PORT TOWNSEND — New awards this month are only the latest in a series that proclaim Port Townsend as a great place to live or visit.
Port Townsend has received 19 such honors since December 2012, according to a list assembled by Christina Pivarnik, Port Townsend marketing director.
“I love the diversity of the recognition Port Townsend has received over the past three years,” Pivarnik said.
“We’ve been recognized for everything from our scenic beauty to our history to being a romantic getaway and a foodie destination to our quirkiness and overall coolness.”
Pivarnik said that since tourism is the region’s second largest industry, this bodes well for the town’s businesses.
Pivarnik made her comments as neighboring Port Angeles moved up in an online “Best Town Ever” contest.
This month, Port Townsend was cited as one of the Top 10 Most Beautiful Coastal Towns in the USA by TheCultureTrip.com and as one of 20 Best Towns to Visit in 2015 by Smithsonian Magazine.
Pivarnik said that 2 million people visit TheCultureTrip.com monthly and they have a social media following of more than 300,000.
Smithsonian Magazine, published by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., has a monthly circulation that exceeds 2 million.
This recognition doesn’t come automatically, Pivarnik said, as she lobbies directly for the honors.
“I am plugged into a network of travel writers who let me know when one of these articles are in progress,” Pivarnik said.
“I supply photos, copy and bullet points that let the publications know about us.”
This adds to the reputation of Port Townsend’s profile as a destination town for arts and culture, and as a desirable place to visit year round.
“The publicity generated by this recognition contributes to our city’s appeal as a tourism destination, which in turn benefits our local economy,” said Mari Mullen, Port Townsend Main Street executive director.
“Those of us fortunate to call Port Townsend home feel lucky every day and we welcome the opportunity to share our historic seaport town and arts community with visitors.”
Aside from the two recent honors, Port Townsend has been singled out by the following sources as:
■ One of the 10 Most Beautiful Towns in Washington, TheCultureTrip.com, March 2015.
■ One of 20 US Cities for an Affordable Valentine’s Day, CouponsDaily.com, February 2015
■ One of the 11 Most Romantic Small Towns, SmarterTravel.com, February 2015.
■ One of 14 Best Small Cities for a First Date, DatingAdvice.com, February 2015.
■ One of the Top 10 Foodie Towns to Retire, Huffington Post, December 2014.
■ One of the Top 10 Best Beach Town Bargains for Fall, Budget Travel, October 2014.
■ One of the 10 Most Unique Historic Lodgings in the US, Huffington Post, September 2014.
■ One of America’s Best Small Towns, Globe & Mail, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, July 2014.
■ One of the Top 10 Best Small Towns in America, Fodor’s Travel Guide, June 2014.
■ One of the Top 10 Best Small Beach Towns for Retirees, CBS News, May 2014.
■ One of the 12 Best Places for a Family Vacation, MSN, March 2014.
■ One of the Best Main Streets in the U.S., Huffington Post and Fodor’s Guide, January 2014.
■ One of the Best 4 Small Towns for Retirement, USA Today, November 2013.
■ One of the Top 10 Best Beach Bargains, Budget Travel and Yahoo Travel, August 2013.
■ One of the Top 10 Best Places to Retire if you’re a Boater, BoatUS, May 2013.
■ One of the Most Romantic Getaways in Washington, USA Today, February 2013.
■ One of the Top 10 Most Quirky Places to Retire, AARP Magazine, February 2013,
■ One of the Top 10 Coolest Small Towns in America, Budget Travel, Fox News, NBC News, Yahoo Travel, September 2012
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
