PORT TOWNSEND, Wash — Eight months after the closure of a major tourist accommodation on the Olympic Peninsula, businesses are fighting back from what initially looked like a devastating blow to the local economy.

The situation appeared grim when Fort Worden State Park's historic housing rental operation shut down without warning in January, canceling summer vacation reservations for more than 300 families and eliminating food service at the popular destination. The closure threatened to keep thousands of visitors away from the tourist-dependent town of Port Townsend.

"I think there was a big concern for the community," said Brian Curry, co-owner of Taps at the Guardhouse.

Despite the challenges, entrepreneurs like Curry and his business partner, Heidi Haney, decided to move forward wit

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