3 minute read
Quilcene: The Pearl of the Peninsula
from Summer Fjord 2019
by Imagination
By Stella Wenstob
As you travel along the Olympic Peninsula Highway there is a little town that you can miss if you blink. Don’t blink! Perched right on the edge of the Olympic National Forest with its feet in the Hood Canal, Quilcene offers a little slice of Canal living.
Quilcene Downtown has its own laid back pace
A Stop in Quilcene
Self-taught brew master Melody Bacchus at the 101 Brewery at Twana Roadhouse has created a line-up of fresh micro-brews, that celebrates forestry in their name – most famously the Pecker Pole Ale, named for the logging spar pole.
If you’re more interested in a quick pit stop on your way to the Olympic National Forest, the Gear Head Deli has delicious automotive themed sandwiches – our editor’s favorite is the Elk Camino Burger. They also offer deli meat and cheese perfect for stocking up for on hiking provisions on your excursion up nearby Mount Walker.
Mount Walker is the only peak along the Hood Canal that has a road to its summit providing stunning views (when the weather cooperates) of Puget Sound, Mount Rainier and Seattle.
Window shopping in Quilcene is fairly limited, but there is an outdoor park-like market area with luscious gardens and a couple of permanent shops. Picket Fence Antiques curates a unique blend of antiques and hand-made giftware from the Northwest.
The Quilcene Village Store is another shopping experience with its bulk food, African basketry and organic groceries – its Quilcene’s answer to Trader Joe’s.
Worthington Mansion
Up next on any Quilcene itinerary is a tour of Worthington Mansion. Built in 1892, this newly renovated historical gem truly is a labor of love. Purchased from Eileen Worthington in 2013, the Mansion and grounds have been transformed with countless hours of volunteer effort into a multiuse park complete with the Linger Longer Outdoor Theatre and scenic walking trails along the Little Quilcene River and through the heritage orchards and gardens.
The Worthington Mansion is available for event rentals as well as hosting some great upcoming events. As a beautiful venue for business events or weddings and parties, Worthington Mansion is currently securing permitting to allow boutique overnight stays.
Linger Longer Outdoor Theatre
Quilcene Museum
As well the Quilcene Museum is located on the grounds, offering multi-faceted displays of Quilcene’s early pioneers and native Twana heritage. The museum is open Friday -Monday,1:00 -5:00 PM through September. quilcenemuseum.org
Worthington Family and the Kenworth Connection
The illustrious Worthington family were a fixture in the Quilcene community supporting historical projects and forestry.
Kenworth heavy trucks and mammoth logs in Tacoma Parade © worthingtonparkquilcene.org
Edgar K. Worthington (who was raised in Worthington Mansion) was the “Worth” half in the partnership with H. W. Kent in Seattle as the creators of Kenworth trucks. Kenworth was the first automobile company to use diesel engines (in 1933) and produced heavy-duty work horse trucks that are one of the most prized brands in the logging industry.
Whether you just drive through Quilceneand only have time for a quick and decadent white ghirardelli chocolate Quilcene Queen from the Quil Bean Espresso, or you have time to linger longer and soak up Quilcene’s rich history at the Quilcene Museum– Quilcene is not to be missed.
Upcoming Quilcene Events:
Annual Wine and Brew Tasting
– August - Regional vineyards, distilleries and breweries featured at a scenic location by the Linger Longer stage and Worthington Park pond. Proceeds go to the Quilcene Historical Museum.
(canceled in 2020 due to Covid)
Quilcene Festival Weekend
September 14-15 Saturday will feature parade, fair, car show, exhibit hall, food vendors and live music at the Quilcene School and Linger Longer Outdoor Theatre. Sunday will feature the Oyster Races Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and Kids’ Sprint – plus tours of the Worthington House, food vendors and live music. (canceled in 2020 due to Covid)
