When you’re craving island time, head north to the Pacific Northwest. On a recent trip, I discovered the beauty of the Kitsap Peninsula (VisitKitsap.com) and Bainbridge Island (VisitBainbridgeIsland.org). Kitsap Peninsula proclaims it is “the Natural Side of Puget Sound” and you see that when you visit. The pace is slower. Time seems to be relative. The natural beauty surrounds you. It is a place to stop and smell the flowers. With multiple 3-hour nonstop flights from Phoenix to Seattle each day, you can be living on island time by the end of the day.
Getting There is Part of the Fun
After landing at SeaTac airport, you can grab a rideshare to take you to the Seattle Ferry Terminal. You can walk on or drive your car. Grab a beverage onboard and watch Seattle slip away as you approach the tree-covered islands in the distance. It takes about 35 minutes to cross Puget Sound, arriving at the historic main street on Bainbridge Island.
Exploring Bainbridge Island
When you arrive at the ferry station on Bainbridge, you’ll find yourself on Winslow Way, the island’s historic main street. I recommend starting off with a great cup of coffee. Pegasus Coffee, located a block off Winslow, opened on the island in 1980. This is coffee the way coffee is meant to be served—locally roasted, freshly brewed and poured with love. Don’t forget to sample one of the donuts while you’re there!
Back on Winslow Way, you can spend the day wandering through shops, galleries and boutiques. Step into Bainbridge Arts & Crafts (BACART.org) to get a feel for the art culture on the Island. The nonprofit gallery supports more than 200 local artists and provides art education to more than 10,000 youth, adults and seniors each year.
If you’re looking to pick up a snack, stop into Mora Iced Creamery for ice cream made using local and sustainably sourced ingredients. Or perhaps you’d like local fudge and truffles from Bon Bon or the most amazing croissants this side of France at Coquette Bake Shop.
Art is a way of life on Bainbridge Island, and you can mingle with artisans, artists and craftsmen at the First Friday Art Walk and the Bainbridge Island Moonlight Market, which runs from 5 to 9 p.m. on the first Friday of each month from May through October.
History and Nature on Bainbridge Island
The Americans of Japanese heritage living on Bainbridge Island were the first to be forcibly removed from their homes and sent to internment camps during World War II. Visit the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial for a beautiful yet somber look at the impact of the war on this small community.
To experience the natural beauty of Bainbridge Island, wander the beautiful grounds at Bloedel Reserve (BloedelReserve.org). I recommend you take time to walk the Orchid Trail, tour the residence and explore the Japanese guest house.
Eating and Sleeping on Bainbridge Island
You can count on great food while you’re in the Pacific Northwest. I recommend Bruciato (PizzeriaBruciato.com) for dinner. The restaurant is owned by James Beard nominee Brendan McGill. He pulls many of the restaurant’s ingredients either from Italy, his own farm on the island or other local sources. My Neapolitan-inspired wood-fired pizza featured mushrooms foraged from the Olympic Peninsula. Make sure you get an order of the meatballs—you won’t regret it!
For a real treat, book one of the weekly community dinners at Heyday Farm (HeydayFarm.com). Owners Tadao and Tifanie Mitsui serve the most amazing locally-sourced meals in an exquisite garden setting. The dahlias were in bloom during my visit and strolling the gardens with a glass of Washington wine before eating was pure bliss.
After so much exploring, you’re going to want a great place to rest. I recommend The Inn at Pleasant Beach Village (PleasantBeachVillage.com). The hotel sits on beautiful, manicured grounds, just a block from the waterfront. It is in a walkable village with great dining and shopping options. The rooms are comfortable and welcoming with a fireplace and a beautiful patio or balcony.
Exploring Kitsap Peninsula
Head north off Bainbridge Island and cross the Agate Passage Bridge to Kitsap Peninsula. I recommend stopping at Suquamish Museum (suquamish.nsn.us), which sits just north of the bridge. The museum is a great introduction to the area and the Suquamish People.
Head to the northern tip of Kitsap Peninsula to visit Point No Point Lighthouse. While you can’t climb the lighthouse, you can kick off your shoes and walk in the sand, watching the locals fish. Keep your eyes peeled—you might spot whales just off the shore here.
You won’t want to miss the town of Port Gamble (PortGamble.com), which has one of the most intriguing histories ever. The entire town, now a 120-acre National Historic Landmark, began as a company town in 1853 for the Talbot & Pope sawmill. It remained in operation until the end of 1995. The town is now owned entirely by Rayonier Inc., which acquired Pope & Talbot in 2020. The company keeps Port Gamble to showcase the local and company history.
You can wander through restored buildings now serving as restaurants and shops. Visit Port Gamble Historic Museum, which accurately portrays life in Port Gamble. I recommend stopping for lunch at Butcher & Baker Provisions (ButcherandBakerProvisions.com). The fried chicken sandwich is unforgettable!
I adore the little town of Poulsbo, dubbed “Little Norway” for its Norwegian heritage. Wander through little shops and eat your way down the main street. Stop by Slippery Pig Brewery (SlipperyPigBrewery.com) for great beer, food and Puget Sound views.
I also enjoyed Poulsbo Maritime Museum (PoulsboHistory.com/Poulsbo-maritime-museum), which details the area’s rich maritime history, covering everything from water sports and commercial fishing to ferries and logging.
Your island time in the Pacific Northwest will show you the beauty of Puget Sound and leave you wanting to explore more.