Article Courtesy of trip101.com
Poulsbo is a little-known city that not many have heard of. But, this quaint city near Seattle is rich in history and heritage which makes this a charming city perfect for a weekend getaway. Are planning to book Airbnb vacation rentals in Poulsbo, Washington, but have no idea what to do in the city? Worry not! Here is how you spend a weekend in Poulsbo.
Explore Historic Poulsbo
Downtown Poulsbo is an experience in and of itself. With its monicker “Little Norway on the Fjord”, the city was then a small settlement founded by Scandinavian immigrants. It was initially a lumber and fishing town that grew over the years. Recently, the city fully harkens back to its heritage embracing its identity.
Today, the city’s downtown is filled with shops and establishments built with Scandinavian and Viking aesthetics. Souvenir and curio shops even sell local artisan crafts and items inspired by this. A stroll through its streets as well as visiting each and every shop is one of the best ways to enjoy the city.
Go Museum Hopping
Speaking of history, Poulsbo has some great museums to visit whenever you are in town. These hollowed walls are one of the best ways to learn the local history as well as the lives of the settlers from the founding of the settlement up to the present. Not only that, but there are also other museums in the city that specialize in the various things that have shaped and influenced the city. Here are a few places to visit:
Heritage Museum
Located just a few blocks from the Poulsbo Port, this museum houses an extensive collection dedicated to the lives and lifestyle of the early settlers of the city. The collection includes items and artifacts like Traditional clothes, old furniture, and other household items. The museum aims to paint a picture of what life was like in the early days of Poulsbo.
Maritime Museum
Much like the Heritage Museum, the Poulsbo Maritime Museum aims to showcase the impact of the maritime industry on the city and the region. The museum holds and an extensive collection of old items and memorabilia related to sailing and life at sea. If you are a fan of traditional sailing and navigation, this one should be on your list.
See the different local markets
One of the best things to come from quaint towns in the local markets that offer fresh produce and local products. Poulsbo is no exception. Here are two of the best local markets to visit:
Central Market
Central Market is actually a group of 6 sister stores scattered all across the region. The market in Poulsbo is one of three larger stores. The Poulsbo Central Market is a one-stop-shop for fresh locally-sourced produce. Within the store is also a few food places and cafes where you can enjoy a good cup of coffee after shopping.
Farmer’s market
If you are looking for a more traditional open-air market, the Farmer’s Market is a must-visit. The market is open to the public and has a few stalls selling various goods like local produce and even crafts. The market also showcases live musical performances by local artists adding to the authentic feel. The market activity starts every Saturday from April until December.
Try a few local eats
Photo © Brittany Kelley Photography
They say two of the most effective ways to know a place is to know the people and what they eat. Fortunately, you can do both at the same time when you visit some of the local cafes and establishments. Here are a few to consider:
Caffe Cocina
A great place to grab a good cup of coffee and some delicious pastries. Located further inland up on Finn Hill Road, this local cafe is another favorite by local patrons. The cafe offers a good selection of coffee, as well as a few in-house baked goods. A popular stopover for locals and tourists alike.
Poulsbohemian Coffeehouse
This quaint and charming cafe is a must if you love to pair your coffee with a gorgeous view. The little cafe has indoor and outdoor seating complete with rustic old European decor. Opened in 1993, this cafe has been serving great coffee to locals and tourists alike in front of Liberty Bay.
Visit the public parks
Speaking of amazing views, Poulsbo is blessed with a scenic vista of Liberty Bay and the surrounding landscape. Its beauty is best experienced through leisurely walks through the few public parks in town. Walks during Fall are even more breathtaking. The parks are awash in fiery colors as the cool air blows.
Poulsbo Fish Park
This sanctuary is an easy and relaxing outdoor experience for visitors. The park has a looping trail that goes through the woods and runs along the Liberty Bay Estuary. Perfect for enjoying the cool weather with friends and family among Poulsbo’s natural beauty.
Experience the spooky side of town
Halloween is one of the most awaited events in Poulsbo. Traditionally, the entire section of Front street is closed off for trick or treaters. The shops lining the street are decorated with ghoulish and spooky ornaments as trick or treaters hop from one shop to another. The event is known locally as Ghoulsbo and is one of the most anticipated events during the Fall season.
Old towns have their fair share of spooky tales and mysteries that have survived through the ages. Passed down from generation to generation, these stories can now be experienced through guided tours. A few minutes north of Poulsbo is the historic town of Port Gamble. Join a group of brave souls as you hear the town’s mysteries on a Guided Ghost Walk Tour.
See the Licorice Shrine
From the spooky side of things, we head over to the peculiar. In Poulsbo, right in the heart of Marina Market, is the Licorice Shrine. Just as the name implies, this shrine is home to hundreds of licorice found all around the globe. The shrine holds classics from places like Germany and Finland. These come in various fillings like fruits and berries as well as other flavors.
As an ode to the traditional way of consumption, the shrine also imbues licorice in popular drinks like various craft beers. The shrine also has some modern incarnations especially products made to taste like licorice. Twizzlers are but one of these non-licorice delicacies found in the shrine.
Featured image courtesy of Nick Hoke, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=53528137
Most folks, when they visit Poulsbo, just visit the historic downtown district. At a glance the rest may look like chain stores, and other things not of interest to a visitor. That couldn’t be further from the truth. While downtown is a large concentration of the restaurants and shops in Poulsbo, the rest of our city is a vibrant mix of local businesses and chains providing everything a visitor or resident to Poulsbo might need. This is the first installment in the series of posts where we’ll look at what you’ll find in each of the different districts of Poulsbo outside of downtown.
The 305
Most visitors to Poulsbo will pass quickly through this corridor on their way downtown or may be staying at one of the two hotels here. There’s a lot to see here. If you forgot you’re comfy shoes we have Poulsbo Running or Harrison’s Comfort Footwear, both locally owned shops provide a wide range of walking, running, hiking shoes and accessories. Not enough food for Fido? Check out Naturally 4 Paws next to Central Market.
Speaking of which, Central Market is a local grocery chain, and is a favorite to locals and visitors alike. This popular store features gourmet grab-and-go foods, a great selection of hard to find beers & wines, a coffee shop, pizza & hot dog counter and a small gift department that is updated seasonally.
If you’re headed to a get-together, don’t go empty handed! High Spirits is a locally-owned specialty Liquor Store located in the Centennial Building. It is in no way your average liquor store, they specialize in local and hard to find spirits, a growler re-fill bar and a wine cellar with an amazing selection of wines. They offer themed tastings most Saturdays, so even if you’re not in the market, check them out to try something new.
The 305 also contains a vast majority of Poulsbo’s restaurant options, from chain’s to ethic fare, including Punjab India Cuisine, Blossom (Chinese), Los Cabos (Mexican), Isla Bonita (Mexican), El Sabor Casero (Salvadorian), Pho T&N (Vietnamese) and Kachai Thai Kitchen. There are also various cafe’s along this corridor that make great lunch spots including Chocmo (who also make amazing chocolcates!), and The Coffee Oasis, which has great wraps and salads and added bonus–a non-profit that supports local at-risk youth.
Looking for a great brunch spot on the weekend, or what is probably Poulsbo’s most upscale dining experience? The newly opened, family-owned Crabtree Kitchen won’t disappoint. Located in the new Centennial building just off 305, you’ll find a nicely curated menu, excellent cocktails, in a beautiful and airy atmosphere. The focus of this restaurant is sustainability, they source their ingredients locally working with local farmers, and even growing their own herbs in-restaurant.
Need coffee? There is of course Starbucks, a stand-alone location next to CVS and one located inside Safeway. BUT Poulsbo is a town that LOVES its coffee. Be sure to check out the local coffee shops along this corridor, from the little drive-thru Nordic Coffee, to spots that also offer a sit-down experience, including Café Au Lait, Central Coffee (located inside Central Market), and the afore mentioned Coffee Oasis.
This list really just scratches the surface, many more restaurants can be found here, along with retail locations to meet a wide variety of needs. For a full list of businesses in The 305 click here.
Image Source: https://chinookbook.com
**Please note this is a post in our blog from 2019, this information is not current and some events are not taking place currently. Please check our calendar here for current events.**
Poulsbo has so much to offer this time of year. From traditional Norwegian holiday events to shopping stores filled with unique finds. If you want to win Christmas this year, don’t miss a visit to Poulsbo, a one-stop shop for shopping and entertaining this holiday season!
The Don’t Miss List
- November 29th, 2019: Poulsbo Tree Lighting This annual tradition features the lighting of the tree’s surrounding Poulsbo’s Viking at the junction of Viking & Lindvig Way. The event offers cookie & ornament decorating, Christmas carols and a visit from old St. Nick! Follow Santa afterwards to a family-friendly after-party at Hudson Auto featuring free photos with Santa, snacks & drinks. http://www.vikingfest.org/poulsbo-tree-lighting-ceremony/
- December 3rd, 2019: Argosy Christmas Cruise Argosy cruises features a cruise from the Port of Poulsbo featuring stops to listen to the North Kitsap Northern Lights Choir. The first performance is at 6:30 in the waterfront park. Come downtown to view the performance, or check their website for tickets to join the cruise. https://www.argosycruises.com/events/christmas-ship-from-poulsbo/
- December 7th, 2019: Yule Fest The day kicks off with the Christmas Bazaar at Sons of Norway from 10-4pm. There will be 30 vendors featuring Norwegian & Christmas crafts, foods and gifts. Don’t miss the Lefse and a Norwegian lunch downstairs in the Viking Room. Following the Bazaar is the Yulefest festivities in the waterfront park. The Sons of Norway Viking’s will escort the Lucia Bride and light the bonfire followed by the Viking King’s reading of the Winter Solstice Proclamation. An annual tradition, and must to kick off the holiday season!
- December 14th, 2019: Tuba Christmas Join the Poulsbo Tuba Players in the Waterfront Park on Saturday December 14th from 3-5pm. They will playing Christmas songs in the pavilion.
- December 14th, 2019: 50th Annual Lighted Boat Parade Each year, Rudolph (the red nose reindeer) leads Santa through the local waters of Puget Sound with greetings to those along the parade route (Click the link below to view the route). The lighted boats arrive in the Port of Poulsbo a little after 5:00, be sure to get to the waterfront park or other waterfront locations on the route early to get a good spot to view the boats as they pass by! https://visitpoulsbo.com/event/50th-annual-lighted-boat-parade/
Ongoing Holiday Events
- November 30th-December 24th, 2019: Meet Father Christmas Meet Father Christmas and snap a photo with him for free Downtown Poulsbo. Father Christmas will be in his house November 29, 30th & December 1st from 11-3pm. Saturdays in December through the 23rd, 11-3 pm. Sundays in December through the 24th. 12 – 3 pm Christmas Eve, 11 -2 pm. https://www.facebook.com/events/historic-downtown-poulsbo/meet-father-christmas/1000295650311265/
- November 30th-December 22nd, 2019: Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides Through Downtown Poulsbo Enjoy a free, festive carriage ride through the historic downtown shopping district of Poulsbo. A fun, family friendly event! While the event is free, they do encourage donations of shelf-stable foods to support NK Fishline.
- NEW! December 6-22nd, 2019: Holiday Carousel
Located in the center of town is the Christmas Carousel, $3 per rider. Available M-Th 3-7pm, Fri-Sun 11-7pm.
