Although summer break has come to a close, there are still many opportunities for students to enjoy the bright, cloudless weather between classes and busy schedules. The VanCougar has compiled a list of a few exciting things to do around town while the sun is still out. From berry-picking and relaxing in nature, to supporting local businesses and rock-climbing, there is something for everyone to enjoy around The ‘Couve.
Enjoy farm fresh produce at Bi-Zi Farms:
Head over to Bi-Zi Farms, a local staple for year-round agriculture and family fun. Owned and operated by the Zimmerman family, there are many different crops currently in season — including apples, blueberries, sweet corn, cucumbers, peaches and more. Bi-Zi Farms also has an annual Sunflower Festival, taking place the first two weekends of September. Each ticket to the Sunflower Festival includes a free sunflower, a hayride and entry to the farm animal petting zoo. On September 18, Bi-Zi Farms will be having their Sesquicentennial Celebration, an event to commemorate 150 years of growing in Clark County. There will be a picnic, concessions, farm tours and cake. Bi-Zi farms is located on 9504 NE 119th St. in Vancouver and more information regarding their summer hours and events can be found at www.bi-zifarms.com.
Spend an afternoon at Salmon Creek Regional Park:
Located right near campus, the Salmon Creek Regional Park has picnic tables, grills and plenty of trails. For those who visit, there are many places to set up a hammock, enjoy the scenery with a beautiful hike or catch up on a good book outside. In case it gets too hot, the park also has several options to cool down, including shady trees to lounge under and a splash pad — a fun water activity open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. until Labor Day. Inside the park is Klineline Pond, a popular public swim area and fishing spot. Loaner life-jackets are available on site, and there is no entrance fee to the park for those walking or biking (however, there is a parking fee of $3 for cars).
Visit the Salmon Creek Farmers’ Market:
Spend some time engaging with the community and shopping for local goods by visiting the Salmon Creek Farmers’ Market. Rain-or-shine, local vendors and artists set up their shops every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Salmon Creek Grange, located at 1900 NE 154th St. in Vancouver. Take an afternoon to stroll through the market, enjoy live music and find plenty of produce, fresh honey, baked goods, jewelry, handmade crafts and artwork. More information regarding vendors of the week can be found on their facebook page and website, https://salmoncreekfarmersmarket.com.
Go rock-climbing at The Source:
Looking for something fun to do alone or with a friend? Rock-climbing is an exciting and challenging way to get exercise and move around. The Source Climbing Center offers individual walk-in and single day passes, and also provides classes for those interested in climbing more regularly. Equipment rentals are available for those who do not have their own rock climbing gear. For more information on their hours and classes, see their website at https://www.sourceclimbing.com.
Tour the Downtown Vancouver murals:
Since 2004, the Clark County Mural Society has been showcasing murals all across Vancouver to enrich the area with art. In Downtown Vancouver, there are over 20 beautiful murals painted along the walls of buildings and alleyways. Drive or walk along and around Main Street to view these pieces of art done by many different artists from the Pacific Northwest. Examples of the impressive murals onlookers might see include depictions of Clark County’s history and land — such as the Chinook Nation, the Columbia River, Fort Vancouver and much more. For a map and list of murals and artists, visit https://www.ccmurals.org
Sawyer is a senior studying anthropology at WSU Vancouver.