Paula's Notes: 

A charming, picturesque town on the southern edge of Puget Sound, Steilacoom is a day trip all in itself. Depending on which way you drive into town, you’ll either find yourself at Sunnyside Beach Park that kisses the waters of the Sound or the wee ferry dock where you can board a miniature version of a Washington state ferry for a visit to Anderson or Ketron Islands. In between Sunnyside Beach and the ferry dock, you’ll find restaurants, museums and other parks to explore. Particularly beautiful is Pioneer Park (Commercial & Wilkes Street), across the street from E.R. Roger’s restaurant. From the park’s grassy knolls or old-fashioned glider swing, one can take in gorgeous views of the snow-capped Olympic Mountains and the many islands that dot the bay. If the weather is fine, pick up lunch “to go” at the historic Bair Hardware and Drug, 1617 Lafayette Street www.thebairrestaurant.com. Once a post office, hardware store and pharmacy in 1895 it now features a soda fountain circa 1906, fabulous breakfasts, lunches, dinners and even high teas.

Because the town was established in 1854, it’s practically one big historic monument. Steilacoom was given the status of a National Historic District in 1974 with 32 buildings on the National Registry of Historic Places.

Just down the street from Bair Hardware and Drug is the Steilacoom Tribal Cultural Center & Museum (1515 Lafayette Street, members.shaw.ca/nyjack/steilacoom/the_steilacoom_tribal_museum.htm displaying the town’s Native American heritage. The museum is open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

A twenty minute ferry ride from Steilacoom’s dock will land you on Anderson Island, the southern most isle in Puget Sound. Anderson Island is a great place to bicycle with eight miles of gently rolling hills that deliver great panoramas and refreshing, salty sea breezes.

Just up the road from the Steilacoom ferry dock is Salter’s Point Park (First Street & Champion Street)—a great beach to poke at star and jelly fish and other marine life – but don’t let the environmentalists catch you doing it. You’ll be in BIG trouble.

Other fun annual events held in Steilacoom are the Apple Squeeze festival that takes place in October, Concerts in the Park during the summer at Pioneer Park and a Salmon Bake in July at Sunnyside Beach.