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Port Townsend, WA Real Estate News

By Sandra White, Experienced Residential Resale Broker
(John L Scott Real Estate)
Port Townsend 27th Annual Kinetic Skulpture Race    This event 10 years ago was one of my first clues about  this kinky, funky little town, unlike any other! .  No one had prepared me for the antics I was about to encounter, from the racers themselves, the event organizers, the Kinetic Kops and most of the towns people dressed in the strangest and most original costumes I had ever seen.     The race entrants must design and build a contraption, called Kinetic Sculptures, that will run on pavement, water and through mud bogs.  They range from sophisticated and large to a bicycle enclosed in a banana shaped cover on pontoons or innertubes,  and are run by teams in costumes that range from clever to twisted.  Even more  amazing are the spectators, dressed in whatever strikes them, the craz...
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By Sandra White, Experienced Residential Resale Broker
(John L Scott Real Estate)
The 10th anniversary of the Port Townsend Film Festival is starting today, September 24 and will run through Sunday.  The person most responsible for the success of our festival, director Peter Simpson  passed away this year, and he will be sorely missed by the community, festival staff, and volunteers.   Described on the program as "a film lover's block party", Port Townsend is just the perfect venue for this celebration of great films and filmmakers.  The main stage is in our beloved Rose Theater, with movies also shown at the Uptown Theater,  The Pope Marine Center, and the Upstage.  The films are chosen by 12 Port Townsend Film Festival reviewers who screened 255 films this year to pick the 60  plus films that will be shown this weekend, some documentary, features and short films. ...
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By Sandra White, Experienced Residential Resale Broker
(John L Scott Real Estate)
Cielo Mare Lots of excitement and a sense of community pride was evident last Saturday at the Port Townsend Boat Haven.  The occasion was the launching of the beautiful custom built 127 foot yacht, the Cielo Mare.  It was wheeled out of the huge 50 ft. tall Townsend Bay Marine's shop as interested townspeople looked on, and a private party inside the shop enjoyed a catered lunch and adult beverage.  The party was hosted by the happy owners, a CA couple who love fishing in Alaska and Mexico.  Everyone was anxious to see this incredible craft and celebrate the completion of the project, which involved the 80+ full time employees of Townsend Bay Marine and at least 45 local businesses from glass etchers ( for numerous bathrooms shower doors and some wall decor)  to providers of lumber, pai...
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By Sandra White, Experienced Residential Resale Broker
(John L Scott Real Estate)
This area has very interesting shipping lanes and waterways.  This photo was taken going from Port Townsend area to Kitsap Peninsula across the Hood Canal Bridge.  Sub is most likely on it's way to the Keyport Naval Base.  Traffic is held up with each passing for about 30 to 40 min. but does not happen that often and makes a good photo op!                             http://www.porttownsendrealestatesearch.net/
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By Sandra White, Experienced Residential Resale Broker
(John L Scott Real Estate)
 Port Townsend's annual Victorian Home Tour is coming up this weekend on September 19th  and 20th.    Port Townsend is one of 4 Victorian Seaports on the National Register, and has a wonderful collection of well preserved or re-habed homes, mostly from the late 1800's.  These lovely homes can be toured inside with self guided tour or with the aid of the homeowners and docents on hand, dressed in period costumes and all very knowledgeable about the history of Port Townsend. The money raised goes to support the Jefferson Health Care Auxiliary and is also sponsored by the Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce.   Return to my website:  http://www.porttownsendrealestatesearch.net On tour this Saturday and Sunday: (You can see all these properties on Saturday or Sunday or see part each day)   Hor...
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By Sandra White, Experienced Residential Resale Broker
(John L Scott Real Estate)
Watch a video of storm surge downtown Port Townsend in February of 2007My son shot this amateur footage the morning after a night of 70 mile per hour winds! The storm destroyed a restaurant ironically named "The Surf" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tjld4ulvyx4
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By Sandra White, Experienced Residential Resale Broker
(John L Scott Real Estate)
Return to my website: http://www.porttownsendrealestatesearch.net/  Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival Happening next weekend Sept 11, 12, & 13th at the Point Hudson Marina. Thousands of serious boaters of the Northwest look forward to this gathering of boating enthusiasts, shipwrights, exhibitors and entertainers   on the 2nd weekend of September.  2009 will mark the 33rdfestival which keeps getting bigger and better every year.  This event just makes it a bit easier to say goodbye to summer and ease into Fall.  This year's theme is "Working Waterfront" a fitting title for this community's many boating related businesses.  There will be around 200 wooden vessels in the marina, most of which are available for touring.  You can go aboard, linger awhile and see what they are like.  Exhibi...
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By Sandra White, Experienced Residential Resale Broker
(John L Scott Real Estate)
return to my website http://www.porttownsendrealestatesearch.net Point Hudson Marina and Resort             This beautiful little marina is located at the tip of Port Townsend's historic waterfront district.  It was the Coast Guard facility in the World War II era and beyond,  and now is under the control of  the Port of Port Townsend, and used for boaters, campers, and general recreation.  It also is home to The Wooden Boat Foundation and various retail  businesses, such as kayak builders, whale watching tours, sail makers, yacht sales and the marine trade.  It caters to boaters needs for repairs, maintenance and equipment.    Take a walk through this interesting area any day and you can see some interesting  boats in the slips, people dining, walking, beach combing and camping in moto...
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By Sandra White, Experienced Residential Resale Broker
(John L Scott Real Estate)
A glimpse into this wonderful whacky place called Port Townsend.  It seems every weekend has a festival or reason to celebrate.  Life is short! Last weekend on a gorgeous sunny day, it was the "Uptown Street Fair".   Held in the Uptown business section on Lawrence Street at Tyler,  beginning with the popular Farmer's Market, it  featured live music most of the day, a 5 minute parade in which anyone can participate, a beer garden with local brew on tap and lots of food, arts and  crafts.  People enjoy the opportunity to mingle, greet neighbors, hear upbeat music, shop for food and art, and have a beer on draft.  Coming in September check out the Wooden Boat Festival, Kayak Symposium, and the Port Townsend Film Festival.   http://www.porttownsendrealestatesearch.net/                      
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By Sandra White, Experienced Residential Resale Broker
(John L Scott Real Estate)
Orca (Killer) Whales are a favorite subject and pastime in the Pacific Northwest, and we have our own familiar pods that come and go on their way to Alaska every year.  Recently the Port Townsend Marine Science Center was awarded a grant for $150,000 to help us learn more about them and the environment they live in. The money comes from a federal agency, The Institute of Museum and Library Services.  The money will be used for a project involving an Orca Whale that was stranded on the Dungeness Spit in 2002 in Sequim, WA.   This whale was found to have the highest PCBs ever found in a marine mammal.  The plan is to build an exhibit to display the skeleton of this whale to tell the story of the condition and health of our waters. The Whale museum in Friday Harbor as well as the National ...
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By Sandra White, Experienced Residential Resale Broker
(John L Scott Real Estate)
Bigger and better than ever.Located at Lawrence and Tyler, this open airforum for local farmers and artistic craftsmento display and sell their products has been operating seasonally for 17 years. The market started in 1992 with 14 local growersof organic and specialty produce. There are currently over 90 vendors including artisans, wine, cheese,breads, pastries, soaps, lavendar and food vendors.The market has Port Townsend's unique flavor and features live music, cooking demonstations, non-profit projects. It is held every saturday during the warmer seasonsand on Wednesday a smaller merket is held onPolk St. 3.30 - 6.30 For more information and schedule pleasevisit: http://farmersmarket.org         For Port Townsend Real Estate help or information please visit my interactive website.ht...
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By Sandra White, Experienced Residential Resale Broker
(John L Scott Real Estate)
Jefferson Community School                                        Located in the heart of Port Townsend's historic district in the Templars Building this school appears to be thriving.  The school is offering a unique choice that differs from our Port Townsend public schools in curriculum, philosophy and class size for students in grades 6 through 12.  As I wandered into the summer session one July afternoon, I was greeted by the director, Linda Maquire, who welcomed my questions and my camera.  There were about 10 students enjoying  a music appreciation class, with a teacher strumming a guitar and singing a Beatles tune.   There were other classrooms and conference rooms, including a computer lab. The school emphasizes individualized education in small multi-age classes with a flexible...
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By Sandra White, Experienced Residential Resale Broker
(John L Scott Real Estate)
 Coming up  Aug. 22, this is always a lively and well attended event with plenty of music and good food.  Held on Lawrence Street at Taylor where the Uptown shops are anchored by Aldriches Market.  The Farmer's Market will open as usual at 9:30 with specialized tent shops of fresh produce, flowers and crafts.  A parade starts at 1:00 with everyone invited to march in costume or not.  Music will begin at 10 am with the Port Townsend Summer Band, the Delta Rays, Mystery Band, One Mean Cheese, and belly dancing performed by Middle East Out West.  The kids can make festival hats, do face painting, a sidewalk chalk art contest, painting and sculpting contests.  There will be an outdoor beer garden and music will continue into the evening at the Uptown Pub.                                    ...
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By Sandra White, Experienced Residential Resale Broker
(John L Scott Real Estate)
                                                                                                                              Quaint and charming, this gem is one of 2 theaters in Port Townsend, located just off Water Street in the heart of the Victorian downtown area.  As you pass, you are drawn in by the wonderful posters in the widows, sweet little box office, and the aroma of fresh popcorn, made the old fashioned way and served with real butter.  Originally opened in 1907 with vaudeville shows and live musical productions, it moved to it's current location in 1908 and began showing the latest innovation, moving pictures.  In 1958 the Rose closed and would not re-open again until 1992 under the ownership of Rocky Friedman, a nice guy with a dream and a love of movies.  (Financed by l...
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By Sandra White, Experienced Residential Resale Broker
(John L Scott Real Estate)
A terrific Jazz Festival took place last week and this is another great week for music lovers here in Port Townsend.  The Blues workshops will be held all week with performances on Friday and Saturday, July 31 and August 1, both at Fort Worden and in the intimate settings of the local downtown clubs.  This is an event put on by Centrum, an arts organization located at Fort Worden State Park. At Fort Worden the performances will be held in McCurdy Pavillion, and 3 "clubs" set up  for this occasion, with one serving beer.  There are also  3 different downtown clubs featuring performances of the Blues.  If you are in the area, don't miss this event.  For a list of performers and times go to www.centrum.org                                                          Blues session on porch     ...
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By Sandra White, Experienced Residential Resale Broker
(John L Scott Real Estate)
  Port Townsend Changes Rules on "McMansions"  The Port Townsend City Council is working on a resolution that would limit the size of homes according to the lot size and floor -area ratio.    The idea is to prevent "McMansions" .  A 5000 sq. ft. lot would be limited to a 2500 sq. ft. residence, or 50%  floor-area ratio.   A 14,200 sq. ft. lot would be limited to 38.5% or a maximum of 5500 sq.  ft.  The new ordinace would increase the number of historic structures subject to design review and protected from demolition.  As of now, only commercial properties have been under this rule.  Properties currently zoned R-lll will be changed to R-ll.  This is a double edged sword!  The people who want to keep Port Townsend a small rural seaport village are in control.  I do love the village atmos...
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By Sandra White, Experienced Residential Resale Broker
(John L Scott Real Estate)
This weekend in Port Townsend, July 24,25 & 26th.  What a great venue for some outstanding music!  Presented by Centrum as the culmination of a weeklong workshop for about 500 students of all ages, and experience.  Some are young teens, and some are experienced performers coming to hone their craft with some great musicians from around the world.  This will be the 10th year I have attended and I think around 30 years for Centrum.  Main stage shows are in the McCurdy Pavilion at Fort Worden, Friday and Saturday nights with an afternoon concert on the grass on Saturday.  The performers then will be in 8-10 club venues in Port Townsend,  later in the evening.  For $20 you get a ticket to all clubs and you can wander from one to another until the wee hours.  There will also be 2 venues for ...
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By Sandra White, Experienced Residential Resale Broker
(John L Scott Real Estate)
Port Townsend Boat Haven Located in central Port Townsend on the waterfront, this is a hub of activity full of interesting ships, marine related businesses, a few funky restaurants and a brewery.  There is also a popular walking trail that is part of the Larry Scott Trail that goes past the mill and for many miles into Cape George.  Some very large and expensive ships are built, repaired, or restored at the Port Townsend Boat Haven.  There are many marine related businesses, large and small.  Used boat equipment, a full marina, laundromat, bathrooms and Coast Guard nearby.                                                                                                                                     Shop for used boat equipment      Port Townsend Brewery                              ...
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By Sandra White, Experienced Residential Resale Broker
(John L Scott Real Estate)
Port Townsend is a haven for artists, craftsmen,and writers.  You can practice your craft, take lessons, or just enjoy the work of others.  The Gallery Walk is a favorite of local residents and visitors alike.  Held the first Saturday evening of every month from 5:30 pm 5to 8 pm, it is sponsored by the many galleries and venues and artisans in Port Townsend.  You just arrive downtown and start your tour.  This is a very short and easy  walk,  about 2 blocks along the downtown waterfront of the Historic District.  The galleries showcase local artists and offer refreshments, information and special displays.  It is not unusal to see watercolors by your favorite podiatrist, or sculpture offered by your next door neighbor.  Some regular participants include:  Gallery 9, Port Townsend Art Ga...
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By Sandra White, Experienced Residential Resale Broker
(John L Scott Real Estate)
Port Townsend has a great Whale Watching tour from April through September, which leaves from Point Hudson aboard the "Redhead".  This is a trip you do not want to miss! The orcas live in pods and travel around the San Juan Islands in their quest for salmon, which is the mainstay of their diet.   The naturalists in the area have studied these whales for years, know their numbers, give them names and recognize them by their dorsal fins and other markings.  There are 3 pods in this area and are named by letters, the only one I can remember is J Pod.   Unfortunately they appear to be dwindling in numbers and the crew is very careful to disturb them as little as possible.  Sightings are guaranteed and usually plentiful as you can tell from my photos.                                         ...
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