November launches the holiday season with its many exciting activities and events. Here in Port Townsend, we can’t wait for you to join the fun! Days are shorter. Nights are longer. Storms have been rolling in off the Strait of Juan de Fuca, inspiring us to come inside to a warm shop, a cozy guest room and a welcoming eatery for comfort food. Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and before you know it, Santa will be riding in to light our tree at Haller Fountain!
Photo by Steve Mullensky
Get a head start on your holiday shopping this year at the Holiday Fair at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, November 5 and 6 from 10 am to 4 pm Stocking stuffers, gifts, arts, crafts and hourly raffles start the fun, plus Santa makes an early visit for photo ops with your kiddos. For more information, go to www.jeffcofairgrounds.com or call 360.385.1013.
The 11th Annual Port Townsend Woodworker’s Show celebrates the diversity of high quality and unique woodwork made by individual craftspeople in our community. Among dozens of woodworkers presenting this year, there will also be lovely pieces by students from Port Townsend High School and Chimacum High School. Show hours are November 5 from 11 am to 8 pm and November 6 from 11 am to 3 pm. Admission is free.
Galleries around town feature local artists and craftspeople with inspiring art for your home or a gift for that special someone. The first Saturday of every month is Art Walkfrom 5-7:30 pm, falling on November 5. Learn more about our merchants at www.ptmainstreet.org.
The Port Townsend Saturday Farmers Market is Uptown on Tyler Street every Saturday in November from 10 am to 1 pm. Winter squash, sweet apples, crunchy carrots, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, kale, chard and root vegetables are in abundance. Treat yourself and your friends to local cider, beer and wine. Buy free-range, organic meat and other delectable artisan foods. On November 5, 12 and 19, a visiting cranberry vendor will be at the market. Winter Squash and Stock Your Pantry Day is November 12 with a chef demo by Jefferson Healthcare’s Executive Chef Arran Stark.
Make Port Townsend your home base while you sip and savor the flavors of fall at the Olympic Peninsula Harvest Wine Tour November 11-13 from 11 am to 5 pm. The nine artisan wineries and cideries are located in the Peninsula towns of Port Townsend, Chimacum, Nordland, Sequim and Port Angeles. It’s a great opportunity to taste some fantastic new wines and ciders, while discovering new pairings for your holiday table. Enjoy seasonal activities and marvel at nature’s vibrant palate. For more info, go to www.olympicpeninsulawineries.org.
Key City Public Theatre presents two evenings of dinner theater at Alchemy Bistro and Wine Bar November 13 and 14 at 6 pm, featuring 2 Across by Jerry Mayer. This is a charming, character-driven comedy set aboard a San Francisco BART train, starring Crystal Eisele and Michael Vicha. Every ticket comes with a four-course San Francisco-inspired meal designed by the talented Alchemy culinary team.
Tickets are $55 for the dinner and show (beverages not included) and are available online at www.keycitypublictheatre.org or by calling 360.385.5278.
Need exercise in between all the holiday meals and activities? Join the Turkey Trot 5K and Kids’ Dash on Saturday, November 19 at the boatyard trailhead of the Larry Scott Trail, benefitting Jumping Mouse Children’s Center to help keep their services accessible to children in need. The Kids’ Dash begins at 9 am and the 5K begins at 9:30 am. Register here: http://peninsulatrailscoalition.org/?p=492 Enjoy cocoa, coffee and treats at the finish. Turkey costumes are encouraged!
Fort Worden is serving Thanksgiving dinner (call 360.344.4400 for reservations) as well as several of our local restaurants around town. Please contact the Port Townsend Visitor Information Center at 360.385.2722 or info@jeffcountychamber.org for a list and phone numbers for your holiday reservation.
Forget the stressful, crowded malls on Black Friday and meander leisurely through town, discovering treasures for your family and friends. Black Friday is the kick-off for Main Street’s “Look Here First for Family Fun and Holiday Memories” campaign. Enjoy the array of unique gifts available at our boutiques and galleries. Many of our shops are run by the owners, so they can help you find exactly the discerning gift you’re looking for…and maybe something special for you too! “Look Here First” for one-of-a-kind, imaginative gift ideas that will bring joy to your friends and family.
November 26 is Main Street’s Merchant Open House and Small Business Saturday! Celebrate local businesses at this nationwide event. Enjoy caroling in the streets from 2-4 pm, in-store treats and and many stores will be open late for your shopping pleasure.
Take a Wildlife Viewing Cruise with the Port Townsend Marine Science Center and Puget Sound Express on Saturday, November 26. The trip leaves from Port Townsend’s Point Hudson Marina at 1 pm and returns at 4 pm. Tickets are $55 per person. Book your reservation online at www.ptmsc.org or call 360.385.5582, ext. 104.
Let the holiday festivities begin! Escape to Port Townsend and make all your winter dreams come true.