Who said you had to leave your favorite town to go on vacation?
Now you don’t! Here are some day plans for anyone who wants to have fun, relax, or hang out with friends in the comfort of a small town.
Check out our Community Events Calendar for fun events you can incorporate to your day-cation.
For Families
Ridgefield offers many options to get the kids out of the house and enjoy quality family time together!
- Start the morning with a quick breakfast at Old Liberty Theater. Old Liberty Theater has an array of pastries, bagels and offers a breakfast sandwich. If it’s a Saturday between June and the first weekend in October, visit the Farmers Market at Overlook Park to buy unique goods and fresh produce. The Bakerchic’s booth offers tasty pastries and breads.
- On the first Saturday of each month Ridgefield holds themed family-friendly events in downtown. Activities may include crafts and activities, scavenger hunts, games and sports. Check out our upcoming First Saturday events here.
ACTIVITIES
- One great family activity is to go to a Ridgefield Raptors game together! The Raptors play June through early August at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex.
- Head down to the waterfront, and take a walk along the waterfront trail, an easy yet beautiful walk that’s perfect for kids. Most days, there is plenty of wind on the waterfront for kite flying. Bring field games like volleyball or soccer for the family to play together!
- Enjoy a picnic lunch on the waterfront or at Davis Park. Center Market has a hot case loaded with quick lunch items or stop by Carts by the Park to order a tasty lunch from Little Conejo, Sugars Barbecue, Little Canteen, or Sushi Kato.
- On Tuesdays, starting in June, the Battle Ground Parks and Recreation Program will offer their Playground Program at noon in Davis Park. Check the Community Events Calendar for more information.
- For an afternoon treat, pick up some ice cream or a smoothie from Season’s Coffee.
- If Fido is along on the family daycation, visit the Ridgefield Off Leash Dog Park. Located near Hillhurst and Great Blue Rd, the dog park features a fenced, off leash area where licensed dogs can run and play.
- For more family fun activity, visit Abrams Park. Abrams Park has 2 playgrounds, baseball fields, soccer fields, a walking trail and a creek. There is also the Fairgrounds Community Park near Clark County Fairgrounds. It has lots of playground equipment, 2 picnic shelters, a paved walking trail and a basketball half court.
- Another great option for the family is the Practice Range at Tri-Mountain Golf Course. Every day after 3PM, kids (under 17 years old) play free with one paid adult. Tri-Mountain Golf Course is a 10-minute drive from downtown Ridgefield. The Practice Facility offers a full driving range, practice chipping and pitching green as well as a 9-hole putting course.
- End the day with dinner at Sportsman’s Public House or El Rancho Viejo. Both are perfect for the family!
- If you are ready to head home for the night, pick up a take-and-bake pizza from Zebrun’s Starliner.
Ridgefield Foodie
Whichever excursions you choose to enjoy for your Ridgefield Day-cation you’ll want to grab a bite to eat. So check out these eateries in Ridgefield for some great meal options.
- Carts by the Park – Food Truck Lot – 219 Pioneer St. Live Music Wednesday Evenings
Little Canteen – Phone: 503-555-5555 – Sandwiches, small plates, desserts and drinks.
Little Conejo Norte – Phone: 360-718-2633 – Burritos, tacos, chips.
Sugars BBQ – BBQ, sides, and desserts.
Sushi Kato – Phone: 360-488-8752 – Rolls, bowls and burritos.
- Pioneer Street Restaurant – Address: 207 Pioneer St. Phone: 360-309-6950 – Fresh, quality, and honest food in downtown Ridgefield. They offer soups, salad, sandwiches, burgers and more.
- Season’s Coffee Teas and Remedies – Address: 115 N. Main Ave. Phone: 360-887-7620 Facebook – Located the foyer of the Old Liberty Theater they offer coffee, tea, smoothies, pastries, ice cream, bagels and other treats. Look for upcoming concerts that take place in The Old Liberty Theater on their website.
- Sportsman’s Public House – Address: 121 N. Main Ave. Phone: 360-887-3141- Sportsman’s restaurant and bar invest in quality ingredients to ensure their customers enjoy great tasting foods. They offer soups, salads, sandwiches and burgers. Dine-in or Take-out. Check for live music dates on their Facebook page.
- El Rancho Viejo – Address: 122 3rd Ave. Phone: 360-887-2263 – For more than 20 years, El Rancho Viejo has been providing fresh and consistently good food in Washington. They specialize in Mexican-American cuisine and have a wide range of food and drinks available. Dine-in or Take-out.
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Zebrun’s Starliner – Address: 320 Pioneer St. Phone: 360-887-8131 – This family owned and operated grocery store/deli known for their salads, burgers and ‘Dagwood’ sized made-to-order sandwiches. They also have some great beers and ciders on tap in their dining room. Dine-in or Take-out.
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The Birds + The Beans A Coffee Refuge – Address: 510 Pioneer St. Phone: 360-759-6300 – The Birds + The Beans A Coffee Refuge serves fresh coffee, tea, desserts, sandwiches, salads and more.
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Jubilee Tea House – Address: 321 N. 3rd Ave. Phone: 360-309-5900 – Jubilee Tea House was created as the ultimate afternoon tea destination for hosting you special celebrations or sipping your first cup of tea.
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Ridgefield Craft Brewing – Address: 120 N 3rd Ave. Phone: 360-727-3046 – RCB with their Live Music and Food Trucks is a fine craft beer brewery & taproom dedicated to creating quality craft beers and generating regional pride. Check their website for food truck dates and upcoming performances.
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Fuel Bistro + Wine – Address: 109 S 65th Ave Ste 108. Phone: 360-727-3759 – High quality specials and homemade meals, paired with your choice of drink. Great for an elegant or relaxed occasion.
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Taps Beer Reserve – Address: 201 S 47th Ave. Phone: 360-727-3952 – Enjoy over 50 taps and a delicious tap house food menu. Eat indoors or outdoors and enjoy a fun atmosphere, served by great people.
Look Out For Food Trucks
- Steakburger On The Go – Several Locations throughout the week. Phone: 360-989-5081
- R Street Bites – Stationed at 3Peaks Public House Tuesday-Saturday 11AM-7PM. Address: 24415 NE 10th Ave. Phone: 360-857-9454
- The Hummingbird Confectionary – Check for Pop-up Sales. Phone: 360-218-4804
- Normita’s Mexican Cuisine – Stationed at 3Peaks Public House, most Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Address: 24415 NE 10th Ave. Phone: 360-900-1582
- Smak Dab’s Gourmet Burgers – Check for Pop-up Sales. Phone: 503-489-7194
Winery-hopping
Ridgefield has beautiful wineries throughout and around the city. If you love wine, go winery-hopping!
On the weekend, head out to the various wineries in and around Ridgefield. Enjoy the natural beauty and bounty of the place you live.
- Windy Hills Winery – 1346 S 38th Ct, Ridgefield, WA 98642
3 miles from Downtown, about an 8-minute drive.
Once known as the Windy Hills Christmas Tree Farm,they create a year-round setting for people to gather from near and far. Windy Hills’ bright, rustic tasting room is open Friday through Sunday and offers outdoor seating during the summer. Check out their Facebook page for events live music, yoga, art, and other events. - Stavalaura Vineyards and Winery – 29503 NW 41st Ave, Ridgefield, WA 98642
3 miles from Windy Hills Winery, about a 7-minute drive.
The first Pinot Noir vines were planted in 2003 by the owner and winemaker, Joe Leadingham, and his daughter, Laura, for her high school horticulture project. The vines produced such delicious fruit that Joe was inspired to plant more vines on the family land. Joe named the winery after his three granddaughters, Stacy, Valerie, and Laura. The vineyard currently produces three wines: Pinot Noir, Zweigelt, and Golubok. The Tasting Room is open Saturdays and Sundays Noon-5PM. - Gougér Cellars – 26506 NE 10th Ave, Ridgefield, WA 98642
4 miles from Stavalaura, about a 9 minute drive.
Gougér Cellars Winery serves exceptional wines & food in a firehouse with patio & rooftop seating. Tasting Room Hours vary, check their website for hours. Gougér offers a wide variety of red, a Sparkling Rose, and Chardonnay. - Bethany Vineyard Winery – 4115 NE 259th St, Ridgefield, WA 98642
2 miles from Gougér Cellars, about a 3 minute drive.
Take in the scenery and relax while you enjoy wines of distinct flavor and character. Bethany Vineyards has a beautiful, laid back lakeside patio for enjoying your wine selections. The Tasting Room is open Friday and Saturday from 12-6, and Sunday 12-5. Check out their Facebook page for special events. - 14 Acres Vineyard & Winery – 2411 NE 244th St, Ridgefield, WA 98642
2 miles from Bethany Vineyard, about a 4 minute drive.
14 Acres Vineyard & Winery is dedicated to providing handcrafted wines with a friendly atmosphere. Their limited production of award-winning wines are produced from handpicked grapes on picturesque estate vineyards. Check their Facebook page or website for more information.
Then, wrap up your night by going to see a show at the Old Liberty Theater, located at 115 N Main Ave. It is a historic landmark that was built in 1946 by Red and Sue Hicks in memory of their son, Frank, who was killed in an accident during WWII. Now serving as a coffee shop and theater, they showcase artists from around the world! Check out their schedule here for shows.
***Tip: Try out one new winery every Friday or Saturday to save money and have a fun experience at the end of the work week.
Please drink responsibly and have a designated driver.
Brewery-Jumping
Ridgefield has seen some fun, unique breweries and taprooms popping up lately!
- Ridgefield Craft Brewing Co. – 120 N 3rd Ave, Ridgefield, WA 98642
Downtown Ridgefield.
Ridgefield Craft Brewing is the only brewery in downtown Ridgefield. They offer a variety of craft beers, as well as ciders and wine. Check their schedule for Trivia Night, Open Mic, Live Music and Special Event Nights. You can order food from El Rancho Viejo to be brought to your table. Ridgefield Craft Brewing is strictly 21+, and has an excellent outdoor patio seating area. - Zebrun’s Starliner Taproom – 320 Pioneer St, Ridgefield, WA 98642
Downtown Ridgefield
Zebrun’s Starliner is a locally owned and operated grocery/deli with an attached taproom and cafe. With 15 rotating taps, Zebrun’s serves local, craft brews and fills growlers. Stop in for a pint and a sandwich while you are in downtown. - Taps Beer Reserve – 201 S 47th Ave, Suite 123
2 miles from Downtown Ridgefield
Taps Beer Reserve is a locally owned tap house. It is the second Taps location (the other in East Vancouver) and offers beer, cider, wine, and food. Outdoor patio seating is available. - 3Peaks Public House and Taproom – 24415 Ne 10th Ave, Ridgefield, WA 98642
5 miles from Downtown Ridgefield, about an 11 minute drive.
3Peaks is a taproom that provides local, hand crafted beers on tap with a great atmosphere. During the summer, the enclosed lawn area offers a great space for families to relax and enjoy themselves. You can order food in house from neighboring Pacific Northwest Best Fish Co. or Papa Joes BBQ. 3Peaks has a summer concert series and events and specials throughout the year.
Please drink responsibly and have a designated driver.
For the History and Art Loving Foodie
For those who love food, there are great locations around town to test out your taste buds, so make a day out of it!
- Start your day off with a cup of coffee from Lava Java. It is located just 7 minutes away from downtown at the junction. They serve hand-crafted boutique coffees from around the world. These specialty coffees are roasted fresh and locally by Stumptown coffee Roasters.
- After getting coffee, head to downtown Ridgefield for the 1.1 mile self guided Historic Walking Tour. Downtown Ridgefield is home to many historical sites, including homes, churches, theaters, and banks.
The self-guided tour begins at Ridgefield Hardware Store (which was constructed by the Independent Order of Oddfellows in 1914) and ends at Historic Lindley Meeker House. - After the tour, pick up some food for a lunch picnic at Zebrun’s Starliner, a family owned and operated grocery store/deli that has served the community for over five decades and is known for their ‘Dagwood’ sized made-to-order sandwiches.
- After getting lunch, you can take another walk around the Downtown Arts Quarter to check out all the amazing art work local artists have put up. Download the Distrx app to learn more about artwork around town.
- Visit the Ridgefield Mercantile, located at the corner of 5th and Pioneer. The Mercantile offers visitors a unique retail experience of curated vintage booths featuring timeless treasures and local products.
- The Ridgefield Community Library displays a wonderful array of original artwork by local artists. New artwork rotates in every other month. The exterior windows in the Library display iconic images of historic Ridgefield.
If it’s March, you can check out, Youth Arts Month, a partnership between Ridgefield School District and the Ridgefield Art Association, that encourages young people to take part in artistic endeavors including literary, visual, musical, and performing arts. Visit the website for a complete calendar of events.
End your day with dinner at Sportsman’s Public House. They offer Burgers, Steak, Sandwiches, Soups, Salads, Cocktails and Beer.
***Tip: To save money, eat out once a week instead of all in one day. You’ll also have something to look forward to each week!
Spa-Day
Treat yourself and relax…without going far away!
- Start off your spa-day with a coffee and a handmade bakery treat, breakfast burrito or croissant from The Birds and the Beans Coffee Refuge located in the lobby of the Ridgefield Administrative and Civic Center, 510 Pioneer St.
- Ridgefield offers a variety of hairdressing salons you can choose from:
- Main Street Studio is located right across the street from Season’s Coffee Shop. They offer men and women haircuts, colors and massages!
- Mirror Salon is an 8-minute drive from the downtown area to the junction and they offer men and women haircuts & color, Brazilian blowouts, skin, eyelash, facials, and waxing services.
- Living Waters Hair Salon across from Overlook Park specializes in cuts and color.
- For nail care, visit Emmy’s Nails and Spa. It is located off Main Ave next to Bunnie’s Pizza. They provide relaxing manicure, pedicure, facial and waxing services.
- If you really want to treat yourself, schedule a massage at one of Ridgefield’s multiple massage studios:
- Main Street Studio: located on Main Ave offers massage services in addition to hair care.
- Ridgefield Chiropractic and Massage: Here, you can get a Chiropractic doctor to care for any pain you may have; including back pain, neck pain, and headaches. You can also go in for a massage, where they do a full-body session that will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck and shoulders.
- Sage Organics: Laurie Lanza is a licensed esthetician and massage therapist. She is passionate about wellness. Her primary product line is Eminence Organics, a triple certified organic facial line from Hungary. She also carries PCA SKIN products for those who desire chemical peels.
***Tip: you can make this a fun day for any celebration, like a birthday, or a just a day with friends!
Nature Lover
If you love the outdoors then this day-cation is for you!
- Begin the day with a kayak, boat, or SUP adventure on Lake River! Kayaks and SUP boards can be rented from Alder Creek/Ridgefield Kayak, located at the Ridgefield Marina off Mill Street. If you have your own boat, you can launch motorized boats at the Ridgefield Public Boat Launch at the end of Mill St or launch non-motorized boats at the kayak launch located at the end of Division St.
- Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge has approximately 200 bird species that have been observed on the Refuge. As you are paddling your way around, can you spot the different bird species?
- For a more extensive water tour, take your boat on Lake River and follow this extensive sightseeing guide for more information about the birds, wildlife and history of the area!
- Up for a challenge? Download the Geocaching app and discover hidden treasures around Ridgefield! Geochaching is a location-based treasure hunt. Use the app to pick a cache, go to the location and read the hints to find a hidden container. There are several caches around Ridgefield. See how many you can find!
- Afterward, pick up some lunch from the Center Market, right on the corner of Pioneer St and Main Ave, locally known as the corner store. They carry a wide variety of products including grocery items, produce, candy, snacks, household items, and delicious deli food. Take your lunch for an outdoor picnic:
- Stroll across Main Avenue to Overlook Park to enjoy lunch with an expansive view of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Seating is available at two picnic tables, two benches, or sit on the stage. If you visit on a Wednesday in the summer enjoy free live music as part of “Musicians in the Park” from noon to 1:30.
- Meander one block south on Main Avenue to Eagle View Park for a unique view of Lake River houseboats and the Refuge. There are picnic tables and benches in the park.
- Walk 3 blocks north to Davis Park on Main Ave and eat at one of the picnic tables or in the grass field. Kids can take a break and play on the play structure.
- Take your food to Lake River waterfront and enjoy a nice picnic beside the water. You can even jump in for a swim, or fly a kite!
- After lunch, visit the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge offers you a few options to explore the outdoors:
1) Oaks to Wetlands Trail, Open Year-round, daily
The Oaks to Wetlands trail is located on the Carty Unit of the Refuge. The trail has several internal loops and offers hiking distances of less than a mile to over 2 miles. The Cathlapotle Plankhouse may be viewed from this trail.
2) Kiwa Trail, Seasonal Closure
A 1.5-mile loop with wildlife as the star attraction. Experienced birders can identify 40 to 50 species in a single morning. Check for closures on the refuge website.
3) Carty Lake Trail, Open May 1 – Sept 30
The Carty Lake Trail entrance is located at the Port of Ridgefield. The trail system offers Port visitors a free path to the Lake River overlook. Beyond there, visitors can go on the fee-entry seasonal trail to the Cathlapotle Plankhouse, the Oaks to Wetlands Trail System and Refuge Office. Visitors can connect back to town by exiting the refuge at Main Avenue and walking along the newly improved pedestrian path for a 5-mile loop trail system through the Refuge, City and Port.
4) Auto Tour, Saturdays only through July 2020, daylight hours
This four mile loop gives visitors of all physical abilities the chance to see many habitats and wildlife up close in any season as you use your vehicle as a viewing blind.
Please note: Refuge Trails are a fee area and no dogs are allowed.
End your day at El Rancho Viejo, a Mexican Restaurant. Located on 3rd Ave in the former home of the Reflector Newspaper! For after dinner drinks, travel next door to Ridgefield Craft Brewing. This is the only brewery in downtown Ridgefield. Ridgefield Craft Brewing is strictly 21+, and patrons can sit inside or outside on the expansive patio area.
Wanting to stay an extra day? Make reservations ahead of time at The Olde Library Inn. The Olde Library Inn offers cozy private apartment style suites right on Main Avenue. Everything outdoors the Pacific Northwest has to offer is found just a few minutes away from the inn.
***Tip: Bring a friend who loves nature as much as you do, or a date!
For Teens
Bring your friends along for a fun day together!
- Start the day off grabbing some friends and heading down to the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. There, you can sign up for a GeoAdventure. The GeoAdventure allows participants to explore a Refuge trail playing the role of a biologist, geologist, or archeologist. Each participant is presented a small bag filled with mysterious objects including printed materials, natural objects, clues, and a journal. You may need an adult with you to check out the equipment.
- After lunch, browse the local shops to find some unique knickknacks! The Ridgefield Mercantile and the Ridgefield Hardware Store always have something of interest. If its a Saturday, make sure to check out the Farmers Market (Saturdays June-October) to see what the vendors are selling.
- After shopping, stop by the Season’s Coffee for an ice cream cone or smoothie. Walk to the Community Skate Park for some skating while you enjoy your refreshments.
- Head down to Abrams Park to play soccer, a round of disc golf, or navigate the permanent orienteering course. The Abrams Park Disc Golf course is located in the trees behind the north playground. Check out the map of the course to stay on track. (Printable map available here). Click here to learn more about the Abrams Park Permanent Orienteering Course.
- You can also visit the Ridgefield Community Library. The Library is on Main Ave, they have an area just for teens and offer various teen events.
