8 Towns In The Pacific Northwest With Unique Traditions

The Pacific Northwest is dotted with towns that travel the whole gamut. There are those, such as Port Townsend, that feature handsomely preserved Victorian architecture. Others, like Idaho's Sun Valley, spot a yummy mountain backdrop that will leave a first-time visitor completely blown away. In between are small, charming towns with white-sand beaches, such as Oregon's Cannon Beach. Many of these towns have traditions and festivals that they identify themselves with — and that give residents a sense of belonging. From Carnation, Washington, to Sun Valley, Idaho, discover towns in the Pacific Northwest with unique traditions.

Carnation, Washington

You have heard it mentioned before that in 14th-century England, people never bathed, or bathed once in a year; that they believed the world was flat so that you could slip over the edge and fall; and that society was slovenly and superstitious with near-zero intellectual pursuits or discussions. Do the facts bear this out? Not necessarily. From accurate maps to Gothic cathedrals, the so-called Dark Ages was surprisingly well-lit. And that is what Roger Shell, the brain behind Camlann Medieval Village in Carnation, sought to prove. This is not some nondescript, backstreet event. It could be the only medieval living history museum in the United States. You will not see Edward of Windsor, but you feel the spirit and rhythm of the time. Do not miss the Bors Hede Inne, referred to as “the Northwest’s most unique dining experience.”

Brownsville, Oregon

Brace yourself for this: The Linn County Pioneer Picnic, held in Brownsville every year for three days, is the longest continuously running celebration in the state of Oregon. It started way back in 1887 as a get-together for the pioneer homesteaders, hence its initial name: Linn County Pioneers’ Reunion. Participants often revel in some toe-tapping music amid nicely decorated floats and festive costumes. The parade, which typically takes place on Saturday morning, is always the highlight of the weekend event. But you will also love the presentations and displays at Pioneer Park, from quilt shows to eye-catching art displays. As with almost all festivals, food features prominently.

Orofino, Idaho

Do you know how to properly handle an axe and work with it to cut a two-foot thick trunk? Chances are, you are not. Fortunately, you are not alone. In the 1940s, some thoughtful folks in Orofino feared that the arts and skills of the logger were rapidly getting lost because of mechanization. One of these men came up with a brilliant idea: why not start a Lumberjack Day? It would feature competitions to do with chopping, bucking, and sawing, bring people together, and promote the lumbering industry, then one of the area’s major economic mainstays. Consequently, the first Lumberjack Day in Orofino was held in 1947, just two years after Truman announced Japan's surrender and the end of World War II. This event is still held today and often features anything from saw-wielding competition to log-sawing obstacle courses. Something for the young ones? Yes, they will enjoy child-friendly log-rolling races. If anything, you are in Idaho's timber territory.

Enumclaw, Washington

Even if you do not have a Scottish gene, there is something about other cultures that broadens the mind and makes one feel connected to people and places. That is one reason you should experience a wee bit o’ Scotland. For three fun-filled summer days, centuries of Scotland's history find expression at Enumclaw, thanks to the efforts of a non-profit called the Seattle Scottish Highland Games Association. It is like a walk-through time. From marveling at a Viking encampment to seeing pirates to watching a sword-fighting tournament in the Middle Ages, this is a tableau of scenes that give a sneak peek into the history of one of Europe’s most pivotal cultures. Scottish Highland Games began in the 11th century as a royal contest to identify physically fit messengers for the king. The event held in Enumclaw is the largest Scottish event in the state of Washington. The trick is to book your calendar for the 4th weekend of July every year.

Ontario, Oregon

The attack on Pearl Harbor not only forced America’s hand in the Second World War, but it also changed the course of history in ways that may not have been possible had it not taken place. Soon after Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, whose import was to push the Japanese inland. The prevailing sentiment was that the Japanese would aid the Axis Powers and facilitate an invasion. However, one town stood out for how it handled the whole situation. “Send them along,” proclaimed Ontario's mayor, “we’ll cooperate to the fullest possible extent in taking care of them.” Indeed, Ontario was a unique haven to the Japanese, who would be engaged on the farms growing beets, onions, and potatoes. Ontario would be the first town in Oregon to have a Buddhist temple outside Portland. Today, it celebrates its Japanese heritage during the Japan Nite Obon Festival and has been doing this for more than 70 years. Expect some origami folding, taiko drumming, a Japanese garden walk, and, of course, delicious Japanese cuisine.

Sandpoint, Idaho

There is more to Sandpoint than the glistening waters of Lake Pend Oreille and the austere grandeur of the Cabinet Mountains, which backdrops the town. You can come to kayak and swim — but you can also come to experience the Wood Boat Festival, a two-day event when boatloads of history and fun descend on the town and its waters, thanks to the Inland Empire Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society. About 50 boats, in all their polished glory, swing along the Sandpoint Marina and City Boardwalk, each of which has a story to tell. And they should. Some of these boats have braved many winters, with the oldest being 100 years old. Looking for the perfect view? Grab a spot on the Sand Creek Bridge. Children will enjoy building boats and, therefore, should not miss out on the enjoyment.

Lebanon, Oregon

Come to think of it, nothing brings people together like food. Whether it is that camp-out where you partook in some deep-belly laughter with friends and roasted marshmallows — or that fire pit barbecue out in the open, where the air was light and playful, the visceral enjoyment of food is among life’s sweetest pleasures. About 150 years ago, James Lindley introduced strawberries to the fertile soils of the Willamette Valley. Within about 50 years, Lebanon — and the area around — was known across the country for strawberries. In 1909, Lebanon organized the first ever "Strawberry Festival." Today, this festival is the second-longest-running annual festival in the state of Oregon. Mark your calendar for the first full weekend in June, when you will enjoy a complimentary piece of what is styled as the World's Largest Strawberry Shortcake. Doubt it? Come and prove it for yourself.

Sun Valley, Idaho

"He was an old man who fished alone in a skiff in the Gulf Stream,” wrote Ernest Hemingway, “and he had gone eighty-four days now without taking a fish.” That is vintage Hemingway, who believed language should be direct and concise, with not a shred of distractions and unnecessary adornments. While many towns have traditions that revolve around food, flowers, trees — even fishing, Sun Valley bucks the trend with one that celebrates one of the most talented writers of the 20th century. They pick a Hemingway masterpiece, say “To Have and Have Not,” and explore many themes along with the art that inspired it. Expert guest speakers grace the event and shed light on some aspects of Hemingway’s life and work. Hemingway was fond of Sun Valley. He had his last meal here ( at Michel’s Christiania) and is interred at the nearby Ketchum Cemetery.

The Takeaway

It is not as hyped as other parts of the United States, but the Pacific Northwest is a world-class vacation destination. One can come for its pretty beaches and ice-capped mountains or for national parks such as the Olympics and Mount Rainier. That said, a fun, off-the-beaten-path way to get to know the towns in the Pacific Northwest is via their unique festivals and traditions. You don't have to start scouring the whole place. The towns listed here boast some of the most unique traditions in the Pacific Northwest.