Port Townsend, Washington
The Port Townsend docks
By GERRY BARKER
North Palm Beach Life
Published May, 2023
Photos/Videos by Gerry Barker
Day Nine of our 10-night, Grand Puget Sound cruise on American Cruise Lines finds American Constellation docked at Port Townsend, our last port of call on our journey through the San Juan Islands.
Once a bustling martiime hub in the late 1800s, it has survived boom-and-bust, and now serves as a charming, seaport community that has preserved its historic past. Its downtown streets are lined with art galleries, specialty shops, restaurants and museums. What you won't find are any of the fast food chains that dominate most American cities.
We are signed up for the "Legends and Lore," excursion, a walking tour that covers about 10 city blocks. It's another bright, sunny -- you could even say "hot" -- day (forecast high is around 80), and I really should have brought more of my Florida wardrobe. As we walk along, our guide refers constantly to a script. You have the feeling this is her first tour.
At one point, we encounter a rusted-out, old elevator standing by itself on a city lot. We learn that once served as an ice cream shop called "Elevated Ice Cream." It has since become a robust enterprise that offers both ice cream and candy. The town also lays claim to a haunted hotel -- ghosts seem to have a fondness for historic hotels.
North Palm Beach Life
Published May, 2023
Photos/Videos by Gerry Barker
Day Nine of our 10-night, Grand Puget Sound cruise on American Cruise Lines finds American Constellation docked at Port Townsend, our last port of call on our journey through the San Juan Islands.
Once a bustling martiime hub in the late 1800s, it has survived boom-and-bust, and now serves as a charming, seaport community that has preserved its historic past. Its downtown streets are lined with art galleries, specialty shops, restaurants and museums. What you won't find are any of the fast food chains that dominate most American cities.
We are signed up for the "Legends and Lore," excursion, a walking tour that covers about 10 city blocks. It's another bright, sunny -- you could even say "hot" -- day (forecast high is around 80), and I really should have brought more of my Florida wardrobe. As we walk along, our guide refers constantly to a script. You have the feeling this is her first tour.
At one point, we encounter a rusted-out, old elevator standing by itself on a city lot. We learn that once served as an ice cream shop called "Elevated Ice Cream." It has since become a robust enterprise that offers both ice cream and candy. The town also lays claim to a haunted hotel -- ghosts seem to have a fondness for historic hotels.
PT Soda Fountain and Diner
Afrer lunch, we venture out on our own to visit the Jefferson Museum of Art and History, in the 1892 City Hall building, and climb a set of stairs to see the 1868 Rothschild House. Set on a hill overlooking the harbor, it's the second smallest state park in Washington. The docent tells us the smallest is the Ranald MacDonald's Grave State Park Heritage Site, honoring the teacher credited to helping open Japan to the West.
But the highlight of our visit was finding the PT Soda Fountain and Diner, an authentic, old-school soda shop where you can make your jukebox selections from your booth while sipping a float or shake. Talk about a trip back in time. One last note: Port Townsend has one of only two remaining bell towers in the United States. Standing 125 feet tall, high on a hill, it was used to alert volunteer firefighters.
In the afternoon, I'm on the list for a bridge tour. Located on deck four -- immediately adjacent to our stateroom, in fact -- Captain Bryan Hobcroft (who many of the ladies onboard have said looks like Harrison Ford) gives us an overview of the technology modern ships use to plot their course. He explains how paper charts are a thing of the past, as GPS transponders provide ship traffic, water conditions and weather in exacting detail.
But the highlight of our visit was finding the PT Soda Fountain and Diner, an authentic, old-school soda shop where you can make your jukebox selections from your booth while sipping a float or shake. Talk about a trip back in time. One last note: Port Townsend has one of only two remaining bell towers in the United States. Standing 125 feet tall, high on a hill, it was used to alert volunteer firefighters.
In the afternoon, I'm on the list for a bridge tour. Located on deck four -- immediately adjacent to our stateroom, in fact -- Captain Bryan Hobcroft (who many of the ladies onboard have said looks like Harrison Ford) gives us an overview of the technology modern ships use to plot their course. He explains how paper charts are a thing of the past, as GPS transponders provide ship traffic, water conditions and weather in exacting detail.
Entertainer Jeff Spence plays Elton John
During his talk, a large cruise ship can be seen in the distance. The captain instantly pulls up an ID on the screen: It's the Holland America Eurodam, heading on a course for Juneau, Alaska at 23 knots. A graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and a resident of Charleston, SC, this is his ninth year with American Cruise Lines.
At happy hour, we don't even have to order. The bartenders know what we like and have our drinks ready. We share dinner with our new friends from the Houston area, Jerry and Joyce. Jerry tells us his recipe for curing his own bacon -- I think we may just have to give it a try.
At tonight's entertainment, showman Jeff Spence transforms into Elton John, complete with bedazzled suit and oversize glasses, for a set of the legendary rocker's favorite hits. Later, we relax with a martini on the top deck, enjoying the harbor lights of Port Townsend on a picture perfect, clear night.
In less than 24 hours, we have to be packed and ready for the trip home, leaving us to wonder: "Where did the time go?"
NEXT: The cruise ends in Seattle
At happy hour, we don't even have to order. The bartenders know what we like and have our drinks ready. We share dinner with our new friends from the Houston area, Jerry and Joyce. Jerry tells us his recipe for curing his own bacon -- I think we may just have to give it a try.
At tonight's entertainment, showman Jeff Spence transforms into Elton John, complete with bedazzled suit and oversize glasses, for a set of the legendary rocker's favorite hits. Later, we relax with a martini on the top deck, enjoying the harbor lights of Port Townsend on a picture perfect, clear night.
In less than 24 hours, we have to be packed and ready for the trip home, leaving us to wonder: "Where did the time go?"
NEXT: The cruise ends in Seattle
