Ask any Washingtonian to list some of our most popular attractions and they’re sure to name things in our bigger cities like Seattle, Tacoma and Spokane. But our smaller towns are also full of treasures waiting to be explored. They might not get the publicity the larger attractions do, but somehow that just makes them more charming. Here are 7 examples of small towns with some surprisingly awesome things to discover.
- If you’re heading to Port Townsend, you already know you’ll have plenty of things to see and do…
Jasperdo / Flickr
Dorsetbruce / TripAdvisor … but you should definitely make one of those things the Rothschild House. This house turned museum is an amazing glimpse at life from 100 years ago. D.C.H. Rothschild, or the Baron as he became universally known, settled in Port Townsend (from Bavaria) in 1858. Walking through his old family home, you’ll feel like the family has just stepped out for a few minutes. It’s that well-preserved.
- Have you been to Prosser lately?
Jasperdo / Flickr
Historic Downtown Prosser Facebook If not, visit as soon as possible and check out their historic downtown area. The Historic Downtown Prosser Association works hard to promote the charming shops, restaurants and local events like First Friday, not to mention all the historic buildings like the Horse Heaven Saloon.
- If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, Republic is a gem…
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
Friends of Stonerose Fossils - Stonerose Interpretive Center & Fossil Site Facebook … especially Stonerose. It’s an incredible fossil site that not only allows you to see these amazing natural artifacts, but dig your own! And if you’d rather just visit than dig, admission is free.
- Most people know Roslyn as the place where the 90s show “Northern Exposure” was filmed, or for its haunted saloon, The Brick…
Curtis Cronn / Flickr
Jessica B / Yelp … but the Roslyn Theatre is the real star in this town. This building served as a mortuary from its 1903 construction date until 1972, and it’s still a great place to catch a movie.
- Leavenworth is one of our most popular tourist destinations, so it may seem like there are no surprises here.
Sam DeLong / Flickr
Richie D / Yelp But a surprising number of people don’t notice the little Nutcracker Museum hiding in plain sight on Front Street.
- If you’ve visited Sequim, you probably went to see the lavender…
Homini / Flickr
Jonathan N / Yelp … but the next time you’re there, check out the nearby Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge. It’s home to more than 250 species of endangered birds, fish, and mammals, not to mention the beautiful lighthouse.
- These days, many people who visit Forks do so to see the setting of the “Twilight” series.
Ken Lund / Flickr
Heather H / TripAdvisor But Forks has plenty of hidden natural wonders to explore, like the Three Root Cave on the beach at Kalaloch campground.
Washington’s small towns are wonderful places to visit and to live. We happen to think these 15 small towns are especially charming.
Jasperdo / Flickr
Dorsetbruce / TripAdvisor
… but you should definitely make one of those things the Rothschild House. This house turned museum is an amazing glimpse at life from 100 years ago. D.C.H. Rothschild, or the Baron as he became universally known, settled in Port Townsend (from Bavaria) in 1858. Walking through his old family home, you’ll feel like the family has just stepped out for a few minutes. It’s that well-preserved.
Historic Downtown Prosser Facebook
If not, visit as soon as possible and check out their historic downtown area. The Historic Downtown Prosser Association works hard to promote the charming shops, restaurants and local events like First Friday, not to mention all the historic buildings like the Horse Heaven Saloon.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
Friends of Stonerose Fossils - Stonerose Interpretive Center & Fossil Site Facebook
… especially Stonerose. It’s an incredible fossil site that not only allows you to see these amazing natural artifacts, but dig your own! And if you’d rather just visit than dig, admission is free.
Curtis Cronn / Flickr
Jessica B / Yelp
… but the Roslyn Theatre is the real star in this town. This building served as a mortuary from its 1903 construction date until 1972, and it’s still a great place to catch a movie.
Sam DeLong / Flickr
Richie D / Yelp
But a surprising number of people don’t notice the little Nutcracker Museum hiding in plain sight on Front Street.
Homini / Flickr
Jonathan N / Yelp
… but the next time you’re there, check out the nearby Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge. It’s home to more than 250 species of endangered birds, fish, and mammals, not to mention the beautiful lighthouse.
Ken Lund / Flickr
Heather H / TripAdvisor
But Forks has plenty of hidden natural wonders to explore, like the Three Root Cave on the beach at Kalaloch campground.
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