Couve Scoop October 2026

Toasted S’mores Bar Opens in Vancouver 

Toasted S’mores Bar, the Portland dessert destination known for its handcrafted artisan s’mores and seasonal hot chocolate creations, is now open in downtown Vancouver, located at 1813 Main St. 

“We’ve admired what has been happening in downtown Vancouver for a while now,” said CEO and co-founder Russell Sneddon. “It’s become a place where people gather, where small businesses thrive and where community matters. We’re excited to become part of that story by bringing Toasted to the community and creating a place where friends, families and visitors can gather over an unforgettable dessert experience.” 

Every s’more is handcrafted to order using artisan marshmallows, premium chocolate and cinnamon graham crackers made exclusively for Toasted by Portland’s Dos Hermanos Bakery. 

Signature flavors including Car Camping, Mom’s Caramel and Berry Patch are joined throughout the year by limited-time seasonal offerings, so there’s always something new to try. They currently have six seasonal creations including Green Thumb, which features a pistachio spread, and Secret Garden, which has sesame spread and strawberry drizzle.  

Toasted S’mores Bar makes sure everyone can join in on the fun with vegan and gluten-free s’more options available. 

Beyond s’mores, Toasted offers different types of hot chocolate, with rotating seasonal drink menus that evolve throughout the year. This summer, the company introduced its new Frozen Hot Chocolates, available in both traditional and vegan varieties. 

If your family would rather do the roasting at home, s’mores kits are available to take with you. Grab the kids and bring your sweet tooth.  Learn more about their hours and offerings at toastedsmoresbar.com. 

Dine the Couve Returns This October 

October is a great time to get out and explore Vancouver’s local food scene as Dine the Couve returns. Presented by Visit Vancouver WA, the annual dining month celebration invites locals to discover restaurants throughout the area with special three-for-$35 and/or three-for-$50 dining offers. 

Some of the restaurants participating this year are Creekside BBQ, Grains of Wrath, Grassa, Rally Pizza, Sri Thai Cuisine, Waterfront Taphouse and more.  

The monthlong event gives diners an opportunity to try something new or revisit a local favorite while enjoying a special menu created specifically for Dine the Couve. Participating restaurants can put their own spin on the offer, with options that may include a traditional three-course meal featuring an appetizer, entrée and dessert, as well as combinations of small plates, craft beverages and shareable dishes. Their website dinethecouve.com has a helpful interactive map where diners can search for restaurants close to them and by price point.  

One of the easiest ways to keep track of the participating restaurants and their special menus is through the free, mobile-friendly Dine the Couve pass. The pass puts participating restaurants and their offers in one place, making it easy to plan a month of dining adventures around Clark County. Diners can also use the pass to participate in a check-in challenge. 

There’s an incentive to make more than one stop, as well. Each restaurant’s check-in is worth 100 points, and diners can redeem 300 points for an entry into a prize drawing. Three winners will be selected to receive a $100 gift card to the participating restaurant of their choice. 

The 2026 participating restaurants and their Dine the Couve menus are listed on the official website, dinethecouve.com.  

NW Furniture Bank Expands to Serve More Local Families 

NW Furniture Bank is now open in its new Vancouver facility at 14000 SE Sixth St., giving the organization more space and capacity to help families throughout Clark County. NW Furniture Bank provides essential home furnishings to individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness and other life-disrupting circumstances.  

The new building significantly expands the organization’s warehouse space, allowing more furniture to be collected, processed and distributed to households in need. 

For families starting over, having access to essential furnishings can help turn an empty space into a safe and stable home. NW Furniture Bank says access to furniture is more than a matter of comfort, and it can support long-term housing stability and community wellness. 

“This new building represents a commitment to the long-term well-being of our community,” said Haley Haines, development director of NW Furniture Bank. “With increased capacity, we can reach more families, strengthen partnerships with local service organizations and ensure that no one has to rebuild their life without the basic comforts of home.” 

Community members can support the organization by volunteering or making donations, both financial and through goods. 

Volunteers help with tasks such as sorting houseware, shopping with clients and supporting daily warehouse operations. Donations help NW Furniture Bank meet the growing need for essential furnishings. 

To learn more about NW Furniture Bank, volunteer opportunities or how to donate, visit nwfurniturebank.org. 

Read the October 2026 Issue