Shop Local for the Holidays on Hood Canal

Each community on the shores of the fjord and the inner inlets of Puget Sound has a unique personality. We invite you to take some time get to know each town – shop, stay, dine and support the local businesses.

Brinnon

BRINNON is located on the Hood Canal waterfront. Here you will find food and shops. Be sure to stop in and visit the seven acres of heritage plants at Whitney Gardens and check out their retail store open year round. This is a great opportunity to find that elusive heritage plant for the gardener on your list. After your garden walk, stop in at the Halfway House Espresso & Gifts in Brinnon. This quaint diner offers fun shopping right next to their home style restaurant – remember to try the homemade pie! South of Brinnon stop in at the Geoduck Tavern for some great views of the Canal and tidelands.

Quilcene

Inland from the Hood Canal, is a friendly community of around 600 people. Here you will find a selection of stores and restaurants. Stop by the one of the antique shops to pick up some wellloved treasures. The Picket Fence features handmade and one-of-a-kind gifts in a country setting. Beautiful sewn creations, gifts for baby, pets, gardeners, food lovers and much more. Quilcene Village Store offers more than just gas and snacks – stop in for all kinds of gifts, beer and wine, and gourmet items that far surpass standard gas station fare.

Lilliwaup

LilliwaupLILLIWAUP is located at the mouth of Lilliwaup Creek. Highway 101 passes through the small town. The small shop makes a great break for Olympic Mountain ice cream. Down the road at Hama Hama Oyster Farm, check out their retail store for some great gift ideas. Cookbooks, specialty foods, soaps, trinkets, logo shirts and hoodies in every size – you will find something for everyone on your list. As a special treat for out of town friends and family , Hama Hama offers direct shipping of their products. Beautifully wrapped for the season, clams, and oysters can arrive overnight across the country! Visit hamahama.com for inspiration.

Hama Hama's retail store hasa fantastic selection of gifts for everyone on your list!

Hoodsport

HOODSPORT is a great place to find unique Christmas gifts. Hoodsport n'Dive hosts a variety of items for the divers from masks and accessories to full certifications. The Octopus Gallery carries a beautiful selection of silver and gold jewelry at all price ranges. Owned & operated by Lucy & Tim, who are both goldsmiths, much of the jewelry is made on-site, along with some items produced by local artists. Lucy’s mother makes collectible watercolors that are copied onto cards, keychains, clothing, mugs, and more. Stop by the Hardware Distillery to sample their "fjord spirits" and pick up a few gnomes with wax hats (below) – starting at just $15, these make great stocking stuffers!

Hardware Distillery gnomes

Potlatch

POTLATCH is located on the western shore of the Hood Canal, near the mouth of the Skokomish River. Potlatch State Park is year round camping park with 5,700-feet of saltwater shoreline. Climb the hill to Peterson's Gallery and check out the native art carvings, prints and paintings. Reasonably-priced, the artwork would be a gift welcome by anyone on your list.

Union

UNION is renowned as an artists’ haven. With a range of lodging options – from quaint cottages to inclusive resorts, the area was recognized as the “Prettiest Town in America.” Stop by the Union City Market for local produce and wonderful gift ideas, many of them artistic creations you will find not anywhere else! Across the street visit the Union County Store and shop the pop-up clothing selection and handmade jewelry from local artists. Down the road, Cameo Boutique carries a great selection of wines wines as well as “Hood Canal” handpainted tableware. Recently Cameo started to carry a signature Hood Canal label wine that feature George Stenberg's photography.

Hoodsport label wine with Stenberg's images

Allyn

ALLYN, located in the protected waters of the South Sound, is famous for kayaking and boating on Case Inlet. Stop in for a selection of restaurants and shops. Don't miss the surprisingly wonnderful chainsaw carving retail outlet, Bear in the Box. Next door is a great little wine shop and down the road visit the specialty wool shop.

Bear In the Box -- One of a Kind wood pieces

Belfair

BELFAIR is nestled in the tip of Hood Canal. Belfair hosts local and chain stores and restaurants along with major grocery stores and many small local shops. A great place to pick up a cherished gift is at the Mosquito Fleet Winery. Stop by the Bent Bine Brewery for a tour and to take a few samples home.

Shelton

SHELTON is the westernmost city on Puget Sound. Here you will find a selection of great shops downtown. The main shopping area is located on Railroad Avenue, in the classic timber town core. Here you will find a selection of gift shops, antique stores, jewelry stores as well as a well stocked bookstore, Brilliant Moon, that carries a selection of natural handmade goods as well as freshly blended teas. Stop by Lynch Creek Floral for a beautiful array of gifts including furniture, chocolates and flowers.

A favorite spot is the Treasures Thrift and Book Shops. Here you are sure to find a one of a kind unique item or sought after out of print volume. Head down the road to visit the Mason County Historical Museum to view the exhibits as well as shop from a selection of local books. It's amazing how rich the history of Mason County is and the volunteers at the facility are always happy to show guests around.

On Cota Street stop by the Cota Street Antiques and check out the antique English furniture. Some of the pieces are slightly well used but if you like quality unique pieces this could the place to go. My favorite are the beautiful stain glass windows that the shop owner salvaged from buildings dismantled in England and shipped to his shop in Shelton. Priced from $25 – 45, each one of these is a work of art to begin a new life in your next project.

Kids XtraTuf boots at Toziers

Have a difficult person to buy for? Try Tozier Brothers on Mill Street. From bee balm handc ream to bird feeders, boots, and backhoes – there is something for every stocking at this store – including the stockings.