A Medieval Weekend on the Kitsap Peninsula
Port Gamble celebrates the 33rd annual June Faire
By Kimberly Downing May 13, 2015
This article originally appeared in the June 2015 issue of Seattle magazine.
Where: Port Gamble, the tiny, historic town at the tip of the Kitsap Peninsula. Why: For the June Faire (6/6–6/7, $10 for a weekend pass; junefaire.com). What: This medieval festival celebrates its 33rd year with creative anachronisms and costumes galore amid stunning views of Puget Sound. Demonstrations include sword fighting, archery and thrown weapons, plus traditional craft skills such as metalworking, woodworking, glass bead making, and spinning. Arrive hungry, as the feasting is fit for a king, with authentically roasted meats (e.g., giant turkey legs) and less authentic but still tasty wood-oven-baked pizza and Viking ice cream.
Side Trip: On your way through Kingston, stop at the headquarters of CB’s Nuts (6013 NE State Hwy. 104; 360.881.0369; cbsnuts.com), maker of small-batch roasted nuts and seeds—including the peanuts for purchase at Safeco Field. Sample nuts and nut butter varieties, order a classic PB&J or something more adventurous (try Tami’s Thai Delight, with CB’s peanut butter and Firefly kimchi), and grab a beer and a seat outdoors or inside, on an original Mariners dugout bench.