Hear Classical Music on the Peninsula
Pastoral beauty and a symphonic soundtrack await at Quilcene’s Olympic Music Festival
By Taneeka Hansen June 16, 2012
This article originally appeared in the July 2012 issue of Seattle magazine.
WHERE: Quilcene, Washington, in the Olympic Peninsula.
WHY: For the 29th season of the Olympic Music Festival (6/30–9/2. Sat.–Sun., 2 p.m. $14–$33. 7360 Center Road; 360.732.4800; olympicmusicfestival.org), where the pastoral grounds invite both strolling and swaying to classical masterworks. Take a seat inside the lovely, turn-of-the-century barn—or spread a picnic blanket on the luxurious lawn outside—as world-renowned musicians serenade you with beloved music by Schubert, Beethoven, Debussy and others.
SIDE TRIP: Time your trip right and on the way you can catch Bainbridge in Bloom, an annual tour featuring six gorgeous gardens (7/13–7/15. Tours 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $60 on 7/1, $30 on 7/14 and 7/15. 206.842.7901; bainbridgeartshumanities.org).
GETTING THERE: From Seattle, take the ferry to Bainbridge Island, then take State Route 305 north to the Hood Canal Bridge. Cross the bridge and follow the strains of the violins (and State Route 104 west) to the Olympic Music Festival exit.