Ferries and Towns of Puget Sound

Day 1

Fly non-stop to Seattle. Enjoy brunch at Anthony’s (with a view) near the airport. The afternoon ferry ride to Bainbridge Island is the second longest (35 minutes) and one of the most scenic on the sound. Suquamish is the home of the late Chief Seattle, the Native American who convinced his people to accept the coming of white settlers. Visit the Chief’s gravesite and hear the incredible story of a man wise beyond his time. Your lodging for the entire tour is at the beautiful Clearwater Resort overlooking the waters of Puget Sound. For a welcome dinner this evening, we've arranged a lovely private light buffet on the patio. Walk along the sound, sit outside near the fire ring in the evening, sample onsite dining choices - it's really one of the most wonderful accommodations in our entire catalogue, ample time to enjoy this beautiful resort. (Note: The hotel is completely separate from the casino which is a 3-minute walk away.) Clearwater Casino Resort – 4 nights (BR,D)

Day 2

Just down the road from our waterfront home is Poulsbo. Founded by Scandinavian immigrants in the 1880’s, today it’s a popular tourist destination. We’ve arranged a short, guided walking tour, along with a visit to Sluy’s, the town’s legendary bakery, where you can pick out a FREE treat after lunch!  There's also time to explore the quaint shops at your leisure. Port Gamble is another colorful little spot in the Pacific Northwest. The old mill town has been restored and is a National Historical Landmark. Our visit includes a casual outdoor dinner and tour of the local museum, said to be haunted. We'll get the details from a "ghost's point of view…" (FB,D)

Day 3

More ferry rides today! Cross from Port Townsend as a passenger, without your motor coach, then return across the sound. The view can be spectacular. In Port Townsend, learn about the bawdy outpost from days gone by. Ladies of the evening and all sort of carry-on! Grab lunch in one of the waterfront restaurants and enjoy the shops. Dinner tonight is at a wonderful spot in the woods. Molly Ward Gardens is the name of the restaurant and it opens especially for us. New last year, we found it to be a delightful (and a slightly secret) spot! (FB,D)

Day 4

Off to visit Olympia National Park, featuring a stop at Hurricane Ridge and spectacular mountain vistas. Back down at sea level, we’ll make two stops in quaint Sequim for lunch. Lavender is grown in the area and several of the shops in the village have lavender products for sale. Take some home. Ever eat ice cream laced with lavender?  It's yummy! (FB,L)

Day 5

We have an important stop in Bainbridge before returning to Seattle. There is a small memorial here honoring some of the first Japanese-Americans to be taken away to internment camps from Bainbridge Island. Their story is poignant. It's slightly different from the internment camp sites around the country as this is an exclusion memorial. We'll catch the ferry across the sound, then head to the airport for our late afternoon flight home. (FB)