Port Angeles Area

In 1791, Spanish captain Francisco Eliza sailed into the natural harbor of what is now Port Angeles and became the first European to behold the area. He named the site Puerto de Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles, "Port of Our Lady of Angels," from which the current name is derived. President Abraham Lincoln designated Port Angeles as a federal city in 1862, the only other being Washington, D.C.

Today Port Angeles, population 18,397, depends upon pulp and paper mills as well as boating and fishing. It also is a tourist destination with hot springs and the Olympic National Park in the area. Nearby Hurricane Ridge is noted for its spectacular overlook of mountain ranges. Ediz Hook, the four and a half-mile sandbar that forms the harbor, offers a panoramic view of the city and the Olympic Mountains.

A U.S. Coast Guard air rescue station is here and the Lower Elwha Indian Reservation lies northwest of the city.

Weather conditions in Port Angeles during May can be almost anything from rainy and blustery to sunny and warm. You should be prepared for anything!

Here are some websites describing Port Angeles:

The Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce site is packed with information about the city's unique history, attractions, events, and weather conditions.
Port Angeles history, past and present, is both bawdy and nostalgic. You can learn more about its major earthmoving projects and brothels on the pleasant historical walking tour.
Basic facts about the city itself can be found at the official city website.

Aerial view of Port Angeles backed by the Olympic Mountains

Restaurants

Port Angeles is home to many fine restaurants, all of which welcome the Ladies of Esprit with open arms! Here is a sampling of what Port Angeles has to offer in the way of dining. A detailed list is available here, but the following restaurants are popular year after year.

The Port Angeles Crab House is located at the Red Lion Hotel, the headquarters for Esprit! The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Diners are treated to spectacular views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The Red Lion lounge is located adjacent to the restaurant and you may have lunch or dinner served there.
Thai Peppers is a small Thai restaurant with authentic, richly prepared cuisine. Thai Peppers is located across the street from the Red Lion at 222 N Lincoln, phone (360) 452-4995.
India Oven is a comfortable, spacious, yet reasonably priced Indian restaurant located across the street from the Red Lion. The popular lunch buffet is guaranteed to leave you sated. India Oven is located at 222 N Lincoln, phone (360) 452-5170
C'est Si Bon is a quaint little French restaurant featuring authentic French cuisine in a delightful atmosphere. C'est Si Bon is owned and operated by a delightful French couple, Norbert (pronounced norr-bear) and Michéle Juhasz. Norbert is quite a character and is always delighted to see us. Upon seeing several ladies enter the restaurant, Norbert is said to have spotted us and came running over while proclaiming loudly, "The swallows have returned, the swallows have returned!!" C'est Si Bon is located at 23 Cedar Park Rd, phone (360) 452-8888.
Golden Gate Chinese Restaurant is a large and elegant Chinese restaurant and the usual location of the Asian girls (open to all) Thursday theme dinner. It is just 2 blocks away at 106 W. Front Street, phone (360) 457-6944.
Sabai Thai is a new Thai restaurant with elegant decor and outstanding food. It is located at 903 W. 8th St., phone (360) 452-4505.
Downriggers is a short two block walk from the Red Lion. It is always a favorite of the attendees. Downriggers features fresh seafood, steaks and prime rib. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and features a full service lounge. Downriggers is located at 115 East Railroad Avenue, phone (360) 452-2700.
Bella Italia features authentic Italian cuisine. Bella Italia is located at 118 East First Street, phone (360) 457-5442.
Bushwackers Seafood Restaurant is another of the favorites of the attendees. Features include steak, seafood and Northwest Cuisine. Bushwackers is located at 1527 E. 1st, phone (360) 457-4113.
Bonny's Bakery features fine French pastry, gourmet sandwiches, real soups and great coffees. Bonny's Bakery is located at 215 S. Lincoln St., phone (360) 457-3585.
The Crazy Fish is an eclectic Baja-style eatery with awesome fish tacos. The Crazy Fish is located within easy walking distance at 229 W. First Street. Phone (360) 457-1944
Dynasty Chinese has great hot and sour soup and chicken curry noodles. It is a short walk from the Red Lion. The Dynasty Chinese is located at First and Lincoln, phone (360) 452-8687.

Shopping

There are several clothing shops in the downtown area of Port Angeles which is within easy walking distance of the Red Lion. The shops range from resale stores to very upscale boutiques. Several other shopping opportunities exist within easy driving distance of the Red Lion. Here are some examples:

Fashion Bug is just a short drive to 2743 East Hwy 101 (near Safeway). Fashion Bug is also a sponsor of our fashion shows and provides casual and day outfits for our models. Phone (360) 452-3189
Gottschalks, located at 200 W. First Street is within easy walking distance of the Red Lion. Phone (360) 452-4571
Maurice's is a department store at 104 W. 1st St. and is also within walking distance of the hotel. Phone (360) 452-2266.
Just-N-Love Bridal & Formals is often a sponsor of our fashion shows and has full service salon and floral services in their store. The boutique is located at 230 W. 8th Street. Phone (360) 457-0166
Electric Beach was featured in newspaper articles as a merchant who stocked up on wigs and other items especially for Esprit. Electric Beach is located at 117 N. Oak St. Phone (360) 417-1818
The Alley Cat Boutique carries a selection of vintage and trendy clothing, jewelry, and lingerie and is located at 121 W. First Street. Phone: (360) 417-8097
The Family Shoe Store is located within easy walking distance at 130 W. Front Street. If you take the Port Angeles Heritage Walking Tour (sign up at the tourist information office at the waterfront just outside the hotel) you will have the opportunity to walk up to the 2nd floor and see how the city's biggest brothel originally looked. Phone (360) 452-3741
The Payless Shoe store is just a short drive to 1908 E. First Street. Phone (360) 452-1658

Services

Port Angeles is home to several fine beauty shops and even has a beauty school. Your Esprit visit would be a perfect opportunity to experience a little feminine pampering by getting your hair done or enjoying a manicure and pedicure.

The Angeles Beauty Supply & Salon located at 3455 Kolonels Way (across Hwy 101 from Walmart), frequently has Esprit special discounts. Be sure to ask! Phone (360) 452-4060
Chetta's Academy of Hair & Nails is located at 221 S. Peabody Street. Phone (360) 417-0388
Creative Touch is a hair and nail salon located at 230 W. 8th Street. Phone (360) 417-3072
Hair Connections is located at 2937 East Hwy 101. Phone (360) 452-8804
The Hair School is a full service salon with very reasonable prices. It is located at 2941 East Hwy 101. Phone (360) 452-3048 or (360) 452-4106
Studio 618 is a salon within easy walking distance of the Red Lion. It is located at 618 East Front Street. Phone (360) 452-8959

Local Attractions

Port Angeles is located on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State, one of the most scenic areas in the United States. The peninsula is home to a very diverse set of scenic attractions ranging from genuine rain forest to mountain splendor to wide sandy beaches. You can easily go from Sea to Ski in 45 minutes!

Hurricane Ridge is a very popular tourist destination. It is an easy drive from Port Angeles over well maintained roads. Hurricane Ridge offers breathtaking views of the Straits of Juan de Fuca and the interior of the rugged and spectacular Olympic Mountains. Check the local weather before taking this worthwhile excursion.

There are three wineries in Port Angeles to tour: The Black Diamond Winery, Camaraderie Cellars, and Olympic Cellars. A wine tasting trip is often scheduled during one of the activity days so check the official schedule and the unofficial postings at the Esprit Registration Desk if you want to participate in a wine tasting tour.

Port Angeles is home to several fine museums and art galleries. The Fiero Marine Life Center is located on the pier adjacent to the Red Lion. Finally, you might consider a day trip or two before or after the conference.

Port Townsend

Port Townsend is a quaint little town noted for its Victorian architecture. Port Townsend is a short, scenic one hour drive from Port Angeles.


Aerial view of Port Townsend	Victorian-style Jefferson County Courthouse