Washington, which is part mountains, part lush forests, and part rough, complicated shoreline, is located on the Canadian border and boasts all of the natural splendour that America’s Pacific Northwest has to offer.
Small communities in Washington operate as mirrors to the wealth of their distinct pasts, with histories steeped in trapping, fishing, forestry, and mining.
In the frigid and picturesque small town Americana of this state, you can expect to find art galleries, lively festivals, and friendly, open-minded people as one of the most liberal states in the US.
1: Ellensburg
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The magnificent Davidson Building (1890) and Central Washington University’s stunning Barge Hall are among the many historic structures in downtown Ellensburg.
However, you should begin your adventure at the Kittitas County Historical Museum, where you may learn about the area’s history.
The Clymer Museum of Art, which features Western-themed paintings, and the 420 LOFT Art Gallery, both demonstrate how important art is in this town.
2: La Conner
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It doesn’t get much more picturesque than this; the river, the pines, and the mountains all come together to make a postcard-perfect Washington town.
It’s not just about La Conner’s natural beauty; it’s also about its culture. You can visit The Museum of Northwest Art, which chronicles the artistic movement of the Northwest School of artists, The Skagit Historical Museum, which also has a great view, or the Quilt Museum, which is housed in the Gaches Mansion, one of La Conner’s oldest homes. Many of the events featured in the annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival are held in this little community. Also, read Best Tacos near me.
3: Anacortes
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Anacortes is located on Fidalgo Island in Skagit County and was incorporated as a town in 1891. With all of the ocean and small islands in the area, Anacortes is appropriately famous for the Washington State Ferries dock, which provides service to surrounding destinations such as San Juan Island and even Victoria, British Columbia.
This small town is known for Mount Erie, which offers spectacular mountain and water views while climbing and walking on its scenic pathways. Head to Anacortes Wt Preston Museum for some local maritime history, replete with a unique and old riverboat to explore.
4: Gig Harbor
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Gig Harbor is a small waterfront hamlet that runs for a mile along a bay near Puget Sound. The town, which lies in the shadow of picturesque Mount Rainier and is close to many state parks, bills itself as “The Gateway to the Olympic Peninsula.” Also read romantic hotels near me.
Gig Harbor offers a respite from the stresses of contemporary life, whether you’re an avid hiker, water sports enthusiast, or simply want to spend time by the sea.
There’s a Harbor History Museum and an ancient boatyard to visit, as well as a plethora of waterfront restaurants. It’s the perfect place to take a break and have a long, leisurely lunch.
5: Poulsbo
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Poulsbo was founded in the 1880s by Jrgen Eliason, a Norwegian immigrant, and quickly attracted a slew of other Scandinavian residents from the Midwest. In reality, many residents spoke Norwegian as their native tongue until World War II.
There are vestiges of this ancestry strewn across town, including a 12-foot tall Viking statue named the Norseman on the corner of Viking Avenue and Lindvig Way.
This little town in Kitsap County is known for its bread, which is called Poulsbo Bread after a biblical scripture. This used to be available all over the world, but now it’s only available from the source in Poulsbo.
6: Leavenworth
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Leavenworth started out as a logging town, and by 1903, it had the second largest sawmill in Washington. After the success of the Danish-themed town of Solvang, California in 1965, Leavenworth was rebranded and designed after a Bavarian village, and it quickly became a popular tourist destination. Also read Breakfast Near Me.
Of course, adopting this idea required holding an annual Oktoberfest, which it still does every year. It’s also home to the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum, which houses a collection of over 5,000 nutcrackers spanning thousands of years and recent incarnations.
7: Coupeville
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Coupeville, on Whidbey Island, is on the south shore of Penn Cove and is Washington’s second oldest community.
The town, named for Thomas Coupe, who founded the island in 1850, is full with old structures and natural beauty. Many of the town’s 19th-century oak buildings may be found along the shoreline, many of which are now high-end B&Bs and restaurants.
8: North Bend
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The massive figure of Mount Si dominates the stunningly attractive North Bend. This spectacular mountain may be too much to trek up, but there is a popular trail that leads to the summit of Little Si, a much smaller peak. Hike up to the top for spectacular views of the town and the mountain.
North Bend has the perfect small-town vibe, which is only enhanced by the fact that it was the filming location – and inspiration – for David Lynch’s cult TV series Twin Peaks. Also, read Best Italian Restaurants Near Me.
9: Winthrop
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The town of Winthrop was founded in 1924, but it flourished quickly after gold was discovered in the late 1800s, enticing many white settlers to relocate permanently in search of their fortune.
The historic Shafer Museum chronicles the history of gold and the individuals who arrived here in the hopes of making a fortune from it.
Methow Trails is a great place to go skiing, both standard and cross-country. If you’re looking for something a little more relaxed, try some wine tasting at the Lost River Winery.
10: Sequim
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Sequim, with its unique climate, is known for lavender production and is known as the “Lavender Capital of North America.”
Sequim’s peculiar environment also makes it an ideal starting point for visiting some of the United States’ wettest temperate rainforests (bar Alaska). The Hoh Rainforest is a fantastic spot to see an almost prehistoric forested landscape. Sequim Bay State Park, which is even closer, is ideal for hiking, crabbing, and birdwatching. Do you want to learn more? Visit the Museum & Arts Centre, which is built in a historic post office building.