Poulsbo

II am ashamed to say that in the 18 years I’ve lived in Washington state, this is my first year exploring the magnificent Olympic Peninsula. The mountain views, ocean smell, outdoor activities, and charming marine towns are enchanting, and one particular marine town hooked my heart forever — Poulsbo in Kitsap county, Washington.   A new...

Hugging the shores of Liberty Bay, Poulsbo’s downtown corridor is adorned with gingerbread house facades and Scandinavian-themed murals. Much like Leavenworth, its more famous cousin, Poulsbo is a European-styled village designed for tourists. Kitsch and quality collide in Poulsbo. The locals lean into their Scandinavian heritage, so there’s no shortage of t-shirts with pithy puns...

Founded by Ole Stubb, a Norwegian immigrant in 1875, Poulsbo is often referred to as “Little Norway,” with good reason. Throughout history this portion of land in the North Kitsap County has been used for fishing and trapping by Europeans and Native Americans alike. The First Norwegian Ole Stubb came to America with his family,...