8 Eclectic Small Towns In Washington

Visitors are often surprised by the diversity of Washington. The state is home to five active volcanoes, over 3,000 glaciers, 157 miles of Pacific Coastline, and even a resident population of orca whales! Its small towns are just as diverse, featuring Scandinavian and Bavarian-inspired villages, hot-air balloon festivals, and U-pick lavender farms. Whether it is Washington’s natural landscapes or cultural traditions that catch your eye, these eight towns shine with undeniable quirkiness.

Poulsbo

Poulsbo, nicknamed “Little Norway”, has wonderfully preserved its Scandinavian traditions and cultures. Since 1969, the town has celebrated Viking Fest every May, where attendees dress up in traditional Norwegian attire and enjoy activities like a parade, carnival, and an array of traditional food and drink. Midsommer is another one of Poulsbo’s Scandinavian traditions, which celebrates the summer solstice each June with folk dancing, a bonfire lighting, a Viking parade, and other cultural festivities. For some European cuisine like Swedish meatballs and Schnitzel, travelers can grab dinner at Tizley’s Europub, a locally owned restaurant. Kitsap Memorial State Park, meanwhile, is a beautiful place to spend the day outdoors, spanning 58 acres and offering 1,797 feet of shoreline perfect for swimming and camping.

Leavenworth

Travelers wanting an entire European vacation without leaving the state of Washington can start off at Poulsbo and then head to Leavenworth, the state’s Bavarian village! Several Bavarian-themed festivals take place in town each year. Maifest welcomes spring with Bavarian-inspired activities such as Alps music and Maipole dancing, while the Winter Karneval celebrates this German tradition with ice carving, fire dancers, fireworks, and a lively pub crawl. Summer visitors can attend a show at the Leavenworth Summer Theater, which puts on performances like the Sound of Music and The Little Mermaid. Year-round, travelers can spend an afternoon at the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm, which allows guests to interact with and hand-feed the farm’s majestic reindeer.

Prosser

Prosser has earned a countrywide reputation for the Great Prosser Balloon Rally that takes place each year. During this festival, balloon pilots from around the Northwest come into town, filling the air with colorful hot air balloons. Year-round, visitors can enjoy a show at the Princess Theatre, a historic venue that has been hosting theatrical performances since 1960. Be sure to explore some of the area’s wineries and distilleries, such as Airfield Estates Winery, which features a scenic tasting room open seven days a week, and Monsoon Ranch Distillers, a family-owned distillery producing whiskey, brandy, and gin, with tours available by appointment.

Sequim

The valley surrounding Sequim has a similar climate to that of southern France, making it one of the best places in the US to grow lavender. During the summer, travelers can visit many of these lavender farms and learn about the lavender harvesting process. B&B Family Farm, open from May through September, is the perfect place to do so. The farm also has a gift shop with artisan-made lavender products, giving you the chance to find the perfect souvenir! Travelers can also visit one of the nearby berry farms, such as Dungeness Meadow Farm, to pick blueberries each summer. The state’s longest-running festival, the Sequim Irrigation Festival, also takes place in Sequim. This festival celebrates the irrigation ditches that made farming possible in the region through pageants, parades, live music, and more.

Anacortes

Anacortes is a popular destination in Washington for those looking to go whale watching. Several agencies in town offer tours, such as Island Adventures, which has been guiding whale-watching tours since 1996. Some of the species that visitors may be able to spot during a tour include killer whales, gray whales, humpback whales, and minke whales. Travelers can also see whales and other wildlife on a kayak tour with Anacortes Kayak Tours, which offers both day trips and multi-day excursions to the nearby islands. To feel immersed in the laid-back, coastal atmosphere of the town, consider spending the night in one of Anacortes’ local inns, such as Nantucket Inn, a colonial bed and breakfast that offers panoramic views of Fidalgo Bay.

Stehekin

Stehekin lives up to its motto, “Where no roads can take you,” as it can only be reached by boat, plane, or foot. Taking the ferry to arrive is the most popular transportation method, with Lake Chelan Boat Company and the Stehekin Ferry both offering ferry services year-round. Upon arriving in Stehekin, travelers are met with the stunning North Cascade Mountains. To immerse yourself further in this beauty, consider hiking a nearby trail like the Agnes Gorge Trail, a 2.5-mile route leading to a rugged, 210-foot-deep gorge. Buckner Orchard is another gorgeous landmark to visit. Now a historic district, this orchard features more than 50 acres of apple trees and 15 historic buildings dating back as far as the 1880s.

Gig Harbor

Sitting near Puget Sound, Gig Harbor is one of the most artsy harbor towns in Washington. Travelers can start their trip by visiting some of the town’s local galleries, such as the Ebb Tide Gallery, which features work from local South Sound artists. Feeling inspired after viewing the artwork, visitors can explore their creativity at a local studio like AR Workshop Gig Harbor, which offers hands-on classes in embroidery, blanket knitting, candle pouring, and other art forms. To further explore Gig Harbor’s history and heritage, make sure to spend a couple of hours at the Harbor History Museum, which showcases the region’s history, local traditions, and maritime achievements through a variety of exhibits. Visitors should also stop by one of Gig Harbor’s waterfront parks, such as Narrows Park, which features over 1,300 feet of beach and scenic views of Narrows Passage.

Forks

You may be familiar with Forks from the famous Twilight Saga. Each year, to commemorate the book, the town hosts the Forks Twilight Festival, which features appearances from special guests, themed parties, panel discussions, and more. Not a fan of Twilight? The area’s natural attractions make it just as worthy of a visit. As one of the rainiest towns in the contiguous US, there are plenty of lush forests to explore. Bogachiel State Park, home to the Bogachiel Rainforest, is a wonderful place to go hiking, camping, or birdwatching. Travelers can also drive out to Rialto Beach, about 20 minutes west of Forks. This beach features rocky shores, huge waves, and sea stacks and is home to wildlife like eagles, shorebirds, and seals.

Final Thoughts

Between its cultural festivals and natural beauty, Washington has plenty to explore. Its small towns are a great place to start, offering a wide variety of attractions. If you want to spend the day picking blueberries or visiting lavender farms, a town like Sequim will make a great destination. If you prefer whale watching or kayaking along the coast, consider Anacortes. No matter your interests, you will leave Washington with stories to share for years to come.