Making Merry: Historic Camas

One of the great things about living in Portland are all the get-aways within easy driving distance of the city.

From wine country, to the Oregon Coast, to Mount Hood, to the Columbia River, to Hood River, to Sauvie Island, to Aurora, to Eastern Oregon, to southern Washington, there’s a day-trip for every mood and every fancy.
To recuperate from Thanksgiving and jump-start the Christmas spirit, we recently hopped across the Columbia River to spend the afternoon strolling historic Camas in Washington State.
The streets of Downtown Camas are lined with trees, upscale boutiques, antique shops, and eateries of all types. Established in 1883 as a mill town, Camas has been revitalized in recent years to make it a charming destination with an historic, small-town feel.
We parked on NE Birch Street and walked both sides of the four blocks along NE 4^th Avenue, flanked on either end by NE Adams Street and NE Everett Street.
Check out this walking map of historic Camas boutiques and eateries.
We weren’t expecting more than a pleasant diversion, so were surprised and delighted by the numerous eating options and wonderful antique stores and upscale boutiques.
I treated myself to a mid-century starburst broach, which I plan to wear every day from now to New Year’s.
Oh and several handmade ornaments for our favorite-five-year-old’s Christmas window display.
Aren’t they cute?
And although I didn’t splurge for new winter duds on this trip, I’m wowed by stylish Lily Atelier—my new favorite clothing store.
So of course we stayed for lunch.
And you should too, as there are several good options.
After looking around we zeroed in on Miss Nola’s Café and Nuestra Mesa.
Miss Nola’s Cafe and their Cajun Creole menu won for this day trip, but we’ll be back for Mexican fare on the next round.

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