I drove up to Port Townsend’s Ravenscroft Inn on the Olympic Peninsula, saw the expansive porches and a lovely garden, and immediately knew I’d be able to relax there. The drive from Portland, Oregon alternated periods of frustrating traffic with stunning scenery of Puget Sound. I was ready for a relaxing weekend at Port Townsend’s Ravenscroft Inn.

Getting to Port Townsend

As I crossed each bridge along the way, I relaxed a little more. The large green bridge from Tacoma to the Kitsap Peninsula over the Tacoma Narrows always signaled to me that I had passed through the worst of the I-5 traffic. I was on my way to a green peninsula dotted with quaint bays and towns like Gig Harbor and Poulsbo.

But I was going a bit farther… to the eastern tip of the Olympic Peninsula. To get there I crossed the Hood Canal Bridge and, again, felt more relaxed. The drive between the Hood Canal Bridge and Port Townsend is filled with fir forests and rich agricultural lands.

I passed the Chimicum farm market and saw a sign for cider tasting. I made a mental note to add cider tasting to my list of things to do in Port Townsend. My trip continued through parts of Port Townsend but I was excited about reaching the inn.

A relaxing drive through farmland. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

My drive to Ravenscroft Inn then took me to what they call Uptown. It’s the place where the merchants and professionals built beautiful Victorian homes overlooking Puget Sound and the harbor. The neighborhood is quiet and dotted with beautifully restored homes.

Port Townsend’s Ravenscroft Inn

I knew I was in for a treat. I had heard that Port Townsend’s Ravenscroft Inn was the most highly rated place to stay in the area. Tripadvisor ranked them “^#1 of 16 B&Bs in Port Townsend.” I parked in front of the lovely three-story impeccably painted white inn and found the owner in the kitchen. I had been promised a tour before the other guests arrived and was looking forward to exploring the inn so I gave the chairs on the veranda only a passing glance.

Port Townsend’s Ravenscroft Inn Photo Courtesy Ravenscroft Inn

Innkeeper Dave pointed out the 24-hour beverage station that offers espresso and a selection of loose-leaf teas as well as water in the refrigerator for guests. The smell of cookies baking in the large kitchen/dining room for an afternoon snack brought a lovely feel of home to the inn. And the veranda outside the French doors beckoned.

The verandas were made for relaxation. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

What I learned from Dave was that the Inn wasn’t as historic as it looked. A Charleston, SC Single House colonial-style home, Ravenscroft Inn offers charming, yet amenity-filled accommodations not found in the usual Port Townsend hotels. The inn looks traditional but the amenities are modern. It is beautifully decorated and carefully painted with an eye for modern tastes. The palette in my room, the Admiralty Suite, included a soft gold, my favorite interior color.

The spacious Admiralty Suite was decorated in my favorite colors. Photo courtesy Ravenscroft Inn

As we climbed the stairs, we checked out six modern guest rooms and two spacious suites with sweeping views of Townsend Bay’s boat-filled waters. Some featured coffee stations and veranda or balcony access, and all included private bathrooms. Each room was different but all were immaculate and impeccably decorated. One room had a jetted tub as well as a fireplace.

One of the suites had a jetted tub and fireplace. Photo by: Elizabeth R Rose

Downstairs, the great room served a number of purposes. It had an open floor plan encompassing the breakfast area, with sofas and wing back chairs in front of a large brick fireplace plus a generous kitchen. The cozy library is a favorite hideaway and offers a large selection of books, local and national newspapers, and games. All rooms have Wi-Fi.

But it was the verandas overlooking the garden and neighborhood that appealed most to me. What a beautiful place for morning coffee or an evening glass of wine. How can you not be relaxed after time spent there!

Sleeping at Port Townsend’s Ravenscroft Inn

In the Admiralty Suite, I enjoyed a bath in a claw footed tub (more relaxation) after a lovely dinner at the Fountain Café in downtown Port Townsend. It was a warm evening so I didn’t sit by the gas fireplace. Instead I succumbed to the king-sized sleigh bed laden with pillows and fluffy comforters… a modern, comfortable bed. The summer sun sets late so I was able to enjoy answering email and looking outside over the rooftops and gardens.

There’s nothing more relaxing than a soak in a large tub. The room also had a shower too. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

The inn was full yet quiet. I slept well but arose early to go walking in the neighborhood. People were friendly, offering to tell me a bit about the historic homes and suggesting a park with a view. When I returned to the inn the breakfast cooking smelled heavenly.

The delightful smells of Dave’s bacon and fluffy pancakes wafted through the dining room. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

Guests were seated at separate tables and served as they arrived. Coffee… juice and special dietary meals, if they requested them.

The spacious dining room was open to the kitchen. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

We had a granola parfait as a starter followed by pancakes, made to order, and bacon. The inn is known for their Morning Glory muffins, often requested as a trail treat while hiking for the day.

The breakfast menu changes daily but I really loved these pancakes! Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

Exploring around Port Townsend’s Ravenscroft Inn

It’s easy to get to downtown restaurants and shops via the Taylor Street stairs just a few blocks from the inn. I walked to and from dinner that evening and on my return, saw deer nibbling grass in neighborhood yards. Also, close-by is the seasonal Farmer’s Market open on Saturdays.

I had dinner at the Fountain Cafe, which was excellent, and enjoyed the walk from the inn. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

When You Go to Port Townsend

You can certainly keep busy walking the historic uptown neighborhoods, attending one of Port Townsend’s special events or perusing galleries and museums downtown. The Port Townsend Visitors Center has maps, pamphlets and advice for the visitor. You can find more information on beautiful Port Townsend at the Enjoy Port Townsend website. Be sure to check out more on Wander about what to do and see in Port Townsend.

Ravenscroft Inn is located at 533 Quincy Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368. A stay can be relatively affordable if you check out their low season rates.

Note: As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with accommodations and meals for the purpose of writing about the destination. While it has not influenced this article, the writer believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest.