By Lara Dunning
Need to get away and see something new but don’t want to venture too far? These itineraries will get you there and back home again all in one day.
Family Fun at Finnriver Farm & Cidery
A cold cider in hand, the sweet aroma of ripening apples and plenty of room for the kids to frolic—find all this at the 100-year-old, dairy-farm-turned-cider-garden Finnriver Farm & Cidery. It’s just an hour’s drive away in Chimacum and perfect for a family outing.
First stop, the tasting room to sample the farm-craft ed ciders. Next, take your favorite pour outside to the large grassy yard for a game of bocce ball, or sit back and relax under the covered pavilion while the kids play. Wander into the orchards for a self-guided tour where you’ll see the organic cider apples up close, or on Saturdays in September, join a tour with the charasmatic Johnny Appleseed, who covers apple history, biology and lore. Make sure to munch on wood-fired Dented Buoy pizza and enjoy Hama Hama oysters and the local jams.
124 Center Road
Chimacum, WA 98325
finnriver.com
Hikes and History at Fort Worden State Park
Flashlight. Check. Hiking boots. Check. A sense of adventure. Check. Where are you heading? A little over an hour away to Fort Worden State Park in Port Townsend. The 1890s fort has 12 miles of hiking trails through the woods, next to the beach, and most importantly, around and through Artillery Hill.
Before you begin, pick up a walking tour pamphlet at the Puget Sound Coast Artillery Museum, or for groups of five or more, arrange a guided tour. March atop gun batteries, stroll through tunnels, climb observation towers and search for secret passageways. Afterward, Stop by Elevated Ice Cream in downtown Port Townsend for a sweet treat.
200 Battery Way
Port Townsend, WA 98368
fortworden.org
Spot Ghosts in Port Gamble
Are your ready to get spooked? Then head to historic Port Gamble, a quick 35-minute drive where fearless souls will discover Western Washington’s most haunted town by joining an October evening Ghost Walk for ages 16 and up. The guided tour highlights the town’s haunted past and makes stops at the morgue, cemetery and its most famous paranormal hot spot, the Walker-Ames house. Reservations required. Enjoy dinner before the walk at the Port Gamble General Store.
3 Rainier Avenue
Port Gamble, WA 98634
The Cycle of Chum at Kennedy Creek Salmon Trail
The leaves are changing and so are the salmon. This late fall day trip takes you to Kennedy Creek Salmon Trail, less than 2 hours away near Oyster Bay, to see chum swim to their spawning grounds. The 1.5-mile trail is open November weekends only. Learn about the 20,000 salmon that return each year from the on-site docents who answer questions about the salmon’s physical changes, courtship rituals and spawning grounds.
Segway Tours in Edmonds
Ever wanted to ride a Segway? Take the ferry from Kingston to find Segway of Edmonds. Choose from three 90-minute tour options including sunset, historic or VIP. For those wanting to explore on their own, choose the 60-minute Adventurer Rental. Each session begins with a 30-minute orientation for riders as young as 14 years old. Cruise through town, zip along the waterfront, and wrap up with free time to test the Segway’s blazingly fast 12-mph speed.
201 5th Avenue S, Ste 106
Edmonds, WA 98020
edmondssegwaytours.com
Oyster Love at Hama Hama
It’s easy to rekindle your affection for the flavorful Pacific oyster at Hama Hama Co., located on the west shore of Hood Canal, just a 1.5-hour drive from Bainbridge. Visitors can take a self-guided tour, purchase oysters for home, join a shucking class and on weekdays see the shucking crew in action. When your stomach growls, find a spot in the outdoor Oyster Saloon and sample their seasonal, oyster-inspired menu. The farm is outdoors, so dress for the weather or plan to warm up next to an oyster-ringed fire pit.
35846 N U.S. Hwy 101
Lilliwaup, WA 98555
hamahamaoysters.com
Culture and Tradition at the Suquamish Museum
Artistry, history and culture are ripe to be experienced at the Suquamish Museum. This state-of-the-art museum is a short 15-minute drive off the island and set in the ancestral winter home of Chief Seattle. Designed to share the Suquamish people’s history and culture, the museum includes the permanent exhibit, “Ancient Shores – Changing Tides,” which engages the senses with symbols, textures and traditional storytelling. In mid-September begins the featured exhibit, “Northwest Trade,” focusing on trade between tribes pre-contact and after. Plan to spend one to two hours in the museum, then walk over to the cemetery where Chief Seattle was laid to rest. Round out your excursion with dinner at the Agate Pass Café or Bella Luna Pizzeria along the Suquamish waterfront.
6861 NE South Street
Suquamish, WA 98392
suquamishmuseum.org
