The Enchanting Town In Washington Is One Of The Best Places To Enjoy Autumn
By Andrea Verschuyl|Published October 30, 2023
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Andrea Verschuyl
Author
Having grown up in Washington, Andrea is a self-admitted Pacific Northwest snob. In their opinion, there's simply nowhere else in the country with the Evergreen State's beauty. After attending university, Andrea devoted themselves to writing full-time. They're thrilled to represent Washington for Only In Your State while pursuing other professional and personal projects. They currently reside in Olympia, where they enjoy leaf-blowing their yard, perfecting homemade ramen, cuddling with their three tiny dogs, and feeding their pufferfish, Sea Biscuit.
We’re quickly approaching winter, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to plan a fall day trip in Washington! Our state has no shortage of picturesque small towns to enjoy seasonal fun, but today, we’re highlighting Poulsbo. This charming community is jam-packed with everything that makes Washington autumns beautiful, not to mention it’s located just a stone’s throw from some of the region’s best outdoor adventures.
You'll find Poulsbo on the edge of Liberty Bay. With its rich fisheries, healthy forests, and gorgeous views, this stunning inlet has always attracted people. For thousands of years, Poulsbo was a village site of the Suquamish, who called the area č̓uʔč̓uɬac, meaning maple trees, in Lushootseed. After the Treaty of Point Elliott in 1855, the land became a haven for Scandinavian settlers who'd relocated to the Puget Sound region.
Eventually, in the 1880s, a Norwegian immigrant named Jørgen Eliason founded Poulsbo. The legacy of the area's former residents remains vital to modern Poulsbo's character. While its Scandinavian heritage is most readily apparent— even earning it the nickname Little Norway— the Suquamish also play an influential role in defining the community's culture.
If you're certifiably coffee-obsessed like me, there's no better way to start your Poulsbo fun than with a latte at one of the town's many delicious cafes. I recommend Poulsbohemian Coffeehouse on Front Street for its lovely views.
If you're a fan of history, consider visiting the Martinson Cabin Museum. Originally built in the 1800s by the Martinson family, this historical landmark gives a fascinating look into how past Poulsbo residents lived.
And if you're arriving on a Saturday, remember to visit the Poulsbo Farmer's Market. This year, the market is open April 1 through December 16. You'll love perusing the wares of local vendors. Perhaps you'll even find something for dinner!
Just because it’s finally getting frosty doesn’t mean it’s too late for a fall day trip in Washington. With its gorgeous location and dynamic culture, Poulsbo makes for a fabulous in-state getaway.
To dive deeper into its fascinating history or see more of what makes it great now, consider staying at a local vacation rental. There aren’t many better views to wake up to than one of Liberty Bay.
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