The Cargo Hold - Full of Nautical Treasures!

My friends, Doug and Risa Owen, have owned The Cargo Hold for nearly 20 years in the historic downtown district of Poulsbo, Washington.  Poulsbo, borne of Scandinavian heritage and located on Liberty Bay  is the perfect setting for Doug's absolute treasure chest of specialty nautical items!

When I had my store open (2002-2007), "Caron's.. the finest in coastal living",  was located directly across the street.  Doug and I were always "friendly" competitors, working diligently together to make sure that we didn't accidentally order the same product.  Sometimes we did goof up though!

Doug prides himself on finding quality, unique nautical gifts and memorabilia: all manner of brass barometers, tide clocks,  brass accessories, telescopes, pirate games, books on nautical history, lighthouse collectibles - somehow finding space for everything in his tiny shop! Nautical art and plaques cover every square inch of wall space..  easy to spend hours finding just the perfect gift for someone special.  Heard a rumor that you might even find some specialty cigars, and the accessories to go with them!

Own a boat? Need the perfect "yachting" touch? The Cargo Hold is a favorite for boat owners that frequent the Poulsbo Marina. Poulsbo enjoys being a destination for most of the Puget Sound Yacht Clubs, and  Doug always has something new and exciting waiting! Nautical bar accessories, brass plaques, nautical designed pillows - oh, and what boat is complete without a brass lamp?

The Cargo Hold's collection of model ships is a must see. Doug's collection includes just about everything from hand-crafted ships, painstakingly put together and selling for thousands of dollars to models that anyone can afford. Could easily see how a one of these would be the perfect accent for any house on the beach; on the mantel, mounted in a bookcase, I can think of a hundred way to display these!

Loved the details on "The Constitution".  Finely hand crafted by a highly skilled artisan in Tacoma, the hull is composed of tiny shaped copper pieces hammered and put together. Every single detail has been attended to.

If you are lucky enough to visit the Kitsap Peninsula, and Poulsbo, please make sure to stop in and see the Cargo Hold in person - make sure that you tell Doug that I sent you! If you can't travel to Poulsbo, please make sure to check out their website - www.cargohold.com.