I grew up in a little suburb of Portland, Oregon.
Why did I live all of those years, just a half hour south of Fort Vancouver, and never visit it?
It's a real treasure, and one we now enjoy visiting with our grandkids.
I love finding interesting, fun and inexpensive things to do close to home.
For just a few dollars per adult, (kids are free!), you get a ticket good for a week.
Our grandkids all love going to the fort!
This photo was taken early spring.
This orchard growing outside the fort is now heavy with apples.
They also have a large garden growing near the fort entrance.
The blacksmith shop is a favorite spot of the grandkids.
The smithies are always patient to let the kids ask questions and to explain how things work.
Once, the blacksmith forged a nail for us and let us take it home.
My favorite things at the fort to see are the beautiful old housewares.
I think I'd feel right at home back here in the 1800's.
I even have two of those same old mixing bowls!
And you know how much I love transferware!
The handmade items in the woodworking shop are another of my favorite things to see at the old fort.
Look at the thick walls and deep windowsills with those beautiful paned windows.
I love this!
The fort even has a "jail".
The grandkids love shutting the door and pretending to be in prison!
Here are the two oldest grands checking out if the bed is comfortable in the captain's quarters.
They also have old uniforms for the kids to try on.
If you're visiting the Portland, Oregon/Vancouver, Washington area,
I suggest adding the fort to your list of places to visit.
If you live in the area and have never gone to Fort Vancouver,
I highly recommend that you do!
Well, it's almost Friday, friends!
Have a HAPPY, HAPPY Friday
and
a BLESSED weekend!
Hi Elizabeth! I know what you mean about having such treasures around you, but somehow never get to see them...or at least not very often. I really enjoy history, so this place would be lovely to see. My favorite parts are the handmade items that I just buy at Target now-a-days.
ReplyDeleteSo nice to see your grandchildren too! They look like they are enjoying themselves, and that's half the fun, isn't it? My grandchildren are all under three, so it'll be a while before I can do something like this. Looking forward to it though!
Blessings,
Ceil
I love finding inexpensive and fun things to do with the grandkids, Ceil. Are grandkids just the best?
DeleteLove this! I haven't been there since a school field trip as a kid. I'll have to plan a time to visit there again when I am down that way.
ReplyDeleteIt's a great place to go Pam. In a couple of years Nora will like it!
DeleteWhen you reach 'a certain age' (sixty two) you can buy a Senior Pass for a few dollars that.is good for life. It will get you into all National Parks free. Everyone in your group (or car) is free, too. You can buy it at Fort Vancouver - we did. I'd love to go to the fort again.
ReplyDelete~Adrienne~
Adrienne, that's awesome about the Senior Pass for life! We could go to the fort together sometime!
DeleteI love Fort Vancouver, although I have not been to the Fort itself, but I love the park and houses from when the military academy was there years ago! It is one of my favorite places to go! There is even a restaurant in the Grant House that is lovely! One of these days I want to visit the Fort, as I think I am the only one left in my family who hasn't experienced it!
ReplyDeleteI think you'd love it! We ate at the Grant House once and it was fun.
DeleteI need to take my girls there...
ReplyDeleteThey'd love it, Jill!
DeleteElizabeth, I wanted you to know that I re-posted your beauty-full blog post this past Friday. Thanks again for allowing me to share it.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, Looks like you had a wonderful time. My favorite pictures are those of the tools; I"m always drawn to objects that combine form, function, and beauty. Like you, I try to make every day an adventure - so much to do near home for not too much money.
ReplyDelete