Image via Shutterstock Minuteman Photography
If you travel south along the Puget Sound, you’ll find a charming little town hugging the coastline. It’s known for stunning views and a relaxed pace of life. But it’s also hiding a treasure trove of history. In fact, this town is the oldest in Washington and it’s right by the only castle on the West Coast!
Steilacoom was incorporated back in 1854, making it the state’s oldest town. It’s a peaceful place where you can roam quiet Americana streets, take in the views from one of the many waterfront parks, or learn about its history as the first town in Washington state.
It’s a great place to unwind, and less than 20 minutes away you’ll find a castle that looks straight out of a fairy tale!
In the neighboring town of Lakewood, nestled in front of American Lake and surrounded by old-growth fir trees, you’ll find the majestic Thornewood Castle.
The castle website states that “this English Tudor/Gothic mansion is one of the few genuine private castles in the United States and the only one on the West Coast.”
The castle sits on a four-acre estate including a secret English garden that looks straight out of a movie. Think, clandestine meetings and love letters written in cursive.
The garden was designed by the Olmsted Brothers, who also designed many of Seattle’s original parks. According to the National Parks website, “In 1926, The Secret Garden was named one of the five most beautiful gardens in America, and again in 1930, this time by the Garden Club of America.”
Despite being over 100 years old, much of the gardens and design remain the same today. Take a walk along the pathways and you’ll feel like you’ve traveled backward in time.
The historic town of Steilacoom and the nearby Thornewood Castle are only about an hour’s drive from Seattle. So if you’re curious, it makes for a great weekend road trip.
Happy exploring!
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