For those of you new to Chattertowne, setting of the CHATTERTOWNE MYSTERIES including book one SECRETS DON’T SINK there are a few things you should probably know.
Chattertowne Visitors Guide
Welcome to Chattertowne, Washington, a place where gossip is currency but knowing when to stay tightlipped is priceless…and might even save your life!
Chattertowne is the setting for the Chattertowne Mysteries series featuring fledgling journalist Audrey O’Connell who has returned to her hometown after her career at the Portland Oregonian Newspaper stalled and her sister Vivienne found herself in a bit of a pickle following her latest romantic debacle.
Audrey’s love life proves to be a bit complicated as well.
Set along the fictional Jeannetta River about twenty miles inland from Puget Sound, Chattertowne is nestled in a valley at the foothills of the spectacular Cascade Mountain Range north of Seattle. Because the Jeannetta is an important shipping route, the town also has a wonderful marina near the city hall building.
The marina is an important landmark, because not only is it where the body of Audrey’s former boyfriend Marcus Washburn is found floating in Secrets Don’t Sink, it’s the same location where Jimmy Chatterton—2x great grandson of town founder and namesake Jonathan Chatterton—was found dead forty years earlier.
Speaking of the town patriarch, many people believe Chattertowne received its name because of its extensive and intrusive gossip mill—which makes complete sense—however, it was officially named by Jonathan Chatterton by himself FOR himself shortly after he settled in the valley in 1858. Born in 1831 in Newburyport, Massachusetts, Jonathan Chatterton was descended from generations of loggers and shipbuilders along the Merrimack River and believed the Puget Sound region was ideal for building his own logging empire. His wife, Madeleine, had traveled with him, but died in 1862 while giving birth to their only child, Michael.
That’s not to say that Chattertowne hasn’t earned its reputation. Anything that’s said about a person is likely to get back to them within 48 hours. You’ve been warned.
Most of the gossip is likely to spread at one of Chatterton’s various events throughout the year. In addition to an amazing winter holiday season, antique car shows, soccer tournaments, holiday parades, weekly farmer’s markets, and of course the high school football games every Friday night in the fall, Chattertowne’s premier annual event is Kupit held each spring at Founder’s Park. The original Lushootseed/Coast Salish word was k̓ʷit̕ which means go down to the water’s edge. The two week festival features a street fair with vendor booths, food trucks, a parade, a hot air balloon glow, and various activities like a cherry pit spitting contest and a bathtub race.
Any visitor to Chattertowne will want to know where to find the best places to eat. At least that always the first thing I want to know about a place.
The Puget Sound region is known for our coffee and while Starbucks originated here and is quite pervasive, many locals prefer our countless independent drive through stands or sit down coffee shops. Abigail’s is a great place for coffee, as well as their marmalade scones and cinnamon rolls the size of your head. Another popular location for breakfast is Sandpiper Café on 13th.
The best spots for casual dining are Chuck’s Seafood Grotto, Julia and Jack’s drive-in, and Alberto’s Tacos.
If you’re looking for something with a water view but without prying eyes, try the French bistro on Lake Camora. I recommend the quiche.
Chattertowne has a smattering of nightlife, namely the Nautilus nightclub, where Viv works as a waitress and sings on weekends. It’s got a retro vibe and features jazz performances along with the sporadic comedian. Think bar food and cocktails plus dim lighting. There’s also Louden’s Tavern, but I can’t speak to what kind of riffraff you might encounter there.
If you want to get completely out of town, the Pauper’s Pub in Kirkland is ideal for those private rendezvous you might need to have.
Finally, Chattertowne’s special occasion restaurant is Martini’s. When you first enter, you’re greeted with gas fireplaces and wonderful ambience. My favorites are the tempura artichoke hearts and the French onion soup…depending, of course, on who you’re there with. French Onion soup is not the best choice while on a first date. Unless it’s not going well, in which case it’s exactly what you should order.
As Audrey drives around Chattertowne looking for information about the town, its history, and the comings and goings of possible murder suspects, she likes to listen to her curated playlist. This can be found athttps://open.spotify.com/playlist/1isMuldgNa5Tj3jza1mRu8?si=5509337c11c5470b
Some of her favorite songs include “Unshaken” by D’Angelo, “Proud Mary” by Tina Turner, “Back Home” by Owl City, Adele’s “Water Under the Bridge,” Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On?”, and “This Masquerade” by George Benson which, by the way, is also her morning alarm. As Audrey drives up into the foothills to visit one of the Chattertons, she sings along at the top of her lungs to “Linger” by the Cranberries. It’s the perfect accompaniment to the snowy drive among the western hemlocks, pines, aspens, maples, and cottonwood trees. Once she reaches the top of the ridge, she’s able to see all the way to Puget Sound and even farther to the Olympic Mountain Range.
While she’s about to unknowingly step into danger, she reflects upon what the view must have been like for the original inhabitants of the area, the Snohomish sduhubš and Tulalip dxʷlilap Tribes. Chattertowne is a spectacular, complex place with a complicated history with secrets that never stay submerged for long.
HOLIDAYS IN CHATTERTOWNE
Hello, and welcome to Christmas in historic downtown Chattertowne, Washington. I’m your tour guide, Audrey O’Connell. As a features writer for the Coastal Current, Chattertowne’s best—okay, its only—source for local news and events, I’m thrilled to share with you all the activities planned for the holiday season.
According to Peg at the Chamber of Commerce, a lot of planning has gone into this year’s calendar of events. A full schedule can be found on their website.
We start things off with a bang on the first Saturday following Thanksgiving at 2pm when the big guy himself, Santa Claus, arrives at the marina by sailboat. You’ll have the opportunity to take photos with him and—rumor has it—Rudolph will be there as well so watch where you step!
Now that the sun sets about an hour after it rises (okay, perhaps that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but not much) the tree lighting will be taking place at 5pm. We’ll have a thirty minute countdown concert and sing-along performed by Chattertowne’s own Merwin the Music Man, star of the hit children’s show, the Seatown Shenanigang (Sunday mornings-check your local listings).
Santa will make his rounds to different stores throughout the holiday season. Check the Chamber website for more details.
Each of the downtown stores will be competing in the holiday window display competition, so don’t forget to vote for your favorite. The winner will be announced on December 16th at the winter ball (more about that in a bit) and will receive a trophy to exhibit at their shop.
Thursday December 7th at 6pm begins the nightly lighting of the Chattertowne menorah at the Jewish Senior Center. Rabbi Silver will lead the festivities which will include local folk music group the Keshet Klezmer Trio, balloon animals for the kids, and a firetruck chocolate gelt drop. I’m told by Chief Norvald that the Chattertowne Fire Department has learned a better method for dropping the chocolate coins from the ladder truck following last year’s unfortunate incident. They’ve also acquired an updated event insurance policy from Hank Billings.
Friday, December 8th at 7pm is the Ugly Christmas Sweater pub crawl on Main Street starting at Jim’s Saloon. 21+ only. IDs will be checked. Return to Jim’s at the end of the night for the announcement of ugliest sweater winner. Organizers are asking that the sweaters adhere to all city ordinances related to public decency. Last year someone (who shall remain nameless, but you all know who I’m talking about) thought it would be cute to wear a fishnet body suit with a strategically placed bow. Also, Chattertowne PD will be doing DUI checkpoints, so please make use of the various ride services available to you.
On Saturday December 9th from 8-11am, the American Legion will be hosting their annual Santa pancake breakfast. It’s only $10 a person—what a bargain—and there will be a silent auction for charity.
At noon, Abigail’s Café will be having their annual gingerbread house decorating contest. Winners receive a $100 certificate to Abigail’s. That will buy a lot of marmalade scones!
At 2pm out at Zeb Brandt’s farm will be the annual pumpkin chucking contest. Last year’s winner CPD officer Tony Bianchi says he’s been practicing since the day after Halloween, so he’s ready for any would-be challengers to his title of reigning pumpkin chucker.
Saturday December 16th is the 71st annual Winter Ball benefitting the Chattertowne food bank at the iconic Peacock Ballroom. Tickets are on sale now and include a catered dinner from Martini’s. This year’s theme is Festival of Ice, featuring a display of ice sculptures from local artisans. Think frosty décor, lots of sparkling lights, and a dancefloor beneath the ballroom’s hundred year old crystal chandelier. The Chattertowne High School jazz band will be providing music to dance the night away.
December 22nd is the Solstice River Walk. Come celebrate the shortest day of the year, with the knowledge that longer days are once again coming! Beginning just after sundown, paper luminaries filled with tealights will begin to glow as you stroll along the path on the banks of the Jeannetta River. Bring your sweetheart, bring your families, bring your friends. Finish your walk at one of many restaurants on main street with a special winter solstice celebration menu.
Friday, December 29th from 3-9pm there will be a Kwanzaa celebration at Founder’s Park featuring live music, food trucks, and a kinara lighting ceremony. Contact Holden Villalobos at city hall if you have any questions or would like to volunteer for the event.
Finally, Monday January 1st at 8am there will be a polar river plunge. Meet at the boat launch at least fifteen minutes prior. Coffee and Cocoa will be provided by the women’s association. BYOT—Bring your own towel.
How lucky we are to live in a town that values its history and community. I have a feeling this will be the best holiday season yet!