A ZEST Contest! Where is the Happiest Place in Southwest Washington?
Marcel Proust said, “Let us be grateful to people who make us happy. They are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” ZEST says, “Let us be grateful for places that make us happy.”
In the past six months of blogging, we have found MANY happy locales in our corner of the world. To celebrate happiness that is generated by our local places, we are offering “The Happiest Place in Southwest Washington Contest.” What locale makes you happiest?
Where is the happiest place in Southwest Washington?
The rules are simple. Comment on this blog post below. Tell us in 75 words or less why your suggestion is the happiest place in Clark, Cowlitz, Skamania, Wahkiakum, Pacific, Klickitat or Lewis counties. One entry per person. It should be a location that is open to others, not, for instance, your backyard, happy as it may be. There will be one grand prize winner. In the case of duplicate suggestions, the first person to comment will be eligible for the prize.
The prize? A $50 gift certificate to the restaurant of your choice in Southwest Washington.
Deadline: To be eligible for the contest, you must submit your comment on the blog by Wednesday, March 31 at 12 noon. Entries will be judged by a panel of happy, local people. The winner (and honorable mentions) will be announced on Tax Day, April 15 – a day when we can all use a little extra happiness.
So tell us, where is the happiest place in Southwest Washington? Comment below!
38 comments
The happiest place in SW Washington is Fuller Park in Vancouver. Offering fields of manicured grass, bike trails through a small forest, a great playground, clean restrooms, plenty of picnic tables, ample parking, multiple sports fields, a well-manicured walkway wrapping around the entire park, and a row of blackberry bushes that offer local pickers a full bounty in August; Fuller Park has something to make it everyone’s happiest place in SW Washington.
I always feel better after a trip to The Pancake House in Longview. The food is tasty, but what really stands out is the staff. From the cooks to the bussers, they are cheerful and friendly and go out of their way to make your visit a good one. We’ve had to cut back on eating out, but when we ‘splurge’ we go there and we recommend it to all our friends.
Beacon Rock is the happiest place in Southwest Washington. It is a beautiful hike that our whole family loves to take many times a year. Every time we climb Beacon Rock it brings us closer together as a family. We love having our out of town friends join us on the hike to see some of the beauties the northwest has to offer. We love Beacon Rock!
Kalama Horse camp is my “happy place”. Any time I am there, I am surrounded by all my happy things…my horses, good friends and miles of horse trails. It is easy to be happy there and Kalama Horse Camp is my pick for the “Happiest Place in SW Washington”!
Pacific county it’s for me. Can run whee along the beach. While the wind blows free. The ocean rolls in and out. The gulls fly without a doubt. Kite’s fly without hitting a wire. Flying low or even higher. Sand castles are made to show your creative side. Downtown Longbeach bumper cars give a great ride. And Marshes Museum is a great place to see. Give me the ocean it’s Happy for me.
The happiest spot for me is fishing on the Cowlitz river at our fishing shack ( don’t ask and I won’t tell the exact spot) with friend s I have made in the 3 years after retireing and moving to Castle Rock. I enjoy the time spent fishing and meeting new friends. When ever I feel a little I just go the the Old Guys Hilton for some fun and fishing. By the way we always ( well almost) catch fish…
The happiest place in SW Washington is the Discovery Trail from Long Beach down through Beards Hollow and beyond. Riding down the trail you’ll find your face hurting – from the big ol’ smile on your face! It is a must do … many many times!
Long Beach Washington, 27 miles of happyness, from Discovery Trail in the South through Long Beach city, Ocean Park and Sea View. Walk , ride your bike, fly kites, drive your car, fish, clam or clean the beach with Shelly and the grass roots garbage gang. EVERYBODY LOVES IT !!
Shakti Cove in Ocean Park, WA. From the minute you cross the bridge over the slough, you feel peace and happiness. Walk for five minutes and you’re on the beach, which is often so sparsely populated that you can revel in the solitude. And the touristy stuff is a mere 10 miles down the road. (I’m biased; I own this heavenly piece of paradise!)
Riverside Park in Lexington, for 33 years has been a very happy place for me and my family.
Living so close to this wonderful park is enchantment packed into a small space.
Spring and summer the big maples provided shade to sit down and enjoy your suroundings.
In the fall, great piles of leaves to kick around, watching the antics of the squirrels.
In winter with snow, a wonderland of peace and quiet to explore.
The happiest place in Longview is a little-known coffee shop/deli known as Lisa’s Lattes, located on Ocean Beach Highway, just east of 46th Ave. The owner Lisa puts in her own words, “a little love in every cup.”
There are a great many regular customers, the baristas’ are sociable, and make the best Lattes/Espressos in Longview/Kelso. The atmosphere inside is welcoming and friendly. It leaves you with a sense of having come home.
When the shopping bug hits and the budget is low, the Goodwill Outlet in Vancouver is my happy place. I can escape into the myriad of cast off treasures, bins full of $1.59 a pound clothing, buck or two books and furniture that with a coat of paint is as good as new. Here I am limited only by my creativity in bringing back to life discarded goods, meeting my shopping fix with a low cost…what a happy place to be!
Along the shores of Silver Lake lies a tranquil, happy place, where for a flat mile, one can walk away any worries. Bird watching is abound, the frogs sing, and and fish jump. Around Milepost 5 up the Spirit Lake Highway, the path around the lake at the Mt. St. Helen’s information center is a happy retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Come here to enjoy the silence of nature and feel the happiness flood your heart.
The Long Beach Peninsula is the happiest place in Southwest Washington, if one can judge happiness by the joy of watching surfers on a beautiful February day, catching the green waves at Waikiki Beach at Cape Disappointment State Park. Boreas Inn is certainly a happy place if one can also judge happiness based on the smiles of guests pushing back from a four-course breakfast after having slept a long peaceful night serenaded by the ocean.
The place I love the most is the end of Abernathy Creek Rd. in Cowlitz County off Ocean Beach Highway. When you turn off the highway, it’s like a moss covered tunnel that you drive through, the houses along the creek, all the way to where the road slid out at the end…it’s a magically little drive.
Paperbacks Galore in Longview, Washington is the place that is guaranteed to put a smile on my face, no matter how down I am. You have a choice of so many places that a good book can take you away to and let you dream of someday going there. The staff is excellent and always willing to help you find whatever book you’re looking for and you have a choice of buying new or used books. Treasures can be found in every nook and corner.
Wherever I am is my favorite place. The history of living in Cowlitz County my whole life has taught me I have what I need no matter the mood. The weather changes often enough, I can buy what I need, worship whom I care to, talk and meet with friends, and my family is close by.
I think the happiest, most romantic, and serenely beautiful place in SW Washington is the Shelburne Inn in Seaview. The hotel is furnished in beautiful and “comfy” antiques with a blend of modern accomodations that create an atmosphere that is timeless. The food in the restaurant and pub is mouthwateringly delectable and they offer lots of choices of wonderful beverages. The proporietors and staff are accomodating of your needs and requests with warmth and humor. I think you can find anything you want there whether it is peace, fun, solitude or good company! What could make a person happier than that!
Watching Angels Fly – I lost my grandson in February 2009. His one thing he had waited for the for the skate park to open. He did not live to skate the rink, but I drive by everyday, stop along the streatch of road and sometimes, just sometimes, I hear his little giggle, like he has just performed BIG AIR as he called it. I know he visits, I know he would have loved it and it gives kids a chance to become better people. Thats my current happy/sad place to visit and watch.
Our happiest place is Mary McCrank’s restaurant on the Jackson Highway just south of Chehalis/Centralia. It sits out in the middle of the country and has beautiful gardens outside it’s windows. It was completely redone a few years ago and the new part has a row of floor to ceiling windows. There is a wide porch outside where you can eat on warm days. The staff service is excellent and old fashioned. They have real linen tablecloths and napkins. It has excellent food and they even make their own ice cream. Sundays, they have chicken dumplings – something my father-in-law loves. You will not be disappointed if you go!
The place in town we go to turn our frown upside down is Guadalajara on Ocean Beach Hwy, Longview, Wa. They will soon be celebrating their two year anniversary and the owner Jorge is one of the most friendliest business owner’s we’ve met. He not only takes time to greet you but he does so by name. His staff are the same way very couretous, friendly and always a welcoming environment! Way to go Guardalajara!
Downtown Camas, WA is my choice for happiest place because it’s a throw back to simpler times with charming stores, great coffee & restaurants and even the Camas Paper Mill. I’ve gotten over the fact that the mill isn’t real pretty and love it because it’s the reason the town was born. My work dream has come true as a store owner in this lovely downtown.
You will need to follow the scenic Columbia River. west of Longview, turning on Germany Ck.Rd. Pass a 100 year ole’ barn, then turn on Sherman Ck. A small chapel is nestled under towering trees.Entering the bright red door, each Sunday morning you will find happiness surrounding you for 2 hours of hugs, food, and fellowship. laughter bounces from children to older adults & fills the rooms with joy. Enough to carry you thru a liftime of blessings.’Stella Chapel’
The happiest place around is the Discovery Trail. Beautiful native plants, wildlife, Burnt Bridge Creek and the riparian environment make for a pleasurable walk or bike ride. The path is smooth enough for strollers and wheelchairs. Plus the friendly people and cheerful dogs can brighten a gray day!
The happiest place is a white chapel in the woods by Stella. When you’re there you hear lots of talking and sharing. You know you’re welcome in this place filled with love, caring and you’re included immediately. During the service we have five minutes of passing the peace. Everyone hugs, shakes your hand and say “the Lord be with You” and truly means it. After services we share fellowship and treats.
If happiness equals sublime contentment, then Lacamas Park at Round Lake near Camas is the happiest place in southwest Washington. The pristine, glassy calm of the lake ringed with towering evergreens will do your soul a world of good. Watch baby ducks or a distant kayaker create ripples in the reflection of trees and sky. Playground and picnic tables provide the perfect family picnic spot with well-groomed trails for walking off the calories after lunch.
OK, I’m prejudiced because I work there, but I think LIBRARIES rank right up there with the happiest places around. Just visit a library around children’s story times and watch the smiling faces shining above armloads of picture books they’ve checked out. As those children grow, they’ll make the happy discovery that the whole universe of information and human experience is right there within their reach, whenever they’re ready to explore it. Don’t you just have to smile, too, as you walk into a library, as you contemplate all the possibilities awaiting you?
There are lots of great places in SW Washington, but my happy spot is the Ross Off-Leash Dog Park in Vancouver (NE Ross St. & NE 15th Ave.). It’s nine acres of amazing energy in all shapes and sizes (including the dogs).
Dogpaw has created a marvelous spot for meeting and socializing with an amazing variety of canines, making friends, getting exercise and, yes, picking up poop. Sam and I go almost every morning. Arf!
Stevenson is the happiest place. I drove there on my birthday to visit the quaint, but active town. Antique stores and small streets compliment the luxurious Bonneville Spa. Stevenson is the gateway to the Bridge of the Gods where you can watch colorful windsurfers. The best salmon dinner is at the Crab Shack where you can sip wine and overlook the river and native trees. The view from the patio of Mt. Hood is exquisite!
No problem, Merry. No points off for typos! Thanks for your entry.
East Fork Cellars (aka E.F.C.) IS THE HAPPIEST place! You will never experience wine and fun like this! East Fork Cellars is a local wine tasting room with a Blue Grass/ Rock n’ Roll/ Celtic feel. Where else can you go on a Tuesday night, tasting a “Rat Cellar Red” wine while jamming to a Blue Grass session or toast with a Granny Smith apple Riesling while rocking out to the sounds of the “Cellar Rats” on a Friday night? This is a great place to call your own or to invite friends who are visiting. It’s all ages and a TON of fun!
The happiest place I find in West Vancouver is Mint Tea http://mintteaimports.com/ in the Uptown Village. It is a place where I am meeting friends and the environment within Mint Tea is serene. The owners Jenna and Abdul are always smiling, the local foods that are served are nourishing to the body and the whole place is nourishing to the spirit. Whether one sits in the room full of cushions with a pot of mint tea or listens to the uplifting music while reading a book, it is a place that allows one to escape and leave stresses behind even if it is just for 30 min over lunch.
My happiest place is on the lake at Speilyai Bay at Merwin Lake on the border of Clark and Cowlitz Counties. It’s pure joy spending a warm summer day boating in this most beautiful place where there are waterfalls, beautiful water so clear that you can see the fishes swimming, bald eagles flying overhead, an occasional deer drinking alongside the water and butterflies on the beach. These are my happiest times … on the boat with family and friends surrounded by magnificent beauty.
Canoes frame the park and the big river beyond. Happy sounds of squeals and laughter fill the air as I meander through the Cottonwood Beach trail on the Columbia River in Washougal, Washington.
The place has a pulse and moves. Children scurry with little pails and shovels, bare chested drummers nod and beat out powerful sounds. Kayakers in yellow and blue canoes pick up the rhythm as they paddle past. A couple frolics and water sprays. I toss my shoes and dance.
Raven & Finch wine bar on the port in Ilwaco, WA is so comfy it’s like my home away from home. The first thing that strikes you when you walk in the door is that it’s just like your living room – overstuffed chairs, leather sofa, dark mocha walls. And the view! So serene overlooking the boats in the harbor. Depending on my mood I either curl up on the sofa with a good book or magazine that I pick off the shelf or I pull up to the bar where everyone introduces themselves to you. It’s incredible. One evening I walked in and was rounded up into a game of mahjong. But I’ve never played before I told them. No problem. They taught, we talked, others watched. I’ve never met so many people in such a short amount of time.
Can’t wait for the sun so I can sit on the deck under the heater with my dog and share my pizza!
Newcomer’s jaws drop when they walk through the door. Usually it’s “Wow, I never knew there was a place like this on the Peninsula.” Raven & Finch Wine Bar is cozy, sophisticated, comfortable. Like a living room right on the boardwalk, overlooking the Port of Ilwaco. Not an afternoon or evening goes by without hearing that warm laughter that rises naturally out good conversation. Of course, the wine and music help. A pretty happy place!
Did you know that Navidi’s Olive Oil & Vinegars in Camas was the first olive oil & vinegar store with a taste before you buy policy. We’d love to show you around our little downtown store.
I’ll stop by some time!
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