Port Townsend 'Most Boring' Town In Washington: Report

PORT TOWNSEND, WA - Without offering much in the way of an explanation, BestLifeOnline.com last week identified Jefferson County's Port Townsend as the "most boring town" in Washington State.

Reportedly using data on "the highest median ages, the fewest number of things to do, and the lowest population density," BestLifeOnline.com editors selected the most boring towns in all 50 states. However, BestLifeOnline.com — a men's lifestyle and entertainment publication — only offered basic statistics on Port Townsend to justify its assertion.

Noting Port Townsend's population of 9,315 residents, BestLifeOnline.com suggested the city's meager offering of only eight "entertainment spots" and 74 hotels and restaurants are what makes it such a lackluster place in the Pacific Northwest.

Conversely, the city of Port Townsend's tourism website, EnjoyPT.com, refers to the city as "one of the coolest small towns in America."

"With its maritime heritage, artist spirit, and a touch of urban chic, Port Townsend is an easily accessible base camp to the Olympic Peninsula and beyond," the website asserts. "Whether on land or sea; indoors or outdoors — Port Townsend has activities for every taste."

Likewise, the website referenced a 2010 National Geographic blurb that called Port Townsend "one of the most sophisticated places west of Seattle," thanks in large part to its "Victorian architecture, art galleries, and wine bars," the author noted.

The variance in entirely subjective opinions has been nothing short of comical to Port Townsend Mayor Deborah Stinson, who on Wednesday called Patch to discuss the city's latest claim to fame.

"Finally, a counterpoint to the dozens of accolades we get every year," Stinson said, tongue-in-cheek. "Honestly, this is a textbook example of how AI used against data can be misleading … Seems to me (BestLifeOnline.com) would want to do a little more homework."

Without context or any kind of explanation for how it established Port Townsend as its entry for Washington, BestLifeOnline.com appears to have missed the mark, Stinson said.

Hundreds of monthly community events can be found at PTGuide.com, proving the rural city never really rests, despite its majority of retirement-age residents. Yoga groups, bingo games, open mic nights, dance classes, pub concerts, and a large variety of festivals keep the activity alive in Port Townsend on a weekly basis.

Adding to the argument against BestLifeOnline.com's claim, Stinson also pointed out the city's annual Race to Alaska as a worldwide draw to the small community every spring.

Kicking off in June, the Race to Alaska invites daring travelers from around the globe to paddle their ways (engine-free) the entire 750 miles from Port Townsend to Ketchikan, Alaska, where the first place finisher is awarded $10,000 — the largest cash prize for a race of its kind.

So, with substantive arts and entertainment, as well as a regular offering of international and local events for residents and visitors, Port Townsend objectively fails to meet the description of a "boring" place.

And while Stinson acknowledges her opinion is certainly bias, she also feels confident it's a basic truth.

"Of course I love it here," she said. "We're rural in nature, but we're also cultural."

Still don't believe it? Check out this short 2012 video from the city's tourism department that explains why Port Townsend's local entertainment scene is so outstanding:

Tell us what you think. Did BestLifeOnline.com call it correctly? Is Port Townsend really a boring place, or is there a more worthy candidate all Washingtonians can agree on? Tell us in the comments below!

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This post was updated to include comments from Port Townsend Mayor Deborah Stinson.