May 31, 2023

Always something new to see on the Kitsap Peninsula

Kitsap County welcomes you with open arms in this year’s visitors guide. We’ve packed this helpful resource full of exciting and entertaining activities, goods, services, places and communities to help you experience the Kitsap Peninsula to the fullest. With unique options for exploring spectacular natural beauty, top-of-the-line shopping, delicious eateries and a range of festivals and cultural activities, Kitsap is the perfect place for families to get away and have something for everyone to enjoy.

The area offers a relaxing, rural setting with a convenient drive or ferry ride to more densely populated areas like Seattle, Tacoma and Olympia. Several parks and forests are also easily accessible from the Kitsap Peninsula, including Mount Rainier National Park, Capitol State Forest, Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park.

Kitsap County communities take pride in their home and culture throughout the year with fun-filled events like the Kitsap County Fair & Stampede, Poulsbo’s Viking Fest and Arts Festival, Bremerton’s Blackberry Festival and St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Port

Gamble’s Evergreen Mountain Bike Festival and the military-based celebrations, Armed Forces Day Festival and Military Appreciation Day.

The area has long attracted people with its abundant resources and mild climate, and Native Americans have called the area home for thousands of years, while later settlers developed timber and shipping industries.

More than 30 years before statehood, Kitsap County asserted its own identity by joining sections of Jefferson and King counties, including Bainbridge Island and the Key Peninsula.

At first, it was to be named Madison County, after President James Madison and the town of Port Madison, but when it became official in 1857, it was named Slaughter County for a few months until changing to Kitsap County in honor of the Suquamish leader.

Kitsap County still revels in its rich heritage, with the Suquamish Tribe and Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe continuing to practice their traditional ways of life, a

historic Navy shipyard and submarine base in Bremerton, the vivid Scandinavian feel of Poulsbo and the incomparable nature of its pristine parks and preserves.

The area has an abundance of farmers, growers and producers, and their fresh ingredients help create delicious foods and beverages. Many of these products are used by local restaurants, bakeries and caterers. The Kitsap Peninsula has plenty of places to sample fine cuisine, taste locally brewed beer and locally made wines, or snack on a scone, ice cream or local chocolates.

For the most up-to-date information about happenings in the area, visit kitsapdailynews. com or pick up a copy of one of our regular print publications: Bainbridge Island Review, North Kitsap Herald, Central Kitsap Reporter, Port Orchard Independent and Kingston Community News.

Whether you are making your first trip to Kitsap, on a return visit or settling in as a new resident, we think this guide will help you discover more than you expected from this special jewel of the Pacific Northwest. 

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CoNTENTS

 Explore our Communities

Discover the top 10 things to see and do in each community

12 .................. Bainbridge

Bainbridge Island is the gateway to the Kitsap Peninsula, and the BainbridgeSeattle ferry carries more than 6 million people between the island and Washington’s largest city each year. The island is home to a charming downtown, a vibrant art community and an abundance of recreational opportunities.

20 .............. North Kitsap

Poulsbo, known as Viking City, anchors the North Kitsap region with its charming downtown area built on the waters of Liberty Bay. But nature is never too far away, with a number of beautiful parks and trails, capped on the northern end by the famous Point No Point lighthouse.

31.................... Silverdale

A booming town with new shops and restaurants opening seemingly every week, Silverdale also retains its lovely natural spaces with trails that span the lush, rolling hills surrounding the area and sandy beaches along Dyes Inlet. This is the place for folks looking for a bustling town that quickly gives way to the peaceful woods.

34 .................. Bremerton

An old Navy town with a long military history, Bremerton is also home to a burgeoning downtown core, situated next to its vibrant waterfront, home to the annual Blackberry Festival. Take a tour of USS Turner Joy to get a sense of the city’s naval roots before checking out the nearby modern restaurants.

39 ..............South Kitsap

Port Orchard is the county seat and home to the county’s government and justice system. It’s a city booming with development, but within a more rural setting with a number of small communities along the eastern edge of southern Kitsap County.

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MUST-SEE KITSAP

No matter what time of year it is, you will find much to do and see on the Kitsap Peninsula. Whether it’s history, entertainment, culinary delights, parks or hiking one of the many trails, here are some of the things not to miss while you’re here.

Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial

4192 Eagle Harbor Drive NE

The Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial is a historical and informational site commemorating the actual location where the first West Coast Japanese Americans were forced from their homes following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Because of the island’s proximity to naval bases, local Japanese Americans were the first in the country to be interned and 227 Japanese Americans were ultimately ordered to leave the island with only six days’ notice. The memorial features an outdoor cedar story wall, the Departure Deck with interpretive art installations and soon the addition of a visitor center with construction taking place in the next two years. Admission is free. Visit bijaema.org for more information.

The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA)

550 Winslow Way East

BIMA showcases artists from around the Puget Sound through rotating displays of pieces from their permanent collection and also special seasonal exhibitions. Admission is free. Visit biartmuseum.org for more information.

Bloedel Reserve

7571 NE Dolphin Drive

The reserve consists of about two miles of well-maintained bark and gravel trails and paved roads to usher visitors through a mixed tapestry of woodlands, meadows and landscaped gardens. The reserve is the former private residence of the Bloedel family and the old manor still stands on the property. Check out bloedelreserve.org for regular hours and admission information.

Silverdale

Clear Creek Trail: In 1841, Capt. Charles Wilkes made his way through a narrow channel from Puget Sound and arrived at a large bay. He had found what would eventually be known as Dyes Inlet, which at the time divided about half the geographical area of Kitsap County.

But according to local legend, Clear Creek didn’t get its name until 1886 after Mrs. Hanna Schold moved to the area that is present-day Silverdale. Schold noted the clarity in the small creek that ran in front of her home despite a recent storm, and the name stuck.

In 1950, Kirk Best constructed his barn near the mouth of Clear Creek using old materials from a nearby Army barracks and another, older barn. That structure became known as Tides End and it guarded the mouth of Clear Creek for a decade before the property was sold to Carlton and Betty Smith in 1960. The Smith family resided there for 30 years and raised a family before donating the barn and the surrounding property to the Kitsap Land Trust (now the Greater Peninsula Conservancy). The Smiths’ generous donation paved the way for the construction of the current Clear Creek Trail.

In 1995, after years of neglect, the Clear Creek Task Force began the arduous process of renovating the old barn into a new interpretive center. After seven years of work, the Clear Creek Sa’qad Interpretive Center was born and today stands ready to receive visitors. Parking and the trailhead for Clear Creek trail are located just north of Silverdale.

Port Gamble

Nestled at the northern end of Hood Canal, historic Port Gamble is the first stop along Route 104 after crossing the Hood Canal Bridge from the Olympic Peninsula. This old mill town features late-19th century New England-style homes that are unique to the area and is a perfect place for visitors to take a stroll while visiting the many shops, historic buildings and restaurants scattered about.

A visit to the Port Gamble General Store & Cafe is a must for any new visitor, as is the Sea and Shore museum upstairs. Just below the General Store is the Port Gamble Historical Museum, which contains the history of this onetime mill town.

The Port Gamble Historic Cemetery is just up the hill and overlooks the bay, the perfect resting place for those who called Port Gamble their final home. The cemetery dates back to 1856 when U.S. Navy coxswain Gustave Englebrecht of the USS Massachusetts died in a skirmish between the Navy and a raiding party from the Tlingit Tribe. Englebrecht is credited as the first U.S. Navy sailor killed in the Pacific and was laid to rest there.

Today, Port Gamble is also an attraction for those who enjoy exploring the great beyond. The historic Walker-Ames house

is said to host a number of “permanent residents” who have hung around long after their physical departure from this Earth. In November, the town hosts the Port Gamble Ghost Conference, which features speakers from the world over who come to share their dealings with the paranormal. Psychic readings, paranormal investigation classes and vendors can all be found at the threeday event.

Bremerton

USS Turner Joy

At 300 Washington Beach Ave., along the Bremerton waterfront, sits the USS Turner Joy. Once a mighty Navy destroyer, the Turner Joy has been converted into a floating museum featuring the area’s naval heritage. The Turner Joy can be toured from stem to stern and boiler room to bridge. For more information go to www.ussturnerjoy. org.

Poulsbo Maritime History Museum

Located at 19010 Front St. NE

In downtown Poulsbo, the Maritime History Museum stands out among the storefronts with its scale replica of the historic Mosquito Fleet vessel Hyak.

The museum showcases the Viking City’s deep connection to the waters of the Pacific Northwest. Guests can peruse the depths of Poulsbo’s seafaring history, which includes the Alaska codfish fleets that sailed out of Liberty Bay and the locals who toured the surrounding shores to sell their goods. Today, the marina is a popular destination for recreational boats and yachts as well as paddle boarders. For more information go to www.poulsbohistory.com.

Port Orchard

Bay Street Pedestrian Pathway

Bay Street, downtown Port Orchard

Segments of the city’s pedestrian-friendly waterfront walk are nearing completion from where Port Orchard’s urban shoreline meets up with South Kitsap’s tranquil, rural setting. The pathway is also wide enough for bicycles. 

BAINBRIDGE TOP 10 things to do in

Whether you’re here for a weekend, a day, or just stopping over before catching a ferry to Seattle, there are plenty of things to see and do on Bainbridge Island.

Waterfront Park & City Dock

301 Shannon Drive SE

Waterfront Park is one of the most popular civic and social gathering places for island residents and visitors alike. It welcomes annual festivals, summer performances, special events, picnics, musical performances and more. It provides sunny lawn areas for play and relaxation and easy access to the water’s edge for boating and tranquil views of Eagle Harbor. The 5.5-acre park also supports a children’s play area. Waterfront Park is bordered by the downtown area, which features a wide range of restaurants, businesses and retail stores within walking distance. The 900-foot city dock is directly south of Waterfront Park. It is open year-round and is first-come, first served.

Blakely Harbor Park

10230 NE Country Club Road

A 40-acre park on the former site of the Port Blakely Mill, one of the world’s largest sawmills in the late 1800s, this is the perfect spot to see some wildlife or head out onto the water in a kayak. As the mill closed more than 70 years ago, nature has reclaimed much of the area, making it uniquely suited for a waterfront park. Guests can hop down a driftwood trail to the former Blakely generator building, now home to an iconic, ever-growing and evolving display of graffiti art. It’s a great spot for a selfie!

Point White Pier

3949 Crystal Springs Drive NE

Once an important stop for the island’s old Mosquito Fleet, the 100-foot dock and surrounding park is now an ideal spot for fishing, viewing gorgeous vistas and scuba diving. Also, the waterfront drive to get there is pretty easy on the eyes. This is an ideal photo op no matter the weather. The pier is equally photogenic in the cool, thick Northwest fog as it is on a sunny summer day. It’s also a great destination for cyclists coming off the ferry as the approach on Point White Drive features sparkling views of Rich Passage.

Bainbridge Island Historical Museum

215 Ericksen Ave., NE

Get educated about the history of Bainbridge at the island’s historical museum – located in a 1908 schoolhouse. It has artifacts, photos and hands-on exhibits related to Bainbridge through the years. Visit bainbridgehistory.org for hours and admission details as well as more information about the current crop of rotating exhibits.

Fay Bainbridge Park

15446 Sunrise Drive NE

Fay Bainbridge Park is a 17-acre marine camping park with no day-use fees and 1,420 feet of saltwater shoreline. The park offers sweeping views of Puget Sound and the Cascades, and features sandy beaches with plenty of driftwood to climb on. There is also a playground and picnic tables complete with grills. On clear days, Mount Rainier and Mount Baker are visible from the beach.

Bloedel Reserve

7571 NE Dolphin Drive

Once the private residence of Virginia and Prentice Bloedel, the reserve now belongs to the community and consists of about two miles of trails that bring you through a variety of landscapes,

including a traditional Japanese garden, and past the old Bloedel Manor, which still stands on the property.

The Grand Forest

9752 Miller Road NE

You can literally get lost in the woods in the Grand Forest, which encompasses 240 acres across three separate wooden bridges, with approximately eight miles of trails beneath a thick canopy. It’s a popular destination for trail users on Bainbridge Island, with its lush firs, cedars, maples and a few giant conifers providing plenty of shade. Trails are relatively flat or rolling and consist mostly of dirt, mulch or gravel.

Approximately 10 parking spaces are located at the parking area at Miller Road and West Grand Forest and eight spaces at the East Grand Forest on Mandus Olson Road. The West Grand Forest is a trail-user destination with the “Main Trail” loop being a flat, 11.5-mile walk with a wood bridge over Issei Creek and a small pond on the eastern boundary shared with Hilltop. The rock cairn off the Ron Williamson Trillium Trail is also a popular stopping point. The Forest to Sky Trail, McRedmond Trail and Hilltop Trail are three connecting pathways that lead from the West Grand Forest to East Grand Forest. The Forest to Sky trail is the longest and leads from West Grand Forest to Battle Point Park. The North Grand Forest is a separate, non-contiguous park parcel with similar terrain and forest canopy.

Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA)

550 Winslow Way East

BIMA showcases artists from around the Puget Sound area through rotating displays of pieces from their permanent collection and special seasonal exhibitions. Admission is free.

Japanese American Exclusion Memorial

4192 Eagle Harbor Drive NE

The Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial is a historical and informational site commemorating the actual location where the first West Coast Japanese Americans were forced from their homes following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Because of the island’s proximity to Naval bases, local Japanese Americans were the first in the country to be interned and 227 Japanese Americans were ultimately ordered to leave the island with only six days’ notice. Admission is free.

Battle Point Park

11299 Arrow Point Drive NE

The mother of all parks on the Rock, Battle Point totals 90.3 acres of scenic space. It’s a former Navy radio station and is largely open space with two ponds, a jogging trail, two soccer fields, three softball fields, a horse area, a picnic shelter, two tennis courts, play areas, two basketball courts shared with a roller hockey court, a large children’s play structure, garden plots, a disc golf course, and an observatory. The covered picnic shelter is heavily used and reservations are recommended, but courts are available for casual play. Call 206-842-2302 for reservations.

The Pickleball Founders Courts at Battle Point Park honor the history of the game that started right here on Bainbridge Island and is now the fastest-growing sport in the country. The courts are open dawn to dusk, seven days a week. No registration required – just show up with your paddle and play! 

Capt. George Vancouver had no idea what lay beyond the wooded coastline of Bainbridge Island as he explored Puget Sound in 1792. A half century later, however, Capt. Charles Wilkes discovered that the place we call home was actually an island unto itself, set apart from the rest of the Kitsap Peninsula by the Agate Passage.

Wilkes proclaimed the land “Bainbridge Island”, in honor of Commodore William Bainbridge, a hero of the War of 1812 who was in command of USS Constitution during its victorious battle against HMS Java, where Bainbridge was wounded twice but maintained command of his ship. His deeds would soon earn him the Congressional Gold Medal.

Our Bainbridge, as well, has distinguished itself as worthy of the gold standard. The island has been widely recognized as one of the best places to live in the Pacific Northwest – and the country.

It’s a place with a world-class quality of life, rich and diverse history, abundant natural beauty, outstanding schools and a deeply committed and caring community. Bainbridge Island is always experiencing new growth, with current city projects improving roads and sewer systems, and modern housing developments popping up yearly throughout the island.

Winslow, the island’s downtown and commercial heart, is just a short walk from the ferry terminal. Get your bearings at The Waypoint, the city’s gateway park that was built by volunteers a few years ago, before heading into town.

Just across the street from The Waypoint is the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, the crown jewel of Kitsap County’s cultural offerings, a free admission facility that opened in 2013 and features artists from Bainbridge and across the region.

Continue along Winslow Way, the main street through downtown, to find multiple art galleries, boutiques, one-of-a-kind stores, cafes and coffee shops, remarkable restaurants and one of the best independent

book stores in Puget Sound. Winslow Way has changed with the times, but is still rooted in the past; a pedestrianfriendly thoroughfare that for more than 140 years has served the diverse residents of the Eagle Harbor towns of Madrone, then Winslow, and today, the city of Bainbridge Island.

On the south side of Bainbridge, in the heart of Lynwood, is Pleasant Beach Village, a shopping, dining and entertainment haven hidden just off the island’s busier roads. The area is home to the historic Lynwood Theatre, as well as new and bustling businesses.

While you are strolling around, make sure to stop in the Treehouse Café, an

exciting and welcoming pub and pizzeria in the historic Lynwood Center; or grab a bite at the Marketplace, self-serve froyo spot Island Cool, “Best of Bainbridge” hamburger pick Hammy’s Hamburgers, or fine Italian dining at Joe’s Restaurant. The Manor House hosts weddings, events, and live concerts.

Fun times await your furry friends as well, or maybe you’ll meet a new one with the Salty Dog Wash and PAWS, an adoption advocacy and education center, at Pleasant Beach.

Get out of the summer heat and into the water. The Pool at Pleasant Beach features a 25-yard recreation pool, a children’s wading pool and a hot tub. 

NORTH KITSAP TOP 10 things to do in

Tour The Historic Mill Town of Port Gamble

Andrew Pope and William Talbot laid claim to the land situated on the shores of the northern end of Hood Canal and founded Port Gamble as a community that consisted almost entirely of the employees of the Pope & Talbot sawmill. Since then, Port Gamble has become something of a tourist hotspot, offering a special chance for visitors to delve into local history and tour a number of interesting shops. There are also a number of events held in Port Gamble each year, including the Ghost Conference in which folks from the world over congregate to discuss all things supernatural. If all that activity makes you hungry or ready for a drink, visit one of the top restaurants in North Kitsap — Butcher & Baker Provisions on Route 104 — or House 11 Taproom on North Rainier Avenue for a light meal and refreshing beers and wines.

Point No Point Lighthouse

A beacon of light on a foggy night, Point No Point Lighthouse is a lifeline for mariners navigating Puget Sound. Built in 1879, the lighthouse has served as a navigational aid ever since its inception and is regarded as Puget Sound’s oldest lighthouse. It is still in use as an aid to sailors, serving as a landmark for the entrance into Puget Sound. The nearby beach is a sprawling, sandy shoreline perfect for a family picnic. The nearby wetlands are a prime spot for birdwatchers to observe a variety of water-related species.

Paddle Liberty Bay

If you’re in search for some vigorous exercise, make time to rent a kayak from the Olympic Outdoor Center on Front Street in Poulsbo. There is plenty to explore for paddlers from novice to expert. One easy route takes you from the Port of Poulsbo Marina north to the Dogfish Creek Estuary to examine some of the natural wonder still

preserved in the area. A short trip to the south will put you near Oyster Plant Park, where you can stop at the dock to get out and stretch your legs before heading back. If you’re looking for a longer trip, you can head to Keyport, where you can park your boat, then visit the Keyport Mercantile & Diner for a little grub.

Try Lutefisk in Poulsbo

For more than a century, Poulsbo has been known for its annual Lutefisk Dinner, hosted by Sons of Norway, which is held in January. Lutefisk happens to be a large part of Poulsbo’s local identity, what with the town having been dubbed the “Viking City.” The Scandinavian, lye-cured fish is often featured at local events like Viking Fest, which includes a lutefisk eating contest. The event has contestants racing each other to see who can finish a pound of lutefisk first. After multiple rounds (yes, multiple rounds), only the strongest persevere. That said, if attending a dinner entirely dedicated to consuming lutefisk or entering a competition in which the contestants are tasked with choking down pounds of the fish doesn’t sound like an appealing way to try lutefisk for the first time, you could always make a stop over at the Slippery Pig Brewery in Downtown Poulsbo. The Slippery Pig offers a somewhat familiar dish in their lutefisk tacos, although it should be noted that even their menu says, “If you don’t know what ‘lutefisk’ is, you don’t want it.”

Explore Some Local Nature at Fish Park

Just north of downtown Poulsbo is a little portion of untouched land along the bank of Dogfish Creek. The 40-acre Fish Park offers a series of recreational trails between Bond Road and Viking Avenue NE and features its signature fish sculpture made from driftwood at the top of the hill near the entrance. In autumn, visitors can catch a glimpse of the local salmon as they return to their native streams to spawn, which often draws quite a crowd.

Discover Something New Under the Sea

Western Washington University operates Poulsbo’s SEA Discovery Center, which serves as a veritable trove of information for visitors eager to learn about the underwater world surrounding the Kitsap Peninsula. The aquarium features exhibits of local species from Liberty Bay, local lakes, Puget Sound and the nearby Salish Sea. A replica tide pool is also onsite where visitors can interact with sea stars, anemones and other creatures from the shallows. With over 6,000 gallons of water in a variety of aquarium exhibits, SEA Discovery Center houses an array of nearshore ecosystems for curious minds to explore. Visit sea.wwu.edu for more information.

Walk the Indianola Pier

The Indianola Pier was once the community’s only lifeline to the outside world. Indianola is a former vacation town that saw visitors and summer residents arrive via a Mosquito Fleet that served a route between Indianola Beach and Seattle. Modern roads now connect Indianola to Poulsbo and the greater Kitsap area, but the sprawling 900foot pier remains a local landmark. The dock is still a favorite spot in the summer for locals looking to cool off in the waters below. Visitors have been known to make the leap from the pier at high tide and then swim to shore to cap an exhilarating experience.

Kingston Waterfront

Situated in the northeast corner of Kitsap County, the unincorporated town of Kingston is a hidden gem with a beautiful waterfront view of Puget Sound. Head over in the afternoon on a clear day as the sun moves toward the western sky to get a view of Mount Rainier, which is often accompanied by the arrival of a Washington State Ferry making its sailing from Edmonds. Be sure to explore throughout the town to find Kingston’s oversized novelty Adirondack Chairs. There are five sets throughout the area and they reaffirm Kingston as “a great place to sit and stay awhile.”

Check out the local craft brewing scene

Washington has the second most breweries per capita and Kitsap is no exception to that. Poulsbo is home to five breweries serving up new concoctions and creations every day: Slippery Pig Brewery, Valhöll Brewery, Western Red Brewing, Echoes Brewing and Rainy Daze Brewing. Kingston has two: Downpour Brewing and the Hood Canal Brewery.

Learn About Torpedo Town, USA

In Keyport, the United States Naval Underground Museum offers visitors a bounty of knowledge related to undersea warfare and an opportunity to learn about all the things that literally go boom. Visitors can also check out the actual control room of USS Greenling, which has been moved into the museum’s facilities. 

Hansville

If you’re looking to get out to the country, you’ll find the rural setting of Hansville mighty appealing. A remote little burg on the northern tip of the Kitsap Peninsula, Hansville is the perfect spot for a respite from the hustle and bustle of Kitsap’s more urban areas. Visitors will find Norwegian Point Park is a prime location for picnics with its sweeping views of Puget Sound and a clean, sandy beach. Wait long enough and you’ll see a number of huge freighters, military ships and various other commercial vessels making their way to and from Seattle. If you’re hungry, be sure to stop by the Hansgrill for a delicious meal.

Port Gamble

What began as an old logging town has since blossomed into a popular tourist destination. Port Gamble offers unique textile, antique and gift shops, a historic theater and enticing restaurants. The old New England-style homes have been preserved and restored, making the area feel like you’ve just traveled back in time. Several of the beautiful, well-kept buildings are now home to local businesses who share the experience of the unique architecture with visitors. Going hand in hand with the old fashioned feel, Port Gamble is also known as a home for the paranormal and hosts an annual Ghost Conference in November.

Poulsbo

With the nickname the Viking City, one would half expect the City of Poulsbo to be perpetually engulfed in flames as seafaring raiders continuously plunder the local shops. Quite the contrary, actually. The city of Poulsbo is a quiet, quaint waterfront town with a proud Scandinavian history. Poulsbo celebrates the history and culture of its forebears with the annual Viking Fest celebration in May. Visitors to the town would be remiss to leave Poulsbo without having stopped at the famous Sluys Bakery for a Viking Cup as a sweet treat.

Indianola

Indianola lies within the boundaries of the Port Madison Reservation. Originally established as a summer and weekend getaway, Indianola received an upgrade in 1916 with the addition of the Indianola dock, constructed by W.L. Gazzam whose goal was to entice potential real estate buyers by creating more shoreline infrastructure. For many years, the area was only accessible by boat. The pier and dock are still prominent features today of Indianola’s shoreline. It remains a popular summer destination

for folks looking for great views and a relaxing beach. One of the community’s biggest traditions is Indianola Days, taking place each August.

Keyport

Known as “Torpedo Town, USA,” Keyport has a large Navy presence and is home to a small depot of torpedoes that are ranged and repaired for the U.S. Navy and its allies. Features of the little town include the Port of Keyport marina and the Keyport Mercantile & Diner, an old-fashioned grocery store with excellent sandwiches, ice creams and great views of the marina.

Kingston

Kingston is known to most folks from outside of Kitsap as the ferry destination from Edmonds en route to the Olympic Peninsula, but there is far more here than meets the eye. Kingston has a lovely downtown with a number of shops and restaurants for vistors to enjoy, and the Port of Kingston operates a top-of-the-line marina at Mike Wallace Park. The Fourth of July celebrations and weekly farmers markets are a big draw for visitors and residents alike. Make sure to leave some extra time to wander around Kingston. You won’t regret it. 

Tizley’s EuroPub

18928 Front St NE, Poulsbo, Wa (next to SLUYS Bakery) 360 394 0080

• Over 175,000 schnitzels sold!

• European and Local Breweries on Tap! Full Bar too!

• Family friendly

• Open 7 days

• Outdoor covered balcony with great views!

Farmers Market

Season has begun - Find your local market

Bainbridge Island Farmers Market

Saturdays 10am to 2pm

April 1st through November 25th

Town Square - City Hall 280 Madison Ave N, Bainbridge Island

Bremerton Community Farmers Market

Thursdays 4pm to 7pm

May 11th through October 12th

Evergreen Rotar y Park 1400 Park Ave, Bremerton

Port Orchard Farmers Market

Saturdays 9am to 2pm

April 15th through October 21st

Harrison Ave and Waterfront Parkway (behind Peninsula Feed) 903 Bay St, Port Orchard

Poulsbo Farmers Market

Saturdays 10am to 2pm

April 1st through December 16th 18901 8th Ave NE, Poulsbo

Kitsap Fresh - Online Farmers Market Year round ordering with midweek pick-up & deliver y Visit www.kitsapfresh.org to learn more!

More Info at www.kitsapgrown.org

Kitsap Farmers Markets are supported by the Kitsap Community & Agricultural Alliance

You’re Warmly Invited to a Healing Service

First Church of Christ, Scientist, Bainbridge Is.

1261 Madison Ave N 206-842-5205

Wednesday 7:30 pm

Sunday 10 am

For Online Services Info, Go To: csbainbridge.org

Reading Room 11-3 Monday-Saturday

Thursday until 5 pm

Sunday 11:15-12:00 295 Winslow Way

First Church of Christ, Scientist, Bremerton

1003 Fourth St 360-373-4680

Wednesday 7 pm

Sunday 10 am

For Online Services Info, Go To: christiansciencebremerton.org

Reading Room 11-2 Monday Open After Each Service 1003 Fourth St

What is Christian Science?

“The Bible and especially Jesus’ teachings are at the heart and soul of its practice.”

To learn more, visit our Services and Reading Rooms. Also go to: christianscience.com

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SILVERDALE TOP 10 things to do in

Downtown Silverdale

It’s the shopping center of Kitsap County, anchored by the Kitsap Mall, which opened in the 1980s and has more than 80 stores, restaurants and local boutiques. Old historic buildings are still in use there, and they are now home to a number of eateries, shops and spas. There are plenty of recognizable brands, such as Dick’s Sporting Goods and Buffalo Wild Wings, with more unique places such as Moctezuma’s. Head north to The Trails at Silverdale, a newer shopping development for fast-casual options such as Chipotle and Habit Burger as well as retail stores such as Marshall’s and Old Navy.

Old Town Silverdale

To get a sense of what Silverdale was like before the real estate boom, visit Old Town Silverdale by heading down Silverdale Way and turning left on to NW Byron Street. Old historic buildings are still in use there, and they are now home to a number of eateries. Old Town is directly across from Silverdale Waterfront Park, one of the more popular gathering places in the region. Check out casual dining cafes such Monica’s Waterfront Bakery & Cafe, home to the best

pastries and quiches in Silverdale. From April to October, the waterfront is home to a farmers market where you can buy fresh vegetables, flowers and homemade goods.

Clear Creek Trail

For outdoor enthusiasts, take a hike along Clear Creek Trail. Just north of the bustling downtown area sits Gateway Park, which is the entrance to the larger Clear Creek Trail. As you head south, you’ll get a view of Dyes Inlet where the Mosquito Fleet once carried passengers and goods. Along the way, you’ll see ponds, forests, wetlands and more. Keep an eye out for some local wildlife as well.

All Star Arcade Bowling & Casino

If you need to stay indoors on a rainy day, head on over to All Star Lanes & Casino on Silverdale Way. The alley features 40 lanes for bowling, and there’s a large arcade and a casino for those who are of the proper age. One of the events featured here is the Rock ’n’ Bowl on Saturday evening, which

includes rock music and strobe lights in the alley. Ozzie’s Place Bar and Bistro has live music on weekends and there is a grill to get your classic bowling alley fare.

Island Lake County Park

Another quick way to escape into nature is a trip to Island Lake County Park, northeast of downtown Silverdale and south of Keyport. The park has a lakeside trail, areas for swimming and fishing, and walking trails. Fishing is allowed on the lake by canoe, kayak or non-motorized boats. The community building is an ideal facility for weddings, private parties, ceremonies, family reunions and meetings. Up to 100 people can be accommodated.

Seabeck

This historic mill community is west of Silverdale and is an excellent tourist attraction for those looking for peace, quiet and some of the most stunning views of the Olympic Mountains to be found at sea level in Kitsap County. Take a drive down Seabeck Highway and make a stop at the general store or take a walk along the public pier.

Scenic Beach State Park

A 121-acre camping park with 1,500 feet of saltwater beachfront along Hood Canal, Scenic Beach State Park is the perfect place to spend a morning getting a great look at the glowing Olympic Mountains. There are walking trails, which provide access to the historic Emel House as well as a gazebo and country garden. Wild, native rhododendrons grow in the spring, and as long as you don’t forget the leash, Scenic Beach is dogfriendly, too.

Whaling Days

This festival has been held annually since its inception in 1974 and it celebrates the founding of Silverdale. It is a fun, nonprofit, volunteer-led community festival in Old Town. The event also gives back to the local community using funds to support other nonprofit organizations. The 2023 celebration is set for July 28-30.

The festival is known for its famous Silverdale Rotary Duck Race, always held on the last day of the event. Watch as thousands of small rubber duckies dive into Dyes Inlet. The first duck to reach the finish line wins a big prize for one lucky attendee.

Whaling Days also includes fair rides, a parade, live music and fireworks above Dyes Inlet.

Green Mountain Wild Cat Trail

Head west from Bremerton to Green Mountain and its Wildcat Trail, which leads you up 1,600 feet at over four miles to the top for sweeping views of the surrounding area. On a clear day, you can see Mount Rainier, the Cascades and even downtown Seattle from the lookout area. On the way up, you’ll get a great view of the Olympic Mountains and Hood Canal as well. The trail is open to motorized vehicles, so keep an eye out for the occasional motorcyclist. As you climb farther up, there is a horse camp with cabins where campsites are available. Once you arrive at the top of the mountain, there are picnic tables to enjoy lunch and take in the views. A hurricane fence stands at the lookout to protect hikers from the steep dropoff below.

Gold Mountain Tin Mine Trail

Not far from Green Mountain, Gold Mountain is 1,700 feet high at its peak. This trail also offers views of the Olympics, Hood Canal, Mission, Panther and Tiger Lakes, as well as the small Mason County community of Belfair. Gold Mountain is also home to an old tin mine, a perfect hike for those not looking for altitude. Head straight through the forest along the Gold Creek trail and then follow signs for the Tin Mine. The full loop is 4.8 miles, but for less intensity you can turn around at any time and follow your footsteps back to the start. 

bremerton TOP 10 things to do in

USS Turner Joy

One of the jewels of the Bremerton Marina is USS Turner Joy, a Forrest Sherman-class destroyer that served in the Navy from 1958 to 1982. The Turner Joy was involved in one of recent history’s most famous events — the Gulf of Tonkin Incident, a precursor to the Vietnam War. Today, the ship serves as a historical museum where visitors can tour the vessel and even stay onboard overnight during special events. Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March through October, and in the winter 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

Downtown Bremerton

Head away from the waterfront and into town to find a number of great places to have lunch, such as Fritz European Fry House and El Balcon, and shop between Washington Avenue and Route 303 (Warren Avenue). During the warmer months, many places have tables set up on the sidewalk for outdoor dining patrons to enjoy the food and the sunshine.

Puget Sound Navy Museum

Once you’re done with lunch, check out the Puget Sound Naval Museum, which details the naval history in the Pacific Northwest. The museum has numerous exhibits that explore the history of the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, including one section dedicated to the USS Seattle, one of the largest U.S. Navy ships ever built on the west coast. A new exhibit called “Hitting Print” is now available, showcasing how the U.S. Navy utilizes 3D printing on their ships with a 3D Printer on site for visitors to see how it works. The Parche is said to be the most highly decorated vessel in U.S. Navy history. The Naval Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Monday (closed Tuesdays).

Kitsap County Historical Museum

Another great spot to continue your day near downtown Bremerton is the Kitsap County Historical Museum at 280 Fourth St., where you can learn all about Kitsap County history. The museum resides in the former office of Seattle First National Bank and is operated by the Kitsap County Historical Society. Featured exhibits include a walk down main street to see what

storefronts looked like in Bremerton over 100 years ago and interactive features to experience history first hand. Also on site is the Valentinetti Puppet Museum, which celebrates the art of puppetry through creative, historical and cultural experiences for all ages. Puppet shows are often performed and there are opportunities for kids to play with the puppets. Both are open and free to the public on the First Friday Art Walk in downtown Bremerton, held the first Friday of each month.

Illahee Preserve Heritage Park

Located on 570 acres on the Manette Peninsula, Illahee Preserve has approximately five miles of trails for active use and is a great place to hike and explore. Local wildlife includes over 55 species of bird, a stream with coho, chum, cutthroat and steelhead salmon, and an undeveloped watershed that drains into Puget Sound. Once teeming with various large trees, the preserve still has its Douglas fir and western white pine trees, which are now about almost 300 years old. Come spend a day getting lost in the woods.

Manette

Located on Point Herron, Manette is a neighborhood with a distinct smalltown charm just across the Manette Bridge from the downtown core. There is a small business district centered on Shore Drive and 11th Street with a burgeoning art and photography scene and a number of bars and restaurants, including the Boat Shed, with its spectacular water views. Manette Fest is annually held on the first Saturday of September and there is a bike parade for the youth said to be the shortest parade on earth.

Bug & Reptile Museum

Located near Navy Yard City and the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard is Bremerton’s Bug & Reptile Museum, a great place to get up close and personal with a wealth of different species. There are a number of displays featuring them in their respective habitats and glasses are available to give you a literal bug’seye view. Don’t forget to check out the busy ants inside the giant eight-footlong ant farm. You can also learn about Chaco, the golden knee tarantula, and the life cycle of painted lady butterflies.

This is a must-stop for anyone curious about nature. The Nature Gift Store has live bug kits, which show larvae turning into butterflies or tadpoles turning into frogs. Bug and Reptile Museum is open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and admission is free, www.bugmuseum.com.

Lions Park

Lions Park sits on Port Washington Narrows near the Manette Bridge and has a great window to the Olympic Mountains on a clear day. The park features about 17 acres with a looped path of about one mile. A boat ramp is available for boaters along with numerous trails and pathways for walkers and runners. Sporting facilities include a lighted softball field, a basketball court and tennis courts.

Kitsap County Fairgrounds

The signature event at the fairgrounds is the annual Kitsap County Fair, set for Aug. 23-27. The fair features a rodeo and destruction derby held inside Thunderbird Arena, an open-air stadium. Over on the fairgrounds, a huge number of carnival rides, funky food options, vendors and an exhibition

hall are on hand to give you all the fair trimmings. The stadium, pavilion and conference hall are home to various other events throughout the year.

Admiral Theatre

Bremerton’s Admiral Theatre is downtown at 515 Pacific Ave. and provides world-class live entertainment in an intimate 1942 Art Deco movie house. The theater offers various concerts, often with Grammy Award-winning and multiplatinumselling artists, new breakthrough artists, family shows, dance, comedy, film, tribute acts, and youth arts and education. Come grab dinner and a show, the former of which offers Admiral Theatre Executive Chef Ted’s freshly prepared take on classic American comfort food, paired with a variety of beers, fine wines, and traditional and specialty cocktails from two fully stocked bars. The theatre underwent renovations in 2020, introducing a new lobby, new seats that expanded capacity to 999, new tables and chairs on the main floor and a $500,000 sound system from Meyer Sound. 

south kitsap TOP 10 things to do in

Fathoms O’ Fun Festival

Looking for family fun during the summer? Port Orchard is the place to go just about every weekend, thanks to a busy schedule of Fathoms O’ Fun activities. The two most-anticipated events of the summer in South Kitsap are the Fathoms O’ Fun Grand Parade in late June, followed by the Fourth of July fireworks extravaganza over Sinclair Inlet. Check fathomsofun.org for updates and possible restrictions.

Manchester State Park

This serene 128-acre camping park holds stunning views and an interesting military history. With 3,400 feet of saltwater shoreline on Rich Passage, it’s a great spot for swimming, fishing and kayaking. Located near the park is 2 miles of hiking trails and on site visitors can enjoy a game of horseshoes or volleyball.

Port Orchard Foot Ferry

The historic MV Carlisle II takes visitors on a half-hour leisurely trip across Sinclair Inlet from Port Orchard’s ferry dock to Bremerton, where they can take in lots of shopping and sightseeing in this Navy community.

Port Orchard Farmers Market

On Saturdays from April to midOctober, experience one of Western Washington’s oldest and largest vegetable, fruit and crafts markets as it takes over the city’s waterfront parking lot from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vendors offer beautiful handmade crafts and fresh locally grown produce.

Banner Forest Heritage Park

Seeking your own interlude with nature? You can’t go wrong with a visit to this 635-acre park deep inside the woods near the intersection of Banner and Overra roads. It offers plenty of walking and equestrian trails leading

Many Paths Acupuncture

to a scenic open area. The park also shares information about this wildlife habitat on the Kitsap Peninsula, which offers occasional bear sightings.

Howe Farm & Dog Park

An 83-acre park with a historic farm, walking trails and two off-leash dog areas for big and small breeds. It also offers restrooms and a parking lot. Howe Farm is located on Long Lake Road between Mile Hill Drive and Sedgwick Road.

Port Orchard Waterfront & Children’s Park

The city’s prime attraction is its waterfront along Sinclair Inlet. Taking advantage of Port Orchard’s unique marine vista, the city is in the midst of creating a recreation and entertainment mecca for residents and visitors on the water side of Bay Street. The action takes place at Port of Bremerton’s Marina Park, which offers a children’s playground, the Soroptimist International Overlook covered area and the Rockwell Pocket Park.

South Kitsap Regional Park

This large county park is a popular recreational area for the residents of South Kitsap. It features three baseball fields, an interactive Forest Explorer Trail, biking and hiking trails, a skate park and a 7.5” gauge scale railroad operated by the Kitsap Live Steamers, a nonprofit group of railroad enthusiasts. Rides are often on a donation basis on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month April through October, weather permitting.

McCormick Village Park

The city of Port Orchard’s newest park that opened in 2019, featuring expansive green space and trails for people and their dogs. The 65-acre park off Old Clifton Road also includes a splash pad water feature that is most popular during the summer months.

Chris Craft Rendezvous

Combining traditional acupuncture, shia tsu-anma acupressure, herbal medicine, brea thing and movement stra tegies, we trea t a variety of disorders, including: back pain, neck and shoulder pain, knee pain, joint and muscle pain, addiction recover y, chronic pain, mental-emotional disorders, allergies, accident recover y, infertility, insomnia, menopausal syndrome, and man y other pa thological conditions.

Do you enjoy looking at cool classic boats? Then you’ll love this annual celebration of Chris Craft boating vessels. The event takes place on July 13-16 this year at the Port Orchard Marina and features a Friday Hamburger Dinner, traditional morning coffee and donuts, a ChrisCraft swap meet, the Dinghy Dash and Saturday art projects. 

Port Orchard

While Port Orchard is known primarily as Kitsap County’s seat of government, it offers much more to those living on the Kitsap Peninsula and visiting from outside the region. This community of about 16,000 residents is a maritime gateway for visitors who come from Seattle from the east, Tacoma from the south and Bremerton from the north and west.

The Washington State Ferries provides sailings from Fauntleroy in West Seattle to the Southworth terminal. Heading up SR-16, drivers from south Puget Sound have easy access to Port Orchard. And for those leaving or arriving from the Bremerton side of Sinclair Inlet, there’s the quick, 15-minute passenger-only foot ferry that departs from the Port Orchard waterfront.

In 2021, Port Orchard became even more convenient to live in and visit with the addition of a fast-ferry from Southworth to downtown Seattle.

This county seat has for some time managed to elude the growth of urban Seattle to the east and the encroachment of bustling Pierce County to the south. But because of the white-hot economic growth in the region, South Kitsap and Port Orchard have been impacted with signs of similar activity. New housing has started to sprout in formerly rural stretches of South Kitsap as young homebuyers seek affordable housing unavailable elsewhere in the region.

The once-slumbering downtown Port Orchard and its Bay Street shopping area are also on the cusp of significant revitalization. Developers have created plans to build a new community events center across the street from City Hall. Also In their scope are plans for major multiuse commercial and residential development downtown that will add thousands of square feet of rental properties and office, commercial and retail space to the city.

A recreational component has been added to the downtown mix with the Bay Street Pedestrian Pathway project, which includes a scenic bridge crossing over Blackjack Creek near the edge of the waterfront.

Port Orchard’s newest park, McCormick Village Park, opened to visitors in 2019. It’s a delightful addition to the city’s park system with walking trails, dog parks and children’s play areas, as well as a wide swath of green. Most noteworthy, especially for children, is a new splash pad water feature that comes in handy in the summer months.

While Port Orchard is changing with the times, what remains the same are the hometown folks, many of whom have lived in the area for generations. They are loyal participants in the city’s summertime Fathoms O’ Fun Festival activities, highlighted by the quirky Seagull Calling Contest and Wings Cook-Off in May, the Fathoms Grand Parade on Bay Street in June and the traditional Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza.

SOUTH KITSAP Discover more

The city also is a favorite of car buffs. A number of car shows take place in the area, including two major events: the classic Mustangs on the Waterfront Car Show on July 30 and the CRUZ Car Show on the waterfront in August, now the largest staged event in Kitsap County.

Manchester

This quaint little village on the water that looks across to the Seattle skyline is known for its views, neighborly charm and public boat dock. Home to the Navy’s Manchester Fuel Depot, this burg offers visitors a small community square with a restaurant and town library. Locals also take part in the summer’s can’t-miss food event, the Father’s Day Salmon Bake and Book Sale in June, which will benefit the Friends of the Manchester Library nonprofit organization. In 2022, the Manchester Library received major renovations, opening up more space for readers and updating the building’s interior and exterior design.

Olalla

It’s a place known for rolling vistas, scenic views and the Olalla Americana Festival, formerly known as the Bluegrass and Beyond Festival, to postponed for 2023, but returning in 2024. Olalla is also big on summer berries; it celebrates the growing season with the annual Strawberry Festival. Those who are daring can take part in the New Year’s Day Olalla Polar Bear Jump, which takes place from the bridge at Crescent Valley Road. But beware: The waters of Puget Sound – always chilly – are especially frigid in the winter. Are you a wine lover? Olalla has a fine grape vineyard and wine tasting room at the Olalla Vineyard and Winery.

Southworth

Dominated by a Washington State Ferries terminal link to West Seattle and Vashon Island, Southworth is South Kitsap’s maritime connection to King County’s urban areas. Last year Kitsap Transit added a fast-ferry route from Southworth to Pier 50 in downtown Seattle for passengers only. 

TO STAY Places

Port Orchard

Comfort Inn On The Bay

1121 Bay St.

This modern, 63-room waterfront hotel with scenic views of Sinclair Inlet and the Olympic Mountains is an eight-minute walk from the Port Orchard Foot Ferry Dock and a 12-minute walk from downtown Port Orchard. Enjoy easy access to the Port Orchard Marina and many other nearby attractions such as McCormick Woods Golf Course and the Washington Veterans Home Retsil. Family and pet-friendly.

Mrs.

Howe's

724 Kitsap St.

Hampton Inn Suites Bremerton

150 Washington Ave.

This hotel is the perfect place to experience the local waterfront, restaurants, shops and unique maritime attractions. The Bremerton waterfront is a classic Northwest location, featuring gorgeous views of Sinclair Bay and it’s located next to The Bremerton Harborside Conference Center. The Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, USS Turner Joy, and the Kitsap County Historical Museum are nearby.

Kitsap County Fairgrounds & Events Center

1200 NW Fairgrounds Road

Bed & Breakfast

Built in 1923 by Harry and Edith Howe, this charming guesthouse with cozy rooms, a porch, water and mountain views features photos and stories of the history of Port Orchard and Kitsap County. Located in downtown Port Orchard within walking distance of Sidney Art Gallery, The Log Cabin Museum, Western Washington Center for the Arts, Waterfront Park and the Port Orchard Marina.

Red Lion Inn & Suites Port Orchard

220 Bravo Terrace SE

Nestled next to a forest and walking distance to restaurants, this simple hotel at the intersection of state routes 16 and 160 is eight miles from Southworth Ferry Terminal.

Bremerton

Bird’s-Eye View Bed & Breakfast

8226 Kaster Drive NE

Experience the casual elegance of Bird’sEye View Bed & Breakfast. Located between Silverdale and Bremerton, the B&B makes an ideal destination for those exploring the Kitsap area and beyond. The welcoming and cozy inn has three guest rooms, each with a private bath. The suites are decorated with warmth, imagination and attention to detail, featuring private balconies, fireplaces and luxurious beds and linens.

The Flagship Inn

4320 Kitsap Way

Relax on your private full-width balcony overlooking Oyster Bay and the Olympic Mountains or enjoy a summer afternoon relaxing in a heated seasonal pool.

The Flagship Inn is on the shores of Puget Sound with a gorgeous view from every room. Continental breakfast daily, internet and many amenities.

If you’re traveling with an RV this 40-acre, multi-use facility is a great place to stop on your travels. Used year-round for both indoor and outdoor activities, the Kitsap County Fairgrounds also offers RV parking with electrical hook-ups.

Silverdale

Quality Inn & Suites Silverdale

9734 Silverdale Way NW

In the morning, get a free hot breakfast featuring their famous waffles. Read the free weekday newspaper as you enjoy the healthy and delicious buffet options. You’ll be fueled to explore the many attractions near the inn. Free Wi-Fi and business center available.

Oxford Suites Silverdale

9550 SW Silverdale Way

Silverdale's only all-suite hotel with fabulous water-view rooms featuring the Oxford Waterfront Bistro with a full-service bar. Convenient to downtown, shopping, restaurants and amenities. Rates include a full country breakfast buffet and evening reception. It also has a 1,500-square-foot meeting room and business center. Special assist suites are available upon request.

The Best Western Plus

Silverdale Beach Hotel

3073 NW Bucklin Hill Road

Located on the Clear Creek Trail system, this waterfront hotel offers rooms with views and balconies. This is the only full-service, 100% smoke free hotel with a beachfront view. Facility amenities include a large indoor swimming pool, hot tub, dry sauna, renovated fitness center, outdoor fire pit and onsite laundry facilities. Lounge onsite and easy access to Kitsap Mall and local stores, restaurants and services. Pet friendly.

Poulsbo

The Poulsbo Inn and Suites

18680 State Highway 305 NE

The Poulsbo Inn is a low-key motel conveniently located a few blocks away from the picturesque waterfront of downtown Poulsbo. Perfect “home-away-from-home” with an Olympic view, seasonal swimming pool, and friendly staff.

Fairfield Inn and Suites Poulsbo

22022 Quickstep Court NW

Poulsbo’s newest hotel conveniently located 2.5 miles from historic downtown Poulsbo and a short 10-minute drive from Bangor Naval Base.

Hotel Scandi

18830 Front St. NE, Suite 200

You can now spend the night in historic downtown Poulsbo on Front Street at the renovated Hotel Scandi. This boutique hotel, formerly the old Olympic Hotel in the 1890s, has been restored to its former Scandinavian glory. There are nine rooms available for nightly rentals. Each suite is conveniently equipped with a kitchenette featuring a minifridge, microwave, sink and coffee maker, and shares one of four bathrooms.

Sandy Hook Beach Shack

Sandy Hook Road NE

This rustic getaway cabin nestled in the woods and on the beach, with amazing marine views sleeps two. With a full kitchen, this completely refurnished cabin offers a romantic gas fireplace, wood stove and seasonal swimming pool where you can enjoy beachcombing, swinging in the hammock or just relaxing poolside.

Cedar Glen Mobile Home & RV Park

16300 NE State Highway 305

We provide our tenants with the tranquility of senior housing and have a very peaceful Park your RV in one of the 36 lots located in Cedar Glen’s attractive park-like setting just off the highway in a friendly and neighborly community.

Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort

15347 Suquamish Way NE

Incredible forest and water views highlight the natural wonders of the Northwest and greet visitors who stay in the comfortable furnishings and contemporary lodge-style setting which features museum-quality art. The casino and resort showcases many musical and comedic talents and gambling entertainment.

Nordic Hill Manor

13913 S Keyport Road NE

In the outskirts of Little Norway Poulsbo, Nordic Hill’s castle-like manor sits atop of a hill with sweeping views of Liberty Bay and the Cascades Mountains. The design is a mix of Scandinavian and Northern European along with the owners’ European hospitality. This unique and beautiful vacation rental is a perfect place for your next family gathering, girlfriends or guys weekend, family vacation or small corporate retreat.

Farm Kitchen Guesthouse

24309 Port Gamble Road NE

Farm Kitchen is a story of local, sustainable farmland preservation. With a communitycentered commercial kitchen, private event venue and working produce and flower farm, Farm Kitchen inspires connectedness to land and agriculture through experiences made for everyone. Located amidst the towering cedars and firs of the Kitsap Peninsula, Farm Kitchen remains a popular gathering place for businesses, farmers and individuals looking to connect and engage with amenities, events and natural beauty the 8-acre property has to offer.

Kingston Kingston House

25300 Miller Bay Road NE

Quintessentially Pacific Northwest Kingston House is located on 27 acres of rolling lawns, gardens and woods with

a grand mid-century home of Douglas fir and stone. Neither pretentious nor rustic, this home is the perfect setting for your celebration or weekend getaway.

Phoenix Bed & Breakfast

9120 NE Kiwi Lane

Destroyed by fire, this beautiful home was rebuilt by the TV show "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" and now includes a private B&B wing. Located in a quiet country setting on five beautiful acres and surrounded by tall trees, this refuge is only a 30-minute ferry ride away from Edmonds in the “Little City by the Sea.”

The Point Casino & Hotel

7989 NE Salish Lane

Rooted in Coast Modern design, this 94-room hotel draws on Northwest elements that showcase a unique expression of ideas from the longhouse and traditional tribal architecture known to the Port Gamble S’Klallam tribe that owns and operates this casino and entertainment destination.

Hansville

Milky

Way

Farm Guest House

7660 NE Farm House Lane

A classic farmhouse with a fully equipped kitchen and farm-fresh fixings for breakfast provides comfortable lodgings for up to 12 people on a 20-acre property that overlooks hayfields, an orchard, a vegetable garden and a pond in Hansville. Take in the charm of country living and visiting Point No Point

Lighthouse or walk the nearby trails to the beach.

Point No Point Lighthouse

9001 NW Point No Point Road

Considered the oldest lighthouse on Puget Sound, the historic Point No Point Lighthouse was in continuous service from Jan. 1, 1880, until 1980 when it was automated by the Coast Guard. Stay here and walk the wide beaches, try fishing or take in the mountain views, wildlife and marine traffic.

Port Gamble

Port Gamble Guest Houses

32440 Puget Ave. NE

Two historic homes on a bluff above Hood Canal in historic Port Gamble. Each house offers a fully furnished kitchen and laundry facilities. Guest House I has three guest rooms, each with its own bath. Guest House II also has three guest rooms which share two baths. A one bedroom suite within Guest House I with kitchen, sitting room, guest room and bath, and a lanai with a view of Hood Canal is also available.

Bainbridge Island

The Eagle Harbor Inn

291 Madison Ave. S

The Eagle Harbor Inn is intimate and unique, offering very special overnight

accommodations in five one-of-a-kind hotel rooms and three custom townhomes built around a garden-filled courtyard. The Inn could be your destination for a romantic getaway, a family reunion, your corporate retreat or a weekend hideaway from the stress of your everyday life.

Marshall Suites

350 High School Road NE

Comfortable and stylish junior suites offer a refined, peaceful space featuring nature-inspired colors, comfy beds with custom bedding, LCD flat-panel televisions, functional desk and chair, sitting area, coffee table, wireless internet access and PURE bathroom amenities.

The Inn at Pleasant Beach

4633 NE Woodson Lane

This award winning hotel by the sea is a short drive to the best Bainbridge Island has to offer. Just 3 miles to museums, entertainment, shopping and dining in downtown Winslow, you’ll feel right at home in your guest room that is within walking distance to on-site restaurants and a cafe. Whether you want to go on a wine tasting tour, relax poolside, or go skating during the holiday season, this is your homebase for an island getaway.

Abode On The Sea

11295 Wing Point Drive NE

Beach and sun all day with gorgeous views of Mount Rainier, the Olympic mountains, and Eagle Harbor. Five minutes

drive to the ferry and downtown, or an easy walk. This waterfront beach suite sleeps four and is very private and fully equipped with satellite TV, full kitchen, barbecue, beach fireplace and kayaks.

Holly Lane Gardens Bed & Breakfast

9432 Holly Farm Lane NE

Gardens, woods and a mountain view to enjoy while at this log home. A suite or cottage with private baths and kitchenettes or a bedroom/bath are available in addition to meeting and party facilities.

Fay Bainbridge Park

15446 Sunrise Drive NE

Fay Bainbridge Park is a 17-acre marine camping park with 1,420 feet of saltwater shoreline on the northeast corner of Bainbridge Island. The park offers sweeping views of Puget Sound, the Cascade Mountains and features sandy beaches. On clear days, Mount Rainier and Mount Baker are visible from a sandy beach. Tent spots and RV camping available.

Quality Inn & Suites Bainbridge Island

920 Hildebrand Lane NE

Affordable comfort just off Highway 305, across from John Nelson Park and close to the Wing Point Golf and Country Club. Easy walk to restaurants, galleries and shops downtown.

Skiff Point Guest House & Retreat

11040 NE Mountain View Road

Skiff Point overlooks Puget Sound with an expansive, 180 degree panoramic view... from “bigger than life” Mt. Baker to the sparkling skyline of Seattle. On a sunny day or a moonlit night experience one of the most outstanding views in the Seattle area. The minute you enter your own spacious, private guest suite... you’re inspired to simply “just relax”, curl up to read those books that have been waiting for you, watch the eagles soar above, watch ships passing by the island from around the world, with Mt. Baker and the Cascade Mountain range as the backdrop.

Destination Bainbridge

destinationbainbridge.com

Destination Bainbridge is the island’s “onestop-shop” for overnight accommodations. Looking for a cottage in the woods, a condo in town, or a beachside retreat? We have the perfect place for you. Whether you need last minute lodging or a lengthy luxury vacation, find your perfect overnight stay with Destination Bainbridge. 

PETS PET-FRIENDLY PARKS &

Bainbridge Island

Strawberry Hill Dog Park

7666 NE High School Road, Bainbridge Island

Eagledale Park

5055 Rose Ave., Bainbridge Island

North Kitsap

Kitsap Memorial State Park and Sleeper Cabins

202 NE Park St., Poulsbo

Salsbury Point County Park

3160 NW Wheeler St., Poulsbo

Kola Kole Park

11128 NE Maine St., Kingston

Point No Point Lighthouse

9009 NE Point No Point Road, Hansville

Old Man House Park

NE McKinstry Street and Angeline Avenue NE, Suquamish

Hansville Greenway Trail

Buck Lake Road NE, Hansville

Island Lake County Park & Community Center

1087, NW Island Lake Road, Poulsbo

Frank Raab Park

18349 Caldart Ave., Poulsbo

Central Kitsap

J.A. Anna Smith Children’s Park

7601 Tracyton Blvd. NW, Bremerton

Newberry Hill Heritage Park

Newberry Hill Road and Tieton Place, Silverdale

Lions Park

251 Lebo Blvd., Bremerton

Bachmann Park

206 Shore Drive, Bremerton

Bremerton Harborside Boardwalk

Second Street and Washington Avenue, Bremerton

Anderson Landing Nature Preserve

Warren Road NW, Silverdale

Lent Landing Park

Lebo Boulevard and Reid, Bremerton

Silverdale Dog Park

11601 Silverdale Way NW, Silverdale

Bark Park

1199 Union Ave., Bremerton

South Kitsap

Howe Farm & Dog Park

Long Lake Road between Mile Hill Drive and Sedgwick Road, Port Orchard

McCormick Village Park

Old Clifton Road, Port Orchard

South Kitsap Regional Park

3200 SE Lund Ave., Port Orchard

Manchester State Park

7767 East Hilldale Road, Port Orchard

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Located

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on the beach

Point No Point Lighthouse and Park

You can’t beat Point No Point — with a historic lighthouse and wide-open views of Puget Sound from sandy beaches, this is a no-brainer on any hot summer day. Take a break from the sun and head over to the lighthouse for a tour on weekends, or bring your fishing rod to catch some salmon. Don’t forget your binocular so you can get a close-up look at some local wildlife in the nearby wetlands.

Salsbury Point Park

Get a nice view of the Hood Canal Bridge at Salsbury Point Park and bring some food to take advantage of the sheltered picnic areas and barbecues. It’s also a great place from which to launch your boat and take a spin on Hood Canal.

Eglon Beach Park

Located about halfway between Kingston and Hansville, Eglon Beach is a bit out of the way, but that should ensure a less crowded beach experience. There is a covered picnic area and a boat launch, so it’s a great place to have lunch before hitting the water.

Foulweather Bluff Preserve

At low tide, this beach near Hansville offers a seemingly endless stretch of sand on which to take a stroll. Search for local sea critters or just enjoy the view of the water. A short woodland hike leads through a bird marsh and 3,800 feet of beach. There are no restroom facilities at this location and all trash must be packed out. No pets allowed and no removal of driftwood or shells from the beach.

Kitsap Memorial State Park

Get the best of both worlds here: a nearby park on a cliff overlooking Hood Canal where you get an elevated view of the canal with a great spot to have a picnic. This park also has cabins available for rent for anyone hoping to spend multiple days at the beach.

Silverdale Waterfront Park

This park is near the heart of downtown Silverdale and offers some wonderful attractions and amenities. The waterfront park has a gazebo, a large playground for kids, sandy beaches and waterfront trail access. With local shops and cafes right across the street, grab some food and take advantage of the picnic tables to eat with the spectacular view of Dyes Inlet. The Port

of Silverdale provides a public boat ramp, trailer parking, guest moorage, showers and restrooms.

Scenic Beach State Park

The park’s name says it all — this 88-acre camping park has 1,500 feet of saltwater beachfront and is known for its wild native rhododendrons. On a clear day, enjoy the stunning views of Hood Canal and the Olympic Mountains. Trail paths lead visitors through a thick canopy to a country garden, gazebo and a rustic bridge. Keep a lookout for the local wildlife; a large number of birds call this area home. Also, enjoy the rocky beach where oysters can be harvested in season. There are 52 tent spaces and 18 pull-through campsites for RVs up to 60 feet.

Lions Park (Bremerton)

This community park sits on Anderson Cove and offers 1,900 feet of shoreline and picturesque mountain views. Take a walk around the short loop path and check out the playground and picnic tables. The park is also home to Olympic College’s softball. Check out a game on a nice spring afternoon.

Guillemot Cove Nature Reserve

A 184-acre area in Seabeck featuring the area’s gorgeous view of the Olympic Mountains with trails that lead down to an old Stump House made from a gigantic hollowed-out cedar stump.

Arness Roadside Park

A little park at the head of Apple Tree Cove, Arness Roadside Park isn’t the most sizable place, but it’s a great little spot to have lunch with a view of the Cascades, Port of Kingston and the Edmonds ferry.

Fay Bainbridge Park

Fay Bainbridge Park is a 17-acre marine camping park with 1,420 feet of saltwater shoreline on the northeast corner of Bainbridge Island. The park has sweeping views of Puget Sound and the Cascades, and, on clear days, Mount Rainier and Mount Baker. The campground has 14 tent sites ($20 per night) with a central water location and a portable toilet. There are 26 RV sites with water/electricity ($40 per night), plus three cabins ($95 per night peak season and $65 per night off-season). The park also has two restroom facilities, one with showers.

Anderson County Park, Olalla

This 66-acre park gives you a chance to get away from it all. It offers one of the best beach walks on the Kitsap Peninsula, with a view of Colvos Passage and Vashon Island.

Port Orchard Marina Park

There’s plenty to do here for adults and children alike. There is a children’s playground, beach access, a pocket park, pedestrian pathway along the waterfront, and views of Bremerton and Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. On Saturdays during the summer, the Port Orchard Farmers Market sets up shop in the adjacent parking lot. 

DOCK THAT BOAT HERE Boater’s Paradise

Port Orchard Marina

707 Sidney Parkway, Port Orchard 360-876-5535

Dockside pump out by appointment on Thursdays, showers, laundry, dock carts, cable, wifi, security cameras, cable TV access and free parking.

Port of Poulsbo

18809 Front St., Poulsbo 360-779-3505, portofpoulsbo.com

Amenities include permanent and guest moorage, fuel dock, boat ramp, mobile pump-out service, showers, wireless internet, laundry and a multipurpose room. Located in the heart of downtown Poulsbo, close to dining and entertainment.

Port of Kingston Marina

25864 Washington Blvd., Kingston 360-297-3545, portofkingston.org

Amenities include pump-out and power, water, permanent and guest moorage, showers, restrooms, laundry, wireless internet, and covered picnic tables at the guest dock. Electric vehicle available for guests.

Silverdale Marina

3550 NW Byron St., Silverdale 360-698-4918, portofsilverdale.com

Located in Old Town Silverdale, amenities include fresh water hookups, pump-out and power, security cameras and random foot patrols for safety. Boat launch and parking available. Seasonal rentals of kayaks and paddle boards are also available.

Bremerton Marina

120 Washington Beach Ave, Bremerton 360-373-1035

Free parking and dockside pump-out, showers, laundry, dock carts, metered electricity, cable, wi-fi, security cameras, cable TV access.

Brownsville Marina

9700 block of Ogle Road, Bremerton 360-692-5498, portofbrownsville.org

Amenities include laundry, fuel dock, boat ramps and parking, restrooms and pump-out pavilion, parks and moorage, electrical and water hookups.

Seabeck Marina

15376 Seabeck Highway NW, Seabeck 206-941-5932

olympicviewmarina.com

Amenities include moorage, fuel station, pump-out, grocery store and boat launch. 

OUTDOOR adventures Get out more!

Whatever you’re seeking, there’s a state, county or city park nearby. There are numerous parks to choose from on the Kitsap Peninsula, but we chose a few from each community. For more park information and street addresses, please go to visitkitsap.com.

parks

Battle Point Park, Bainbridge Island

The mother of all parks on the Rock, Battle Point totals 90.3 acres of scenic space. It’s a former Navy radio station and is largely open space with two ponds, a jogging trail, two soccer fields, three softball fields, a horse area and a picnic shelter. Enjoy the outdoors with two tennis courts, two basketball courts, a roller hockey court, a large children’s play structure, garden plots and a disc golf course. For pickleball fans, the Founders Courts Pickleball Center with six outdoor courts honors the founders who invented the sport on Bainbridge in 1965.

Kitsap Memorial State Park, Poulsbo

This 62-acre camping park has nearly 2,000 feet of saltwater shoreline and provides facilities for group and individual recreation, weddings and overnight stays. The park offers inspiring sunrise and sunset views. On clear mornings, the

©Isaak Hammers

east-facing Olympic Mountains reflect pink and orange. On warm summer evenings, their peaks are often cast in silhouette by the glowing red sky. Amenities and activities include a hiking trail, clamming, fishing, crabbing, bird watching and playfields.

South Kitsap Regional Park, Port Orchard

This multipurpose recreational park includes 209 wooded acres. Features include three athletic fields, batting cages, hiking trails, a skate park, walking trails and a miniature railroad that travels through the park. The athletic trails and the park picnic shelter are available to rent for events.

Evergreen Rotary Park, Bremerton

This park is just over 10 acres and includes the Kitsap 9/11 Memorial that has a metal tower made from portions of the World Trade Center. The community park also hosts the Bremerton Farmers Market every Thursday from April through October. Amenities include a playground, shelter, tables and benches, trails and pathways, basketball courts, water access, boat ramp and 75 parking spaces.

Fish Park, Poulsbo

This 20.73-acre park is just off of Bond Road near downtown Poulsbo and features a lake, nature hiking trails, boardwalk, winding paths, lawn and sitting areas, arboretum, wildlife and bird viewing, viewing platforms, pedestrian bridges, interpretive signage, kiosk and parking. The trails are dog-friendly. A few small ponds like Liberty Bay Estuary and Dogfish Creek can be accessed through the boardwalk, and make sure to stop by the huge salmon sculpture constructed out of driftwood by local artist Travis Foreman.

Central Park, Port Orchard

This small, 1.4-acre park is well suited for toddlers and their families. Amenities include three picnic tables, playground equipment, a sports field, a basketball court, restrooms and an additional covered picnic area.

Mike Wallace Park, Kingston

Just a short walk from the Port of Kingston and downtown shops is this one-acre park. Public events are held here on a regular basis by organizations such as the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce, Greater Kingston Kiwanis, Kingston Farmers Market and the Rotary Club of Kingston-North Kitsap. The event tent and stage are available on request with the Port of Kingston. Barbecues and picnic tables are available. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

Fay Bainbridge Park, Bainbridge Island

This locally operated public recreation area comprises 17 acres and is located south of the Point Monroe sandspit on the northeast tip of Bainbridge Island. Panoramic views of Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains spread out and on clear days Mount Rainier and Mount Baker are visible. Sandy beaches are featured along with a campground with 14 tent sites at $20 per night. A central water location and a portable toilet are provided at the campsite. Cabins are also available for overnight rental.

PacWesty: Westfalia Van Rentals, Bainbridge Island

On the Olympic Peninsula 7869, unit 206, NE Day Rd W, Bainbridge Island. PacWesty makes getaways easy for families, couples and friends journeying together, with simple, fully outfitted VW campers that leave you free to partake in as many Pacific

Northwest activities as you desire — from beachcombing to bird watching, surfing to cycling, fly fishing to wine tasting. Visit www.pacwesty.com to learn more and explore their vehicle options.

Blakely Harbor Park, Bainbridge Island

In the 1880s, Port Blakely was home to one of the world’s largest sawmills until it burned down in 1907. It was later rebuilt in the 1920s, only to burn down again. The harbor was once the most industrial in Puget Sound. Today, it is a natural amusement park for picnicking, kayaking and wildlife viewing that spans 40 acres. Visitors can hop along a driftwood trail down to the former Blakely generator building, home to an ever-evolving graffiti art collection. Just past the concrete artifact is a roughly 90-year-old water gate used in the sawmill era to hold water and logs at the head of the bay.

BOATING/FISHING & CRABBING

Best Boating Sites according to visitkitsap.com: Trophy Lake and Golf Casting, Port Orchard; Anna Smith Park, Bremerton; Silverdale Waterfront Park, Silverdale; Point No Point Lighthouse and Park, Hansville; Buck Lake County Park, Hansville; and along Hood Canal.

The best shrimping and crabbing in Kitsap County is along Hood Canal, according to the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife

Shrimping Season begins in May. There is a daily limit of 80 shrimp and shrimp heads may be removed while in the field, prior to coming ashore. The minimum mesh size for shrimp pots is one inch. From dates June 1 through Oct. 15, the daily limit is 10 pounds.

Crab season opens in the summer and includes Dungeness crab, red rock crab and tanner crab, all fishing methods. For Dungeness crab, the limits are 6.25 inches, five males, and you must retain black shell while in the field. You must release all soft shell, females and undersized crab. A catch record card is required.

Camping

Kitsap Memorial State Park

202 NE Park St., Poulsbo

This 58-acre campground also boasts 1,797 feet of shoreline, grassy fields and fire pits.

Kitsap Memorial Sleeper Cabins

202 NE Park St., Poulsbo

Four overnight cabins outfitted with log furniture, fire pits and picnic tables make for a rustic but comfortable overnight experience. Located inside Kitsap Memorial State Park. Make reservations directly with the park.

Illahee State Park

3540 NE Sylvan Way, Bremerton

A 75-acre marine camping park that sports 1,785 feet of waterfront along Port Orchard Bay.

Scenic Beach State Park

9565 Scenic Beach Road NW, Seabeck

This 88-acre park offers camping and 1,500 feet of saltwater beachfront along Hood Canal. A country garden, gazebo, rustic bridge and large trees all adorn this campground.

Blake Island State Park

This 475-acre marine camping park in Manchester is accessible only by boat, so start paddling or make friends with a captain. Five miles of saltwater beach await those who can make it out to this park, where views of the Olympic Mountains and Seattle skyline reward those who make the voyage.

Skate Parks

South Kitsap Skate Park in Port Orchard has a large 7,700-square-foot skate plaza and a 7,000-square-foot bowl as well as a full pipe.

Island Lake Skate Park, 12500 Camp Court NW, Poulsbo serves both street and vert skaters well with a large street course and vert ramps.

Kitsap Skate Park on Silverdale Way next to Clear Creek Trail has a quarter pipe and a seven-foot bowl as well as a pyramid ramp.

Billy Johnson Skate Park, 24700 Lindvog Road NE, Kingston, is a skate plaza with ramps, rails and tabletops.

Bainbridge Island Skate Bowl, a big, deep, concrete bowl that goes from 10-feet deep to a shallow three-foot end. Part of the Strawberry Hill Park complex at 7666 NE High School Road.

Kayaking

The Kitsap Peninsula National Water Trail has 371 miles of

shoreline and plenty of access points all over the Kitsap Peninsula and trails ranging from beginner to expert. Explore the bays, inlets and canals west of Seattle with plenty of chances to encounter unique and interesting wildlife. There are also a number of islands, especially on the south end of the peninsula, some of which can be accessed only by watercraft.

Hood Canal is a beautiful ride that takes about five days to complete, but there are many destinations along the way, including the nearby towns of Belfair, Seabeck, Hoodsport, Brinnon and Union. There are also a number of campsites and parks along the canal, including Scenic Beach State Park in Seabeck.

Silverdale Waterfront Park offers plenty of places to launch into Dyes Inlet and casual paddlers can even rent a kayak in the summer months for a short trip around the inlet.

Aquatics SCUBA & Kayaking has been providing Bainbridge Island, Poulsbo, Kingston and the Seattle area with some of the best of scuba diving and kayaking in the Pacific Northwest for nearly 30 years. For kayak rentals and tours, call for a reservation and you will be met at the city dock in Waterfront Park (301 Shannon Drive SE) on Bainbridge Island. Their main retail location is nearby, at 328 Madison Ave. North, the place to go for local scuba info, classes, guiding and equipment, and kayaking retail sales. Visit exoticaquaticsscuba.com to learn more.

Olympic Outdoor Center with locations in downtown Poulsbo and Port Gamble also offers kayak rentals and classes. Visit olympicoutdoorcenter.com for more information.

Scuba diving

There are plenty of dive sites through Kitsap. Blakely Harbor, Point White Pier and Rockaway beach on Bainbridge Island; Scenic Beach State Park in Seabeck; and Harper Pier in Port Orchard. You can also dive near Manchester, Illahee Dock, Port Washington, Fort Ward, various points along Hood Canal and Kitsap Memorial State Park.

Cycling

Green Mountain lies west of Bremerton proper and is the second highest summit in Kitsap behind Gold Mountain. It features sweeping views of Seattle, the Olympic Mountains and the Cascades on sunny days. There are plenty of tough trails for seasoned riders, including the Wildcat Trail, a 4.5-mile section to the top of Green Mountain. A shorter, less-traveled trail known as Gold Creek is a 2.5-mile ride to the summit.

The Port Gamble Forest has 60 miles of trails and is a local favorite for mountain biking as well as horseback riding and hiking. Check out the Forbidden Forest Loop Trail, an 8.5-mile path that takes you through diverse groups of trees.

Banner Forest Heritage Park in Port Orchard is 636 acres and has a network of trails that combine for a 20-mile journey. There’s a bit of everything here except for very large hills.

Newberry Hill Heritage Park is next to Klahowya Secondary School, west of Silverdale proper and east of Seabeck. There are approximately 13 miles of trails and plenty of access points.

Illahee Preserve in Bremerton is perfect for a quick trip through the forest. It’s a 570acre park with about five miles of trails. Get started at the parking lot near Almira Drive.

The North Kitsap Peninsula Bike Loop is a 40-mile road route that begins and ends at North Kitsap High School. The ride takes you through Indianola, Kingston, Hansville, Port Gamble and back through the Striebels Corner area before returning to Poulsbo.

Indianola Loop is a 14-mile ride with rolling hills near the Port Madison Reservation.

Hansville Loop is a 15-mile route that runs through Little Boston and the Port Gamble S’Klallam Reservation.

Swimming

Bainbridge Aquatic Center, 8521 Madison Ave. N., Bainbridge Island, features two pools, both housed at the aquatic center. The Ray Williamson Pool is a six-lane, 25-yard pool and was built in 1970 as an outdoor pool. The Don Nakata Memorial Pool, built in 2001, is a 360,000-gallon pool that includes a 180foot water slide, lazy river, sloped beach entry, tot pool, water features, toddler frog slide, one- and three-meter diving boards and four 25-yard lap lanes.

Glenn Jarstad Aquatic Center, 2270 Schley Blvd., Bremerton, is managed and operated by the local YMCA.

North Kitsap Community Pool, 1881 NE Hostmark St., Poulsbo, has lap swimming, lessons and aqua aerobic classes.

Long Lake County Park and Community Center, 5100 Long Lake Road SE, Port Orchard, has swimming areas and lake access.

Wildcat Lake County Park, 9205 Holly Road NW, Bremerton, has a swimming area as well as a place to fish, a playground, basketball courts and a picnic area.

Silverdale Waterfront Park is situated in Old Town Silverdale on Dyes Inlet and has both sandy and rocky beaches, a gazebo, picnic shelter and tables. 

There’s plenty for the little ones to do in Kitsap. Indoors or outdoors, athletic, creative or scientific, there are a number of options for physical or mental exercise.

If the kids love to skate or want to try, you can head over to the Bremerton Ice Center and its indoor skating rink at 1950 Homer Jones Road, Bremerton. Beat the summer heat or keep out of the cold by staying inside at Ahoy Kitsap Playland, a popular pirate/seathemed spot for kids to have fun or relax. Open daily except for major holidays. Visit ahoykitsap. com to see their schedule. Located at 5934 Highway 303 NE, Bremerton.

Head over to downtown Bremerton to Aurora Valentinetti Puppet Museum to check out a huge collection of puppets, hats and other props. There is a play area for children with puppets, books and musical instruments, plus two theaters for putting on a show. The museum hosts tours for under $5 per person. Located at 280 Fourth St., Bremerton.

Check out a collection of critters and creatures at the Bug and Reptile Museum. See and learn about various bugs and reptiles from around the globe, and get up close and personal with them. See snakes and pythons, tortoises, chameleons, spiders and more. Located at

kids activities

1118 Charleston Beach Road West, Bremerton. The Bug & Reptile Museum is open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m., www.bugmuseum. com.

For an adventure featuring your favorite aquatic animals, drive up to scenic downtown Poulsbo and SEA Discovery Center. There are more than 100 species of animals and plants that are found naturally in Puget Sound in the facility’s aquariums. There is a tide pool touch tank for a true “handson” experience as well as a theater. Located at 18743 Front St., Poulsbo.

Experience the magic of early childhood play-based learning at KiDiMu. The hands-on exhibits bring learning to life, just steps away from the ferry. Immerse yourself in experiential activities focused on science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Discover new exhibits, including the Creation Station, Women in STEM, and Pixelization. Stop by every first Friday for Pay-AsYou-Will admission and enjoy a dedicated craft during the Art Walk. Summer hours starting June 12th: Monday to Thursday from 1 pm to 5 pm, and Friday to Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm. Located at 301 Ravine Lane, Bainbridge Island, or find more information at www.kidimu.org.

Kids — and kids at heart — will love visiting the Kitsap Live Steamers Train at South Kitsap

Regional Park, 3101 SE Marbeth Lane in Port Orchard. Every second and fourth Saturday from April to October, kids can hop aboard the miniature train for a ride around the park. Free rides begin at 10 a.m. and continue until 4 p.m., weather permitting.

The Tag Zone is Bremerton’s first and only indoor Nerf gun arena. In addition to rounds of open play, it hosts birthday parties, sports banquets and school fundraising events.

Adults can join in on the fun as well during corporate events that strengthen the bonds between coworkers. Parents can join their kids in the open play rounds to prepare them for the day they must hunt and capture their own quest. The Tag Zone is located at 3627 Wheaton Way. Visit the website for more information, thetagzone.com.

For more kids activities, point your browser to visitkitsap.com/ kitsap-loves-kids. 

hiking Get out & explore!

Bremerton

Anna Smith Park

7601 Tracyton Blvd. Six acres of beach access, picnic areas, demonstration gardens and marked trails make this park a wonderful spot to explore.

Green Mountain

Just south of Seabeck and to the west of Bremerton, Green Mountain provides 13 miles of trails for hiking and other recreational activities.

Ilahee Preserve

3540 NE Sylvan Way. A winding labyrinth of walking trails weaves through this 380-acre nature preserve. This spot is an absolute must-see for nature enthusiasts seeking to get out and stretch their legs. Nine looping trails run along wetlands and near the Rolling Hills Golf Course.

Newberry Hill Heritage

Park 7607 NW Newberry Hill Road, Silverdale. The result of approximately 1,200 acres of public land, acquired in 2009, this park offers kiosks, maps, helpful guides and trail markers to assist those who are new to the area in navigating the park. Constantly evolving, work is being done continuously, keeping things exciting for repeat visitors.

North Kitsap

Nelson Park

20296 Third Ave. NW., Poulsbo. A recently restored farmhouse is the most noticeable feature of this park, which includes walking trails and a picnic area.

American Legion Park

A small park on Liberty Bay in Poulsbo that offers wildlife viewing, walking paths and a boardwalk.

Hansville Greenway Trail

Southwest of the unincorporated town of Hansville, the trail winds through extensive woodlands adjacent to Buck Lake County Park. The 265 acres of walking space along the trail — also open to equestrians and cyclists — are located within county property or previously established easements.

North Kitsap Heritage Park

25995 Miller Bay Road NE, Kingston. More than four miles of trails cut through the 443 acres that constitute Kingston’s North Kitsap Heritage Park. Seven

trails offer visitors access to forest that runs directly to the White Horse Golf Club, Indianola and Kingston. Trails are clearly marked and easily navigated with a map of the trails available online at Kitsapgov.com/parks. Trailheads can be found along Miller Bay Road, Norman Road and Indianola Road.

Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park

A 3,493-acre county park founded in 2014 and is the largest in Kitsap County. It contains 60 miles of trails for walking, biking, equestrian, access to water trails and kayaking.

Silverdale

Guillemot Cove Nature Reserve

19235 Stavis Bay Road NW, Seabeck. Seabeck’s 184-acre nature reserve is a favorite among those who appreciate the outdoors for its eight trails of varying lengths that cross through the reserve. The main access trail is about a mile long and includes a big leaf maple tree forest and carries hikers over the Old Sawmill Plateau. Seven other trails and beach access also await visitors to the Guillemot Cove Nature Reserve.

Anderson Landing

Warren Road NW, Silverdale. A 68-acre nature area with trail loops and three scenic viewing areas can be found at Anderson Landing. Trailheads can be found on NW Anderson Hill Road and Warren Road NW.

Clear Creek Bike and Pedestrian Trail

9641 Levin Road, Silverdale. At 1.4 miles long, this trail provides a 10-foot wide paved path. The path connects to Clear Creek Trail for anyone seeking to lengthen their trip. Clear Creek Trail also provides five miles of dirt trails that wind through the area between Silverdale Way and Trigger Avenue.

Port Orchard

Banner Forest Heritage Park

Banner Road SE and SE Overra Road, walking and equestrian trails include 635 acres of explorable terrain. The park has three marshes and dozens of looping trails. To get there, take Sedgwick Road to Banner Road. Head south on Banner to the intersection of Banner and Overra Road.

Bainbridge

Fay Bainbridge Park

15446 Sunrise Drive NE, Bainbridge Island. This 17-acre park on the water is Bainbridge’s premiere camping park, with three cabins, 14 tent sites and 26 RV sites. Along with 1,420 feet of waterfront, the park offers volleyball courts, a playground, and sheltered and unsheltered picnic tables. Reservations accepted year round.

Manzanita Park

7644 NE Day Road. A 120acre recreational complex with 2.27 miles of self-guided trails through diverse woods and wetlands.

Battle Point Park

11299 Arrowpoint Drive, of the 14 main trail systems in Bainbridge, Battle Point is one of the most popular, offering roughly 3.5 miles of trails that allow bikes. The park is surrounded by 1.5 miles of equestrian terrain.

Grand Forest

9752 Miller Road NE. Has three sections; the Grand Forest West Trail System is the most popular trail system on Bainbridge Island and consists of 2.95 miles of forested trails meandering along hillsides, wetlands and streams.

The Grand Forest East Trail System consists of 2.9 miles of forested trails that connect to the Grand Forest West Trail System via the Hilltop Trail. The Grand Forest North Trail System consists of a 0.8-mile loop. Trails are relatively flat with few inclines and a surface of dirt, mulch and gravel. 

PORT ORCHARD

That Trip You've Been Looking For

GET AWAY FOR THE DAY

Only in Port Orchard Only in Port Orchard

August 2023 August 2023

Players from across the state gather every year to compete in the Players from across the state gather every year to compete in the

Kitsap County

Cornhole Classic

Cornhole Classic Kitsap County

JOIN US! JOIN US!

summer events

JUNE

` June - September: Bloedel Reserve Strolls for Well-Being Summer Program, Bainbridge Island

` June 10-11: Evergreen Mountain Bike Festival, rides, music, beer and demonstrations open to all, registration required for biking, camping or participating in a race

` June 16: St. Hans Midsommerfest — Come to Waterfront Park in Poulsbo to join in the Scandinavian tradition of the Summer Solstice. Enjoy folk dancing, meet Norwegian and Icelandic dogs, partake in traditional Norwegian cuisine in the lodge and explore the many other activities available. You won’t want to miss the Viking Parade, lighting of the bonfire and midsummer proclamation by the Sons of Norway Vikings. Visit poulsbosonsofnorway.com or call 360-779-5209 for more information

` June 17: 13th Annual Lumberjack Endurance Runs, Port Gamble — The course is eight 12.5 mile loops with 3 aid stations per loop (start/finish included). It is a mixture of single track and dirt roads. There is approximately 1500 ft elevation gain per loop for a total 12,000 ft. Runs include 100 miles, 100k and 50 miles.

` June 17: Kitsap Medieval Fair, Kitsap County Fairgrounds, a day of historical recreation and demonstrations of martial and artisan skills from the Middle Ages

` June 24: Bremerton Bridge Blast — Come enjoy great bands and delicious food, browse crafts from local artists until the fireworks show at 10:15 p.m. off the Manette Bridge, at Bremerton Boardwalk and Evergreen Rotary Park

` June 24: Fathoms O’ Fun Festival Grand Parade, downtown Port Orchard

JULY

` July 8: BI Rotary Auction & Rummage Sale, Woodward Middle School, Sale Day 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Donation Drop-Off June 30 from 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

` July 3: July 3rd Street Dance, BI Downtown Association, Winslow Way

` July 4: Kingston Fourth of July celebration — Parade, fireworks, fun activities for kids, vendors and the Kingston Fun Run are all planned downtown

` July 1: Fathoms O’ Fun Annual Grand Fireworks Show, Port Orchard at Sinclair Inlet, 10 p.m.

` July 13-16: Chris Craft Rendezvous at Port Orchard Marina

Association, Waterfront Park

` July 15: Kingston Wine & Brew Fest, Mike Wallace Park at the Port of Kingston, tickets

$45 per person

` July 22: Kitsap Pride, free and family friendly event with live music, drag performances, a beer garden and pride store for merchandise

`

July 28-30: Whaling Days in Old Town Silverdale and waterfront, old-fashioned carnival with food booths, live music, fireworks, games and rides, the annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race is on Sunday where thousands of rubber ducks race to the finish line on Dyes Inlet for prizes

` July Date TBD: Bremerton Summer Brewfest at the Bremerton Boardwalk

AUGUST

`

Aug. 11-13: Bainbridge Island Summer Studio Tour

`

Aug. 12: Port Gamble Maritime Music Festival — Enjoy a day of maritime music set in a natural amphitheater overlooking the picturesque Gamble Bay

`

July 14-15: Artisan and Vintage Fair, Port Orchard Bay Street

`

Aug. 23-27: Kitsap County Fair & Stampede at the county fairgrounds, animals on exhibit, carnival rides, lots of food and crafts to explore, concerts in the evening and a fun rodeo at night.

Derby

DELICIOUS FOOD For the love of

Bainbridge

Agate Restaurant, 500 Winslow Way E #170, Bainbridge Island. As chef and owner of Agate Restaurant, Chef Paul plans to continue the legacy of delicious dining brought to the island by Susanna Turner. The menu will showcase our local farms with beautiful produce, seafood, and proteins found in abundance in the Northwest. You’ll experience New American cuisine prepared with Modernist Techniques and influenced by flavors from around the world.

Bruciato, 236 Winslow Way, Bainbridge, in the renovated Winslow Hardware building on the island’s main drag. Bruciato arose from Chef Brendan McGill’s longtime and popular pop-up, and the 2,000 square-foot restaurant features classic Neapolitan pizza as well as modern interpretations. McGill (named “People’s Best New Chef” by Food & Wine in 2013) has a storied relationship with Neapolitan pizza: As the executive chef of Via Tribunali, he traveled to Naples in 2009 and dove deep into the city’s traditions of both pizza and espresso. Aside from pizza, the restaurant offers a lineup of items cooked in the wood-fire oven — from Stefano Ferrara, the world-famous maker of Neapolitan pizza ovens — prepared in cazuelas, including seafood and vegetables. There is also plenty of salads and antipasti on the menu.

Madison Diner, 305 Madison Ave. N., Bainbridge. The restaurant is inside a historic railroad car built in 1948 by the Fodero Dining Car Company, and was originally located on a street corner in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, before being completely disassembled piece by piece and brought to Bainbridge in 1996. Once featured on Guy Fieri’s show “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” on the Food Network, the diner is famous for its milkshakes. But don’t stop there; the diner offers a multitude of breakfast (including salmon hash and southern-style buttermilk biscuits and gravy), and lunch (burgers, salads, cold and grilled sandwiches such as patty melts and Reubens).

Coquette Bake Shop, 140 Winslow Way W, Bainbridge Island. Coquette Bake Shop has its roots in Southern Oregon, where they began the first Coquette Bakery on their farm in Jacksonville, OR. Every day, they would bake up the best breads and pastries they could create and it wasn’t long until they had a line a mile long! They have always loved vacationing at their family home on Bainbridge Island. While up here during one of their breaks, they got the bright idea to move their family to Bainbridge full time and open up Coquette #2! They are thrilled to bring you old world Paris treats in the heart of downtown Winslow Way.

Blackbird Bakery, 210 Winslow Way E, Bainbridge Island. Since opening its doors in 1999, Blackbird Bakery has become a beloved member of the Bainbridge community. Founders Heidi Umphenour and Jeff Shepard have always shared a love for baking – in fact, they actually met while working at a Seattle bakery in the early 90s. The two continue to make all of their delicious bread and pastries from scratch with locally sourced, high-quality ingredients.

Mora’s Ice Cream, 139 Madrone Ln N, Bainbridge Island. Ana Orselli and Jerry Perez still make ice cream the old fashioned way, in small batches, using fresh milk, cane sugar, ripe fruit and imported chocolate. They have developed more than 70 flavors, which they add to regularly, and on any given day you’ll find 48 on hand. You can also visit Mora’s at 18801 Front St NE, Poulsbo and 11250 NE State Hwy 104 Suite A, Kingston.

Seabird, 133 Winslow Way East #100 Bainbridge Island. Seabird was listed in Esquire’s 2022 Best New Restaurants in America. Seabird is an island-inspired seafood and vegetable restaurant, showcasing the bounty of the Western Puget Sound and Olympic Peninsula interpreted by Chef Grant Rico and brought to you by the Hitchcock Restaurant Group.

Poulsbo

Taqueria Los Cazadores, 19559 Viking Ave. NW, Poulsbo. Was recently named Best of North Kitsap by readers of the North Kitsap Herald. It’s easy to see why, with a homey atmosphere, and great, authentic Mexican food.

Taqueria El Huarache, 19494 Seventh Ave. NE, Poulsbo. Another of the excellent family-owned Mexican restaurants that seem to be popping up more frequently in and around Poulsbo. Located in Poulsbo Village, they have great lunch specials that are reasonably priced and more than worth the trip.

Pho T&N , 19641 Seventh Ave. NE No.135, Poulsbo. A top option for Vietnamese cuisine in North Kitsap, especially well known for its namesake dish pho. Comes in a number of varieties. Not into soup? Try the shaking beef platter or one of the stir fries.

Kachai Thai Kitchen, 19980 10th Ave. NE No. 104, Poulsbo. A good place to grab some pad thai or drunken noodles. Also has a good variety of chickenand beef-based dishes that pair well with the noodle and rice dishes.

Town & Country Market Poulsbo, 20148 10th Ave. NE, Poulsbo. This supermarket is a one-stop shop with a bakery, pizza and hot dog stand and a cafe on site. Town & Country Market Poulsbo is well known all around Kitsap for its pizza, made with a number of different toppings. You can buy by the slice or order a whole pizza to take back to the hotel. Tizley’s EuroPub, 18928 Front St. NE, Poulsbo. It’s on the second floor of a building in downtown Poulsbo. Stepping inside, you will feel like you’re walking into a real European pub. Specializes in German, Norwegian, Italian and Irish dishes. Grab a Reuben sandwich, some sausage or their excellent schnitzel. Don’t forget the pretzel with hot mustard as an appetizer. They also offer a large family platter for sharing.

Sogno Di Vino, 18830 Front St. NE, Poulsbo. Another local favorite in downtown Poulsbo, especially good for a date night, with a great selection of wines, a relaxing atmosphere and excellent Italian cuisine. Specialties include lamb shanks and Tuscan steaks. They also make excellent wood-fired pizzas.

Sluys Bakery, 18924 Front St. NE, Poulsbo. Home of the world famous Poulsbo Bread, this bakery in downtown Poulsbo serves up some of the sweetest confections around. No trip to Kitsap is complete without stopping at Sluys for a tasty treat and then taking a walk along nearby Liberty Bay.

Suquamish

Sully’s, 7234 Northeast Parkway, Suquamish. Taco Tuesday is always a big hit at this spot, with outdoor tables that have a beautfiul view of the Port Madison waters as well as Seattle off in the distance. Also a great spot for pub grub and to catch an NFL game on Sundays with plenty of TVs all around the bar and restaurant.

Kingston

The Grub Hut, 11130 NE State Highway 104, Kingston. Their burgers can go toeto-toe with the best in the country and they have a ton of variety on their menu. Relaxed, casual, laid-back tropical decor on the inside perfectly captures their motto of “Peace, Love and Grub.”

Kingston Ale House, 11225 NE State Highway 104, Kingston. Near the ferry terminal, the ale house specializes in seafood, burgers, steaks and salads. A place that’s good for both the family and a night out with friends.

Port Gamble

Butcher & Baker Provisions, 4719 NE State Highway 104, Port Gamble. Everything here is well-made and delicious, but the fried chicken sandwich stands out above the rest with its applewood bacon, spicy or mild pimento cheese and dill pickles on a kaiser bun.

Keyport

Casa Mexico, 1783 WA-308 NE, Keyport. It’s a mostly residential area a little off the beaten path serving the people working on the nearby Navy base. But if you’re in the area, it’s a must-stop. The restaurant’s wonderful owners are always around and this place serves up solid Mexican fare. Looking for something a little unusual? Try the chile relleno burger.

Silverdale

Danny’s BBQ , 11871 Silverdale Way NW, Silverdale. A Texas-style barbecue place on the outskirts of the main drag in Silverdale, Danny’s has plenty of tender, mouth-watering, fall-off-the-bone meat. Grab some babyback ribs, smoked brisket and pulled pork. Make sure you grab plenty of napkins for this juicy meal.

Smokin’ Robinsons Cafe, 7978 Seabeck Highway NW, Silverdale. Named best of Central Kitsap by Central Kitsap Reporter readers, it’s on the corner of Seabeck Highway and Newberry Hill Road and attached to a gas station. It’s the perfect place to grab some barbecue after a nice trip to Scenic Beach State Park. Tender meats smoked to perfection with some tasty sides. You can’t go wrong here.

Silver City Restaurant and Ale House, 2799 NW Myhre Road, Silverdale. Plenty of great pizza and pub grub here to go along with your favorite brews. Menu has burgers, sandwiches, steaks and house specialties such as chicken pot pie.

Oak Table Cafe, 3290 NW Mount Vintage Way, Silverdale. It can get busy, especially on the weekends, but it’s always worth the wait. They’re serving up unbelievable omelettes, delicious pancakes and a number of signature egg dishes. Open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and serves only breakfast on the weekends.

Moctezuma, 10315 Silverdale Way NW J3, Silverdale. Located at the Kitsap Mall, Moctezuma gets high marks for its excellent Mexican food, especially the molé, which can be difficult to find in the Northwest. Fresh food and a pleasant atmosphere make this a hit in Central Kitsap.

Bremerton

Noah’s Ark, 1516 Sixth St., Bremerton. Seriously, come hungry to this place. It’s an old-time family restaurant serving up burgers, cheesesteaks, salads and sandwiches in huge portions.

El Balcon, 326 Pacific Ave., Bremerton. Located in the heart of the downtown core, it’s a small place with big Mexican and Salvadorian flavor. Tons of great burrito combinations, and make sure to order yourself a pupusa as well.

Boat Shed, 101 Shore Drive, Bremerton. Practically a landmark of the Manette neighborhood, Boat Shed is a great place in the summer, with its large outdoor deck overlooking the water. Specializes in seafood, steak and sandwiches. Give the

fish tacos a whirl — it’s 3.5-ounce cod with lime sauce, coleslaw and jack and cheddar cheeses.

The Toad House, Bremerton. Delicious brick-oven pizza in a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. Design your own or try one of the many varieties. Also serves salads, sandwiches and paninis.

The Garage, 6812 Kitsap Way, Bremerton. Legendary for its outrageous Bloody Marys garnished with all sorts of interesting choices such as bacon, onion rings, chicken wings, Belgian waffles and sweet potato fries.

Tracyton Public House, 403 NW Tracy Ave., Bremerton. Located in its namesake neighborhood of Bremerton, come for the chicken wings, which are consistently voted as the best in the area. Plenty of other solid pub grub to be found here as well.

Port Orchard

That One Place, 1397 Olney Ave. SE, Port Orchard. A big buy for a big appetite, it’s “The Challenge: Quad Nasty!” Everything on the big nasty: three-quarterpound burger, quarter-pound gourmet hot dog, chili, two slices bacon, jalapeños, and onion — but quadrupled. Think you have what it takes? Stacked so high, you may not be able to see over it.

China Sun Buffet, 4331 Bethel Road SE, Port Orchard. An American-Chinese buffet that stretches from wall to wall and includes favorite Chinese dishes, sushi, many American dishes and sweets to top it all off. Make sure to try the coconut chicken, sesame chicken, banana pudding rolls, fried rice, coconut shrimp — the teriyaki is a must. Of course, these are just some of the many culinary delights you will find.

The Dock Bar & Eatery, and Eatery 715 Bay St., Port Orchard. Located in the Port Orchard Public Market, the restaurant is a great place to stop for a satisfying meal after a day of shopping or sightseeing. The restaurant serves hearty fare, such as hamburgers, homemade soups, salads and seafood.

Bay Street Bistro, 834 Bay St., Port Orchard. This fine dining establishment serves a delectable menu of New American fare and seafood. It also has a wellregarded wine list that includes favorite Pacific Northwest wines.

Carbon Mexican Steakhouse, 1386 SE Lund Ave., Port Orchard. Taste Mexican culinary fare that’s more authentic and a bit out of the ordinary. It’s quickly becoming a Port Orchard dining favorite. 

Sit back, relax and have a drink

Local craft Beers, SPIRITS, wines & ciders on the Kitsap Peninsula

breweries

` BAINBRIDGE ISLAND

Bainbridge Brewing and Alehouse, 9415 Coppertop Loop (brewery and taproom); 500 Winslow Way East (alehouse).

Tasty snacks to enjoy, free Wi-Fi, local sports on TVs, pinball games, an upstairs mezzanine for groups, an outdoor patio during warmer months, weekly trivia nights, and an occasional local live band can all be found at the brewery and taproom, which allow minors on the premises if they are accompanied by an adult (hence the “well-behaved dogs and children allowed” rule).

Located on Winslow Way East, just one block from the island ferry terminal, Bainbridge Brewing’s Alehouse is a great place to enjoy Northwest craft beer, cider and wine in a relaxed, casual environment. A favorite of island residents and visitors alike, the Alehouse (ages 21 and over) features: 18 taps, plus growlers and bottles, craft ciders from around the region, wines produced by island vintners and regular entertainment similar to the brewery offerings, www.bainbridgebeer.com.

` POULSBO

Slippery Pig Brewing, 18801 Front St. Stop by this local brewery and restaurant to find out what owner Dave Lambert has been cooking up. Don’t forget to order up a plate of Lambert’s infamous lutefisk tacos too!

Western Red Brewing, 19168 Jensen Way NE. After closing up the family’s sawmill operation, owner Denver Smyth opted to enter into the beer brewing business, but don’t let the change of occupation fool you. Smyth’s taproom is filled with accoutrements telegraphing his familiarity with an ax and saw.

Valhöll Brewing, 18970 Third Ave. One of Poulsbo’s first breweries, Valhöll has established its seat firmly within Poulsbo’s craft beer scene. Plenty of beers are on the wall at Valhöll. Be sure to treat yourself and sample a few.

Rainy Daze Brewing, 650 NW Bovela Lane, Suite 3. Located right in Poulsbo, Rainy Daze has set itself apart from the other breweries in town by offering unique and exceptional craft beers to their diehard customers.

Echoes Brewing , 19479 Viking Ave. NW. Brewery tours available, pets welcomed on the patio and $2 off all draft beer during happy hour MondayThursday from 3-5 p.m. Events held often including game nights, trivia and discount days.

KINGSTON

Downpour Brewing, 10991 NE State Highway 104. Located right in Kingston, this brewery offers handcrafted, small-batch IPAs, pales, stouts, reds and seasonal beers as well as light snacks for hungry beer drinkers.

Hood Canal Brewery, 26499 Bond Road NE. Local brews include the Big Beef Oatmeal Stout, Agate Pass Amber and the Doesewalips Special.

` BREMERTON

Chaos Bay Brewing Co., 1100 Perry Ave. An outstanding brewery in Bremerton’s Manette neighborhood, this brewery is a stop for a beer lover. Be sure to get there for Taster Tuesday or Wing Wednesday. Happy hour runs 4-6 p.m. daily.

Dog Days Brewing, 260 Fourth St. Both a dog- and kid-friendly environment in Bremerton.

Lovecraft Brewing Company, 275 Fifth St. Suite 101. Craft beers and hard teas made on site with a charming tasting room area. They also host guest taps for local brew favorites. A family- and petfriendly brewery, so bring your kids and furry babies!

Silver City Brewery & Taproom, 206 Katy Penman Ave. Seasonal, specialty, barrel-aged, experimental and small-batch craft beers are the business of the Silver City Brewery.

Deep Draft Brewing, 3536 W Belfair Valley Road. The tasting room is open Tuesday-Sunday, featuring twelve of their self-made brews including non-alcoholic root beer on tap. They proudly craft beers with just four ingredients. The beers are savored for their cleanliness and simplicity or adored for their well-balanced, rich flavors from the malt and hops alone.

Crane’s Castle Brewing Company, 1550 NE Riddell Road. Started in the basement of their home in Spokane. Crane’s Castle has grown into a cozy atmosphere for guests to take a load off and enjoy a selection of fifteen different self-made beers, as well as two ciders by Tart Art.

Ridgeline Brewing, 941 North Callow Ave. A nano brewery focused on specialty small batch beer crafted on a three barrel system. Try one of their ten thirst quenching options and enjoy their welcoming atmosphere with events like game nights, live music and crafting classes.

` SILVERDALE

Silver City Restaurant & Brewery, 2799 NE Mhyre Rd. A microbrewery and also a full-sized restaurant. Halibut and chips pair nicely with Silver City’s Ridgetop Red.

Moment Brewing, 10876 Myhre Place NW, Suite 112, Open Monday through Friday from 2-9 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday from 12-9 p.m. Hosts trivia nights, art shows and live music periodically. New beers released regularly with limited supply.

` PORT ORCHARD

Yoked Farmhouse Brewery, 525 SW Pine Road. Owned and operated by multiple families who value collective efforts for more creativity, support and healthy options. Yoked provides traditional beers and rotating seasonal beers, as well as seasonal fruits, vegetables and happily raised livestock with their farm to table menu.

Wineries ` BAINBRIDGE

Eleven Winery, 7671 NE Day Road W and 287 Winslow Way E. The winery is named after a bicycle racing term that captures their approach to winemaking and the business. On a typical modern road bike, the smallest cog in the rear cluster has eleven teeth and it’s the one that produces the maximum gear ratio, so when it’s all or nothing and you need to put all your strength into it, you use the Eleven. Eleven Winery has a strong focus on giving back to the community and practicing sustainability, being the first carbon-neutral winery in Washington State.

Fletcher Bay Winery, 9415 Coppertop Loop NE, Suite 102 and 500 Winslow Way E #130. Two locations available for tasting, one downtown and one at the winery. Offering a selection of red wines, white wines, fruit wines and dessert wines, as well as a food menu with delicious options for platters and small plates.

Amelia Wynn Winery, 390 Winslow Way E. Won “Best of Show” Honors 2019 in the Washington State Wine Competition for their 2016 Aragon.

Rolling Bay Winery, 11272 Sunrise Drive NE. Small artisan winery specializing in creating limited quantities of hand-crafted premium wines. Many of the varietals come from grapes planted in 1979, which are some of the oldest grapes in Washington State. Experience the beautiful atmosphere, great wine and welcoming winemaker and staff who are eager to share the wonders of wine making.

Perennial Vintners, 8840 NE Lovgreen Road. Specializing in delicate wines from the cool climate viticulture of the Puget Sound AVA, so most of the grapes grown are unfamiliar to avid wine drinkers. Perennial Vintners pioneered the establishment of an

underappreciated grape named Melon de Bourgogne here in the Seattle area.

Eagle Harbor Winery, 278 Winslow Way E #106 and 8897. Three Tree Lane NE, Founded in 2005 with the vision to craft artisanal old-world wine styles. In 2014, the torch was passed to their former wine making assistant who carries on the tradition of making elegant, balanced and approachable wines.

Bainbridge Vineyards, 8989 NE Day Road. Specializes in delicate award-winning white wines grown in the Puget Sound AVA. Bainbridge Vineyards produces 1,200 cases of wine annually, exclusively from their certified organic estate vineyards.

` BREMERTON

Monkey Winery, 2521 Fir Court. Homemade style winery offering dessert wines from a variety of fruits including apples, bananas, blackberries, dandelions, Italian plums and pumpkins.

` OLALLA

Olalla Valley Vineyard & Winery, 13176 Olalla Valley Road SE. A unique boutique destination vineyard and winery with a focus on agricultural tourism. Presenting fine estate wines from grapes grown and nurtured on the vineyard as well as grapes grown in Eastern Washington. Olalla Valley Vineyard offers several red and white varietals and Olalla’s flagship wine, Golubok, a deep purple varietal reminiscent of a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon.

` POULSBO

Hard Hat Winery, 27055 State Hwy 3 NE. Owned by two Navy Divers with the dedication to provide a variety of distinguished wines fitting for everyone from the occasional wine drinker to the true connoisseur. Vineyard located in Walla Walla, Washington and permanent tasting room located in Poulsbo for events and daily fun.

State 42 Wines, 18850 Front St. Husband and wife duo creating low intervention wines from 13 different vineyards within seven Washington AVAs. The Poulsbo tasting room has become a hub of the community with a great atmosphere, good music and a tight knit community of wine lovers.

` SEABECK

Seabeck Cellars, seabeckcellars.com, the winery is currently a production-only facility, it does not have a storefront or tasting room for visitors. Offers nationwide shipping, local pick ups and Kitsap deliveries. Wines include sparkling, whites, rosé, reds and dessert.

Cideries ` BAINBRIDGE

Sisters’ Cider House, 921 Hildebrand Lane, Suite 111. Ciders made with the freshest local ingredients and are handcrafted with care. Offering a whimsical and playful atmosphere where visitors can enjoy a delicious cider while surrounded by the warmth and excitement of their favorite Disney characters. Thirteen ciders on draft with an array of exciting and refreshing flavors.

` POULSBO

Bushel and Barrel Ciderhouse, 201 NW Beaver Ridge Lane. The first established cidery in Kitsap County. They strive to create a business that’s a vessel for providing community development and an avenue to help citizens in need. Ciders crafted in small batches from locally sourced ingredients.

Distilleries ` BAINBRIDGE

Bainbridge Organic Distillers, 9727 Coppertop Loop. Bainbridge Organic Distillers was Washington State’s first distillery producing USDA Certified Organic spirits, and they are the state’s only distillery producing 100% of its organic spirits from scratch, on site in their own distillery. They are 5-time winner, American’s Best Grain Whiskey, World Whiskies Awards and named the World’s Best American Wheat Whiskey. No other wheat whiskey has received such recognition. Highside Distilling, 8895 Three Tree Lane NE. Inspired by a trip to the Highlands and Speyside regions of Scotland and the craft beverage culture of the Pacific Northwest. Whether its Single Malt Whiskey, Gin or Amaro, all of the products are a nod to tradition with a unique character that captures and defines the spirit of this great region.

` PORT ORCHARD

Black Ring Spirits, 1700 SE Mile Hill Drive, Suite 116. Where the tradition of conventional distilling meets the art of the small batch craft distillery. Using local grains and fruit to make liquor in small batches with flavors that change with the crops of the season. Every visit to Black Ring Spirits will be a unique experience. 

Since the recreational use of marijuana became legal in the state of Washington in 2014, numerous retail locations have opened in Kitsap County. Anyone 21 years of age or older can purchase up to one ounce of harvested flowers marijuana, 16 ounces of marijuana-infused edibles in solid form, 72 ounces in liquid form, and seven grams of marijuana concentrates. You’ll need a horizontal ID that shows your age before entering any of these retail stores. Most stores only accept cash, although some do accept debit cards with a small fee.

Things to know:

• It remains a felony for anyone but a licensed retailer to sell or provide marijuana to anyone else. Providing or selling marijuana to a minor under the age of 18 is subject to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

• It is illegal to consume marijuana in public view. It is illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana and doing so may result in significant legal penalties.

• You cannot take marijuana out of state.

• As with tobacco, smoking marijuana in any indoor location is subject to the restrictions in the Washington Smoking in Public Places law. The law prohibits smoking in public places and within 25 feet of entrances, exits, open windows and ventilation intakes. If the establishment permits it, and you are either vaping or staying in a room where smoking is allowed, it is legal to consume marijuana in a private hotel room.

• If you are boating and in navigable waters, according to the U.S. Coast Guard, they will enforce federal law. Possession of marijuana is still federally illegal. It is never OK to operate a boat under the influence of marijuana or any other drug. The law against marijuana use in public view also applies to state parks, public hiking trails, national parks and ski resorts.

Here is a list of the retail outlets in Kitsap County:

` Paper and Leaf in Bainbridge Island, 206-780-7814

` High Points Cannabis in Little Boston, 360-297-6191

` Green Tiki Cannabis in Kingston, 360-881-0621

` Agate Dreams in Poulsbo, 360-598-1315

` Better Buds in Silverdale, 360-286-2354

` Fillabong in Silverdale 360-698-0353

` Budeez in Bremerton, 360-627-7674

` Fillabong in Bremerton, 360-627-9948

` HWY 420 in Bremerton, 360-932-3182

` Destination HWY 420 in Bremerton, 360-627-8754

` Emerald Coast Cannabis in Bremerton, 360-813-1006

` Kitsap Cannabis in Port Orchard, 360-813-3369

` Greenway Marijuana in Port Orchard, 360-443-6988

` 420 Spot Shop in Port Orchard, 360-876-5699

` Herbal Healing in Port Orchard, 360-443-2859

` HWY 420 in Silverdale, 360-204-5488

Cannabis in KITSAP COUNTY

` The Reef Cannabis in Bremerton, 360-813-1874

` The Pot Zone in Port Orchard, 360-443-6262

` Sweet Jane in Gig Harbor, 253-245-7831

` Legal Marijuana Superstore in Port Orchard, 360-443-2222

` The Novel Tree in Bremerton, 360-616-2014

Best

This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination and judgment. Do not

LookingBACK

Bainbridge Island

Bainbridge Island Historical Museum

215 Ericksen Ave. NE

Get educated about the history of Bainbridge at the island’s historical museum, housed in a 1908 schoolhouse. It has artifacts, photos and hands-on exhibits related to Bainbridge through the years. Visit www.bainbridgehistory. org for hours as well as more information about the current crop of rotating exhibits.

Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA)

550 Winslow Way East, Bainbridge Island

BIMA showcases artists from around Puget Sound through rotating displays of pieces from its permanent collection and also special seasonal exhibitions. Admission is free, www.biartmuseum.org

Japanese American Exclusion Memorial

4192 Eagle Harbor Drive NE, Bainbridge Island

The Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial is a historical and informational site commemorating the actual location where the first West Coast Japanese Americans were forced from their homes following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Because of the island’s proximity to naval bases, local Japanese Americans were the first in the country to be interned, and 227 Japanese Americans were ultimately ordered to leave the island with only six days’ notice. Admission is free, www.bijaema.org.

Poulsbo

Poulsbo Historical Society

200 NE Moe St., Poulsbo

A museum that captures the unique heritage and daily lives of Poulsbo’s early immigrant families. Constantly changing exhibits provide visitors a reason to keep coming back to see how Poulsbo evolved from its humble beginnings to the city it has become today.

Poulsbo Maritime Museum

19010 Front St. NE

Poulsbo’s rich maritime history is showcased through imaginative exhibits and thoughtprovoking interactive displays. Learn about the cod fishing boats that used to call Poulsbo their home port, or Ron Young’s locally famous and arguably unrivaled Poulsbo Boat.

KITSAP 2023

Martinson Cabin

317 NW Lindvig Way, Poulsbo

Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, catch a glimpse into the life of an 1800s pioneer. This cabin, originally built by the Martinson family, was moved to its current location in Poulsbo in 2006. Today the cabin is preserved as a historical landmark and gives residents an opportunity to learn about the lives of our ancestors.

Hansville Point No Point Lighthouse

9009 NW Point No Point Road, Hansville

Holding the honor of being the oldest lighthouse on Puget Sound, the Point No Point lighthouse serves as a beacon in the night to passing ships, warning them of treacherous shoals nearby. The lighthouse has remained in continuous service since 1880 and was manned until 1980, when the system was automated by the U.S. Coast Guard. The lighthouse and museum are open to tours on the weekends.

Kingston

My Girl Drive-In

Kingston

An authentic replica of a classic drive-in restaurant, My Girl is an homage to the 1950s. The venue is used as a by-reservation event space, available for private and corporate functions, wedding receptions, family reunions and much more. Call for reservations at 360-297-1782, mygirldrivein.com.

Bremerton Kitsap Historical Society and Museum

280 Fourth St., Bremerton

This museum’s mission is to collect, preserve and exhibit the diverse culture, heritage and history of Kitsap County for the education and enjoyment of the public. People have resided on the Kitsap Peninsula for thousands of years because of the

excess of natural resources. Take a look at the timeline history to educate yourself about Kitsap’s diverse residents including Native Americans, loggers, farmers, shipbuilders and military personnel.

Elandan Gardens and Bonsai Museum

3050 State Highway 16 W, Bremerton

Visit the beautiful and elegant waterfront gardens to experience the world-class bonsai collection and landscape artistry. The museum is set among ponds, waterfalls, sculptures and lush gardens on the shores of Puget Sound. The gift shop and gallery are filled with antiques and treasures from Asia, Europe and North America. The collection of trees is more than 1,000 years old and took root when Leonardo da Vinci, Kubla Kahn and Professor Zhu Xi were all alive. Available for small weddings and events.

Aurora Valentinetti Puppet Museum

257 Fourth St., Bremerton

This museum is filled with theatrical puppets that represent various puppet types and cultures from around the globe. A handson children’s activity room, a gift shop and tours are all included.

Port Orchard

Log Cabin Museum

416 Sidney Ave., Port Orchard

This historic original settler’s cabin houses a museum featuring the furnishings of a typical family of the era and follows a seasonal story line depicting life in South Kitsap. The displays are changed regularly.

Sidney Art Gallery and Museum

202 Sidney Ave., Port Orchard

Sidney Art Gallery offers visitors a place to find art treasures crafted by local renowned and emerging artists. The gallery features a monthly exhibition of works by Northwest artists, from brilliant stained glass creations to nostalgic watercolor paintings. Creative gifts are offered for all occasions, including original paintings, prints, pottery, sculptures, wood carvings, metal and iron work, blown glass and jewelry. Stop in to see the creative work by regional artists.

Suquamish Museum

6861 NE South St., Suquamish

Located in the historic waterfront community home to Chief Seattle’s Gravesite, the House of Awakened Culture and the Old Man House Park, the Suquamish Museum teaches visitors about the culture of the Suquamish and Coast Salish Tribes. The facility opened in 2012 and features the Ancient Shores-Changing Tides exhibit that envelopes visitors in a forest-like environment. The objects in the museum are on loan from Suquamish families to authentically teach about the Suquamish culture. Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Kitsap County

Originally called Slaughter County, what is now known as Kitsap County was officially formed on Jan. 16, 1857. It was initially named for Lt. William Alloway Slaughter, who was killed in the Yakima War. Unfortunately for the lieutenant, Kitsap County was renamed in July 1857 when the county held its first election and voters opted to rename it. After the people had spoken, it was decided that Kitsap County

would bear the namesake of Chief Kitsap of the Suquamish Tribe. Museums across the county offer visitors the opportunity to learn about Kitsap County’s rich history. Tribal education centers also provide an opportunity to learn about the residents of Kitsap County who have lived here since before the arrival of those with European heritage.

Naval Undersea Museum

1 Garnett Way, Keyport

Focusing on the unique history of undersea warfare and exploration, the Naval Undersea Museum offers visitors a plentiful series of exhibits, artifacts and even the control room from USS Greenling. Learn about torpedoes (built and tested in Keyport), submarines, sea mines, early divers and much more. Outdoor exhibits showcase deep-sea vehicles, sure to interest anyone with a curiosity for naval history or a thirst for undersea knowledge.

USS Turner Joy

300 Washington Beach Ave., Bremerton

This Vietnam-era U.S. Navy destroyer was the first permanent and publicly accessible naval heritage and educational

ship attraction in the Northwest. The ship can be toured from stem to stern and from boiler to bridge. The Turner Joy is also available for private tours, banquets and youth group overnight stays.

House of Knowledge

31912 Little Boston Road NE. Kingston

The Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe’s House of Knowledge features four integrated buildings with a spectacular collection of Native American carvings and art. The 5,700-square-foot longhouse is used as a ceremonial space and for weddings and events and can accommodate up to 400 people. All one room, the longhouse features a central performance area surrounded by seating.

Chief Sealth’s Grave

7076 NE South St., Suquamish

Seattle was named for Suquamish Chief Si âl (Sealth), who became known as Chief Seattle. The chief’s gravesite is in the small community of Suquamish and overlooks Puget Sound. Sealth’s grave was also renovated and rededicated on Veterans Day 2010.

Discover the history

Officially formed Jan. 16, 1857, Kitsap County has a long and storied history. For starters, Kitsap County used to be called Slaughter County, in honor of Lt. William Alloway Slaughter, who was killed in 1855 in the Yakima War. But the name Slaughter County lasted only seven months — in the first election, on July 13, 1857, voters had the opportunity to rename the county to Kitsap, for Chief Kitsap of the Suquamish Tribe. Now, residents and visitors to the Kitsap Peninsula have plenty of chances to learn about the ensuing 160 years in museums throughout the county, as well as the history of individual communities and the naval presence in Kitsap County.

U.S. Navy

Since 1892, the U.S. Navy has been a prominent presence on the Kitsap Peninsula. The large bays and channels provide a strategic location and serve as great assets for the Navy. The Puget Sound Naval Shipyard is the Pacific Northwest’s largest naval shore facility and one of Washington state’s largest industrial installations. Naval Base Kitsap was created in 2004 and merges the former Naval Station Bremerton and Naval Submarine Base Bangor. The mission of Naval Base Kitsap is to serve as the home base for the Navy’s fleet throughout western Puget Sound and to provide base operating services, including support for both surface ships and fleet ballistic missile and other nuclear submarines having their home ports at Bremerton and Bangor.

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard Memorial Plaza

250 First St., Bremerton. This is a 2.2-acre park in busy downtown Bremerton, near the ferry dock and the Naval Museum. It’s a place for a relaxing walk in the middle of a bustling city while learning about the various contributions the local shipyard has made to the city and the nation. There are a number of statues, informative plaques and seating areas for the public as well as a few fountains to cool off on a warm day.

Puget Sound Navy Museum

251 First St., Bremerton. This museum has collected, preserved and interpreted the naval heritage of the Pacific Northwest, documenting life on the sea, pivotal moments for the Navy in Puget Sound and the history of the Naval Shipyard. Features of the museum include the captain’s steering wheel, a collection of Japanese swords, a sea mine, Russian uniforms and an exhibit about the USS John C. Stennis nuclear-powered supercarrier.

Kitsap County Veterans Memorial

3337 NW Byron on the Silverdale waterfront. The Homebuilders Association of Kitsap County worked with other community organizations to build this park, honoring all who served in any era. It is one of the few memorials to honor all six branches of service, including Merchant Marines.

Silverdale Waterfront Park offers great views and is a perfect location to reflect on what veterans have done for our country. The memorial also honors Henry R. Johnson, a World War I veteran from Silverdale who lost his life in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.

Suquamish Veterans Memorial Park

19200-19298 Suquamish Way NE, Suquamish. Set in a natural landscape of native plants, this 9,000-square-foot space reflects the traditional Big House architecture of the Coast Salish and houses the tribe’s collection of artifacts, photographs and manuscripts. Thick wood pillars are displayed on the outside of the museum, one representing Chief Sealth and another representing Chief Kitsap. The public area offers permanent and temporary exhibition spaces, research space, education rooms and a museum store. 

sports Be a champion!

Kitsap County is home to several local sports clubs consisting of amateur and junior athletes. Games are affordable, so bringing the entire family out to the game is no problem.

Golf

As you might expect with the stunning natural beauty of the Kitsap Peninsula, Kitsap is home to several excellent golf courses and is becoming known state- and nationwide as a great place to golf. Courses feature beautiful views of the Olympic Mountains, towering trees and perfectly green grass, thanks to all the rain.

White Horse originally opened in 2007 and was rated one of America’s best new courses that year by Golf Digest, thanks to its beautiful natural surroundings and incredibly high degree of difficulty. The course was originally designed by Cynthia Dye McGarey, a famous course designer. The course fell into foreclosure due to the 2008 economic crash (the golf course was one part of a larger development), but was rescued by the Suquamish Tribe and has flourished since. It’s a challenging course, but lower-skilled players will still find it a fun place to play. Located at 22795 Three Lions Place, Kingston. For more information, visit whitehorsegolf.com.

Gold Mountain is home to two municipalowned golf courses. The Cascade course opened in 1971 and is the flatter and more beginner-friendly of the two courses, with plenty of driving area on the fairway and

easier conditions surrounding the greens. The Olympic course opened in 1996 and has hosted college and junior amateur tournaments. Located at 7263 West Belfair Road, Bremerton. Visit goldmountaingolf. com for more information.

McCormick Woods is an 18-hole course built in 1986 southwest of downtown Port Orchard and features natural lakes and huge fir and cedar trees. Each hole has five sets of tees to challenge players of all skill levels. Located at 5515 McCormick Woods Drive SW, Port Orchard. Visit mccormickwoodsgolf.com for more information.

Trophy Lake is an 18-hole, 7,200-yard course that has been ranked on several lists for top golf courses in Washington state by Golfweek and the USGA over the past decade. The course has views of Mount Rainier and the Olympic Range, and offers plenty of risk and reward for golfers, with large greens and plenty of deep bunkers. Visit trophylakegolf.com for more information. Located at 3900 SW Lake Flora Road, Port Orchard.

Rolling Hills in Bremerton, an 18-hole course opened in 1972, is shorter than most courses, but has plenty of challenging holes with some blind tee shots and tight fairways. Located at 2485 NE McWilliams Road, Bremerton. Visit rollinghills-golfcourse.com for more information.

On Bainbridge Island you can golf at Wing Point or Meadowmeer Golf & Country Clubs

Soccer

If you are looking for a fun and affordable game to watch in the county, head down to Port Orchard and watch the brand new Port Orchard FC, an amateur team in the Cascadia Premier League. Games will take place at South Kitsap High School from April-July. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for youth ages 6-18, and free for ages 5 and under. The team will have five home games with some of the best local talent in the county.

Basketball

There are several basketball gyms open during the week all year long for anyone to play across the county. On Bainbridge Island, the parks department opens the Commodore Options School gymnasium on Tuesday nights from about 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. to play pickup basketball.

In Suquamish, you may be able to play pickup basketball at the Suquamish Tribal Gym on a few weeknights. If you are in Silverdale or Bremerton, you can play at Haselwood or Bremerton Family YMCA; They run from the afternoon to evening every day.

Ice Hockey

The West Sound Admirals, a junior hockey team, play their home games October through March at the Bremerton Ice Center. For more information, go to wsadmirals.com.

Public ice skating at the Bremerton Ice

No matter what time of year it is, Kitsap County offers plenty of options for the sports ENTHUSIAST

Center is open during most afternoons. There are a handful of hockey opportunities as well. You can either take part in Stick n’ Puck or join a youth or adult league. The Stick n’ Puck is a $10 drop in fee where anyone can bring their blades, hockey stick pucks and free play on the ice rink with friends and others. The leagues take place a few times a week. Lastly, the rink provides times for figure skating. To find the most accurate schedule, visit bremertonicecenter.com.

Rodeo

Kitsap County Stampede is a can’tmiss event that takes place Aug. 23-27 at Thunderbird Arena & Stadium at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds in East Bremerton. Eight separate events, including steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding and barrel racing, are held nightly.

Pickleball

If you are looking to play pickleball the

best spot is where it began, Bainbridge Island. Whenever the sun is out, the Battle Point Park founders Courts are busy with all types of pickleball players. It doesn’t matter if you are by yourself and brand new or going with a group of veterans, there are always opportunities to play at Battle Point. The best part is it’s free and people are very welcoming. You can play at Battle Point seven days a week from dawn to dusk.

When it’s pouring rain, you can travel nearby to the Bainbridge Island Recreation Center. If you are a member, it is free. Otherwise, you pay a $7 fee as an adult and play within the gymnasium with several people.

Other places to play pickleball include YMCA , Bremerton Lions Park, Kingston Tennis Courts and more.

Hockey/skating

Bremerton Ice Center provides several programs at the ice rink. First, Bremerton Ice Center provides public ice skating

during most afternoons. There are a handful of hockey opportunities as well. You can either take part in Stick n’ Puck or join a youth or adult league.

The Stick n’ Puck is a $10 drop in fee where anyone can bring their blades, hockey stick pucks and free play on the ice rink with friends and others. The leagues take place a few times a week. Lastly, the rink provides times for figure skating. To find the most accurate schedule, visit bremertonicecenter.com.

Kayaking

If you are looking to kayak, paddle or boat onto the water, check out Exotic Aquatics Scuba and Kayaking on Bainbridge Island or Olympic Outdoor Center, with locations in downtown Poulsbo and Port Gamble. You can take classes, rent kayaks and gear, and go on guided trips and much more. 

Getting there how to travel to your destination

Washington State Ferries

The best way to get to the Kitsap Peninsula is by ferry. Drive or walk onto the Bainbridge Island or Bremerton ferries operated by Washington State Ferries from Colman Dock in Seattle. The Bainbridge-Seattle route is about 35 minutes long and the Bremerton-Seattle run is about 60 minutes. There are also ferries running between Kingston and Edmonds (30 minutes) and Fauntleroy (West Seattle), Vashon Island and Southworth (south of Port Orchard, 40 minutes). Kitsap Transit also offers passengeronly service to Bremerton and Kingston from Seattle.

Fast Ferries

Kitsap Transit has instituted passenger-only ferry service to and from downtown Seattle to Bremerton, Kingston and Southworth. The fast-ferry sailings generally run on weekdays during daytime hours, so visit the Kitsap Transit website at kitsaptransit.com for details.

Highways

Highway 3 is the main thoroughfare through Kitsap County, and it connects Poulsbo to Silverdale and Bremerton. It merges with Route 104, which leads to the Hood Canal Bridge and the Olympic Peninsula at its northern terminus and runs south and west to Shelton in Mason County. Highway 3 also links up with Highway 16 in Gorst, which runs through Pierce County across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge to Tacoma. Highway 3 also connects to 305, which runs to the Bainbridge Island ferry at Eagle Harbor.

Bus Service

Kitsap Transit has routed bus service serving Bainbridge Island, Poulsbo, Kingston, Suquamish, Silverdale, Bremerton and Port Orchard. Bus routes are designed to connect with one another as well as the local foot ferries, fast ferries and Washington State Ferries vessels. To board a bus, have either the exact change in the fare box — bills and coins are accepted — or tap an ORCA card. Make sure to ask the driver for a transfer if you need one. Routes No. 1 and 2 serve as a fast-ferry express for those arriving in Bremerton as a carless passenger. Route 1 goes to the North Viking Transfer Station in Poulsbo and Route 2 goes to Ridgetop Boulevard in Silverdale, which can then be taken to the nearby Kitsap Mall.

Route No. 90 serves the Bainbridge Island Ferry terminal, bringing passengers to Poulsbo. Route No. 91 serves commuters between the Kingston ferry terminal and the Bainbridge ferry terminal. See the Kitsap Transit website for details and more routes.

Hood Canal Floating Bridge

Approximately 1.4 miles long and is an important connector to Jefferson County and the Olympic Peninsula. The only other way around is a three-hour drive down Route 3 through Belfair to Shelton, where it intersects with Highway 101, which runs north and south along the western side of the Hood Canal. It is the thirdlongest floating bridge in the world and the longest one situated on saltwater. The bridge links Kitsap County to the Olympic Peninsula and Olympic National Park. It is a non-toll road, but drivers not familiar with the area should check the bridge’s status ahead of time since it does open for marine traffic, which can cause delays.

Foot ferry service from Bremerton to Port Orchard

Carlisle II was in operation back in the days of the Puget Sound Mosquito Fleet and celebrated its 100th birthday in 2017. It’s one of few remaining vessels of a fleet of boats of that historic group. Carlisle II is now a floating museum with black and white photos in the interior. The vessel was built in Bellingham in 1917 and originally operated there, running between the city and Lummi Island. It was then bought and used to make the short trip across Sinclair Inlet between Port Orchard and Bremerton, where the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard grew its operation during World War II. This was an important route because the drive around the inlet between the two cities took double the time. Carlisle II is now owned and operated by Kitsap Transit and still makes the Port Orchard-Bremerton run as a foot ferry, often used by commuters. Crossing takes approximately 12 minutes. There is also a foot ferry to Bremerton from Annapolis, which takes about five minutes. 

On the Web:

` Washington State Ferries: wsdot.wa.gov/ferries

` Kitsap Transit Fast Ferries: kitsapferries.com/discoverkitsap

` Puget Sound Travel Area Alerts: wsdot.com/traffic/trafficalers/ PugetSound.aspx

` Kitsap Transit Foot Ferry: kitsaptransit.com/service/foot-ferry#

` Kitsap Transit Buses: kitsaptransit.com/service/routed-buses