For those curious about Native American culture or the early pioneering days of the 1800s, the most thorough places to gain an understanding are local historical museums.

Probably the finest of these is the Squaxin Island Tribe Museum Library and Research Center, in Kamilche, WA. It is located a few miles east of Shelton on Highway 101, the same exit (but opposite direction) as the Little Creek Casino and Resort.

Breathtaking in size and scope, the Museum Library and Research Center includes fantastic, huge murals depicting the beliefs, activities and community structures of the Squaxin Island Tribe before the days of white settlement. Actual artifacts are on display, some dating back more than 500 years. The museum holds enough information, tribal art and artifacts to warrant a half-day stay. (See listing for address and phone.)

Another good choice for history buffs is the Mason County Historical Museum in Shelton, WA, about a 20-25 minute drive from Grapeview. Photos, historical documents, clothing, tools and firearms depict the immense logging industry that fueled early white settlement of the region beginning in the 1850s.

Close to home, the Maritime Museum of Puget Sound (within walking or biking distance on Stretch Island) houses a fascinating collection of early steam ship memorabilia dating back to the early 1900s. The old St. Charles Winery building has been turned into The Puget Sound Museum by the lone efforts of C. W. "Bill" Somers, who has been collecting its contents for over 30 years.

The Museum chronicles the history of the Mosquito Fleet, which was a group of small passenger and freight steamers that sailed from the Coleman dock in Seattle to all over Puget Sound.

The site of the first grape plantings in Western Washington in 1872, some remnants of the St. Charles Winery and vineyards still exist today among the gentle hills of Stretch Island. An aerial photo of Stretch Island taken of the winter of 1936, still hangs on a wall of the old winery. It shows the Grapeview store, and the bridge across to Stretch Island, the vineyards and wineries on the island. At that time Stretch Island had three wineries, all with prime vineyards, and two grape juice factories.

The other two wineries dissolved in the early 1960's because the old timers, farmers, retired and sold out to summer people not interested in farming. Some of the vineyards have been abandoned, but there is still a nice vineyard on the island.

Nothing can prepare you for the sight of an authentic, working iron forge. The blast of fire, the rhythmic ringing of the blacksmith's hammer on his anvil¬––such sights and sounds can be captured throughout the Old Cedar Forge Gallery and Gifts, located on Grapeview Loop Road, just south of Allyn.

This is just over a mile from your vacation rental.

Here, in an authentic, cedar-sided blacksmith's forge, artist and blacksmith Jerry Culberson bends and molds iron using an anvil and various hammers in tandem with his 2400-degree forge fire.

Finished products include ornate candleholders; kitchen pot racks, fireplace tools and custom work to order. The work is breathtakingly original, and priced much lower than you would find in any art gallery in Seattle, Gig Harbor, or other large city.

Apprentice blacksmith classes are held throughout the year at the Old Cedar Forge, and Jerry has taught more than 1,500 students over the past 25 years.

Visitors may call to inquire about tours and demonstrations, as well as upcoming classes. 220 E. Cronquist Road, Allyn, WA 98524 (Off East Grapeview Loop) 360-275-6769 or www.oldcedarforge.com.

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Allyn, WA