to say movies play

Prash Gunda
Jun 284 min read


Escape the Heat: Paddle-boarding Adventures Around Vancouver, WA and Portland
As the summer sun bears down on the Pacific Northwest, our household’s HVAC system picked the worst moment to falter. When you’re staring down extreme heat warnings in the Pacific Northwest and a home that can’t keep cool, it only takes one glance at the calendar to find relief. With Juneteenth and Independence Day landing within days of each other, Maria and I decided to turn what could have been a sweltering staycation into a weekend of paddle boarding exploration. If you’r

Prash Gunda
Jun 165 min read


Waterfront Restaurants Vancouver WA: A Local-Approved Guide to Dining, Drinking & Staying on the Riverfront
When the Vancouver waterfront opened its boardwalk and the graceful Grant Street Pier, it transformed our city’s relationship with the Columbia River. The once industrial site now hums with life – restaurants spill onto patios, wine bars host tastings overlooking the water, and families stroll between ice‑cream counters and breweries. As a longtime Vancouver resident, I’ve watched waterfront restaurants Vancouver WA blossom from a few early pioneers (Twigs and WildFin) into a

Prash Gunda
Jun 1311 min read


Relevant Coffee: The Vancouver Coffee Shop We Keep Coming Back To
It’s impossible to talk about Vancouver’s coffee scene without glowing over a little black‐and‐white building on Main Street. Relevant Coffee began as Mitch Montgomery’s pop‑up and roasting operation in 2014. After years of barista work and pop‑up gigs, he opened his own café in 2017 and teamed up with longtime coffee veteran Brian Clemens as operations director and co‑owner. The pair relocated the shop two blocks south in 2019, landing at Main & 17th in the Arnada neighborho

Prash Gunda
Jun 123 min read


ETC19: 19 Must Visit restaurants, food carts & coffee shops in Clark County for Summer 2026
Maria and I were born on the 19th, ofcourse a couple of months apart but for both of us, 19 has always felt lucky, almost fated. When we created Explore the Couve we wanted to mark that significance, so every year we curate 19 spots that capture the soul of Clark County. This summer we revisited neighbourhood favourites and unearthed fresh finds to bring you a list that’s as personal as it is comprehensive. Whether you crave innovative restaurants, food carts & coffee shops o

Prash Gunda
Jun 28 min read


Best Family Activities for Weekend in Vancouver, WA
It’s Saturday morning in Vancouver, Washington. The kids are bouncing off the walls, the Pacific Northwest skies are clear, and you’re desperate for something more adventurous than yet another Bluey marathon. Thankfully, Vancouver is loaded with fun that’s good for little ones and grown‑ups alike. Here’s my pick of memorable family outings that will make your weekend feel like a vacation without leaving town. Stroll the Waterfront and Let the Kids Splash Start your day at Va

Prash Gunda
Mar 244 min read


Kitanda Coffee & Açaí Soft Opens in Downtown Vancouver: Brazilian Flavors by Esther Short Park
PC: Kitanda Downtown Vancouver has a new conversation starter. After months of speculation, the soft opening of Kitanda Coffee Vancouver has quietly brought Brazilian street‑food flavors to 304 W. 8th Street, in the space once occupied by Starbucks. Locals who wandered in during the unannounced launch have been sharing first impressions on Reddit and they’re a mix of excitement, culinary curiosity and gentle patience. A Peek Inside the Soft Open The limited menu during the so

Prash Gunda
Mar 193 min read


Elbow Room James Beard Nomination Puts Vancouver’s Retro Bar on the Map
PC: The Elbow Room via Instagram Vancouver’s Uptown Village just hit a milestone: our very own Elbow Room is now a semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation’s Best New Bar category. That’s not just a nod, it’s the first time any spot in town has been recognized by the Beard committee. If you haven’t yet found time to bend an elbow at this 1970s‑styled watering hole, now’s the moment. After all, the Elbow Room James Beard nomination proves that our local cocktail culture can

Prash Gunda
Feb 13 min read


Best Hotels to Stay At in Vancouver, WA: A Local’s Guide
PC: AC Marriott When you plan a getaway to vancouver wa, you’re greeted by a city where the Columbia River meets a vibrant downtown and endless natural beauty. Choosing the right hotel can elevate your experience, whether you’re here for business, leisure, or a bit of both. Below is a curated selection of the best hotels in vancouver wa, each offering distinctive amenities, comfortable rooms, and easy access to attractions. Hilton Vancouver Washington Located across from Esth

Prash Gunda
Dec 28, 20255 min read


Vancouver Waterfront Restaurants: A Complete Guide to the Riverfront’s Dining, Wineries & Fun
The new Vancouver, Washington waterfront has transformed old industrial land into a vibrant playground of dining, wine tasting and outdoor fun. A day at The Waterfront might start with a gourmet burger on the patio at one of the vancouver waterfront restaurants and end with sunset cocktails overlooking the Columbia River. Between bites you can stroll along the Waterfront Renaissance Trail, watch kids splash at the Headwaters Wall water feature and soak in sweeping views of th

Prash Gunda
Dec 13, 20256 min read


Skiing Mt. Hood Meadows: Your Insider’s Guide from Vancouver, WA
Sitting on the eastern slope of Mount Hood in Oregon, Mt Hood Meadows operates under a special-use permit on the Mt. Hood National Forest and offers one of the Northwest’s most spectacular winter playgrounds. Base facilities in the North and South lodges provide rentals, sport shops, restaurants, ski schools and daycare. For Vancouverites, it’s about a 90-mile drive, a bit of a trek, but the reward is 87 trails, twelve lifts and varied terrain that caters to everyone from be

Prash Gunda
Dec 1, 20254 min read


7 Best Places to Pick Up a Christmas Tree in Vancouver, WA
There’s something uniquely satisfying about wandering through rows of evergreens, hunting for that perfect holiday tree. As soon as the turkey leftovers are tucked away, families across Southwest Washington start searching for the best cut‑your‑own spots. This year’s shortlist showcases seven unique Christmas tree farms near Vancouver, WA that not only provide beautiful trees but also full‑blown holiday experiences. Whether you’re looking for a quick grab‑and‑go or an all‑da

Prash Gunda
Nov 26, 20255 min read


Vancouver’s Ultimate Date Night Ideas: From Fine Dining to Axe Throwing
There’s nothing like rediscovering your hometown through your partner’s eyes. Vancouver, Washington , with its mix of waterfront glam, cozy neighborhoods, and wild Pacific Northwest spirit, offers countless ways to rekindle romance. If you’re stuck in a routine, this guide will get you out of the dinner‑and‑Netflix rut and into the city’s most exciting corners. The trend that couples can’t stop Googling - date night Vancouver WA , is more than just a search term; it’s an invi

Prash Gunda
Nov 24, 20255 min read


Northern Clark County Scenic Drive: Your Weekend Loop of Waterfalls, Farms & Small‑Town Charm
Photo Credit: https://clark.wa.gov/ When you’re new to Clark County, it’s tempting to stay on I‑5 and treat the rest of the county like an exit ramp. Don’t. One of the best ways to feel at home here is to hop on two wheels or four and explore the Northern Clark County Scenic Drive . This 70‑mile loop isn’t just a pretty road – it’s a sampler platter of the region’s history, geography and quirky roadside attractions. If you need a weekend drive or a casual motorcycle ride to

Prash Gunda
Oct 30, 20254 min read


The Best Local Breweries to Explore in Vancouver, Washington
Vancouver’s craft-beer scene has grown from under-the-radar taprooms to full-blown destinations that can hold their own against Portland’s. Whether you’re chasing a hazy IPA, savoring wood-fired pizza, or testing your trivia chops, these local breweries pour personality as much as beer. From Vancouver’s bustling downtown to Washougal’s laid-back river views, here’s where to grab a pint, a bite, and maybe a trivia crown. 🍺 Top Breweries to Visit 1. Loowit Brewing Company — Do

Prash Gunda
Oct 22, 20253 min read


Peak Fall Foliage Hot‑Spots in Clark County, Washington (2025 Edition)
Walking out your front door in Vancouver, Washington doesn’t always feel like a scene from a peak fall foliage postcard. Thanks to our conifer‑dominated forests, leaf season here can seem understated compared to the East Coast’s blaze of maples. But when you know where to look and when Clark County’s deciduous trees put on a show that will make even the grumpiest Pacific Northwesterner smile. Below are my favorite spots (and some reader‑suggested gems) where the leaves go f

Prash Gunda
Oct 9, 20254 min read


Hidden Landmarks of Vancouver, WA: Discover Clark County’s Secret Spots
PC: tisiarock Vancouver, Washington isn’t just about Fort Vancouver and the bustling waterfront. Tucked between sprawling neighborhoods...

Prash Gunda
Sep 3, 20254 min read


Searching for the Real Neapolitan Pizza in Vancouver, WA
Vancouver’s food scene usually gets compared to its coffee‑obsessed neighbor across the Columbia River. But when it comes to wood‑fired pizza that tastes like Naples, our city can hold its own. Locals on the “r/vancouverwa” subreddit were recently asked where to find a thin, chewy crust kissed by a blistering wood‑fired oven — and they delivered a treasure trove of suggestions. As a proud pizza nerd and longtime Clark County resident, I couldn’t resist turning that thread int

Prash Gunda
Aug 26, 20255 min read


Hood to Coast 2025: Oregon’s Hottest Relay Ever from Mt. Hood to Seaside
PC: Teresa Mahoney | TheOregonian/OregonianLive If you happened to drive along U.S. 26 or U.S. 30 yesterday, you probably saw a steady...

Prash Gunda
Aug 23, 20255 min read


The Ultimate Omelette Guide: Where to Find the Best in The Couve.
Our local breakfast lovers have spoken, and we’ve scoured both your Facebook recommendations and Google to bring you a complete omelette tour of Vancouver and beyond. Whether you crave a classic Denver, a Greek twist, or a four-egg feast, here’s where to find the most beloved omelettes—plus their exact addresses for your next breakfast run. 1. Dulin’s Village Cafe 1929 Main St, Vancouver, WA 98660 A neighborhood favorite in Uptown Village, Dulin’s is famous for their Greek om

Prash Gunda
Jul 5, 20252 min read
