Part mountains, part dense forests, part rugged, intricate coastline, Washington lies on the border with Canada and features all the natural beauty you could wish for in America’s Pacific Northwest.
With its history rooted in trapping, fishing, logging, and mining, the small towns in Washington act like mirrors to the wealth of their respective pasts.
At the same time, as one of the most liberal states in the country, you can expect to find art galleries, fun festivals, and friendly, open-minded communities in the chilly and charming small town Americana of this state.
10. Anacortes
Officially becoming a town in 1891, Anacortes is set on Fidalgo
Island in Skagit County. With all the water and little islands in the
area, Anacortes is rightfully well known for the Washington State
Ferries dock, with services to nearby places like San Juan Island and
even Victoria on Vancouver Island, Canada.
This small town is known for Mount Erie, where hiking and walking on
its scenic trails is prime for mountain and water views. For some
maritime history of the area, head to Anacortes Wt Preston Museum,
complete with a rare and historical steamboat to explore.
9. Bainbridge Island
The beautiful Bainbridge Island has found fame in recent years as
being the setting for scenes from the hit American TV series Grey’s
Anatomy.
Not just a location for fans of the show, the town is also a hit with
stylish Seattleites, who make the half-hour ferry journey from Downtown
Seattle to take time out in the laid-back, waterside town.
Bainbridge Island is the ideal getaway for outdoor lovers, with
plenty of nature to lap up in the surrounding area. Renting a bike to
pedal around the town and stopping off at one of Bainbridge Island’s
many chic eateries is the order of the day here.
8. North Bend
The beautifully picturesque North Bend is dominated by the imposing
figure of Mount Si. This impressive peak may be a little too much to
hike up, but there’s a popular trail that leads to the top of a much
smaller peak – Little Si. Hike up here for incredible views of the town
and the mountain itself.
North Bend has the perfect small-town feel, made even more perfect
given that it is the filming location – and inspiration – for David
Lynch’s cult TV series, Twin Peaks.
7. Coupeville
Located on Whidbey Island, Coupeville sits on the south shore of Penn Cove and is the second oldest town in Washington.
Named after Thomas Coupe, who settled the island in 1850, the town is
abundant with historic buildings and nature. The waterfront area of
town is where many of the 19th-century oak buildings can be seen, many
of which are now high-end B&Bs and restaurants.
The town’s Front Street has a distinctly old fashioned, laid back
atmosphere and is home to numerous museums, shops, and cafes, making for
a perfect area to stroll around.
6. Roslyn
Originally founded in the late 19th century as a coal mining town,
Roslyn had to feature a watering hole to keep workers from going
thirsty; thus, The Brick Tavern opened in the 1880s and is still going
strong. This is the oldest tavern in continuous operation in the state
of Washington.
Other historic buildings abound in picturesque Roslyn, like the Old
City Hall & Library, the Immaculate Conception Church, and the
Roslyn Museum, where you can learn a thing or two about the town’s
history.
Nearby is Lake Cle Elum, a perfect spot for year-round outdoor activities.
5. Gig Harbor
The small waterfront town of Gig Harbor stretches for just a mile
along a bay near Puget Sound. Set in the shadow of majestic Mount
Rainier, the town is located in proximity to many state parks and labels
itself as “The Gateway to the Olympic Peninsula.”
Whether you’re you are a keen hiker or water sports enthusiast or
just want to spend time by the water, Gig Harbor provides a getaway from
the stress of the modern world.
The town has an in-depth Harbor History Museum and old boatyard to
explore, as well as numerous waterfront restaurants. It’s the ideal
place to stop off and enjoy a long, leisurely lunch.
4. Sequim
Featuring a unique climate, Sequim is famous for its lavender
production, with the title of the “Lavender Capital of North America.”
This unique climate also makes Sequim an excellent starting point for
exploring some of the wettest temperate rainforests in the US (bar
Alaska). Hoh Rainforest is an excellent place to experience an almost
prehistoric forested landscape.
Even closer, Sequim Bay State Park is ripe for hiking, crabbing, and
birdwatching. Want to know more? Head to the informative Museum &
Arts Centre, housed in a former post office building.
3. Snohomish
The town of Snohomish was founded on the banks of the Snohomish River by early Washington settler E.C. Ferguson in around 1858.
Ferguson set up home here and built the town store and hotel. People
began to follow suit and settle in Snohomish to develop their own
stylish homes.
The town’s 19th-century architecture remains much the same as it
always has. The mismatch of architectural influences of the early
settlers of Snohomish can be seen along the town’s small lanes – from
English cottages to Dutch homes.
Each of the historic buildings has a style and charm of its own, but now they house chic shops, restaurants, bars, and hotels.
2. Poulsbo
Founded in the 1880s by Jørgen Eliason, a Norwegian immigrant,
Poulsbo soon attracted waves of other Scandinavian settlers relocating
from America’s Midwest. In fact, until World War II, many residents used
Norwegian as their first language.
You’ll find remnants of this ancestry dotted around town; at the
corner of Viking Avenue-Lindvig Way, there’s a 12-foot tall statue of a
Viking, called the Norseman.
This small town in Kitsap County is famous for its bread – named
Poulsbo Bread, inspired by a passage in the bible. This used to be sold
worldwide, but now you can only get it at the source in Poulsbo.
1. Langley
The small, quaint town of Langley is located on Whidbey Island and
covers a mere 0.8 square miles. Founded in the 1800s, the town’s
original bunkhouse for loggers remains today, as a museum dedicated to
the history of the area.
The town’s sunny waterfront and New England style architecture ha
relaxed, liberal atmosphere and is home to a thriving arts community.
Notably, soon after women were given the right to vote, Langley
elected its first female Mayor; its liberal attitude led it to become
home to a vibrant hippie community during the 1960s and ‘70s.
This laid back lifestyle lives on; now Langley’s lanes are home to
studios and galleries displaying local arts. There are also numerous
creative community events and quirky cafes for visitors to enjoy.
Source : touropia
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