Now A Boutique Inn, Washington's Old Alcohol Plant Is Loaded With Local History
By Jessica Wick|Published December 08, 2020
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Jessica Wick
Author
Jessica Wick is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves exploring new places, meeting new people and, of course, beautiful Big Sky Country and every part of Washington State.
As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
Washington is home to some beautiful historic properties, some of which are available for visits or overnight stays (lucky us). One of the most underrated among them is definitely the Old Alcohol Plant, a structure that dates back to 1910 and is now a charming hotel and restaurant. Not only does the building have a fascinating history, but its current purpose is also pretty fantastic as well.
Port Hadlock is a small town in Jefferson County located on the Quimper Peninsula, about 10 miles south of Port Townsend.
This was where Classen Chemical Company made alcohol (not the drinking kind) out of sawdust. The plant closed its doors in 1913, and the property remained vacant for decades.
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In 1978, Ray Hansen saw potential in this building. Over the course of nine years, he and his wife invested around $4 million to create The Inn at Port Hadlock, a hotel and resort.
The hotel changed ownership several times and closed briefly due to some tax troubles before a small group of local philanthropists purchased and renovated it in 2011.
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The Old Alcohol Plant Inn was opened in part to help fund Bayside Housing & Services, a transitional housing program meant to help community members who are at risk of homelessness.
Proceeds from hotel stays, restaurant meals, the art gallery, and weddings help fund Bayside. So when you stay here, you'll help contribute to a good cause.
The menu is changed seasonally, mainly because quite a few of the ingredients come from the onsite garden.
Spirits Bar & Grill utilizes a long list of local purveyors, like Chimacum Corner Farmstand and Chimacum Valley Dairy, to create their classic American menu.
