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One of the Northwest's Coolest Small Towns - Port Townsend, WA
(photo provided by enjoypt.com)
 If you love the arts, good food, unique shops, and the great outdoors, you'll want to be sure to visit this Washington gem - Port Townsend - a wonderful blend of Victorian history and urban flair. There's a lot to do and see in Port Townsend and, on top of that, it's a very dog-friendly place. Located on the northeast tip of the Olympic Peninsula, Port Townsend is a great getaway spot all on its own, or you can make it your "base camp" for more exploration of the area.
You and the Pooch - Things to do
Take in the town with Rover - Walking Tours
Historic Port Townsend walking tours are a great way to see the town and exercise the pooch as well! We are told that not only are dogs welcome, but at times the tours are led by dogs; the walking tour guides are known to bring along their own furry friends. Visiting pet parents tend to favor the waterfront tour as it features a few pet-friendly pit stops.
 Jefferson County Historical Society Walking Tours
If you are of an "independent" nature, scout out the town on your own. Here are a few of the historical sites that you might want to look out for on your self-guided tour:
The Rothschild House
Located at the corner of Jefferson and Taylor Streets in uptown Port Townsend, the Rothschild House is virtually unchanged from a hundred years ago.
The Jefferson County Courthouse
The Jefferson County Courthouse majestically overlooks Port Townsend Bay and the entrance to Admiralty Inlet.
 Uptown Victorian Homes
Strolling the uptown district of Port Townsend and sampling Victorian architecture is a favorite pastime of visitors and locals alike.
Stretching the Legs at City and County Parks and on the Beach
There are quite a few city parks in Port Townsend. Here are a few highlights:
Chetzemoka Park - This 6.4 acre park is located on the hillside overlooking Admiralty Inlet and has a commanding view of the Cascade Mountains. There is access to the park's beach and extensive tidelands. Dogs must be on leashes. Also there is an informal, fenced off-leash dog park on the north end of Chetzemoka City Park. This property is fully fenced and offers sand and bark chipped open areas, a picnic table, park bench and water faucet. It located on the corner of Hudson and Taft Streets.
 Kah Tai Lagoon Nature Park - This park is an 80-acre natural area located in the center of Port Townsend. It encompasses 25-acres of open water, 15-acres of wetlands, and 40-acres of uplands. The short path along the southwest shore of the lagoon provides a real treat for the doggie senses. A protected habitat for waterfowl, so be sure to keep your pal on a leash.
North Beach Park - This park has 1 acre of waterfront (beach) with incredible views of the Straits of Juan De Fuca and adjoins Fort Worden State Park making this park a popular destination for hikers. The park has a mowed grass area, rest rooms, picnic shelter, water and parking.
For more information on parks and their locations click here.
For Hiking Around Port Townsend, See "Dog About Trail."
Need a Bite? Dog-friendly Patios
 Weather permitting you and your furry friend are welcome at these eateries on their dog-friendly patios:
Sweet Laurette Café & Bistro provides plenty of ambiance and a mouth-watering menu of locally grown organic food. You won't need a doggy bag; dogs are very welcome on the patio.
Nifty Fifty's Soda Fountain is a blast from the not so distant past where you can share a "giant burger" with your furry pal in the back deck, which overlooks the harbor.
UnderTown Coffee & Wine Bar a place to get a great cup of coffee, freshly baked pastries, delicious sandwiches, and more. Located in the basement of one of the historic buildings, the UnderTown has a small back deck where your pooch is welcome.
Poochless Activities
 Gallery Walks - The first Saturday of every month from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m., art galleries and venues in the downtown waterfront district show off the work of local artists.
Art Route - a self-guided tour of art studios in Port Townsend and Jefferson County.
Key City Public Theatre - Year-round season includes classics, contemporary plays, and musicals.
Kayaking - Admiralty Inlet and Port Townsend Bay have many miles of shoreline to explore.
Whale Watching & Wildlife Cruises - Hop aboard a seaworthy vessel and travel the waters in search of seabirds and marine mammals. (You remember Orcas are not fish, right?)
Wine Tasting - Wineries and cideries with tasting rooms: FairWinds Winery, Eaglemount Winery & Cidery, Finnriver Farm & Cidery, AlpenFire Cidery.
Shopping - Art, books, jewelry, antiques, clothing, you'll love browsing in the town's unique shops.
A Few of the Upcoming Events
 15th Annaual Playwright's Festival - Feb 10-27, 2012 - Works by local and regional playwrights.
Victorian Heritage Festival - March 23-25, 2012 - 16th year, celebrates Port Townsend's unique role as an exquisitely preserved historical seaport.
The Festival of American Fiddle Tunes - July 1-8, 2012, - Explore a wide variety of fiddle styles: Old Time, Irish, New England, Quebecois, Cajun, Bluegrass, and others.
35th Annual Wooden Boat Festival - - September 7-9, 2012 - First and largest Wooden Boat Festival in North America.
The Port Townsend Visitor Center is at 440 12th St. Hours are: Monday - Friday 9-5; Saturday - 10-4; Sunday 11-4.
Pet-Friendly Lodging
 The Palace Hotel
This beautifully restored Victorian hotel awaits you in the heart of downtown Port Townsend, Washington. Galleries, shops, historic buildings, parks, the waterfront, and so much more are all within easy walking distance of the Palace Hotel. Each room is uniquely decorated in a Victorian theme, and furnished with antiques and collectibles. The spacious guestrooms vary from European-style accommodations through two-room suites; many rooms have magnificent views of Port Townsend Bay or the historic downtown.
The Palace Hotel offers free wireless Internet in the beautiful Mezzanine and 2nd Floor lobbies. Conveniently located on the ground floor is the Tyler Street Coffee House, and next to the lobby is the Wine Seller with a great selection of wine as well as free wine tastings monthly.
Whether you are planning your next romantic getaway, or seeking uninterrupted time to relax, the Palace Hotel provides the perfect atmosphere, and, best of all, your pup is welcome too! $20.00 per night charge for pets. (Please check with hotel regarding pet policy.)
The Swan Hotel
 The Swan Hotel is located in the heart of the Maritime District and is adjacent to the Point Hudson Marina and across from the Northwest Maritime Center and The Center for Wooden Boats. Also it is just a few steps from the beach and the water of Townsend Bay where you and Fido can fetch sticks or take a dip in the Bay. Doggie towels are provided.
After your invigorating romp on the beach, stroll down the main street and visit all the unique shops and restaurants where treats and water stops are abundant. Pick up a bag of yummy dog treats from many of the shops made by the "Gatheringplace", a nonprofit organization that provides enrichment programs for adults with developmental disabilities.
The Swan Hotel offers studios and cabins with private baths, Wi-Fi, DSL, High Definition TV's and DVD players, mini-fridges, microwaves and coffee service as well as beds, toys and treats for your "best friend." The dog fee is $20 per night and dogs may not be left in suites unattended.
The Bishop Victorian Hotel
 This all suites Victorian hotel is situated in the heart of Port Townsend's Historic District and just steps away from dining and shops and a short stroll to the waterfront. The Bishop offers a variety of suite types to pets and their owners. In addition, bowls and treats await your pets on arrival. A continental breakfast is delivered daily to your door and can be enjoyed in front of your fireplace. Wi-Fi, DSL, High Definition TV and DVD players, mini-fridges, microwaves, coffee service complete every suite and some suites have full kitchens for longer term stays. The dog fee is $20 per night and dogs may not be left in suites unattended.
Make reservations on line at www.theswanhotel.com, www.bishopvictorian.com or call 800-824-4738 to make reservations. Each hotel sets aside specific studios, cabins or suites for dogs so book early to insure that a pet friendly accommodation is available.
Fort Worden State Park - Vacation Rentals
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