Port Townsend makes Fodor’s prestigious list of 10 best small towns in America

PORT TOWNSEND — While Port Townsend is regularly recognized for its various qualities, its recent designation as one of “America’s Best Small Towns” by Fodor’s Travel Guides is pretty special to city officials.

“I was thrilled when I heard the news,” said city Marketing Director Christina Pivarnik.

“Fodor’s Travel has been the leading name in travel guides for more than 75 years, and it’s such an honor to be included.”

Pivarnik said the announcement couldn’t have come at a better time as the visitor season has just begun.

“This should give businesses a good boost, not only through our busy summer, but throughout the year,” she said.

“The reach will be exponential, and I anticipate we’ll reap the benefits for quite some time to come.

“It’s significant for our community, our businesses and for the entire Olympic Peninsula.”

Aside from Ashland, Ore., Port Townsend is the only Pacific Northwest town on the list.

The other towns are Telluride, Colo.; Beaufort, S.C.; Marfa, Texas; Paiam, Hawaii; Calistoga, Calif.; Stockbridge, Mass.; Cooperstown, N.Y.; and Bardstown, Ky.

The “small town” category is limited to those with populations under 30,000, but all designees were under 13,000 people, except Ashland, Ore., which has 20,366 residents.

Port Townsend’s population is listed at 9,117.

Fodor’s editor Michael Connelly said the list is in no particular order, and that all the towns are equal on the list of 10 locales.

Connelly said the top 10 list was assembled from 65 nominations originating from a network of travel writers and that Port Townsend accumulated several nominations.

“We were looking for places with year-round appeal with lots of dining and lodging options, so Port Townsend was a natural fit for all of it,” he said.

This is the second year for the list, and Connelly said that he expected the 2015 awards will go to a different set of towns.

“We want to spread the love,” he said.

“We hope that our readers will find time to visit all of the towns and that local tourist boards will use these accolades to help them in their marketing efforts.”

“Having grown up in Port Townsend, I am ecstatic that Fodor’s has recognized our home as the gem that it truly is,” said Main Street Board President Roselynn Itti.

“From our distinctive shops and galleries to our exceptional dining spots, we are truly one of a kind.”

To view Fodor’s Port Townsend guide, visit http://tinyurl.com/PDN-Fodors.

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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.