The Middle Of
Welcome to Nowhere Island, WA
NOWHERE SQUARE
est. 1841
Nowhere Square includes town hall, a small park and a church, as well as a collection of other public service offices and businesses that create the hub every small town square should be. There are no chain or department stores on Nowhere Island, but from the local's necessary to the tourist's flight of fancy, it can all be addressed, arranged for or purchased here.
THE MIDDLE OF
est. 1904
Owned by Jo Roethke and managed by her granddaughter, Saleh, this historic inn and bar is the pulse of Nowhere Island's downtown area. It's located three miles from the Port Blakely ferry terminal, half a mile off of Hwy 305 and nestled between Nowhere Square and the fall of the Temperance River. In addition to giving many of the island's tourists a place to lay their head at night, the Middle Of is where the locals gather most often, whether it be for eats and drinks from it's Pacific Northwestern menu or just to socialize. The bar's hours of operation are 11:00 am through 1:00 am, Sunday through Saturday.
True crime enthusiasts call it "home of the Monster of Nowhere Island." Believers in the paranormal insist that the ghosts of those murdered by "Monster" Daniel Lively more than a quarter of a century ago roam its halls, either lost or vengeful. Jo dismisses such claims, openly calling those who persist "whackjobs" while shaking her elderly fist at them. Saleh repeats her sentiment, but her words seem somehow hollow.
BETTER LIVING THROUGH COFFEE
est. 1979
Seattle's Pike Place Market-based Starbucks tried to move into the neighborhood despite neighborly objection by Nowhere Island's small business owners. A cantankerous, eccentric woman opened this cozy little cafe near the Port Blakely ferry terminal in response, serving up certified organic and fair trade coffee and baked goods, and the community rallied behind her. They ran Starbucks out of town with the power of the almighty vote by dollar. Her whimsical daughter, Sadie (NPC, pictured, far right, in the top hat), took over ownership of the cafe after her passing three years ago. She continues her mother's ethical and spiritual traditions today. Painted on one of the many chalk boards that make up BLTC's menu is the oft-called parting, "blessed be."
CRYSTAL SPRINGS SAWMILL
est. 1841
Nowhere Island's thick forests were its first commercial bounty. Its tall, strong cedar trees were ideal for ship and home building, among other things, and the demand for them was and continues to be high. A silent opportunist opened the Crystal Springs Sawmill on the southwest coast of the island not long after it was surveyed by the US Navy in the mid-1800s. Their venture provided many of the jobs that spurred its settlement. The sawmill is still silently owned; a tradition that won't likely go by the wayside any time soon. Its business office is now located in Nowhere Square.
EMERALD AUTO REPAIR
Player submitted content pending.
GREENMAN SUQUAMISH MUSEUM
Player submitted content pending.
BIG TOP CANDY
est. 1905
Come on by Big Top candy for a true experience of a sugar coma or just a lite high. We pride ourselves with filling your candy needs with many flavors and types of candies and chocolates. If you want it then we will make it just for you.
LAWSON'S MERCANTILE
est. 1847
Lawson's Mercantile (affectionately known as the Merc by the locals) has been a staple in Nowhere Square since it's official opening in the late 1840's as a general store. In the early twentieth century, it moved to strictly hardware, and with the current Lawson taking ownership in the last decade, it's become the island's go to place for recreational gear. Come to the Merc for all your fishing, hunting, and camping needs. There's live bait, and you can even sign up for fishing expeditions. The gun counter only sells the best quality in weapons, and they supply top notch hunting gear. There's plenty of sporting goods and boating supplies too, with a great selection of everything you need for a grand adventure catered to Nowhere Island. If you can't find what you need in stock, one of the sales associates will be happy make a special order! Fishing and hunting licenses for the state of Washington also available.
TURNING LEAF HERBAL
est. 2016
Welcome to the Turning Leaf.. we carry a variety of items that will help with de stressing your life. All of our products are organically grown and put together in the kitchen just behind the store. From potions to lotions all you have to do is stop in!
STERLING WINERY
est. 2016
A pedigree of vintners going back before the turn of the Century, Sterling Winery is a smaller operation focused on a personal experience suited to those looking for a slower pace. Enjoy classic tastes of the Sterling Quality, fresh new tastes from our micro brewery and the finest cuisine laid out on the most idealic resort and spa. Come for the wine, stay ambiance.
DRAGON'S LAIR USED BOOKS & MORE
est. 1986
A delightfully quaint used book store from the exterior, the Dragon's Lair stood as an oddity within the town of Nowhere Island. The Dragomir's had brought the Old World with them if their book store was any indication. Many of the shelves had been hand carved by Grigore, and the scent of old books, strange herbs and hypnotic melodies swam lazily on the air. A staircase (lined with books, of course) led upstairs, which had been converted into an apartment and served as the Dragomir's home. An old wooden dragon -- tall as three men -- stood guard at the front of the store and greeted customers with his twisted and grinning mawl. The Dragomirs specialty was rare & ancient texts (and items), but the store was well stocked with books of every kind. Maps and memorabilia (mostly from Eastern Europe) littered the shelves, and if a patron couldn't find something that spoke to them within the interior of the Dragon's Lair, Grigore had always said they lacked any sort of soul.