A piece of Battle Ground under the tree

Battle Ground has no short of local shops for Christmas shopping and The Reflector always encourages consumers to support neighborhood businesses during the holidays before they succumb to the enticing deals and showmanship of corporate franchises.  

Taking it a step further, though, beyond just shopping local, one can buy items that were made in the city they live.

Here are three of The Reflector’s favorite Christmas 

present worthy items created in Battle Ground. 

A PAINTING BY TOM WHEELER 

Not only is this gift made in Battle Ground, it could also feature Battle Ground if you so choose.  

Tom Wheeler is an oil painter of Battle Ground who focuses on natural subjects — mostly landscapes, riverbeds, wildlife and portraits. 

He studied art and illustration at Brigham Young University and since 2000 has taught web design at the Art Institute of Portland. 

Tom has been featured in more than 20 exhibits in the area since graduating college and is a board member of The Battle Ground Art Alliance. 

To see some of Wheeler’s works in person, head to the Battle Ground library. In the back room, near the fireplace, some are on display. 

We recommend interested parties visit his website (art.wheelercreek.com) to look through his whole online gallery. Large paintings (30-40 inches) usually range from $3,000 to $5,000, and smaller paintings (12-20 inches) $1,000 to $2,000. All paintings come framed.

Where to buy a painting from Wheeler 

Wheeler can be contacted through the contact form on his website (art.wheelercreek.com) or Facebook (search “Tom Wheeler — Artist”).  

Tom currently has some originals and prints available and also does commission work. 

WHIMSY CHOCOLATE 

Opening in 2012, this daughter and mother-in-law duo, Pamela Wanous and Ann Wanous, conjure up chocolate sweets that would make Willy Wonka proud and wrap them in festive colors that would make the Grinch (pre-epiphany) cringe. 

The inspiration behind Whimsy Chocolate’s array of chocolate comes from Pamela’s memories of her aunt, who would whip up similar treats for the family when she was young. 

The two Battle Ground chocolatiers started out with a booth at local bazaars and festivals but were soon distributing throughout the entire Portland metro area. 

Wondering what to buy? Their “Large Assorted Box” ($38.99) and “Small Assorted Box”($19.99) are in a white box with a green tie — an already packaged present to slide under the tree. 

Where to buy the yummy chocolate

If you’re too busy decorating the Christmas tree to drive somewhere to buy the chocolate, visit whimsychocolates.com to place an order. Otherwise, Whimsy Chocolate can be found in a lot of different places in Clark County. Their website has a list of all the locations.

In Battle Ground, it’s sold at Emanar Cellars and Battle Ground Produce. They also cater. See their website for more information. 

Chocolates offered 

Nut Clusters

• Milk Chocolate Caramel Pecans

• Dark Chocolate Caramel Pecans

• Milk Chocolate Caramel Almonds

• Dark Chocolate Caramel Almonds

Cherries

• Milk Chocolate Covered Cherries

• Dark Chocolate Covered Cherries

• Brandied Milk Chocolate Covered Cherries

• Brandied Dark Chocolate Covered Cherries

Peanut Butter 

• Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

• Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

Caramels

• Milk Chocolate Covered Caramels

• Dark Chocolate Covered Caramels

• Salted Milk Chocolate Covered Caramels

• Salted Dark Chocolate Covered Caramels

Creams

• Milk Chocolate Orange Creams

• Milk Chocolate Coconut Creams

• Dark Chocolate Coconut Creams

• Dark Chocolate Mint Creams

• Milk Chocolate Champagne Creams

Truffles

• Salted Caramel Truffles

• Salted Caramel Mocha Truffles

• Mocha Truffles

• Milk Chocolate Ganache Filling, Covered with Milk Chocolate

• Dark Chocolate Ganache Filling, Covered with Dark Chocolate

• Raspberry Milk Chocolate Ganache Filling, Covered with Dark Chocolate

• Mint Milk Chocolate Ganache Filling, Covered with Dark Chocolate

Oreos

• Regular Oreos Covered with Dark Chocolate

• Berry Oreos Covered with Milk Chocolate

• Mint Oreos Covered with Dark Chocolate

Toffee

• Dark Covered Toffee

COLUMBIA RIVER COFFEE COMPANY 

The Columbia River Coffee Company has been roasting up beans from around the world out of Battle Ground since 1995. 

They’re featured at a number of different restaurants, coffee shops and businesses in the area, but are most well known for their steady appearance at the Vancouver Farmers Market over the years where they tout a $1 brew for the outdoor shoppers.  

Where to buy a bag of roasted coffee 

Since you can’t exactly wander down to the Vancouver Farmers Market during the winter, your best bet is visiting their website (columbiarivercoffee.com) and ordering a few bags, or swinging by Battle Ground Produce where there is a whole shelf full of different roasts. 

Roasts offered 

Staples 

• Italian Roast (dark) 

• Farmers Market Blend (medium-dark)

• Organic (medium) 

• Sumatra Blend (medium) 

• French Roast (medium) 

• Brunette (light) 

Specials 

• Decaffeinated 

• 100% Kona 

• Holiday Blend (medium) 

• Roasted Hazelnut (dry roasted)