Lucky guy. Port Townsend is a fascinating town. It has two marinas, the south one is the biggest but the north one has some charm. Things that you can do, not necessarily in order is visit Brion Toss, the rigger at his place. He has a catching sense of humor and will take the time to show you his shops. I have spent over an hour talking with him and his staff--fine people. From there you could walk to Fort Warden, built for WWI it is now a park. The gun emplacements are still there and most of the officers buildings have been taken care of--in fact several are available for family and personal rentals.
If you've ever seen the movie, "An Officer and a Gentleman" it was filmed at Fort Warden and throughout Port Townsend. You can even rent a motel room where one of the officers supposedly hung himself. It's landmark in the town.
Once you've looked at Fort Warden, walk into town heading south. Right at Port Hudson is a great breakfast restaurant with friendly locals but if you wish walk down about a block and a half and there is another little cafe that serves the best breakfast in the entire northwest. There are a number of eating places in town but I like the Italian place down in the other boatyard. It is outstanding.
If you get a chance call Herb (and Nancy) Payson. Herb wrote the very funny book, "Blown Away," in which he, Nancy and the rest of his family sailed to the south seas and back. We've taken them out to dinner and both of them are charming and delightful. I'm sure you would enjoy meeting them.
One of the things that many do not know about Port Townsend is that it is the center of wine making wineries. The chamber of commerce will give you a brochure and there are at least five or six really good wineries. One I believe run by women only.
If you like old architecture, there are old homes in abundance. Port Townsend is one of the few old northwest towns that never had a major fire in the late eighteen hundreds. By the way, if motels are not your thing there are several brothels from the old days that are non working but will rent the rooms cheaply. No girls. I've done it.
And for a day excursion you can take a foot ferry to Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands and look for Orca whales as you travel. I hate to tell you about the San Juan Islands as you'll want to come back once you've seen them. No, no, stay in Chesapeake Bay!.
Another day excursion is to drive to Port Angeles and take the ferry to Victoria, BC. One of the beautiful cities in North America you could spend days there enjoying the sights. Their northwest museum is a world class place.
But the best part of Port Townsend are the people. They are friendly, helpful and most enjoyable to know. Have fun.
