If you haven’t been to Vancouver, Washington, in a while, chances are it looks quite a bit different than your last visit, especially along the waterfront. There, you’ll find a modern, seven-acre park with a playground and river access, as well as dining and hotel options galore. Grant Street Pier juts elegantly over the Columbia River, offering visitors views of the nearby Interstate Bridge.
Development is ongoing and planners are turning their attention to an even more ambitious project at Terminal 1 — a 40,000-square-foot indoor market that’s set to break ground in 2027, with hopes of capturing the magic of places such as Seattle’s Pike Place Market or Pybus Public Market in Wenatchee.
The influx of investment extends to residential real estate too. With new builds going up in suburban communities including Felida, Mill Plain, Salmon Creek, and Camas, the GRO Parade of Homes is a can't-miss event for those interested in starting a new chapter from the ground up.
Get inspiration from your dream bathroom. Photo courtesy of GRO Parade of Homes.
What is it?
The GRO Parade of Homes is an opportunity to see luxury, custom homes from local builders — NR Construction, NW Fortune Development, Pacific Lifestyle Homes, and Urban NW Homes — all in one place. The showcase highlights the best in home design, opulent amenities, cutting-edge technology, outdoor living, creative use of space, and the latest trends. Six homes are available to tour this year, one of which is a multi-family development.
How can I participate?
The showcase runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5 through Sunday, Sept. 21 (it’s closed on Mondays and Tuesdays). There will be special events, including an Industry Reception (Thursday, Sept. 11) for realtors and builders, and a Hero Day (Sunday, Sept. 14) where military family members, medical professionals, first responders, and teachers enjoy discounted admission. Purchase tickets online.
Vancouver’s proximity to outdoor recreation is a huge selling point. Photo by cascadevideoproductions.
More to do
Looking for other activities while you’re in the area? There’s plenty more to experience to get a better feel for the Southwest Washington lifestyle.
Go wine tasting at the Vancouver Waterfront. Some of the biggest names in the industry have set up shop there, including Maryhill Winery and Willamette Valley Vineyards, plus lots of boutique bars such as Valo Cellars and Evoke Winery.
Between Esther Short Park’s plaza and the Proto-Cathedral’s soaring facade, there is a decidedly European feel to Vancouver’s downtown — and it’s well worth exploring. Stop by the weekend farmers market, shop for antiques, hunt for street art, or catch a movie at historic Kiggins Theatre.
Imagine how the pioneers lived at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site or give your knowledge of aviation’s golden age a lift at Pearson Air Museum.
Go for a hike out in the Columbia River Gorge. The trail ascending Beacon Rock, a gargantuan artifact of the region’s volcanic past, is particularly remarkable with sweeping vistas and soaring switchbacks.
Catch a concert at Cascades Amphitheater or play the slots at ilani Casino Resort.