9 Stress-Free Washington Towns For A Weekend Retreat
If you are tired of early-morning traffic gridlocks, working late into the night because there is a deadline to beat, or just the constant push and shove, an occasional escape to a slow, restful location often works like a charm. You will come back to the grind with ruddy cheeks, sparkling eyes, and a sprightly gait. Fortunately, Washington is unbelievably rustic and beautiful, if you know where to look. From the gasp-inducing coastline to the other raw and pristine landscapes, the Evergreen State has a way of making other places look disappointingly average. If you want a weekend retreat in Washington and are looking for specific recommendations, discover below the 9 stress-free Washington towns that offer an unforgettable experience.
Port Townsend
Port Townsend is a neat, beautiful town with hippies, great restaurants (especially for a town its size), and a walkable downtown. You will enjoy walking along the waterfront to explore the cute little shops in historic buildings, and enjoy a pace that is distinctively restful and relaxing. The aptly named Waterfront Pizza is a cool place to go and sit on the beach, and enjoy a crispy pizza with the right balance of cheese, sauce, and crust. Seating is all outside on the docks. The Rothschild House, set on a bluff overlooking the bay, is virtually unchanged since Rothschild and his family lived there in the mid-1800s. It is a beautiful time capsule, although it gives out creepy ghost vibes. Taking the cue, JCHS Museum of Art + History is a cute little space that offers a glimpse of everyday life during the town's early years. Be sure to check out the horse-drawn hearse. That said, you can't come all the way and miss visiting the Fort Worden Historical State Park. From the walkable trails to the deer and squirrels to the stunning water views, this space has it all.
Poulsbo
It may sound like an exaggeration, but you can come to Poulsbo to do nothing but shop all day. Known as Washington's Little Norway, especially due to its Nordic heritage, Poulsbo is a fantastic shopping Mecca. Other than beautiful Scandinavian architecture, you will find a yummy range of cute little stores and boutiques, especially as you amble through Front Street and the downtown shopping area. Pop inside places like Nordiska, a highly rated Scandinavian-themed gift shop with a wide variety of unique items, whether socks, black licorice, books, decorations, or bumper stickers. Check if there's an interesting read at Liberty Bay Books for your little one, before working your way to Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park, which has a boardwalk to stroll and a picnic area to rest or enjoy a packed snack. Whether you're looking to unwind, explore, or simply take in the scenery, this gem of a space will come in handy. Stay at Poulsbo Inn & Suites, a rustic motel with all the amenities you'd expect for the price.
Langley
Langley is on Whidbey Island, one of the charm-soaked islands in the state that are laid-back but drenchingly beautiful. You can shop and walk around, explore the small, quaint town on the island, or enjoy soft, soothing views of the ocean. South Whidbey Community Park, one of the largest and most well-maintained public spaces around, has well-crafted walkways that offer the chance to walk around and enjoy heart-stirring natural scenery. Putney Woods County Park, whose trails are in a peaceful forest setting, is a great place to walk and think. There is the Langley Whale Center, which brims with information and exhibits on gray whales, orcas, humpbacks, and other marine mammals of the Salish Sea. After learning about the fellows that rule the sea, shop in the on-site gift shop before you leave. The stylish Langley Motel overlooks the Puget Sound and can be a cool spot to spend the night.
La Conner
The landscape around La Conner is incredibly breathtaking and delightfully moody. It is always fun to explore La Conner's adorable Main Street and waterfront as you spare lots of time to check out all the mind-rousing art galleries, including La Conner Artists Gallery, located a few steps from La Conner Waterfront Café. The cafe is known for whipping up delicious clam chowder in a casual atmosphere with tasty waterfront views. For all wood-related stuff and artisan-quality furniture, walking into The Wood Merchant feels like stepping into a sacred grove disguised as a storefront. The space is a beautiful temple of craftsmanship and will strike you as one of the best artisan shops in the entire Pacific Northwest. Check out the Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum, whose three floors are adorned with captivating exhibits that showcase the rich tapestry of quilts and fiber arts from around the world. If spending the night, you can hardly go wrong with La Conner Channel Lodge, a cozy place that has balconies with channel views. Their reasonably priced rooms also have fireplaces and jetted tubs.
Anacortes
If you have a thing for trails, Anacortes’s outdoor appeal can't be beat. For example, the trails around Cranberry Lake are incredibly picturesque; they are every trail runner's dream. You only need the app Strava, especially if you want to figure out where the most popular routes for runners are. Another little-known trick to enjoying an adventure-packed weekend at Anacortes is to rent an e-bike at the Skagit Cycle Center and ride through two-lane country roads, explore neighbouring Guemes for a day, or just feel the wind in your hair as you cruise by the coast. The nearby Mount Erie, whose summit offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding areas, is the highest point of Fidalgo Island. Start with some decadent cheese curds from Rachel’s Alibi on Commercial Avenue, a local favourite loved for its laid-back, home-style dining experience.
Republic
With its early 19th-century look, scenic mountain views, and deep blue skies, a weekend in Republic is nothing but renewing and relaxing. Keep in mind that Ferry County is big on nature and outdoor attractions, meaning one can enjoy epic hikes and similar recreational opportunities. But before you venture out, pass by Stonerose Interpretive Center & Eocene Fossil Site, one of Republic's most well-known landmarks. You will enjoy rummaging for fossils, although a bit of patience and physical fitness are crucial factors. Just a few steps away is Esther's Restaurant, where you can sit down to some delicious Enchilada Grande in an inviting but authentic atmosphere. Take note that Republic has one main thoroughfare, the historic Clark Avenue. You will not find traffic lights, not even a blinking yellow light. Curlew Lake and the beautiful Curlew Lake State Park are all within arm's reach and are known for grassy knolls, migratory birds, and delicious views.
Lynden
Lynden, whose neat and relaxing downtown has a Dutch theme, is as quaint as they come. It is Washington State’s largest Dutch settlement and is in a region known for producing some of the largest crops of raspberries in the United States. But you don't have to come to raspberries. Instead, you can come to browse museums, cute little cafes, and small, family-owned restaurants, most of which are within a few block radius. Avenue Bread - Lynden is a quiet, authentic place that serves delicious sandwiches, meaning it can always be an awesome starting point. After a hearty breakfast that makes you grin out the door, work your way to Lynden Heritage Museum. Even if you don't love dates and history, the wagons of the past, interesting farm life scenes (with the tools they used), and the horseless carriages are quite a sight to behold. Spend some time at the Lynden City Park, a cool little space with a singing creek and lots of shade. A trail winds parallel to the stream and goes a short way through the woods. As for staying, The Inn At Lynden is quiet, offers loaner bikes, and is conveniently close to restaurants and shopping venues.
Coupeville
Beautifully nestled in the heart of Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, Coupeville has the distinction of being the second-oldest town in the State of Washington. The town is cute, compact, and walkable, with almost everything within a 20-minute walk. A paved trail winds its way through the town and presents excellent biking opportunities. The well-maintained Rhododendron Trail runs from Rhododendron County Park to Main Street, snaking its way through wooded areas with lush greenery. Kickstart your day with a Vanilla Latte at Sunshine Drip, an adorable space on Main Street with lots of rave reviews, especially on smoothies and various other healthy options. After this, pass by the Island County Historical Museum to know what makes Coupeville special, before walking through one of the most beautiful sculpture gardens in the region at Price Sculpture Forest. The paths at the sculpture forest lead to a wide variety of sculptures, and there are QR codes for information about the artists and their work.
Winthrop
Winthrop is a tiny town that punches above its weight, especially considering how it is and what it offers. You will be in a neat, laid-back environment, where you can visit an open museum, walk down by the river, or catch a show at an intimate theatre. The one-of-a-kind Shafer Historical Museum, with its unique outdoor exhibits and historical buildings, keeps a collection of vintage photographs, tools, and everyday items, all of which depict life in the early 20th century. You will love walking around the space and reading about the historic mines, as you inhale great views of the surrounding hill sides. Keep in mind that Winthrop is nestled in the breathtaking Methow Valley, meaning you should brace yourself for epic outdoor recreational opportunities. There is the Winthrop Town Trailhead for fat tyre bike riding, the Methow River, which runs through the town, and Methow Trails, which is in one of the most extensive cross-country ski systems in the United States. Meanwhile, North Cascades National Park KOA Holiday is a great spot within walking distance of downtown, yet enchantingly quiet and remote.
So, if you are tired of all the rush and chaos around you, and you want to escape to some laid-back spot to recharge and come back with a fresh aura, the state of Washington is dotted with small towns that are charming, relaxing and outrageously beautiful. Have your pick, dust up your diary, and start preparing for the adventure of a lifetime.
