K is for Kingston

Kingston is a small town on Appletree Cove and was one of the first ports on Puget Sound. The cove is named for the prevalence of wild apple trees along the shore. We haven’t spent much time in Kingston, although we go there often to catch the Kingston-Edmonds ferry on our way to see Sophia in Bellingham.  Once designed to be a resort town for vacationers from Seattle, that idea fell flat, but Kingston has evolved into a bedroom community for commuters who work north of Seattle and prefer a more rural location as well as a mecca for cyclists and those who enjoy outdoor activities.   There is a lovely marina, an independent theater, and shops, galleries, and restaurants lining the downtown area. Mike Wallace Waterfront Park is home to the Kingston Farmer's Market and Concerts on the Cove held evenings every Saturday during the summer. The community hosts a variety of other events including the Annual Slug Fest, 4th of July Fireworks, Art & Craft Fair, Kites over Kingston, and the Light Boat Festival in December.

I couldn’t image what a Slug Fest could be and my research led me to the explanation that it is a day to hunt for ceramic slugs, unique 8” ceramic pieces of art, all around Kingston held in August each year.  You must purchase a slug-hunting license ($1.00 in past years) at the Chamber Office. Definitely putting this one on the calendar.

Photo courtesy of the Kingston Slug Fest and Auction 2014 Facebook page