The Best Small Town In Washington For Seniors
Imagine waking up every day in a sleepy town home to magnificent waterfront views, beautiful historic homes, and a thriving art scene. For residents of Port Townsend, this dreamy picture is reality. From the moment you step onto the streets of Port Townsend, you will feel as though you have stepped into a romantic painting. This town is perfect for retirees looking to spend their days relaxing by the sea. In Port Townsend, you can enjoy your free time walking along the rocky beach shorelines or exploring the art galleries downtown. Each night, wind down at a local restaurant on the waterfront and listen to the calming waves and bird calls. Here we explore more about what makes Port Townsend, a romantic seaside town, perfect for seniors.
Exploring the Outdoors
A big part of Port Townsend's charm is its natural beauty. The town is part of the Olympic Peninsula, making the waterfront view that much more spectacular. Inhale the fresh sea air and admire the magnificent vistas surrounding the town. On sunny afternoons, bring your kayak and set sail into Port Townsend Bay. Admire the town from the water as you paddle through the blue waves, past seagulls and waterfowl. If you prefer to stay on land, there is also a network of trails and routes for hikers and riders of all levels of experience around town. Many trails go along the waterfront, such as the North Beach to Glass Beach trail, which offers beautiful views of the rocky shoreline. It is best known for the abundance of beach glass along the path. This is the perfect walk to wind down your day or start your morning at sunrise.
Historic Downtown
Walking around downtown Port Townsend, one of the first things you will notice is the town's stunning Victorian architecture. The streets are lined with beautiful orange and red brick buildings that will transport you to the town's booming maritime past. In the summer months, the streets are best explored on foot, where you can stop to admire historic buildings and take time absorbing the waterfront views. One of the best streets to walk downtown is along Water Street. This is the heart of the historic district, and the street is lined with Victorian-era buildings and waterfront views. Water Street is also where you will find the Jefferson Museum of Art & History. Located in the historic City Hall, the museum highlights the work of local artists. If you are an art lover, make sure to spend some free time touring the carefully curated exhibits. They will give you a newfound appreciation for the town.
Uptown Port Townsend is a quieter area, but it is filled with magnificent historic homes. This area of Port Townsend was once considered a refuge from the bustling downtown area. Uptown was settled by businessmen who built the extravagant Victorian homes still standing today. In Uptown, you will also come across the Rothschild House Museum. The home is an authentic time capsule from a bygone era. The house has been carefully curated to recreate late 19th- and early 20th-century Port Townsend. If you are looking to spend an afternoon meandering through the town's history, this is the perfect place to do it. For seniors who love history, Port Townsend is the perfect place to call home.
Local Arts Scene
Beyond its historic charm, Port Townsend is also a cultural hub for artists. Considering the picturesque seaport town's dreamy quality, it is no wonder artists are attracted to the area. If you are an artist or art lover, you will feel right at home in Port Townsend. There are a number of galleries and art events to keep you engaged in the community. Walking along Water Street, there are numerous art galleries you can stop into, such as The Port Townsend Gallery. The Port Townsend Gallery is a Fine Arts Cooperative that started in Port Townsend in 1997. The Cooperative is made up of 28 talented artists, and being conveniently located right on Water Street, it is easy to get to. Another gallery on Water Street is Gallery Nine. The gallery is located just two blocks from the ferry docks and features work from 25 artists. There is a wide range of different art media at Gallery Nine, from textile art to paintings. The first Saturday of each month from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Port Townsend also hosts an Art Gallery Walk. This is a great opportunity for seniors to meet fellow art lovers and gain further appreciation for the artistic spirit of the town.
Shopping and Dining
Even though Port Townsend is not a big city, there are still lots of opportunities for shopping and dining in the downtown area. So seniors will not have to travel too far to enjoy a day of shopping. Retirees who have a hobby of antiquing will enjoy spending some time at the Port Townsend Antique Mall downtown. The large emporium has 40 of the finest Antique dealers in the area. The Antique Mall has a wide selection of collectable items from books to vintage lamps, so you are sure to find something to take home with you!
There are also dozens of restaurants downtown, offering a variety of cuisine. Bayview restaurant is a popular spot right on the water's edge. They offer delicious food and stunning waterfront views. Enjoy sipping on a glass of wine as you watch ducks fly by along the water. The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is open seven days a week. The menu has homestyle meals with everything from roast beef dinner to burgers.
HealthCare and Support
Besides the shops and restaurants, Port Townsend is also home to quality healthcare services such as Jefferson Healthcare. Seniors can rest assured knowing their healthcare needs will be looked after in town. Jefferson Healthcare has a hospital and health clinics. For seniors who want to stay on top of their health, there are also wellness programs offered by a couple of organizations in Port Townsend. They focus on healthy movement and on seniors' needs. The Olympic Area Agency on Aging is one place that offers Strength, Balance, and Fitness Classes. They also host free group fitness classes such as Tai Ji Quan Movement for Better Balance. Seniors looking for more support in Port Townsend can reach out to the town's Senior Association. The association helps seniors connect with local resources, groups, and activities. They have been active for 30 years and often hold group lunches and other activities to help foster connections in the community. Having so much community support will make the transition to life in Port Townsend even easier.
Nearby Towns to Explore
Part of Port Townsend's appeal is its distance from the bustling, chaotic big cities. However, this does not mean Port Townsend does not have any nearby places to explore. Just 10 miles south of Port Townsend is the small town of Chimacum. The town celebrates the best aspects of rural Washington living. Home to farms, local markets, and a close-knit community atmosphere, this is a great day trip from Port Townsend. In Chimacum, visitors can explore Washington's countryside. In the warmer months, head to Chimacum's peaceful Finnriver Farm & Cidery. The organic farm and cidery offer scenic views of the apple orchard and the surrounding valley. They offer tastings and tours, so you can sip on cider while taking in the stunning vistas.
Port Hadlock is just five miles away from Chimacum, another great destination for a day trip. Similar to Port Townsend, the port town has cute waterfront restaurants and shops. Enjoy a meal at the town's local favorite spot, The Spirits Bar & Grill. The restaurant has a relaxed ambience with delicious food. They offer a little bit of everything, from burgers to seafood. On warmer days, you can sit outdoors and enjoy the beautiful views of the area. Being so close to both of these unique small towns makes Port Townsend an even more interesting place to live.
A Special Place to Live
While Port Townsend is a small town, anyone who loves the waterfront will never be bored here. Waking up to the Seabreeze in Port Townsend feels like something from a dreamy novel. You can spend your days in town kayaking through beautiful blue water, walking along the shoreline, exploring art galleries, and trying different restaurants on the waterfront. Once you set foot onto the streets lined with brick historic buildings and the backdrop of the water, you will fall in love with life in Port Townsend. If you are looking to spend your golden years in a peaceful place, consider calling Port Townsend home. The combination of natural beauty and community spirit makes the town a great place for seniors.
