Let 2023 be the year you find new and exciting things to do and rediscover old favorites! There is plenty to do without having to wander too far – whether you want a date night or a family activity. Here are 23 things to do in Vancouver, Washington and throughout Clark County in 2023.
1 – Go the Theater
The Joyce Garver Theater that is! Camas’ beloved theater has been fully renovated and is ready for new generations to enjoy it. Find out what will be playing there during 2023 and make it a point to go.
2 – Start a Little Free Pantry
The Little Free Pantries work like Little Free Libraries, except they feed your body instead of your soul. Make 2023 the year you start your own neighborhood pantry.
3 – Breathe the Sweet Air at the Hulda Lilac Gardens
Lilacs are a beautiful, fragrant bush that grows in abundance at the Hulda Lilac Gardens in Woodland. If you haven’t been, make 2023 the year you go to experience the gorgeous flowers and the historic Victorian home. Lilac Days from the end of April through Mother’s Day is a perfect time to visit.
4 – Support Camas’ Female Entrepreneurs
We all know shopping small is important. In 2023, make it a thing to support the amazing women entrepreneurs that make downtown Camas a must-visit.
5 – Find a New Book at Birdhouse Books
If you need something to read to get you through the glooming days, or maybe for relaxing in the sun, check out Birdhouse Books in Vancouver. Relatively new – they opened in July 2021 – the store features used and vintage classics.
6 – Join a Community Supported Agriculture Group
If you want to support local farms and always have fresh produce, join a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) group in 2023. Yacolt Mountain Farm is just one local farm that belongs to these amazing groups.
7 – Try Local Thai Food Restaurants
Whether you love curry or don’t know the difference between pad Thai and pad see ew, 2023 is a great time to try Clark County’s many Thai restaurants! Taste them all and decide which are your favorites.
8 – Visit Ash Tree Farms
Ash Tree Farms should be on everyone’s list for 2023. This unique farm is all about fungi – mushrooms to be exact! It’s a wonderful place to learn about and buy mushrooms in Vancouver.
9 – Check out the Carnegie Library
Did you know we have a Carnegie Library right here in Clark County? The Clark County Historical Museum occupies the building now, and it’s a great place for the whole family to spend the day.
10 – Indulge your Sweet Tooth at Truly Scrumptious
Supporting more small businesses is always a good New Year’s goal, so why not visit Truly Scrumptious in 2023? This incredible bakeshop offers all kinds of unique and beautiful creations.
11 – Spend the Day at Fort Vancouver
A fun outing for the whole family is a day at Fort Vancouver. There are plenty of fun events happening throughout 2023 – including the popular July Fourth celebration – that make visiting the Fort a must. And if you haven’t before, be sure to check out the historical garden!
12 – Celebrate Planters Days in Woodland
This is definitely not something new to do in 2023 – it’s been going on since 1922 – but it’s definitely a must-go every year. For the past 100 years, Planters Days has provided plenty of fun for the entire family. Don’t miss it this year happening June 15-18.
13 – Get Caffeinated at Local Coffee Shops
Most likely your New Year’s resolution did not include drinking less coffee – that would be wholly un-Washingtonian of you! So, instead, why not make a resolution to try six unique coffee shops in Vancouver in 2023? Each one has their own style that they brew into every cup.
14 – Spend a Day (or Two) at the Clark County Fair
No year is complete without a trip to the Clark County Fair! See the animals, go on the rides, listen to music, watch the talent and of course eat your fill! It’s all happening August 4-13, 2023.
15 – Eat Healthier with Less Work
Your New Year’s resolutions may have included eating healthier, but it can feel like a lot of work. Farm to Fit is a local food delivery company that makes keeping this resolution easy – and delicious! Try them in 2023!
16 – Ride the Rails
Yacolt may seem like a bit of a drive to some, but there is so much fun to be had in this rural town. Make 2023 the year you experience the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad. They have special train rides throughout the year including train robbery events and Christmas rides, among others.
17 – Press Cider
Cider pressing is another Washington tradition that every person living here should experience at least once! Head to the Cedar Creek Grist Mill during the fall for apple pressing. The Mill is fun to visit other times of the year as well, when they demonstrate using the water-powered mill to grind wheat and corn.
18 – Have Fun at Camas First Fridays
Even if you don’t live in Camas, check out the Downtown Camas Association’s First Friday events. They are insanely creative, fun and something the entire family will enjoy. And since they happen every first Friday of the month, there’s lots of fun to be had all year!
19 – Rediscover the Wiener Wagon
The Weiner Wagon food truck has been a staple in downtown Vancouver for over 40 years – have you tried it? It not, make 2023 the year you do. If you have, make 2023 the year you go again.
20 – Check out Fall Leaves
Each year mother nature puts on quite a show after Labor Day, when the days get shorter and the nights are crisp. Check out these places to experience the beautiful fall leaves throughout Clark County.
21 – Find Treasures at Dandelion Teahouse & Apothecary
Dandelion Teahouse and Apothecary in Vancouver is a fairly new business that’s waiting for you to discover them in 2023! From teas to toners, it’s a great place to visit if you are looking for something unique for yourself or as a gift.
22 – Take a Trip to the Beach
If you want to take a trip outside Clark County in 2023, check out the Ocean Crest Resort in nearby Grays Harbor. The new owners are eager to welcome you to their newly renovated resort that preserves the history while providing modern comforts.
23 – Let Loose at an Off-Leash Dog Park
If you and your furry best friend have not spent enough time lately, make plans in 2023 to explore all the off-leash dog parks in Clark County! It’s a great way to get outside, be more active and meet fellow dog lovers.
