Grays Harbor County’s Lady Washington Makes Expedia List
Judged the ‘best thing to do in Washington’ in 2017
ELMA, WA – Jan. 19, 2017– Grays Harbor County’s Lady Washington was named The Best Thing to Do in Washington State in 2017, according to the travel experts at Expedia. The ship is featured in the Expedia Viewfinder travel blog, which just released its top picks throughout the U.S.
According to Expedia, the blog is intended to encourage people to celebrate each state’s signature culture and characters by showcasing the brand new shops, ancient landmarks, and beloved events happening in 2017. All of the results can be found at viewfinder.expedia.com.
The Washington entry reads: Set sail on the Lady Washington in Grays Harbor. Featured on “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Star Trek: Generations,” and more, the Lady Washington is a replica of the original Pan-Pacific trade ship of the same name. Today you can learn to sail or enjoy a little jaunt into the harbor on these vintage decks.
Launched on March 7, 1989, the Lady Washington was built in Aberdeen, Wash., by Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public development authority. The new Lady Washington is a full-scale replica of the original Lady Washington.
In 1787, after the Revolutionary War, she was given a major refit to prepare her for an unprecedented trading voyage around Cape Horn. In 1788, she became the first American vessel to make landfall on the west coast of North America.
A pioneer in Pan-Pacific trade, she was the first American ship to visit Honolulu, Hong Kong and Japan. Lady Washington opened the black pearl and sandalwood trade between Hawaii and Asia when King Kamehameha became a partner in the ship.
The modern Lady Washington, constructed as a brig, was thoroughly researched by historians and constructed by skilled shipwrights. She was launched as part of the 1989 Washington State Centennial celebration. The new Lady Washington is a U.S. Coast Guard inspected and certified passenger sailing vessel. More information on sailings can be found at historicalseaport.org.
“We’re honored they chose one of our treasures in Grays Harbor County,” said Mike Bruner,director of the Grays Harbor County Tourism Office. “We encourage visitors to check out Lady Washington’s sailing schedule this summer to experience this amazing vessel.”
For more information on additional fun attractions in Grays Harbor County, go to visitgraysharbor.com.