7 Quirky Little Towns In Washington
There is a distinct vibe that floats throughout the Pacific Northwest. From misty forests to unexplained phenomena, haunted landmarks, cryptid lore, and quirky towns, Washington is a hub for the eccentric. Go ghost hunting in Port Townsend’s sinister atmosphere, join Winthrop locals for one of their unconventional town events, or venture around Leavenworth’s European-inspired town. Every corner of the state offers a one-of-a-kind adventure for every traveler.
Winthrop
Step back in time in Winthrop, a Wild Western-themed town in the Cascade Mountain Range. Join the locals for one of Winthrop’s unconventional town events. Typically held in May, 49er Days is a rowdy celebration, complete with a horse-and-wagon train, a grand parade, a barn dance, and a pulled-pork lunch. Get the full experience for the week prior with Ride the Rendezvous. The horse excursion takes place over a week in the Methow Valley countryside, with the 49er Days celebration as the final stop. Earlier in the year, gather around for the Winthrop Balloon Roundup. The weekend is packed with nonstop excitement. Get the whole family together for a pancake breakfast, the Pilot’s Liftoff Party, a picture-worthy hot air balloon launch, and a stunning Balloon Night Glow, where the flames from the balloons illuminate the night sky.
Winthrop is dotted with one-of-a-kind local shops, each one sporting a frontier-style storefront straight out of the past. Browse the collection at Glassworks of Winthrop, home to locally made creative works. Discover the magic behind glass blowing, then pick out a piece of glassware to take home as a memorable keepsake. Just down the street, Sheri’s Sweet Shop is ready to evoke nostalgia. With a rustic exterior and a sense of home, grab a scoop of ice cream for a delicious way to cap off the day.
Leavenworth
Central Washington is home to an adorable Bavarian-style town, perfectly placed in the Cascade Mountains. This remote slice of paradise is strange, but in the best way possible. Although Leavenworth is magical year-round, the holiday season is Leavenworth’s prime time. As Nutcrackers are an essential part of German Christmas, a visit to the Nutcracker Museum is a must. With over 9,000 Nutcrackers, the largest collection in the world, the building itself feels magical for guests of every age. Just down the street, savor more festive wonder at Kris Kringl. The Christmas-themed local delight is a one-stop shop to stock up on holiday goodies. From home decor, ornaments, cookie jars, village pieces, pyramid candles, and snow globes, Kris Kringl truly has it all.
Take a trip to Germany without leaving the United States with one of Leavenworth’s annual events. Iconic and energetic, Oktoberfest should always be at the top of the list. Dress up in traditional Lederhosen or a Dirndl and join the locals for the Stein Holding Contest, Bavarian music, yodelers, dancers, and a street fair. Fill up on German specialties such as sauerkraut, bratwurst, pretzels, and of course, beer. For more German music, the Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration is worth checking out. From restaurant jam sessions to free accordion lessons and an array of live performances, the event is a fantastic tribute to a legendary piece of German history.
Port Townsend
Port Townsend naturally exudes an eerie vibe, thanks to the many Victorian homes in the area, and the town also has its fair share of ghostly tales. Take a Haunted Walk Tour with one of the experts and stroll the streets while listening to stories of hauntings and unexplained happenings in Port Townsend. Kick it up a notch by staying overnight at the hauntingly beautiful Palace Hotel, an 1889 masterpiece. Guests have described encountering ghostly apparitions, unusual fragrances, fleeting figures, and unexplained noises. Dare to stay the night?
Since the 1970s, locals have eagerly anticipated the annual Wooden Boat Festival, a beloved tradition that fits nicely with Port Townsend’s whimsical seaport charm. Learn about the ins and outs of the boating industry at the Technical Stage, check out live plankton at the Marine Science Stage, and cheer on your favorite contender at the boat race. From workshops and lessons to demonstrations and live music, the Wooden Boat Festival covers a wide range of maritime topics in an exciting environment.
For the ultimate Port Townsend souvenir, support one of the eclectic local shops. Grab a new head-turning outfit from World’s End. The boutique sports an intriguing collection of steampunk and Victorian-style clothing and accessories for a truly distinct look.
Winlock
Winlock is all about our sweet feathered friend, the chicken. One of the more prominent landmarks is the World’s Largest Egg Sculpture. This roadside attraction isn’t just a great place to snap a picture; it also carries an official Guinness World Records endorsement. Taking place over a weekend, honor Winlock’s legacy of egg production at the annual Winlock Egg Days festival. Ring in the summer with an egg salad sandwich hunt, egg day parade, kids' crafts, and a custom car show. This long-running event has been an adored Winlock tradition since 1921 and was previously called Poultry and Egg Day.
Take a closer look at Winlock’s alluring history. See the unparalleled assortment of historical artifacts at The Renegade Rooster Winlock History Collection. From vintage clothing to old gasoline equipment, cups, and other tiny treasures, the collection is a mesmerizing look into the past that visitors will not find elsewhere.
Poulsbo
Around an hour’s drive from Seattle, Poulsbo is an eccentric Washington town commonly referred to as Little Norway. In the spring, join Poulsbo locals for the annual Viking Fest and watch the town light up with excitement. With countless residents dressed in Nordic attire, the event is jam-packed with a street fair, carnival, and parade. Add a little Scandinavian flavor to Poulsbo with the Midtsommer celebration, held in June. From folk dancing to flower crown making, a Viking bonfire, and the raising of the May Pole, the event beautifully represents European culture.
Support the locals and taste authentic delicacies at Sluys Poulsbo Bakery. The family-owned establishment has been a town treasure since 1974, with handmade breads and goodies, including some Old World recipes. For the ultimate tasty souvenir, dig into a fruit tea ring, Danish pastries, Russian tea cakes, Krispies, Fattigman, and other international delights.
Elbe
Elbe is an adorable train-themed town full of character. Stop by for lunch or dinner at the Mt. Rainer Railroad Dining Co. and savor a meal onboard a stationary train. Chat with friends over a classic plate of Roast Pork, a Train Wreck Burger, Salmon Fettuccine, or Homemade Lasagna. Afterwards, kick your feet up at The Hobo Inn. Similar to the restaurant, the accommodation is a caboose turned guestroom. With modern amenities and a rustic atmosphere, The Hobo Inn is unlike any other hotel.
Conveniently located right across the street from the legendary Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad depot, stop at Elbe Market Country Store. While the circa 1906 building is a tourist attraction in itself, with coffee, treats, and ice cream to satisfy sweet tooths, what makes it stand out is the guardian outside. Known as Howard the Bigfoot, get your camera ready and take photos with the 12-foot-tall statue outside the country store.
North Bend
North Bend earned its spot on the map as a filming location for the cult classic TV series Twin Peaks. Stop by Twede’s Cafe, the real-life counterpart to the show’s iconic Double R Diner. For the ultimate experience, order the coffee and cherry pie, just like in the show. Twin Peaks aside, the interior of Twede’s Cafe is a step back in time, with checkboard flooring, neon lighting, vintage trinkets, and an overall homey ambiance. True enthusiasts should consider booking the Twin Peaks Tour, featuring a variety of packages for an unmatched experience. Head out to the original filming locations, including Twin Peaks High School, the Sheriff's Department, and the murder train car location. Take a peek inside the Red Room to discover more about David Lynch, grab an autograph, and a photo to forever remember this iconic fictional town brought to life.
The natural surroundings in the Pacific Northwest carry an enchanting, uncanny vibe. Referred to as “Dirty Harry’s Museum”, trek the Dirty Harry’s Peak Trail. Along the way, snap a picture with the abandoned truck, believed to be a circa 1930s-1940s model, and with some other old, rusty gear, including cables. Those wishing to continue the hike to reach the summit will find the final stop boasts panoramic views of Washington’s forests and sky-high mountains.
Get Weird In Washington
Washington is no stranger to the mysteries of the Pacific Northwest. Embark on a chilling adventure in Port Townsend, where paranormal activity runs rampant, or dive into Winlock’s fascinating egg production history. Whether seeking an offbeat nature trek in North Bend, a taste of Norwegian culture in Poulsbo, or Winthrop’s many quirky attractions, the state has a little something for everyone. From coast to mountains, every part of the state offers memorable journeys and exhilarating activities for visitors of all ages.
