Camas and Washougal offer quaint, small town shopping districts

Downtown Camas -- The place to be A slew of well attended recent ribbon cutting events tell the tale. Downtown Camas is the place to be — both from an economic development and social standpoint. During the past few months, grand opening celebrations have been held for businesses including Bella Vita — an upscale clothing boutique, Caps and Taps — a craft beer bottle shop and tap room, Mill City Brew Werks — a brewery and restaurant, and Diamonds and Rust — offering new and re-purposed treasures. In addition, other established businesses have celebrated milestones, and the Liberty Theatre recently signed a five year lease on its building, and installed state-of-the-art digital equipment. Camas Mayor Scott Higgins, who has attended many of these events, remarked that it’s a great time for the downtown area. This activities have all taken place against the quaint, small-town backdrop that is downtown Camas. It’s “main street”—Northeast Fourth Avenue, is lined with a canopy of trees. Hanging flower baskets and planter boxes are spread out among a popular fountain, benches, tables and artwork including a bronze statue and decorative bicycle racks. A strong proponent for downtown Camas has been the Downtown Camas Association. Established a dozen years ago, the organization is thriving. It’s part-time paid staff is kept busy organizing monthly First Friday events, in addition to working to support local small businesses and secure investment in the downtown area. For more information about downtown Camas, visit www.downtowncamas.com. Downtown Washougal—Step by Step Downtown Washougal, featuring most prominently a community gathering spot in Reflection Plaza, the Pendleton Woolen Mills, and the Washougal Town Square development, has spent the past decade slowly growing and changing. Popular attractions include Amnesia Brewing, which opened its restaurant and brewery earlier this year, Hearth woodfire oven bistro, Our Bar, glo beauty lounge, and lou lous clothing. And the classic Big Foot Inn. Among the most significant financial investments have come from Wes Hickey, owner of Lone Wolf Development, which built Washougal Twon Square and 1887 Main. Lone Wolf Development also owns the building at the 1800 block of Main St., which houses the renovated Washougal True Value Hardware store and Amnesia Brewing. "We're slowly seeing seeds start to sprout from the work we're doing in Washougal," Hickey recently told the Post-Record. "We're seeing it come to fruition." Hickey was among the community leaders, politicans and citizens who attended a meeting in April to discuss the future of downtown Washougal. Creating additional parking, enhancing walkability, attracting quality businesses and establishing a nearby park were among the discussion topics. For more information about downtown Washougal, visit www.cityofwashougal.com.

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