Sequim is located in Clallam County, Washington, at the base of the Olympic Mountains on the Dungeness River. As of 2004, the town’s population was about 5,000. The gateway to the Olympic Peninsula, Sequim and the Dungeness Valley boast numerous tourist attractions.
The city is known for its production of lavender, as the unique climate allows a commercial growth industry that is only rivaled in France. Thus, the town has become known as the “Lavender Capital of North America.” Though Sequim is one of the most charming small towns in the area, it is still big on amenities. Here you will find one-of-a-kind antique shops, murals, galleries, and various intriguing restaurants. The area’s natural beauty and views alone make Sequim one of the most popular destinations in Washington.
Sequim History
The first European settlers arrived to the Dungeness Valley area in the 1850s. The soil around the river became fertile farmlands while the surrounding area remained a prairie. Water was first brought to the area through irrigation canals in the 1890s, which allowed for many farmlands to be expanded.
Sequim was incorporated in October 1913. By the end of World War I, Sequim had become a railroad stop on a line that passed through from Port Angeles to Port Townsend.
Today, Sequim has seen a resurgence of organic farming in the area, with Nash’s Organic Produce leading the way. Sequim has also held an Irrigation Festival each year in May since 1895, which makes the community home to the longest running festival in the state.
Sequim Parks and Recreation
The City of Sequim is responsible for maintaining four parks for the community’s members and visitors. They are committed to providing a safe and fun place to relax and grow. The total park area is approximately 60 acres. Sequim’s four parks are Dr. Standard Park, Margaret Kirner Park, Carrie Blake Park, and Reuse Demonstration Park.
Sequim Events
Sequim is home to many events, particularly for lovers of the outdoors. Here in Sequim you have the opportunity to learn about the birds of the North Olympic Peninsula or visit the annual garden show. One of the area’s most popular festivals, the Sequim Lavender Festival, draws visitors from all 50 states and is an experience you will certainly not want to miss!
Winter Birds of the North Olympic Peninsula
The Winter Birds of the North Olympic Peninsula offers intermediate birding classes so that community members can learn identification, natural history, and ecological preferences of the winter birds of the north Olympic Peninsula.
Soroptimist Gala Garden Show
The Soroptimist Gala Garden Show is a two-day show that brings together products and professional services of horticultural and garden-related businesses. There are diverse vendors, a speaker's series providing educational and inspirational information for gardeners of all levels, garden displays, hands-on classes, and two raffles.
Olympic Birdfest
Come discover the birds of the coastal Pacific Northwest; Marbled Murrelets, Rhinoceros Auklets, Harlequin Ducks, dippers, Black Oystercatchers, Long-tailed Ducks, and more. Participate in guided field trips, a boat cruise in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, a silent auction, and a salmon banquet.
Sequim Irrigation Festival
The 114th Irrigation Festival is the oldest festival in Washington State. It includes juried, handcrafted arts and crafts plus food and entertainment, Kids day and parade, carnival, parade, royalty, logging show, strong man competition, and car show.
Sequim Lavender Festival
Visitors from all 50 states and over 55 countries have come to experience this event that features Northwest crafts, Olympic Coast cuisine, live music, lavender workshops and demonstrations, and the area's famous lavender.
For a complete list of events in the Sequim area, click here
Sequim Attractions
Sequim has many attractions that are sure to suit everyone in the family! Come visit the Museum and Arts Center for an exciting day of learning Sequim’s history. If golf is your game, swing by the Dungeness Golf and Country Club for a round. And for a sophisticated night out, don’t miss the Lost Mountain Winery!
Museum & Arts Center
The Museum and Arts Center houses the rich history of the valley with exhibits of early agriculture, medicine, pioneer families, Native American baskets and mastodon fossils found near Sequim. New mastodon fossils are found frequently by beachcombers after sea storms along Port Williams and donated to the museum. MAC also features rotating art exhibits by various noted artists and a gift shop.
Dungeness Golf and Country Club
The Dungeness Golf and Country Club is the premier public course with it's famed "ole crabby hole," driving range, condos and restaurant.
Lost Mountain Winery
The wines of Lost Mountain Winery are hand-crafted in small lots using traditional, labor-intensive processes and old world techniques.
For more information on attractions in the Sequim area, click here
For more information on Sequim, WA visit the official website by clicking here
For the Sequim Chamber of Commerce website, click here
For the Sequim Convention & Visitors Bureau website, click here
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