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It's easy to find information about different neighborhoods of Seattle and surrounding suburbs, but I'm wondering if anybody could share some knowledge about the different areas or neighborhoods of Bainbridge Island in particular, and neighboring areas including the cities to the North (Kingston, Poulsbo, Indianola, etc).
I'm also curious about Port Orchard, Gig Harbor, Manchester, Vashon Island and Whidbey Island.
My particular situation is that I work from home and don't have any need to commute. I do like living somewhat nearby Seattle, for cultural happenings once in a while, because I'm vegan and I like Seattle's variety of vegan-friendly restaurants. Other things that are important are quality of schools, school programs especially in the arts and technology, community and small-town feel, and walkability to a trail system, beaches or downtown area.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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Originally Posted by klezmer41
It's easy to find information about different neighborhoods of Seattle and surrounding suburbs, but I'm wondering if anybody could share some knowledge about the different areas or neighborhoods of Bainbridge Island in particular, and neighboring areas including the cities to the North (Kingston, Poulsbo, Indianola, etc).
I'm also curious about Port Orchard, Gig Harbor, Manchester, Vashon Island and Whidbey Island.
My particular situation is that I work from home and don't have any need to commute. I do like living somewhat nearby Seattle, for cultural happenings once in a while, because I'm vegan and I like Seattle's variety of vegan-friendly restaurants. Other things that are important are quality of schools, school programs especially in the arts and technology, community and small-town feel, and walkability to a trail system, beaches or downtown area.
Anywhere on Bainbridge is good, but I'd want to be at the south end if you want to walk to shops and restaurants. Whidbey has more of a difference between areas, some noisy from the air base. My recommendation (which I make a lot) is Poulsbo for fitting your needs. Not far to major shopping in Silverdale or to the ferry to Seattle, great little downtown, and strong community with many local events, some art related. While not really bad, Port Orchard, Gig Harbor, & Manchester will not have the best schools and don't really have the small town community feel. Very small downtowns with some subdivisions and a lot of homes spread out all over, and a few big box stores. Kingston is probably just too small. I'm not familiar with Vashon, never had a reason to go there.
If your interest is beaches and trails, North Kitsap is currently developing and expanding its current trail system, and will include some waterfront/beaches. Locals call it the "String of Pearls" and has access points from several locations in North Kitsap:
In addition to sailing and kayaking, a big sport around here is stand up paddleboarding (SUP). Three places in NK rent: Olympic Outdoor Center in both Poulsbo and Port Gamble, and Kingston Adventures.
Some info on NK communities:
Poulsbo: the largest community and only incorporated city. Strong Norwegian ties (in fact, Viking Fest is happening as I type this--3rd weekend in May). Cute downtown area, "Little Norway," less than mile long along Front Street with dining, coffee, antiques, and specialty markets (check out Marina Market). Larger shopping centers are located at Poulsbo Village and Olhava (WalMart, Home Depot, Big 5, Petco). Central Market is awesome, and Safeway will open soon. Home of North Kitsap High School Vikings with a school population of around 1,100 students. Urban trail development program in process (http://www.cityofpoulsbo.com/parks/d...2012_FINAL.pdf).
Kingston: next largest. More of a bedroom community and ferry pass-through. More limited shopping options--Albertson's grocery is the largest store, but Kingston has its own small downtown with restaurants (and a brewpub opening soon), a hardware store, and a wonderful small town two-screen movie theater (Firehouse). Home of the Kingston High School Buccaneers with a school population of around 850. The school opened in 2007. KHS was just awarded a Silver Medal (top 7% of all US High Schools) by US News & World Report's Best High School's survey for the second year in a row. A trail system is in place in Kingston, established by Kitsap PUD: TRAILS - Kingston98346.org
Hansville/Eglon/Driftwood Keys: Bedroom community with limited services. The Point Casino (operated by S'Klallam Little Boston Tribe) is the largest activity in the area and is planning to build a hotel. Two quick marts, one at the Casino and one in Hansville. Hansville is also the location of Point No Point Lighthouse, oldest in Puget Sound. Feeds to Kingston High School.
Indianola/Suquamish/Miller Bay: Offers docks for water sports. Suquamish "downtown" has more services (auto repair, restaurants, frame shop). Just outside of Suquamish on Hwy. 305 is the Clearwater Casino & Resort. Fun summer festivals: Indianola Days in July and Chief Seattle Days in August. White Horse Golf Course (operated by Suquamish Tribe) is nearby. School boundaries changed last year, but most go to Kingston High School.
Keyport/Lemolo/Scandia: Home to part of Naval Base Kitsap, so definite military presence. Limited services, good restaurants. Not too far from Poulsbo for more shopping/activity options. Feeds into North Kitsap High School.
Port Gamble/Breidablik/Lofall: Port Gamble is a cute touristy area, with small specialty stores and two museums. Homes in old town Port Gamble are owned by OPG but are available for rent. Plans for more housing developments are in the works. Feeds into Kingston High School. Breidablik and Lofall are definite bedroom communities, and home to Kitsap Memorial State Park. Breidablik Elementary School was closed last year, so students are bused to Vinland in Poulsbo or Wolfle in Kingston. Feeds into either high school, depending on which side of Big Valley Road they are living.
Hope that helps as you start your search.
Last edited by prosin; 05-17-2014 at 03:01 PM..
Reason: Corrected spelling of Breidablik
I am a vegan that lives in Kingston but hangs out on Bainbridge Island because there are maybe more like minded vegetarian vegan folk and generally Eco-minded living there. Our kid goes to school on the island because the school system is better funded and the student to teacher ratio is higher as well. It is a fantastic place to be. Only moments away from the Seattle by boat and yet moments from the Olympics and others trails by car. Win win. Boating kayaking paddle boarding, indoor rock climbing...I could go on and on art museum.
Here is some information I recently sent to a client I was working with that was into cycling.
while I do not have any new listings for you I do have a few Bainbridge Island biking links for you. The first link is about the annual Chilly Hilly held in February by the Cascade Bike Club in Seattle. It is a 33 mile fund raiser that supports local charities. Here are some pictures of the bikes coming over on the ferry. The whole island step up to support this with a chili feed and of course many local bikers ride as well.
[url=http://www.bainbridgechamber.com/default.aspx?ID=172]Chilly Hilly Bicycle Ride | Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce[/url]
On island is the Classic Cycle not only rents seeks and maintains bicycles, but they also have a Museum. It is really a top rate shop. Ido visit you could arrange to rent some bikes, they are very accommodating.
[url=http://classiccycleus.com/home/]Classic Cycle Bainbridge Island Bike Shop[/url]
A local Bainbridge Island bike club named Squeaky Wheels can be found here. Please click around and find the Map. It is a handy resource.
[url=http://www.squeakywheels.org]Squeaky Wheels[/url]
Here is why I believe Bainbridge Island is a special town.
1. About the weather, while you did not inquire, being a fan of all things meteorological, I could not pass up sharing two of my favorite websites. Because you are active and enjoy the outdoors these are must have links in the NW.
Day-day forecasts:
[url=http://www.komonews.com/weather/?mobile=y]Seattle Weather Forecast, Radar and Satellite | KOMO News[/url]
Major weather events and long term picture:
[url=http://cliffmass.blogspot.com]Cliff Mass Weather Blog[/url]
2. Location and community. The distinct geography that defines the island has developed a unique tightly woven community. Because it is not backed up against other neighborhoods it has a very distinct identity. Which I would described it using key words such as urban, international, athletic, organic, environmental, by locally, educational, artistic, nautical, culinary, support local farmers, progressive. But not necessarily in that order.
As far at the Main Street goes, well that is where the magic happens. Three years ago the main street in Winslow underwent a redesign that added planters and rain gardens to improve pedestrian safety by keeping the cars away. Wider sidewalks and street furniture create community gathering areas. The other day I came across this charming gentleman:
The redesign also included an entire new infrastructure underground, all-new sewer and water, and stormwater collection where we really had none. The new street has several other features aimed at treating stormwater. Nine rain gardens use soil and plant root systems to naturally absorb and filter water flowing from the street surface and channeled in through pipes.
Here is a great blog post on a walking tour of Winslow Bainbridge island on the Main Street and some of the businesses. Great photos, very accurate descriptions.
[url=http://seattleflyerguy.blogspot.com/2012/02/walking-downtown-bainbridge-island-and.html]SeattleFlyerGuy's All-Purpose Travel Blog: Walking Downtown Bainbridge Island (and Taking a Look at Their New Complete Street)[/url]
Of course Seattle is moments away by the Washington state ferries (~35minutes) by the schedule.
[url=http://www.restaurantmarchebainbridge.com]Restaurant Marche - Pacific NW Bistro located in Winslow, Bainbridge Island[/url]
[url=http://www.fourswallows.com]The Four Swallows Restaurant Bainbridge Island- Reservations 206-842-3397[/url]
There is casual izakaya food at Tokoyo tapas. I know don't let the name throw you it just opened. It is getting high marks.
[url=http://www.yelp.com/biz/tokyo-tapas-bainbridge-island]Tokyo Tapas - Bainbridge Island, WA | Yelp[/url]
Cafe Nola has a full service bar and wonderful food. My hubby and I enjoyed a great meal and drinks there just the other evening.
[url=http://cafenola.com/menus/dinner.htm]Cafe Nola | Dinner Menu[/url]
Bainbridge Brewing has a great social scene & trivia time that is very fun.
[url=http://www.bainbridgebeer.com/index.php]Bainbridge Island Brewing Company - Island Crafted Ales[/url]
The Harbour Public House is a wonderful place that hold an open mic on Tuesday night that my friend Todd Houghton hosts. He is very entertaining and I highly recommend attending.
[url=http://harbourpub.com]The Harbour Public House - Heritage and Hospitality On Tap[/url]
Two movie theaters are on the island, the historic Lynnwood theater is currently holding its15th Annual Celluloid Bainbridge Film Festival.
And a larger venue in the main town of Winslow has all the the current offerings.
[url=http://www.farawayentertainment.com/venue/bainbridge-cinemas/]Bainbridge Cinemas » Far Away Entertainment[/url]
The community is just completing the construction of the Bainbridge Art Museum. The building alone is a work of art. Plus they have a wonderful bistro that has a lovely lunch.
[url=http://www.biartmuseum.org/home/]Home | Bainbridge Island Museum of Art[/url]
I must include the Blodel Reserve. Which is the jewel of the island. A horticulturalist's dream.
[url=http://www.bloedelreserve.org]The Bloedel Reserve – an award-winning public garden on Bainbridge Island « Bloedel Reserve[/url]
A variety of fitness centers abound. From racquet clubs and yoga studios hot or not.
[url=http://www.island-fitness.com]Island Fitness | Bringing strength, flexibility, and balance to Bainbridge Island.[/url]
[url=http://crossfitoutcome.com]Starting CrossFit | CrossFit Outcome | A Bainbridge Island Gym[/url]
[url=http://www.bainbridgeyogahouse.com]Welcome to BYH | Home[/url]
Now on the subject of Wholefoods. While we do not have WF on the island we have a a company called Town and Country. Which is very close to whole foods it is the anchor business in Winslow. It is going through a huge expansion/ makeover over the next few years. It has a much larger sister store in Poulsbo 7-8 mile west of Bainbridge across the Agate Pass bridge. They boast a large array of local fresh organic ingredients and have similar products to whole foods. At Central Market If they don't have it you can ask them to carry it and they will order it for you.
[url=http://townandcountrymarkets.com/bainbridge-market/]Bainbridge Market | Town and Country Markets[/url]
[url=http://central-market.com/poulsbo/]Central Market Poulsbo | Central Market[/url]
The local food scene is BIG on BI. Here is a link to the Farmers Market.
3. Parks and recreation. On that score we have many trails to explore and the back roads of the island are wonderful for biking. Many islanders sport this bumper sticker, most observe it.
Here is a link to many of the fantastic trails we have on the island. The grand forest is a great place to mushroom hunt, this year chanterelles were very popular, the forest has a high canopy indicative of the great northwest. I have attached a map of the trial system after the link. While there is much to explore on island there are even more off island hikes that are only moments away from Agate Pass as well. I could carry on here but I should push forward.
[url=http://biparks.org/parksandfacilities/pkparks_info.html]Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District[/url]
The Bainbridge Island aquatic center has two pools. One is cooler for serious lap swimmers and there is a dive tank, lazy river, hot tub, steam room and sauna as well. It has a UV cleaning system in the older lap pool. It is a wonderful facility. They have a variety of aquatic classes as well.
[url=http://www.biparks.org/parksandfacilities/ifaquaticscenter.html]Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District[/url]
4. Airport transport.
Really this should be no more 80 minutes tops even in bad traffic unless you are traveling during a major sporting event in Seattle. Commute from home + ferry + towncar = 5+35+20=60 give or take 20% based on traffic. Also the light rail is always available should the highways be backed up.
[url=http://www.centurycarservice.com]Century Car Service | Seattle Town Car | Seattle Airport Transportation[/url]
[url=http://www.soundtransit.org/rider-guide/popular-destinations/airport-service]Transit to/ from the Airport - SoundTransit[/url]
There is so much I was not able to include that I hope I have the opportunity to spend some time showing you around all the nooks and crannies of the island. It really is a wonderful place to live.
So far my experience is mainly Emmy's Vege House - they are going to get tired of seeing my face.
Town & Country was pretty much the most amazing supermarket I've ever seen... until I stepped foot into Central Market. Whole Foods has a lot to learn...
Last edited by klezmer41; 05-20-2014 at 12:35 AM..
So far my experience is mainly Emmy's Vege House - they are going to get tired of seeing my face.
Town & Country was pretty much the most amazing supermarket I've ever seen... until I stepped foot into Central Market. Whole Foods has a lot to learn...
Yes, Central Market is great, I stop there every time I pass through Poulsbo. There's one in north Seattle, too but it's not as big.
Whole foods is a sign that a town is about to loose it's "magic"... You still have your "magic".
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North Kitsap Communities
