Port Townsend is best known for hosting the annual Wooden Boat Festival now in it's 36th year. Besides the annual boat show the NorthWest Maritime Center recently completed its new facility which houses a boat building school, library and a chandlery that are well worth visiting. Also located at Hudson Point Marina are theRigging and Sail Lofts which are homes to two well known talents in the sailing industry.
Hudson Point Marina is a busy facility during the summer. Besides the marina it is also a busy RV park. There are several restaurants on the property and the shower and laundry facilities are new and well kept. If you walk into town be sure to look up at the murals still visible on some of the older brick buildings. Siren's Pub was one of our favorite places for a good burger and a beer. The restaurant is on the waterfront overlooking the Port Townsend Bay where you can kick back and observe the amazing variety of boats and Ferries.
Located on the other side of town is the beating heart of the Port Townsend. The Port of Port Townsend is a boater's dream candy store. The Shipyard itself has over 200 spaces for haul out and three lifts, the largest is a 330 ton. Every type of tradesman in the business can be found either in an established shop on the premises or through word of mouth. Anything you need done or built can be found in the yard. Two chandleries are within walking distance (Admirals and West Marine). We also spent many hours combing through The Marine Exchange, a used marine chandlery run by an old salt, Bob, who loves buying and selling boat stuff.
Two great places to eat, Portside Deli and Blue Moose Cafe are only open for breakfast and lunch which cater primarily to the yard employees. For something to do after a long day sanding you could head over to the Port Townsend Brewing Co. and sip on a cold micro-brew in the Beer Garden while listening to live music.
