I’ve been lucky to live in Port Townsend for a while now (nearly three decades) and I’m almost a local! I raised a child here, and have made lifelong friends and colleagues. …
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I’ve been lucky to live in Port Townsend for a while now (nearly three decades) and I’m almost a local! I raised a child here, and have made lifelong friends and colleagues. I’ve loved Port Townsend since I first came to visit in the 1980s. February is the month we celebrate love and I’ve been thinking about all the things that I love about our town.
I love watching the full moon rise over our Victorian buildings as it dodges in and out of the clouds and reflects on the water. I love the secret places and the stories behind them—like the “buggy trail” at Adams Street end, and the “Shanghai tunnels” running under the buildings along Water Street, reinforced with ballast from ships which sailed here in the 1880s.
I love that skinny lane that runs next to the Green Eyeshade, Galatea (aka the Haller Fountain), and the expansive view of downtown from our Main Street office windows. I love the carved images of Chief Chetzemoka and members of his family on the façade of the post office. I’m fond of the drive down Washington Street toward town with the backs of the Victorian buildings showing their fine brickwork. I love the street eateries and outdoor dining options, it feels like Europe as you stroll the sidewalks.
I love the delicious chocolates you can buy, that are made right here. And the fact that there are so many interesting walks you can take to burn off the calories after enjoying them. If you need Valentine’s ideas for your sweetie, look no further than the historic districts’ offerings of gift certificates, art, books, chocolates, and thousands of gift ideas line the shelves.
Locals have told me there are too many things to choose from but they do love the creative spirit of the town and the endless opportunities to explore the mountains and the water.
The “Love Where You Live” Historic Districts marketing campaign, coordinated by the Port Townsend Main Street Program, includes short videos of participating merchants, answering the question, “What do you love about our town?” You can find them posted on the campaign website: ILovePortTownsend.com.
Here’s a preview:
The community is so engaging, the events are the best and there’s a beautiful view in every direction!
What I love about Port Townsend is the people … by far! They care about the community and they care about each other. It’s fantastic to be in business in a community like this, because it is so supportive and it’s so personal.
I love living in Port Townsend because it is an artistic vortex!
We’re so lucky to have a downtown where you can shop, have coffee, get lunch, go to a movie, watch a performance, or attend a festival. Port Townsend is just blessed, and we have the water!
What I love about Port Townsend is the deep gratitude that everyone carries.
What I love is that the people are generous and kind, and environmentally friendly.
I love the mountains and to be able to see the Cascades and the Olympics and I love being on the Salish Sea.
Check out ILovePortTownsend.com and hear our local business owners speaking from their hearts about what they love about our town.
The website for this new “Love Where You Live” campaign is at ILovePortTownsend.com. Are you looking for a free, fun socially distanced activity to get you out of the house? Download the new “Port Townsend Treasures” Trivia Hunt app via the campaign website.
Marketing buys, additions to the campaign website, self-guided/guided tours and fun experiences are in the works. Nearly 75 merchants have signed up for the campaign. Special thanks to First Federal Community Foundation, the Port of Port Townsend, KPTZ 91.9 FM, the Port Townsend Leader, and Windermere Real Estate for supporting this campaign. See more about Main Street’s activities at ptmainstreet.org.
Port Townsend artist Jonah Trople has been selected to create the art markers, signage and logo for the Creative District wayfinding project. This project is funded in part by ArtWA, matching fund donors, and in-kind support from the city of Port Townsend. See more on the Creative District page at ptmainstreet.org.
Subscribe to our enews at ptmainstreet.org or follow our program on social media.
Have fun in Port Townsend this month, loving where you live.
(Mari F. Mullen is the executive director of the Port Townsend Main Street Program, a nonprofit organization.)
