Port Townsend is a picturesque seaside town situated only 60 miles away from Seattle. Located between the waters of the Puget Sound and the snow-capped peaks of the Olympic Peninsula, Port Townsend is one of three National Historic Seaports in the U.S. Not only is the town home to a storied Victorian and maritime past, but it’s also plotting a course into the future with innovations in the maritime trade community. Find out why a visit to Port Townsend this fall could be a perfect getaway.
Sketching and Watercolor Workshop
If you’d like to stretch your artistic muscles, join artists and naturalists from the Port Townsend Marine Science Center on September 25. Learn something new at a sketching and watercolor workshop inspired by the natural world. Come to Pope Marine Park downtown. Each guest will be provided with a handmade art kit, consisting of pencil, paper, a watercolor palette and a brush. Enjoy 45 minutes of guided looking and sketching. Then finish with 15 minutes of independent sketching or painting. Guests are encouraged to continue after the 1-hour workshop concludes. Plus, take advantage of all day, complimentary admission to the Jefferson Museum of Art & History and the Port Townsend Marine Science Center.
Port Townsend offers so many other fun vacation options!
Walking, Hiking and Cycling
A visit to Port Townsend isn’t complete without exploring one of the many hiking trails emanating from downtown. This fall, grab a coffee in town before hitting the Larry Scott Memorial Trail; a multi-modal trail, it is also the starting point of the Olympic Discovery Trail. Explore local indigenous history either on foot, bike or by car on the číčməhán Trail. It features 3, 6 and 12 mile socially distant options that explore sites of historical significance to the S’Klallam tribe in Port Townsend. It’s not necessary to follow the structured mileage portions of the trail. Pick and choose the length you are comfortable with as well as the historic sites you wish to view. Portions of the trail are on accessible sidewalks and are near parking locations.
You can also explore the trails of Fort Worden Historical State Park just north of town. Adventure through bunkers while walking through history and take in a gorgeous view of the surrounding area.
Raise a Glass!
After a long day of exploring the city this fall, relax and grab a drink at either of Port Townsend Vineyards’ gorgeous locations. For a more land-based sip experience, stop by the winery tasting room for wine and snacks from their fabulous small plates menu. If you’d like your wine with a view, stop by Vintage by Port Townsend Vineyards and enjoy your wine with a view of Port Townsend Bay.
If brews are your beverage of choice, stop by Pourhouse and get lost in their glass-doored refrigerators stocked with bottles upon bottles of local brews. For the best seat in (or out) of the house, head onto the back patio which is located right on the water with plenty of picnic tables and chairs, not to mention a dance patio for music nights.
Port Townsend is the perfect getaway for a weekend, but with its many activities and local flavor, it is also an ideal location for a longer escape. Explore lodging options in and around the city on our Lodging page. And check out EnjoyPT.com to see what else the city has to offer!
Cover photo by Ashley Courter
