"The Object of Desire: Port Townsend" Top 5 Page for this destination Port Townsend by richiecdisc

Port Townsend Travel Guide: 131 reviews and 365 photos

PT is a noted art community - Port Townsend

With a plethora of old Victorians, Port Townsend sits pretty as a fine example of not only turn-of-the-century elegance but also restoration of a nearly forgotten gem. Once heralded as the coming of the world's largest port, its dreams were dashed by the Great Depression and an early termination of the rail lines planned to reach its shores. That dream was why such a grand place was built in the first place and only lack of capitol in the ensuing years kept the wrecking ball from tearing down what stands today as a testament to another time. A paper mill breathed some life into the city and continues to add an unmistakable scent to what is otherwise largely a retirement community of ex-hippies who helped refurbish a place with a storied past into one on the List of Historical Places. A pretty Olympic Peninsula setting, some fine restaurants and cafes, and two breweries round out a great getaway mostly frequented by Washingtonians and those having a look see while waiting for the ferry.

Last visit to Port Townsend: Aug 2008
Intro Updated Nov 18, 2009
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (20)

the colorful Farmer's Market - Port Townsend

the object of desire Favorites (4)

While strolling around town, I told my wife of the strange vibe I got at the market and she was surprised at my... more travel advice

window shopping in lovely downtown PT - Port Townsend

never catching a stranger's eye Favorites (4)

Port Townsend did not disappoint. It was turn-of-the-century and it was all nicely renovated. This was an old world... more travel advice

another gem in historic downtown PT - Port Townsend

comfort, my friend, is very relative Favorites (4)

Port Townsend was a surprise. We had spent the previous two weeks exploring Olympic National Park in great depth.... more travel advice

anytown USA back in the day - Port Townsend

a lazy Sunday morning Favorites (4)

Port Townsend is an architectural gem. This is one place to just walk around and enjoy a piece of America's past. One... more travel advice

Restaurants (3)
See All a beer garden experience
Hotels (4)
See All stay on top of a brewery
Been to Port Townsend?
Share your travels with the world!

Comments (10)

Reply
- Report abuse
cachaseiro Feb 16, 2012 at 2:38 PM

I was in Port Townsend myself a few years ago and totally loved this funky little town.
Reply
- Report abuse
glabah Feb 2, 2012 at 11:16 PM

I was thinking about adding a few newly found photos to my Port Townsend page, and saw that your Port Townsend transportation tip had moved to the top, meaning it was recently edited, so I took a brief look at your experiences and newly edited tip. I did take a day trip to Port Townsend from Seattle by public bus. It works OK, but it sure isn't something you want to do if you are headed into the Olympic National Park like you guys were. I wrote about my experiences in a Travelogue and some transportation tips some time back, if you are interested (both are badly in need of updating, someday.....)
"Seattle to Port Townsend and Back in a Day" - Port Townsend Travelogue by glabah
Next time you visit PT on a budget, you might want to keep in mind they have a Hostel in that very same state park. It's in one of the old military buildings. Better than setting up a tent in the rain!
Reply
- Report abuse
Bwana_Brown Jan 29, 2010 at 7:10 PM

Richie, I finally caught up to your Port Townsend page! It looks like a very interesting place - there is something to that old architecture that todays glass & steel just can't match! I've learned a lot about the US Northwest from your excellent tips.
Reply
- Report abuse
toonsarah Jan 2, 2010 at 7:29 AM

This looks exactly our sort of place - interesting old architecture, a good market, cool places to hang out and people-watch, and all of it by the sea :-)
Reply
- Report abuse
Yaqui Nov 29, 2009 at 4:45 PM

Absolutely love the victorian buildings, foutain, bell tower, and the lighthouse is fantastic. Something about the historical area I am drawn too. You would love the Gas Lamp Quarters in San Diego. Nothing like a good beer too:) Wonderful page!
Reply
- Report abuse
DoreenDe Nov 20, 2009 at 3:43 PM

Let's move into Dimick Lighthouse!!! coffee in the morning, overlooking the ocean + a walk in the historic town +lunch at the farmer's market + a movie in the rose + dinner in the brewery= just a perfect day :)
Reply
- Report abuse
Nemorino Nov 18, 2009 at 1:15 PM

Did The Rose just stand empty for all those years? 1958 to 1992 is a long time and it really is amazing that the theater wasn't torn down to make a parking lot or some such. Great that so many historic buildings have survived and recently been restored.
Reply
- Report abuse
mtncorg Nov 18, 2009 at 12:03 PM

PT is a great place to hang out. PT Brewing is also the perfect place to end a day out on the water. And the Palace Hotel - you've a pic - lets me bring the Little Girl along for a visit! something Olympic Park doesn't :-[
Reply
- Report abuse
Gili_S Nov 18, 2009 at 10:47 AM

What a beautiful town. Thanks for the informative tour :)
Reply
- Report abuse
Trekki Nov 17, 2009 at 10:29 PM

Ahh... this is a gem!! My god, thanks to whomever that these gem buildings could have been preserved! Dimick Lighthouse is mine, yes, I'd love to stand up there and have my morning coffee :-) Oh and I love how your solve your title :-)