8 Of The Most Hospitable Small Towns In Washington
Bordered by the Canadian province of British Columbia, the US States of Idaho and Oregon, and the mighty Pacific Ocean, the state of Washington in the Pacific Northwest region stands out for its exquisite natural beauty. With magnificent Cascade Mountain ranges, deep temperate rainforests, breathtaking valleys, uncountable pristine waterbodies, and miles of wind-and-water battered shoreline, Washington has captivated the hearts of thousands of vacationers for millennia. Nevertheless, peppered throughout the Evergreen State’s picturesque terrain are some hospitable small towns offering everything from splendid sceneries, fascinating histories, mouthwatering cuisines, colorful festivals, friendly locals, and a welcoming ambiance.
La Conner
The oldest community of Skagit County, La Conner is located at the margin of Skagit Valley abutted by the Swinomish Channel, the Swinomish Indian Reservation, and high-yielding farmlands. Originally settled by Alonzo Low in May 1867 and called ‘Swinomish,’ the settlement was renamed in 1870 in honor of Louisa Ann Conner, the consort of John S. Conner. The town’s heart, dubbed “the Hill” is a National Register-listed historic district encircled roughly by the Commercial, Second, and Morris streets in addition to the Swinomish Channel. The Skagit County Historical Museum, La Conner Seaside Gallery, Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum, La Conner Rainbow Bridge, Museum of Northwest Art, Nasty Jacks Antiques, Kukutali Preserve State Park Heritage Site, and Conner Waterfront Park are some of the town’s prominent sites of interest. Every year during spring, La Conner hosts multiple events at the different tulip farms as a part of the world-famous Skagit Valley Tulip Festival.
Gig Harbor
Lovingly called “the Maritime City” and famed for its strong maritime heritage, this postcard-pretty town is situated along the Gig Harbor Bay of Puget Sound in Pierce County’s Kitsap Peninsula, approx 12 miles from Tacoma across the Narrows Bridge. Gig Harbor’s quaint waterfront is filled with boutiques, shops, cozy cafes, top-class eateries serving delicious Northwest seafood, and lodging facilities besides providing quick access to many parks like Crescent Creek Park, Kopachuck State Park, Donkey Creek Park, and Sehmel Homestead Park. The Harbor History Museum and the Skansie Brothers House are must-visits for history buffs, while adventurists can hike the Cushman Trail, witness outstanding views from the Bogue Viewing Platform, and ride on the Gig Harbor Gondola.
Poulsbo
Poulsbo, named after the Norway hometown of the early settler Iver Brynildsen Moe, is a tranquil waterfront retreat on the Kitsap Peninsula at Liberty Bay’s northern edge in Washington’s Kitsap County. First settled as a fishing village by the native Suquamish people, the town later became home to countless Scandinavian and Norwegian immigrants. This Scandinavian heritage of Poulsbo is well reflected in its present-day revitalized downtown which is chock-a-full of vintage stores, premier retail outlets, clothing boutiques, art galleries, coffee shops, cafes, and diners such as Sluys Bakery, Boehm’s Chocolates, Mora Iced Creamery, Valhöll Brewing, Poulsbohemian Coffeehouse, etc. Poulsbo’s notable attractions include a 12-foot-tall Norseman Statue by artist Mark Gale, the Maritime Museum & Tourist Visitor Center, Sea Discovery Center & Aquarium, a 40-acre Fish Park along the Dogfish Creek estuary, First Lutheran Church, Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park, Kitsap Memorial State Park, Poulsbo Historical Society & Museum, and Central Market – Poulsbo. The Poulsbo Sons of Norway Vikings’ Julefest celebrations draw thousands to the town annually.
Anacortes
Anacortes, a lively coastal community located on the northern end of Fidalgo Island in northwestern Washington’s Skagit County, is a favorite departing point for vacationers who want to visit Vancouver and San Juan Islands. Formerly called ‘Ship Harbor’ the town was founded in 1879 and named after Anne Curtis Brown, the wife of the town founder and railroad surveyor Amos Brown. However, after the town failed to become a terminus for the Northern Pacific Railway, it gradually developed into a notable lumber and fishing hub. Many marine animals reside in the waters off Fidalgo Island, and Anacortes’s proximity to the Strait of Juan de Fuca provides nature lovers with plenty of whale-watching opportunities. Managed by the town, the 220-acre Washington Park on Fidalgo Island’s northwestern tip features overnight camping facilities, picnic shelters, restrooms, boat launches, an open play area, short hiking trails, and a paved 2.2-mile loop road that provides walkers, joggers, and bicyclists easy access to the shoreline areas. Furthermore, the town hosts yearly celebrations like the Anacortes Arts Festival, Waterfront Festival, Annual Oyster Run, Spring Wine Festival, Annual Shipwreck Day, and Anacortes Bier on the Pier.
Ellensburg
Ellensburg, primarily dubbed ‘Ellensburgh’ after the better half of John Alden Shoudy, is situated in the Kittitas Valley along the Yakima River just east of the Cascade Range, close to the meeting of Interstate 90 and Interstate 82 highways. Surrounded by rolling hills and extensive agricultural fields, the classic downtown of this Kittitas County seat has numerous well-maintained turn-of-the-century architectures, locally-owned shops, pubs, eateries, and several performing and visual art venues. The town also houses many galleries and art museums like the Kittitas County Historical Museum, 420 Loft Art Gallery, Gallery One Visual Arts Center, Clymer Museum & Gallery, Goodey Gallery, the CWU Department of Art’s Sarah Spurgeon Gallery, and the Museum of Culture & Environment of the Central Washington University. Merrymakers flock to Ellensburg to attend the annual community events like Winterhop Brewfest, Dachshunds on Parade, Ellensburg Rodeo, Buskers in the Burg, Ellensburg Farmers Market, and the Jazz in the Valley music festival.
Prosser
Benton County’s seat of government, Prosser, labeled after the area’s surveyor William Farrand Prosser, is located near the Yakima Valley’s eastern edge along the Yakima River. Being the “Birthplace of Washington Wine,” the town’s location amidst the flourishing agricultural landscapes, has made it a top destination for wine connoisseurs. With the town having over 300 sunny days annually, outdoorsy types can enjoy a variety of recreations like hiking, fishing, camping, golfing, and boating. Tourists must explore the different wineries, cellars, vineyards, and wine estates within the Yakima Valley AVA, besides perusing the wonderful exhibits displayed at the Prosser Historical Museum that give a glimpse into the town’s bygone days. Every September, watch the grand hot air balloons high up in the skies during the Great Prosser Balloon Rally.
Port Townsend
Jefferson County’s sole incorporated town and its administrative center, Port Townsend occupies the Quimper Peninsula on the semi-protected Port Townsend Bay’s northern end adjoining the Admiralty Inlet. Primarily called by Captain George Vancouver as “Port Townshend,” this pleasant seaside burg boasts amazing natural scenery. A major portion of the town’s downtown waterfront district forms a part of the Port Townsend Historic District that houses countless meticulously preserved Victorian-era properties like the Jefferson County Courthouse, Capt. Enoch S. Fowler House, Rothschild House, City Hall, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, etc. Aside from these structures, the walkable downtown has a plethora of eclectic stores, art galleries, clothing boutiques, and award-winning restaurants. Moreover, vacationers can discover the age-old bunkers at Fort Worden State Park, embark on whale-watching tours from Port Townsend Marina, enjoy a picnic at Chetzemoka Park, and tour the Port Townsend Marine Science Center, Port Townsend Aero Museum, Jefferson Museum of Art & History, Port Townsend Farmers Market, and Point Wilson Lighthouse. Revelers must partake in the town’s yearly festivals such as the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival, Blues & Jazz Festival, and Port Townsend Film Festival.
Westport
Home to 2,213 residents as per the latest US Census, Westport sits on the Point Chehalis peninsula on the southern side of the mouth of Grays Harbor, around 2 hours southwest of Seattle. This tiny beach town in Grays Harbor County has several miles of uncrowded sandy beaches that offer every beach lover abundant surfing, sunbathing, sightseeing, swimming, kite flying, and crabbing opportunities. With a huge commercial fleet and loads of recreational charter fishing vessels, the Westport Marina is a significant marina on the Pacific Northwest’s outer coast. Vacationers should walk down Main Street and browse the unique boutiques, savor tasty seafood at the local diners, survey the various state parks: Grayland Beach State Park, Seashore Conservation Area State Park, and Twin Harbors State Park, and ascend the Grays Harbor Lighthouse to witness unrivaled views of the Pacific Ocean and bordering regions.
From Gig Harbor – “the Maritime City” to Prosser – “Birthplace of Washington Wine,” the hospitable small towns in the country’s 18th largest and 13th most-populous state are waiting to be discovered by holidayers. Although popular urban metropolises like Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, etc., have always been the top choices of travelers visiting this northwestern state, these adorable Washington towns are worth adding to your itineraries if you wish to have a one-of-a-kind experience.
