port townsend

Small town with old world authenticity

VICTORIAN FLAIR AND RED BRICK BUILDINGS

SDOWNTOWN ON THE WATERFRONT make Port Townsend a rare combination of the Pacific Northwest lifestyle and old world flair.

This port town on the eastern edge of the Olympic Peninsula once aspired to be a regional center on the level of Seattle or Vancouver and for good reason – in 1887, it was Puget Sound’s sole U.S. Customs port of entry. Those big city dreams never materialized – poorly timed recessions stopped the railroad from reaching Port Townsend, the town wilted in the early 1900s.

Today, Port Townsend’s renaissance is fully accomplished and its mention evokes wooden boats, historic buildings, music, art and proximity to nature.

A bluff on one side and Port Townsend Bay on the other hem in Port Townsend’s remarkable downtown district. Its architecture is a visual feast, with abundant 19th and early 20th century buildings that landed the entire downtown district on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. Two- and three-story Victorians with high-arched windows

and elaborate trim play host to restaurants, independent bookstores, music venues and much more.

The downtown is fit for a day or weekend of exploring, with shops to see by day and music and entertainment by night. Downtown Port Townsend also hosts a busy schedule of summer festivals – one such can’t-miss event is The Northwest Maritime Center’s annual Wooden Boat Festival, held this year September 9–11.

This inspiring and educational festival will feature more than 300 boats – tall ships, modern wooden boats, racing schooners and more – as well as presentations, exhibitors, live music, and delicious food, beer and wine.

After dining on local shellfish, stroll through downtown and past the end of Water Street to

PHOTO BY JESSICA RENNER

SUSHI BAR

Sushi, Rolls, Donburi Bowls, Bento & Sakes Reservations Recommended 1208 Water Street • Port Townsend 360-379-4000

The Small Town Wine Shop with the Big City Selection

Offering a Great Selection in:

Wine ~ Beer ~ Champagne ~ Ciders Cheeses ~ Chocolates ~ Cigars Unique Gifts

The ®

Open 7 Days a Week

www.PTwineSeller.com

Est. 1982 1010 Water Street • (360) 385-7673

In Historic Downtown Port Townsend

PORT TOWNSEND

Size: 7.4 square miles Water access: Pope Marine Park Coming soon: JUMP (Jefferson Universal Movement Playground) the public pedestrian pier at the eastern end of town. Visitors will find pockets of natural beach and the Northwest Maritime Center, which is a hub for marine craftspeople in the area. Here, visitors can see kayaks being built, wooden boats under repair, and sail makers plying their trade. Don’t miss the trail along the beach, which starts at the end of Hudson Street and looks out toward Mt. Baker and

the Cascades.

Some unfortunate tourists don’t make it to the area called “Uptown.” Venture north from Water Street a few blocks to the top of the hill and you’ll find another lively retail district with a bakery, pub and a few restaurants, as well as the Port Townsend Farmers Market (p. 40).

Port Townsend is easily visited without a car by walking onto the Coupeville Ferry from Whidbey Island. However, a car allows easy access to nearby Fort Worden and Fort Townsend Historical State Parks. Both forts were constructed in the mid- to late 1800s.

In addition to exploring the historic buildings and lighthouse at Fort Worden, check out the Centrum Foundation, a cultural gathering place with art and music classes, workshops, performances and much more.

Port Townsend greets tourists with glimpses into a colorful history and small-town panache.

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