A Culinary Adventure on the Olympic Peninsula
Special to Road Trips for Foodies
By the Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau
Washington’s Olympic Peninsula has gained attention for its natural beauty and as the setting for famous novels, including the recently published West of Here.
What many travelers may not know is that one of the peninsula’s hidden gems is its culinary bounty. The same microclimates and rich soils which helped to create stunning rainforests also shape a growing viticulture region, extensive organic and sustainable farms, prosperous dairies and creameries, and world-famous lavender farms. Fishermen around the peninsula have also implemented sustainable fishing and shell fishing techniques- leading to the availability of amazing local seafood.
During the warmer months the peninsula enjoys numerous festivals and fetes to celebrate their bounty and Olympic Coastal Cuisine. No matter the month something delicious is waiting to be tasted. April brings Northwest Wine and Cheese tours, while in July fragrant fields of lavender come center stage during the annual Sequim Lavender Festival and Sequim Lavender Farm Faire (July 20-22, 2012).
Other food and farm festivals include the Dungeness Crab and Seafood Festival (October 12-14, 2012), the Red Wine and Chocolate events, the Oyster Festival (October 6-7, 2012), and Harvest Wine Tour (November 10-11, 2012).
If not visiting during a festival try one of the suggested itineraries on the Olympic Culinary Loop’s website. Travelers can visit organic farms, learn how to make homemade cider, try a wine tasting or two, and of course enjoy plenty of local foods. There are many ways to work up an appetite on the peninsula from scuba diving and kayaking to mountain biking and rainforest trekking.
For more information on visiting the Olympic Peninsula, go online.
(Photo courtesy of Olympic Peninsula Tourism Commission)
