(Photo of Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle of Vancouver, Washington. Photo by Kate Singh)
The city of Vancouver, Washington, has much to offer travelers. Sitting across from Portland, Oregon, those looking for a place with all the excitement of a major metropolitan area combined with small-town charm can find it in Vancouver. But, before you plan your trip, get to know the mayor of Vancouver, Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle, and some of her favorite spots around town.
How did you become mayor of Vancouver? Tell us about your political career.
I worked as an educator for 30 years and am now a retired math teacher. My teaching career started in first and second grade, then I taught junior high mathematics in a little city south of Portland. I would commute back and forth across the bridge. But I am an Oregon girl by birth. I got married in Vancouver 42 years ago, retired here, and stayed here. I have always enjoyed the opportunity to get involved in the city and neighborhood, so I became a chair of a local organization, then moved to the planning commission. I served as city councilwoman during this time, then served as mayor pro tem. I then went on to serve as mayor and got reelected for a second term. I am the first woman mayor of Vancouver.
What are some must-see places in Vancouver?
Walk, just walk along the Renaissance Trail, and see the Columbia River and all the fun things going on. People are fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. There are a lot of lakes and trails and 191 different park areas. See the Fort and the different things going on around the Fort. There’s golfing, disc golfing, rock climbing, and our Main Street. There are waterfalls, and in the wintertime, there is snowshoeing. There’s mountain biking for bikers, hiking for hikers, and bird watching for bird watchers. There are lava caves and cave spelunking in the forest. We also have Mount Saint Helens. There’s lots and lots of outdoor stuff.
What are some must-do activities in Vancouver?
There’s Vancouver Historic National Park and Pearson Air Museum, where you can see old airplanes and how Pearson air helped World War I and World War II. We have wonderful farmer’s markets and dog-friendly people in Portland will come over. For arts and culture, we have the world-famous Vancouver Sympathy Orchestra. We also have many daytime and nighttime concerts. Every weekend is another festival. We have a Recycling Arts Festival in Esther Short Park, our oldest northwest public park which has a great history. The park is 170 years old.
We have First Friday galleries and murals all throughout downtown. There’s glassblowing, Metropolitan Performing Arts, and Magenta Theater. If you want to eat, we have that too. Indian, sushi, pizza, pub, middle eastern, scallops, bakery, food trucks, and wineries, you will find thirteen wineries downtown. The Fort planted the first wine grapes about 200 years ago. The soil and weather were perfect for wine grapes. Red, white, or rose; everything is crisp, bright, and robust.
Is there anything else we should tell our guests about Vancouver?
We’re more than just a place to drive through. We are much more than a bedroom town of Portland. We are in a good spot. We encourage everyone to get out of their car and come and see the best between the two big metropolitan areas. Enjoy the beauty and the calmer side of life. Walk around, feel safe, have a wonderful meal, and just look at what the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Vancouver is a sizable, walking-friendly, easily accessible area. Whether you like fishing, geology, or sports, there is something for everyone. This is the place people come to relax and enjoy life.
Book Your River Cruise to Vancouver!
Explore everything that Vancouver, Washington, has to offer with a Columbia & Snake River voyage . From the delicious cuisine and vast array of outdoor activities to the picturesque views, Vancouver, Washington, is a must-see destination. Hop aboard American Empress® and visit Vancouver, along with many other scenic ports of call.
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