According to this graph, you’re taking a summer vacation closer to home this year. But there’s no need to feel like you’ve fallen on hard times. Not when The SunBreak Vacation Team has determined that there are least eighteen castles in Washington State that you can either stay in or loiter in front of, proprietorially, with a halberd or mace. (You supply the armaments.)
As if you needed another reason to visit Hoquiam, for instance, there’s the Hoquiam Castle B&B, a 20-room mansion with four bedroom suites. Kick back like an 1897 lumber baron, and imagine you’re watching the construction of the 180-foot schooner Defiance, which I will hypothesize was the “make your own fun” activity of the day.
One of our all-time favorite getaways from Seattle, Port Townsend, boasts the Manresa Castle. They’re currently running a $99-per-night special on a courtyard room (Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday only), which includes (for a couple) a cocktail or glass of wine, hors d’oeuvres plate, and continental breakfast. Also, free WiFi.
Built by a Prussian immigrant, this castle knows what being a castle is all about. It’s 30 rooms, with foot-thick bricked walls. “Tiled fireplaces and finely crafted woodwork were installed by German artisans.” Maybe that long-ago demand is why Port Townsend is a microbrew godsend.
It’s not as easy getting to Port Townsend from Seattle as it could be, if you don’t have a car, but it is possible! The trick will be packing your suit of armor.
