At RealFoodTraveler.com, we love hearing about cities and towns that really know how to pull together to show off their best, creating wonderful experiences for residents and visitors. See how a night on the town in downtown Sequim, Washington (pronounced “squim”) does it up right!

Art lovers gather at the Blue Whole Gallery during the First Friday Artwalk.

You might not expect this small, friendly town, known for lavender fields and sunny weather, to be bustling with activity after hours, but the nightlife in Sequim is growing with lively events and new food and beverage establishments.

The monthly First Friday Artwalk attracts art lovers from across the region to enjoy an evening out to appreciate sculptures, paintings, photographs and fiber arts. One of the hubs of activity is the Blue Whole Gallery, an artist cooperative celebrating 21 years, and showcasing the diverse works of more than 30 artists with a different member featured each month. You’ll also want to stop by the Sequim Museum & Arts Center (MAC). The MAC hosts monthly rotating art exhibits along with permanent collections featuring the Manis Mastodon, a significant archaeological find for its discovery of a man-made spear point more than 13,800 years old, and 1936 Olympic Gold Medalist Joe Rantz, a Sequim resident in his youth, who was the central character in the bestselling book by Daniel James Brown, The Boys in the Boat. The first Friday of each quarter, be sure to come by the Sequim Civic Center for an artist reception and the “Art Talk on the Art Walk” educational series based on the theme of the new exhibit. You’ll also find artwork on display in several businesses as a part of the First Friday event and some months feature special programs like the WhoDunnit? mystery game.

Art Talk on the Art Walk features demonstrations and informational programs.

Taking in all of that art might make you thirsty, and there are great options to choose from in Sequim. The Peninsula Taproom is a friendly gathering place for a craft beer, cider, or wine and a snack.  In case you need to pick up a beautiful bouquet, Kamama Flowers has a “flower bar” in the Taproom available most weekends. Just next door you’ll find Salty Girls Oyster Bar and Seafood Restaurant offering specialty cocktails, fresh seafood, and grilled cheese sandwiches in a casual, contemporary environment.

The Peninsula Taproom has become a favorite gathering space for Sequim locals.

Stop by Wind Rose Cellars and taste their award-winning Italian style wines, light snacks and appetizers, or order from their Bistro Menu while you listen to live music in the wine bar. You’ll find more live music most weekends at the Rainshadow Café. Originally a coffee roasting company, they have expanded to include a light food menu and craft beer and wine. If you prefer to sample creative spirits, visit the newly opened Evil Roy’s Elixirs Distillery where you can sample their whiskey, gin, and vodka in addition to a variety of brandy’s and Rumkin (Pumpkin based Rum).

For those singers and performers out there, Nourish restaurant, located 5 blocks south of downtown, hosts an open mic night every Wednesday. Enjoy the entertainment while you relish the garden-to-plate local, organic, and gluten-free fares in a charming garden setting.

If trivia is your preference you can play at Blondie’s Plate on Tuesday nights and at the Oasis Bar and Grill on Sunday nights. Blondie’s Plate offers gourmet small plate dishes in a beautifully converted space that once served as a chapel. Their small, charming bar serves up original cocktails in a setting that inspires conversation with your neighbors. The Oasis is a popular gathering spot for locals with high quality pub food and daily specials. Their fish and chips are outstanding with crispy fresh fish in a panko crust. Pair it with a side salad, and you’ve got a perfect lunch or dinner. You can watch the Seattle Seahawks play on Sunday afternoons in this friendly and delicious venue.

Sports fans also gather at Jose’s Famous Salsa House to watch the game while they enjoy authentic and fresh Mexican faire with a full salsa bar filled with homemade goods. Jose (Yes, there really is a Jose), started making salsa out of his kitchen years ago. He began selling salsa and guacamole at Farmer’s Markets and now sells at groceries and markets across the Olympic Peninsula and in the Seattle-area. He makes salsa, ceviche, guacamole, and tamales weekly to be enjoyed in the taqueria. You won’t want to miss the pozole soup, rich with pork and a flavorful blend of spices based on a family recipe. It’s perfect topped off with the corn and carrot slaw from the salsa bar. Pozole is only offered in the fall and winter. It’s reason enough to plan a visit to Sequim.

Dining al fresco is always a treat at Jose’s Famous Salsa. Photo credit: Linda Barnfather.

Theatre lovers will want to take in a live performance at Olympic Theatre Arts. Local actors perform a colorful variety of plays on the Theatre’s Main Stage with additional musical performances and special events throughout the year. The Theatre is located across the street from the popular Alder Wood Bistro with a seasonal menu taking full advantage of fresh, local ingredients prepared in their wood-fired oven. The atmosphere is as warm and cozy as the food.  Dinner and the theatre is a perfect night on the town.

The newest venue on the Sequim restaurant scene is Tedesco’s Italian Fresh. Situated on the other side of Salty Girls at the Main Street Plaza, this family-owned restaurant offers traditional Mediterranean menu items and East Coast style pizza in an inviting and comfortable dining room. It’s become a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

Diner’s enjoy Mediterranean fare at Tedesco’s Italian Fresh.

There is an abundance of things to do in Sequim for guests with a variety of interests. Be sure to schedule plenty of time for your visit.  The biggest problem is finding the time to enjoy it all! Go to https://visitsunnysequim.com to plan your trip. — Article by Sequim Tourism

Hungry for more? Learn more about Sequim’s thriving lavender scene, here.

Please note: This is sponsored content.