Gather ’round, I’ve got a tale to spin about a recent jaunt that was simply… remarkable. The leaves are starting to turn, the air’s got that crisp, apple-cider-like bite, and a good old-fashioned fall adventure was practically begging to happen. So, what better way to embrace the season than to borrow a shiny new 2025 Hyundai Palisade from the good folks at Haselwood Hyundai and point its distinguished grille towards the charming, and some might say haunted, town of Port Gamble?
Appropriately, driving out to the bewitching town of Port Gamble, the road noise was practically non-existent like we were a phantasm, ghosting through the countryside to our final destination.
The Palisade is built with an eye toward comfort, and from the moment I settled into the driver’s seat, I knew this wasn’t just a car; it was a sanctuary on wheels. It’s the kind of quiet that lets you truly appreciate the silence, or, if you’re so inclined, the sublime writings of Mary Shelley in audiobook form. You could almost forget you’re on the highway, gliding along like a fallen leaf on a gentle breeze.
This is a vehicle where the drive itself becomes a pleasure. The quilted leather seating surfaces are more supportive than a good friend, and the cabin is serene. The dashboard itself is a masterpiece of Classic Interior Design, a clean, elegant layout with a Digital Instrument Cluster and a responsive 12.3-inch Touchscreen Navigation System that’s as intuitive as finding a cup of coffee on a cold morning. And the presence of physical buttons for key functions is a welcome touch. The Palisade feels both modern and reassuringly familiar, providing all the information you need without being overly distracting.
Port Gamble: Where History Beckons and Fall Blooms
Our destination, Port Gamble, is an absolute gem, especially when it’s all decked out in its fall finery. This historic mill town, nestled on the Kitsap Peninsula, is like stepping back in time. The drive, made all the more pleasant by the Palisade’s smooth performance and Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Keeping Assist, felt effortless. It’s the kind of Regal Driving Experience that just makes you feel… valued.
The town’s charming main street is lined with historic buildings, and our first stop was the Port Gamble General Store, a grand old dame that’s been serving the community for over a century. Jenny, the owner, greeted us with a smile warmer than a freshly baked apple crisp. This place is a treasure trove, from local crafts to a full espresso bar. In the fall, they go all out with Halloween décor and, of course, Pumpkin Spice Lattes and ice cream. You can bet I indulged. It’s a perfect spot to grab a warm drink and watch the world go by.
Underlying Port Gamble’s quaint shops and cozy cafes is a darker, more intriguing side, especially as the days grow shorter. The town boasts the Walker-Ames Mansion, a stunning Victorian home that is reputedly the most haunted house in all of Washington State. They also offer Ghost Walks in October and throughout the winter — a truly unique way to spend an evening. And just up the road, the historic cemetery offers a quiet, contemplative spot to admire the autumn colors and ponder the past. It’s enough to make your spine tingle in a good, spooky way.
We also popped into the Port Gamble Historical Museum, located right below the General Store. Nancy, the museum’s passionate caretaker, filled us in on the town’s fascinating history as a company mill town. The museum, which is completely free to explore, details the town’s history as the home of the longest continuously running sawmill in North America, started by Pope & Talbot in 1853. We learned that the museum itself was designed by the same folks who created the British Provincial Museum in Victoria! That’s some serious pedigree for a small-town museum.
Back to the Palisade: An Interior of Distinction
After a delightful day of autumnal exploration and a few spooky tales, it was time to retreat back to our chariot. The Palisade is an absolute family fortress. With seating for up to eight, thanks to those luxurious second-row captain’s chairs with their ample legroom, you could haul a whole soccer team or a gaggle of friends. And the Spacious Cabin means nobody’s feeling squished, no matter who you’re driving with.
The little details truly set this Palisade apart. The Panoramic Sunroof lets in plenty of light, and passengers in the back can enjoy the view through a separate rear sunroof. Those second-row captain’s chairs aren’t just chairs; they’re recliners on wheels, with dedicated temperature controls and heated and ventilated seats. The passengers in the back are living the high life.
Even the third row, usually the cramped penalty box of family vehicles, impressed me. With the push of a button, the seats automatically raise and lower, and there’s even a button to slide the second row forward for surprisingly decent access. While my lanky frame found it a bit snug for a long haul, for smaller folks or short trips, it’s perfect. And with all the seats down, the Cargo Space is generous, enough for strollers, camping gear, or an entire harvest festival’s worth of pumpkins.
The technology inside is both smart and genuinely useful. The Wireless Device Charging in the front console, along with a powerful 100W Max Charging Port, means everyone’s gadgets stay juiced up. And the Surround View Monitor with its 360-degree camera is a game-changer for parking, especially in a bustling town with tight spots. You can even spin the virtual car around on the screen to see every angle — a great feature for avoiding those pesky curbs.
My absolute favorite feature for safety and peace of mind, though, has to be the Blind-Spot View Monitor. When you flick your turn signal, a live camera feed of your blind spot appears right in your instrument cluster. It’s like having an extra set of eyes, and on a larger family vehicle like this, it’s a truly valuable asset.
The Verdict: A Journey in Comfort
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade isn’t just a mode of transportation; it’s an experience. It’s a comfortable, quiet, and supremely classy vehicle that makes every journey, whether a quick trip to the grocery store or a long road trip to explore a haunted town, an absolute pleasure.
If you’re looking for a vehicle that truly embraces the spirit of family adventures, with features like Heated and Ventilated Seats, a Spacious Interior, and advanced Safety Features like Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, you owe it to yourself to experience the Palisade. Head on down to Haselwood Hyundai. They’ve got 13 different brands on the West Hills Auto Plex, so you can test drive a Palisade, then compare it to a minivan or an SUV from another brand, all in one convenient location.
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