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Unique Movie Theaters in Our Area
Many interesting movie theaters in our area have a long, rich history and offer a variety of movies for patrons to enjoy. Whether you want to watch a newly released blockbuster, take in an independent film, or attend a special event, here are some great places to check out.
Firehouse Theater in Kingston, WA
This business earned its name because it is located in a historic firehouse in downtown Kingston. It specializes in first-run, independent, foreign language, documentary, and classic films. With only two screens, it is an intimate venue with many movie conveniences such as concessions, real butter popcorn, beer, wine, and seltzer. Check out their website to see what’s playing.
Special screenings include $7 tickets on Wednesdays, open-caption screenings on Monday afternoons, and Inside the Art House viewings. Inside the Art House is a new video podcast that discusses the insider’s perspective of filmmaking, hosted by Greg Laemmle and Raphael Sbarge.
Drive-in Theaters in Port Townsend and Bremerton
If you’re looking for a fun flashback, consider going to these drive-in movie theaters. Port Townsend’s Wheel-In Motor Movie has been open since 1952. It invites guests to come watch the stars under the stars. Guests listen to the movie through an FM radio station, so make sure yours is in good working order. They also offer a concession stand. Check out their Facebook page and website for current and upcoming showings.
The Rodeo Drive-In Theater in Bremerton is another blast from the past. Established in 1949, it is the largest drive-in theater in the Pacific Northwest with three screens. Each screening includes two first-run features. It’s a great way to watch those newly released blockbusters. Guests can also grab a bite to eat at their concessions stand or take advantage of online ordering for pick-up at a specific time. Check out their website and Facebook page for current showings.
Anderson School Theater in Bothell
If you want to travel a bit (or even make a weekend of it), consider the Anderson School Theater in Bothell. Hop on the ferry from Kingston to Edmonds, and take a short drive to the McMenamins at Anderson School. This McMenamins location offers not only a theater but also a hotel, restaurants, and even a pool.
The theater has an old-world charm. You can order pizza, burgers, drinks, and beer from their brewery, which can all be delivered to your seats in the theater. If you need any hearing or visual accommodations during the show, let a theater employee know. They have closed caption devices and two unique headphone sets. One set amplifies the volume of the dialogue in the movie. Another headphone set describes the scenery and action to those with visual impairments.
Admiral Theater in Bremerton
The Admiral Theater in Bremerton hosts a mix of live theater and movie showings. Their live entertainment includes a wide variety of musical and comedic acts. However, their movie screenings often feature nostalgic films from the past that align with the season for only $5 a ticket. Check out their 2024-25 season brochure for a full list of performances and movie showings at this unique venue.
Roxy Theatre in Bremerton
The Roxy Theatre in Bremerton is the only nonprofit arthouse cinema in Kitsap County. At the Roxy, you can enjoy a mix of movies and live events, including live music. It first opened in 1941, and legends like Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby performed there. After falling into disrepair in the 1980s, it has since been revitalized by the Roxy Bremerton Nonprofit Foundation. Now, it plays movies every day and even caught the eye of the Seattle Times, which recognized its rich history and current offerings.
Blue Mouse Theater in Tacoma
The Blue Mouse Theater in Tacoma’s Proctor District opened in 1923. Over 100 years old, it is the oldest continuously operating theater in Washington state. It has a fascinating history and now aspires to be a community space. In addition to movie showings, it is also available for rent for events, performances, and private parties.
The theater shows first and second-run movies. In addition, it hosts monthly film events. For example, Anime Theater happens on the first Friday of the month. If you’re really into scary movies, Friday Night Frights is a long-standing tradition at the theater. It shows a horror film every 3rd Friday of the month beginning at 10:00 PM. The theater also has your standard concession items for sale, along with beer and wine.
Port Gamble Theater in Port Gamble (Coming Soon)
Port Gamble Theater is also looking to offer a mix of live theater and cinema. In August of 2024, they announced on Facebook that they are working on bringing cinema back to this historic theater. After hosting the Port Townsend Film Festival, they declared they are fundraising for capital improvements to bring this vision to life. Donations can be made here.
We’re fortunate to have many great entertainment options to relive cinematic history, enjoy a current hit, or experience a unique night out. If you want to explore our area further, check out our Guide to Kitsap.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants, Great Pet Shops & Parks
Looking to explore the area with your furry, four-legged friend? There are many dog-friendly restaurants, pet shops, and parks in Kitsap County. Check out these great places, listed by city below.
Kingston
The Kingston Ale House and D’Vine Bistro are both steps from the ferries to Edmonds and Seattle, and they both offer outdoor seating that your dog can enjoy. Another option is Over the Moon Coffee Roasters, which also permits dogs on their patio. Just a few blocks up the road, Downpour Brewing loves dogs so much that they have a Polaroid wall of local dogs. You’ll often see many sweet pups there while watching a game or listening to live music. Many dogs love stopping at The Cup & Muffin, a tasty drive-thru with fresh bagel sandwiches, salads, coffee, and more. Why do dogs love it? The friendly staff there are known for giving dogs treats.
If you’re looking for a spot to let your dog run, check out Kola Kole Park or A Quiet Place Park. A Quiet Place Park is a wooded trail up the hill from downtown, whereas Kola Kole is closer to the ferry, grassy and open. Adjacent to the ferry terminal, Saltair Beach is a beautiful place to let dogs play. Please remember to clean up after your pets and follow all posted signage and rules regarding leashes.
If you live in the area and need products, grooming, or training services for your pup, visit the locally-owned Country Pet Shoppe.
Bainbridge Island
If you’d like to explore the area a bit with your dog, Bainbridge Island is also very dog-friendly. The family-owned pub/restaurant The Plate and Pint is advertised as dog-friendly, and Rolling Bay Cafe is, too, with some outdoor seating. Pegasus Coffee House and Coquette Bake Shop are pet-friendly as well. If the day is winding down and you’re looking for a nightcap, check out Bainbridge Brewing or Fletcher Bay Winery.
In addition, Bainbridge Island is home to two great dog parks. Strawberry Hill Dog Park and Eagledale Park both have an off-leash area. After letting your dog run around a bit, get them a sweet treat or a new toy at B.I. Barkery!
Poulsbo
Another fun city to explore with your pet is Poulsbo. Frank Raab Park is a fun spot to take your dog. The 21-acre park includes walking trails and an enclosed off-leash dog area.
Poulsbo also has a number of dog-friendly restaurants. Western Red Brewing, The Brass Kraken Pub, and Valholl Brewing are just a few of the many places with patio seating. There is also Caffe Cocina and Poulsbohemian Coffeehouse for those looking to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee outside with their dog.
The NW Dog is another cute shop where you can buy toys or book a service, such as nail trimming, for your pup.
Silverdale, Bremerton, and Port Orchard
Located in Silverdale Rotary Gateway Park, Silverdale Dog Park is a nice spot to walk your dog. It also has two enclosed spaces. Bremerton Bark Park, established in 2005, is another good place to visit.
Finally, Port Orchard is home to two wonderful dog parks. McCormick Village Park includes a fenced area for small dogs and a fenced area for large dogs. Howe Farm Off-Leash Dog Park has a series of trails and open fields for dogs to roam.
Whiskey Gulch Coffee Co. and Peninsula BevCo in Port Orchard are two dog-friendly spots. Deep Draft Brewing in Bremerton is a fun spot for all ages. Monica’s Waterfront Bakery & Café and Hops n Drops in Silverdale offer a warm, welcoming environment for pets to sit outside.
In regards to pet stores, Naturally 4 Paws in Silverdale is a locally owned all-natural pet store and pet bakery. They also offer canine training and grooming services. In Bremerton, Gastro Pup is an independently owned dog and cat supply store with dog food, treats, supplements, and accessories. Cookie’s Pet Corner & Wash in Port Orchard offers a large selection of specialty products, a Pet Wash to bathe your furry family members, and anesthesia-free dental cleaning for dogs and cats.
More Dog-Friendly Spots
Looking for even more spots to check out with your pup? Our Guide to Kitsap and VisitKitsap.com are two excellent resources. To meet other local dog lovers in Kitsap County, follow #pupsandcupsmeetups on Instagram. You can also search for dog-friendly restaurants, events, and more on BringFido.com.
Have fun exploring our beautiful area with your furry best friend!
Unique 30-Minute Meals
In today’s fast-paced world, cooking a delicious meal in a short amount of time can be a challenge. So we’re here to provide some quick and easy recipes that are both flavorful and satisfying. These meals are perfect for busy weeknights or when you simply don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive in and discover some exciting recipes that can be whipped up in just 30 minutes!
Baked Eggplant Parmesan
Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
This classic Italian favorite is made without gluten-containing ingredients. It features breaded eggplant slices, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese. The recipe is easy to follow and results in a satisfying vegetarian meal – all thanks to Nicole Hunn whose “Gluten-Free on a Shoestring” blog has been featured in the New York Times.
Chilli Beef Lettuce Wraps
Lettuce wraps are a popular dish in many cuisines, and if you’re a fan of red meat, we highly recommend trying these Chilli Beef Lettuce Wraps. These wraps are perfect for a light dinner, a snack, or even as an appetizer. To add a bit more substance to the meal, pair these lettuce wraps with rice and beans and/or some chips and guacamole. If you’re a fan of demonstrations, watch chef Gordon Ramsay prepare this meal.
Mediterranean Pitas
Vegetarian Option
Mediterranean pitas are a flavorful, healthy dinner option using fresh vegetables, a good source of protein, and a pita pocket. This recipe comes to you from local favorite Spiva Cooking, which is based in Bremerton. Sam Spiva developed this recipe using whatever leftover meat you have on hand (like thinly sliced lamb), and a zesty Mediterranean Rub. For vegetarians, you can use roasted chickpeas instead.
Mushroom Chicken
In just twenty minutes, you can have this delightful entree on the table. This recipe is brought to you by bestselling cookbook author Suzy Karadsheh and combines tender chicken breasts with a savory, dairy-free mushroom sauce. Oftentimes, meals with mushroom sauces are heavy and cream-based, but this one provides the same rich flavor without any cream. This recipe is also great for beginners and pairs well with a nice garden salad or grilled vegetables.
Sheet Pan Parmesan Shrimp and Veggies
Vegetarian Option
This easy-to-make shrimp dish, from Italian chef Giada De Laurentiis, provides a healthy meal in minutes without a lot of dishes to clean up. It’s a great weeknight recipe that can easily be altered to fit different palates. Try swapping some of the different vegetables in the recipe for others or add some extra spice. Have vegetarians in the family? No problem. Simply omit the shrimp. Once you try this recipe, you’ll see there are many ways you can enjoy it.
Shepherd’s Pie
Looking for comfort food on a rainy evening but don’t have a lot of time? Try out this tasty 30-minute meal. A British invention, shepherd’s pie uses potatoes, lamb, beef, and veggies. Rachael Ray’s recipe is easy to make and provides a filling dinner for you and your family.
Shrimp and Mango Tostadas
Gluten and Dairy Free
Tostadas are a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican dish that’s perfect for a regular weeknight or a special occasion. The Siete Table’s recipe for tostadas includes crispy, gluten-free tortillas topped with their vegan refried black beans, avocados, shrimp, habanero sauce, and fresh mango. Kids love crispy tortillas and they can even help you put them together. Who doesn’t love interesting kid-friendly meals? You can easily leave out the spicy sauce, add some sauteed peppers for extra nutrients, or get even more creative with your toppings. And, we’re happy to report that Siete Family Foods‘ products can be found in Town & Country Markets in Poulsbo and Bainbridge Island.
If you’re looking for more cooking inspiration, check out these summer dinner party recipes.
5 of Kitsap’s New Eateries You Need to Try
In case you missed our social media coverage, we’ve been featuring great, local eateries that have opened during the pandemic. We wanted to highlight them all in one place so you can fully appreciate their unique stories. It was such a joy to chat with all of these local small business owners and we hope you try these delicious eateries.
Bigleaf Maple Bakery in Poulsbo
Photos by Leo Phillips.
What do you get when you mix an archeologist and a choir teacher? Apparently, you can get amazing French pastries! Sarah and Wendi from Bigleaf Maple met three and a half years ago while working at Pane D’Amore on Bainbridge, and became “baking soulmates”.
“No matter where you think you’ll be, life puts you in different places,” they said of making radical career shifts, and then starting a new business during a pandemic. They started Bigleaf Maple in the winter of 2019, producing wholesale items in early 2020, like macarons for Bon Bon and fresh treats for the Poulsbo Farmers Market.
The bakery started out in a rented commercial kitchen space. As their fan base grew, they offered items for sale via social media for delivery at the beginning of the pandemic. Eventually, they opened their storefront in the late spring of 2021. They both said they love being located in Historic Downtown Poulsbo, allowing them to collaborate and support all of the other local small businesses.
It’s a wonderful place to start your day. Or, pick up some incredible treats for a special occasion!
Ono Poke Too in Kingston
Photos by Leo Phillips.
Poke is a way of life in Hawaii, and Steven Ono is bringing his culture and a new fresh food option to Kitsap through Ono Poke Too in Kingston. Growing up on O’ahu, Steven would race home from school to meet his uncle’s fishing boat to help clean the catch of the day, and take it to auction.
Open since March 2021, Ono has faced challenges, but it has been well-received by the community. Being embedded in the community is very important to the Ono Poke brand, and at the end of each day, any leftover food is shared with community groups via the employees, as EVERY dish is made fresh each morning. They also proudly offer discounts to military and first-responders. A rooftop patio and surfboard storage are on the wish list for additions to the space.
Their sister restaurant in Edmonds has been open for five years and serves more than 100 lbs. of poke per day.
Just a couple of blocks up from the Kingston Ferry Terminal, Ono Poke Too makes a delicious lunch or dinner spot and they have great drink options like Rainier Beer and Hunniwater. Check it out and enjoy!
Parlor Shop in Poulsbo
Photos by Leo Phillips.
When the world opened back up in June 2020, Mike and Taylor were ready with their new restaurant: Parlor Shop in Poulsbo! Before opening, Mike and Taylor had been hard at work renovating and curating the space and pizza menu – complete with a full-service cocktail bar. Their hard work shows in the comfortable lounge atmosphere and elegant bar design.
Mike and Taylor hope to host a community space centered around great food, drink, and company. “Every single day is a new starting point, and we’re trying to fulfill what we had envisioned,” says Mike, now on his second restaurant. For Taylor, who also boasts years of restaurant experience, “enthusiastic guests and repeat customers” is especially rewarding to see.
Nothing comes closer to realizing their Parlor Shop vision than live music. With tunes, pies, and drinks flowing, the community atmosphere shines bright, a beacon for the future of this new addition to the vibrant Poulsbo restaurant scene. Next time you’re heading down Viking Way, make a stop at Parlor Shop. Pressed for time? You can easily order online for carry-out.
The Slab Pizza Co. in Suquamish
Photos by Leo Phillips.
The Slab Pizza Company in Suquamish may be small, but it’s certainly mighty. Originally, “the slab” was a large cement basketball court known as a hangout for local youth, and one of the “spots to be” for fireworks. Having lived in the area since the 1990s, owner Drew Bateman chose the name to pay homage to the part of town that had the same name when he was growing up.
The interior of the shop is painted in rainbow colors, not just “because rainbows are cool,” but to show support for the LGBTQIA+ community. Drew hopes the shop can be a welcoming place for anyone who is from an underrepresented demographic. Being in Suquamish, and being on Native land is really special, and he is proud to be able to serve the community this way.
The Slab, which offers to-go only, opened in mid-June 2021, but the building was obtained in November of 2020. This is Drew’s second pizza restaurant – the first being Bene Pizza on Bainbridge Island. His background in restaurants began at Agate Pass Cafe, which was located across the street from the Slab, and he has been working with the same crew for almost a decade. He loves working with his great crew, which he says feels just like family. Plus, his daughter Chloe, who has been working with him in restaurants since she was 14, can be found behind the counter most days. Order online or stop by for a slice and an interesting soda!
Yoko Yoko Ramen in Bremerton
Photos by Leo Phillips.
Great ramen starts with a passion for authentic cultural traditions, and James Johnson, the owner of Yoko Yoko Ramen, gained that from his time in Japan. While stationed there for the Navy, he attended the International Ramen School as a hobby, learning everything about ramen, including how to make all of the traditional ingredients, and how to open a restaurant. It wasn’t until he ended up in Kitsap that he put this knowledge to work.
The restaurant opened in April of 2021, with a bar expansion in June. Liz, the bar manager, also spent five years in Japan, and is thrilled to be able to create custom cocktails and bring Japanese ingredients to life in beautiful ways.
Johnson’s vision was to bring something to Kitsap that would fill a void for folks who have lived or spent time in Japan, a place for nostalgia and reminiscing, while also serving those interested in trying authentic dishes.
More recently, they are hoping to bring some of the “San Diego vibe” to Bremerton, to welcome families recently relocated to Kitsap with the arrival of the USS Theodore Roosevelt. Future plans include a traditional-style karaoke lounge, available for private events. They offer gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options, so grab your friends and family for a great lunch, dinner, or Happy Hour meet-up.
We hope you’ll try these wonderful places, and we can’t wait to feature a few more local businesses soon. So, stay tuned for more on our Facebook page, Windermere Sound Living. If you know of a delicious, new place here in Kitsap County, please let us know through our Facebook page and we might feature it.
5 Excellent Playgrounds in Kitsap County
Kitsap County is home to so many great playgrounds. Here are some of our favorites to check out with the little ones in your life.
KidsUp! Playground, Battle Point Park, Bainbridge Island
Photo by Leo Phillips.
Kitsap’s new place for fun, this playground, centered around a ferry boat-themed structure, opened on September 4, 2021. Replacing the ever-popular wooden playground built in 2001, the new design is meant to better withstand the PNW elements. The main attraction is the custom-built, 47-foot long, two-level ferry boat structure that has a “tricycle track” in the middle. Surrounding the ferry are orcas, a lookout pier, and a sandy beach for digging. This inclusive playground was designed to be used by children of all abilities, and also features some of the aspects of the original playground, reimagined.
A multi-year project, more than $500,000 was raised by Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation for the playground’s remodel, with the cost of the project totaling more than $600,000. Battle Point Park encompasses 90.3 acres and has a multi-use trail, sports courts, multiple sports fields, a horse area, and picnic shelters.
Another great accessible playground on Bainbridge Island is Owens Playground at Rotary Park.
Kitsap Memorial Park, Poulsbo
Photo by Leo Phillips.
Located on the Hood Canal, Kitsap Memorial State Park is a great family-friendly spot. The playground equipment blends into the scenery with a brown and green tree and boat theme. Here you will find multiple slides and climbing structures as well as swings.
Rounding out the park are multiple fields, a volleyball court, and a horseshoe pit. Enjoy the park’s trails, beach access, ramada and facility rentals, and campground.
Village Green Park, Kingston
Photo by Leo Phillips.
Part of the Village Green Community Center campus, this park is a wonderful spot for kids with playground equipment suitable for younger children including swings, a play structure with slides, a rope/web climbing structure, and large fields for playing. There is a reservable ramada as well. There’s also a free little library. The Billy Johnson Skatepark is also located nearby.
On this campus, you’ll also find the North Kitsap Boys & Girls Club, and Kingston’s branch of the Kitsap Regional Library. The Community Center is also home to various programs and has multiple reservable rooms.
Evergreen Rotary Park Inclusive Playground, Bremerton
Photo by Leo Phillips.
Kids will love this park’s swings, slides, climbing structures, and ropes, as well as musical panels, a merry-go-round, and spinning seats. The first inclusive playground in Kitsap, this accessible playground opened in August of 2014. Fundraising and grants helped to fund the $523,000 revamp of the prior play structures. It’s now a playground for kids of all abilities to enjoy. Special anti-static materials were used for the equipment, making it safe for children with hearing devices. Also, artificial turf makes it easy to maneuver for wheelchairs.
Additionally, Evergreen Rotary Park is the site of the Kitsap 9/11 Memorial and the Bremerton Farmers Market on Thursdays from April to October.
Suquamish Shores Natural Play Area, Suquamish
Photo by Leo Phillips.
One of the newest parks in Kitsap, this nature-themed playground pays homage to the Suquamish Tribe. It features a pod of orcas to climb on, rope bridges, a spinning basket, a small slide, and a large boulder with Tribal art. You can find Lushootseed phrases on the walkways with English translations printed below. There is a picnic area and public restrooms with changing tables. The park was part of the Tribe’s first phase of development on land returned to the Suquamish people in 2018, after a 50-year lease expired.
From this park, you can access most of the cultural sites in Suquamish, including Chief Seattle’s gravesite, the Suquamish Museum, the Suquamish Veterans Memorial, and the House of Awakened Culture.
Additional Information: Our Guide to Kitsap
If you’d like more information about our area, check out our free Newcomer’s Guide to Kitsap County (below). It has videos, articles, and helpful links to learn about our communities, schools, daycares, recreation options, coworking spaces, housing prices by city, and more.
