Interesting reading in today's Tacoma News Tribune (yes, its a paid advertisement from the South Sound New Homes section, but still interesting reading):
A New Point of View in Westport
It's 5:00 a.m. on an August morning in 1977... There are 300 charter fishing boats cranking their engines to take an estimated 3,000 fishermen onto the high sea in search of the mighty king salmon. At the end of the day the boats return. After cleaning up, a dinner out and then dancing and celebrating into the week hours of the morning. In the 60's and 70's this scene played itself out every day between Memorial Day and Labor Day in this coastal village hailed as The Salmon Fishing Capital of the World.
Fast forward to an August morning in the present day. At 6:00 a.m. the 35 charter boats are warming up to take 400 men, women, and children out sportfishing. A new addition to the marina scene, walkers and joggers headed out for the paved waterfront path. The 2.5 mile path departs the marina, meandering along Halfmoon Bay to the Jetty where the first surfers are unloading their long boards for a day on the waves. The trail then borders the beach on one side, and on the other a 300-acre grassy dune, being sculpted into an oceanfront Scottish Links-style golf course. The trail ends at the Westport Lighthouse.
Back at the marina, the shops are beginning to open, but not just selling kites and ice cream. New shops are presenting an eclectic array of art, jewelry, and memorabilia. You can still find a great bowl of clam chowder, but the influx of culinary talent has infused a new energy into the menus. The Wild Salmon with Kumquat Ginger Butter at Takohachi or Seafood Cioppino at Anthony's at the Islander are delectable examples of the culinary evolution taking place in Westport.
Driving the revolution is the recent discovery that Westport offers the most beautiful and least known sandy beach in the state. That realization has inspired new residential development along the coast geared to meet the needs of today's beach cruisers. Besides the new golf course and convention center, several new residential communities within the city limits of Westport are taking beautiful shape.
The Point at Westport Harbor is a stunning example. This small community of condominiums boasts a 360 degree view of the Harbor and Olympic Mountains. The architecture is modern with a nod toward the maritime past and the interiors showcase the impressive views. While energy efficiency and sustainability directed the thoughtful design, carefree enjoyment was the goal. Your front door is just a few steps away from the private dock, where crab, perch and in the fall even coho salmon are landed! A short stroll away are the marina shops and restaurants an the start of the oceanfront walking/biking path.
It doesn't matter if you don't fish, surf, or hike... Westport was never about "all there is to do". Westport is about relationships. A relationship with the environment shared with family and good friends. It's about taking time to appreciate the beauty and tranquility that surrounds you on the coast. The air is pure, the weather is mild and a good book, a good friend or a great dinner can return a sense of balance to your life. Take the short journey to the coast to discover the"new point of view" in Westport.
