Port Townsend Suggestions
 

Hi there -

My mother, sister, and I are spending two days in Port Townsend this weekend - arriving Saturday morning, leaving Sunday afternoon.

Besides walking around downtown, any great things we should check out? We'd love to find a wine tasting, some kind of casual spa thing (not super fancy, just a steam room type place, like a japanese bathhouse), live music Saturday night, or other great things recent travelers/locals have come across. Restaurant suggestions are also appreciated!

We would also like to get afternoon tea on Sunday before we leave - figured a Victorian town should have plenty of options. Any suggestions?

Thanks so much!
Kristina

We really enjoy walking around the lighthouse and Fort Worden. If you go to the very top, up above the bunkers, at Fort Worden there are amazing views. The small beach area around the lighthouse is nice too.

In town, the Tyler Street Coffee House is where we usually head in the mornings. I am not a tea drinker, so can't comment on that, but the place is usually packed.

For wine, the Wine Seller is good and has a huge selection including some fun local stuff.

Great suggestions from mms!

It loks like there is lots of live music from which to choose:

http://www.ptguide.com/

You don't state your starting place. However, if it the east side of Puget Sound, I suggest you take the ferry from Edmonds to Kingston. Then, on your way to PT, you will pass through the charming town of Port Gamble.

If the weather is fine, I suggest you return via Highway 101, which provides a very scenic drive along Hood Canal--even more beautiful when the leaves are changing color.

HTTY

kristinanoel,

A friend and I visited Port Townsend last summer as part of our PNW trip.

We just loved the town, especially the wonderfully unique shops and art galleries. Stayed 2 nts at Holly Hill House a lovely B&B with killer breakfasts. Had two dinners, one at Fin's which was very good and one at T's which was incredible, reservations needed.

Thanks to recommendations from some of the Fodorites above, we had a great visit. Saturday Farmer's Market was very good too.

Lots of charming photo ops, plus deer tend to stroll down the streets.

Have fun!

Thanks - these are great suggestions.

We'll be driving up from Seattle, so probably won't get to do the lovely ferry idea, but the lighthouse walk and the wine seller both look great!

Final question/request - any cooking schoools/classes in PT? I had an amazing time at a cooking class last night, and it would be the perfect activity for us!

Thanks again,
Kristina

Let us know how you drive from Seattle to Port Townsend without using a ferry (no fair saying you would go via Tacoma).

If you find a "steam room type place, like a japanese bathhouse" I'd love to hear about it. I'm in Seattle and that would make a fun destination for a Port Townsend overnight.

Have a meal at the Fountain Cafe on Washington Street, then head over to the Rose Theatre for a movie.

I took my 82-yr-old Mom there for a week this past Mother's Day, and we had the BEST time. It's a shame you're not staying longer. Given Mom's age, our trip was pretty sedate. But be prepared for the long drive from Seattle to PT; you may not have as much time in PT as you'd like (Mom and I drove, too). We ate often at Bayview and watched the clams spitting their water streams in the air. 123 Thai had great food (don't be turned off by its small locale). Ichikawa had delicious sushi. Lighthouse Cafe was just ok. Blue Moose Cafe is a breakfast must, but be prepared to eat like a lumberjack and/or wait for a table. It's worth it!

Fort Worden is a great locale, as is the drive to Olympic National Park on Hurricane Ridge. Please also check out EnjoyPT.com before you go, or stop at the Visitor Center in town when you get there. The staff is extremely helpful.

I'm jealous ;) Have a great time!

Port Townsend is one of our very favorite places in the whole world. We go whenever we can as there is always something to do there and even if there is not a special event...it is a charming town to browse. Our favorite place to stay is The James House. It has a great view, is within walking distance of everything, and is the breakfast is the fabulous!
Our favorite place to eat is The Fountain Cafe and we just love to go to The Rose Theater. Even if we have seen the movie before....we still go just for the popcorn.