Puget Sound Destination: Poulsbo

Puget Sound Destination Blogs are finally here - because I know you've been waiting for them! This is the first of three blogs about places around Puget Sound. I hope that you like them all!

Let's say hello to the Puget Sound water town: Poulsbo! Poulsbo (pronounced: "Paul's bow," as in "bow and arrow") is a cute little Norwegian-themed town at the end of a long inlet (Liberty Bay) on Puget Sound, west of Seattle on the Kitsap Peninsula. Boat mooring is as easy as parking a car. There was plenty of boat moorage the day we went (see picture!).

So take your pick: drive the boat or the Durango; either will find a spot. 

Our clan went to Poulsbo by boat to see for ourselves what is so special about this little town. It is a town that is fun for everyone: the food, shops, and the view are great!  The journey there was half the adventure. Along the way we saw native American canoes being paddled along, seals, ferries, and natural beaches. So, here are some of our favorite things once we reached our destination!

* Nice Public Boat Dock right downtown (Did I already mention that?).

* Sluys' Poulsbo Bakery is awesome! Each person picked out or shared a special treat. The gingerbread man doughnuts were especially fun.

* The store “Tickled Pink” which features an array of darling accessories and décor. (Their theme is "Dream it, Wear it, Adore it." I like it!)

* “Flicka” is a really nice clothing store. The buyer has great taste for the up-scale and laid back coastal lifestyle. I wish I could buy all of my clothing there.

* Poulsbo is a celebration of coastal living as Poulsbo is nestled around the shoreline, which is dotted with cute cabins.

* The Ice Cream Shop – can’t go wrong with that in any small town…

* The Antique/Vintage shops. My son found a really groovy street sign that caught his eye. He also found a store selling the same Spiderman fishing pole that he got when he was 4 years old. It is hard to believe that it is already an antique, to some.

* The Climbing Rock on the Waterfront. It was a tough climb for the kids, but well worth the victory!

* Quality family time: We just love a laid-back day loafing around and exploring.

****I am particularly thankful that my husband is still safe on land after meeting his “dream boat.” (He says that I'm his "dream boat," after all.)

Poulsbo, Washington…it may or may not be on your list of places to visit in the great PNW…but it should be! It’s a great day-trip or weekend destination! Gwen, “a.k.a., Rick Steves,” signing off – for now…