Shop and Dine in Port Gamble
What Port Gamble lacks in size, it definitely makes up for in history and charm. With the perfect spots to find unique gifts and satisfy your sweet tooth, make sure to check out these local businesses. Each one is located in a historic building, so don’t miss the outdoor signs to learn more about the history of each spot. And, if you don’t live on the Kitsap Peninsula, Port Gamble is just a 15-minute drive from the Kingston-Seattle ferry and the Kingston-Edmonds ferry. We highly recommend spending a day in Port Gamble, a small-town gem.
One-Stop Shop
One of the longest-running general stores in the state, Port Gamble General Store & Café has something for everyone. They always have amazing seasonal home items as well as PNW-inspired gifts. You’ll also find candy reminiscent of the good old days. In the back of the store, The Café (with awesome water views) serves sandwiches, soups, salads, espresso, fresh-baked goods, two brands of locally-made ice cream, as well as a selection of local beers and wines. Operating in the current space since 1916, the original Port Gamble General Store opened in 1853 and sold goods to millworkers, visitors, and neighboring tribal members.
Open Monday – Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Food and Beverage
Known for delicious meals like the epic fried chicken sandwich, and many decadent desserts, Butcher & Baker Provisions is a local favorite. Their menu changes seasonally and always has both breakfast and lunch/dinner options. Entrees have included interesting options like Turkish Cilbir and the Albondigas Birria Sub. You’ll also find a selection of jams, oils, honey, and sliced meats by the pound. Sweets include cookies the size of your head and slices of cake that weigh in at almost a pound.
Open Thursday – Sunday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Cafe & Bakery)
Coffee Shop open Monday – Wednesday, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM and Thursday – Sunday, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
If you’re looking for lighter fare and a craft beverage, House 11 Taproom & Bottle Shop is a great spot. Paninis like “Beet It Grilled Cheese” or the “Tennessee French” (which features pickled okra) are great accompaniments to a local craft beer or glass of wine. We love that they serve peanuts from CB’s Nuts, which are roasted here in Kingston. You can also purchase wine or beer to take home.
Open Thursday – Saturday, 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Sunday, 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Unique Gifts
Stocked with fair-trade global goods, Tango Zulu Imports is the place to find curated collections. You’ll find alpaca socks from Peru, baskets from Ghana, jewelry from India, locally made felted bar soaps, and a variety of clever cards and stickers.
Open Monday through Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM.
Wish in Port Gamble is another must-visit shop. Peruse books by local authors, beautiful jewelry, an array of home decor, an extensive card collection, and much more.
Open Monday – Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Port Gamble Shops for Those Who Knit, Sew & More
Located in the historic stables building, Quilted Strait is a haven for all things fabric. From needlework and quilting supplies to classes and patterns, this is the place to go for sewing and quilting projects. Even if those art forms aren’t your thing, it’s worth it to simply step inside this beautiful building.
Open Monday – Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
If you’re interested in fiber arts, The Artful Ewe has a wide variety of materials for knitting, spinning, weaving, and felting. This shop is next to Port Gamble’s iconic water towers. The owner, Heidi Dascher, loves “teaching, sharing, and creating community.”
Open Friday – Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
We recently spent a day in Port Gamble with Visit Kitsap Peninsula. Watch our fun Reel, and stay tuned for more!
Bundle Up & Enjoy These Outdoor Winter Activities in the PNW
Just because it’s winter in the Pacific Northwest, does not mean you have to stay cooped up inside. Bundle up and explore our area! Here are some fun outdoor winter activities in Kitsap County and beyond!
Chilly Hilly Bike Ride on Bainbridge Island
This late February event has been an annual tradition for over 50 years. More than 2,000 cyclists go on a 33-mile ride around Bainbridge Island. Participants come from all over to tackle two challenges: a climb of over 2,000 feet and the icy winter weather here in the Pacific Northwest. Also, entrance fees support Cascade Bicycle Club’s mission to make Washington a better place for people riding bikes. So, participants are supporting local nonprofits while getting great exercise.
Cost: $40+
Follow Cascade Bicycle Club’s website for more information about this event.
Hurricane Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area in the Olympic National Park
While many people flock to the Olympic National Park in the summer, Hurricane Ridge is also a great place to visit in the winter. One of only two remaining lift operations in the National Parks, it offers a variety of winter recreation areas with scenic views. And, this small, family-friendly-oriented operation provides high-quality winter sports at a lower cost.
Cost: $24+ | Open: Saturdays, Sundays, and on Monday holidays
Lake Chelan Winterfest in Chelan and Manson
Both downtown Chelan and downtown Manson are home to Washington’s winter wonderland. With sprawling views of snow-capped hilltops and glacier-fed waters, Winterfest is sure to please. It includes intricate ice sculptures, fireworks shows, live music, and more. Also, there are many winter play activities in the area so that both kids and adults can enjoy the season in a variety of ways.
Cost: Varies | Open: January 13 – 22, 2023
Leavenworth in Winter
Leavenworth is a Bavarian town nestled at the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. It offers outdoor winter activities for all. Whether it’s the Village of Lights: Winter Karneval throughout the month of January, petting a reindeer at Leavenworth Reindeer Farm, or going snowmobiling with friends, there is something for everyone. Furthermore, for those looking for great dining and shopping, downtown Leavenworth provides a plethora of options.
Cost: Varies | Open: Year-round
Night Skiing at Crystal Mountain in Enumclaw
Crystal Mountain Resort’s night skiing option is family-friendly and great for those wanting to hit the slopes. Discovery, Gold Hills, and Quicksilver chair lifts shine bright at night with their Snow-Brite LED lights. A new option at the resort is the Last Chair Pass, which lets you hit the slopes anytime after 1:00 PM for three hours of access to the whole mountain before skiing or snowboarding under the lights.
Cost: Varies | Open: Friday and Saturday nights until 8:00 PM; now through February 19, 2023
Seattle Underground Tour
Although it’s more underground than outside, you will still need to bundle up for this attraction. If you’d like to explore a new side of the Emerald City, this unusual attraction will take you through the interconnected tunnels of the Seattle Underground. A 75-minute guided walking tour, you’ll get to explore the subterranean storefronts and sidewalks that were entombed when the city was rebuilt on top of itself after the Great Fire of 1889.
Cost: $10+ Please note that children under 6 years old are free but may find the tour challenging. | Open: Daily, year-round except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Valisblot in Poulsbo
Every year, on the weekend closest to February 14th, the Poulsbo Sons of Norway Vikings host a fun Norse Valentine’s Day. They’ll take over downtown Front Street and then light the bonfire down at the Waterfront Park, giving a proclamation of love to their sweethearts. After the festivities, we suggest taking a stroll along the beautiful waterfront and then dining at one of downtown Poulsbo’s many wonderful restaurants.
Cost: Free
Want to stay in the know about more local events? Check out our free, digital Kitsap Events Guide. You’ll find a variety of recurring and annual events listed by month with helpful links, videos, and more.
Enjoy a Fun Night Out in North Kitsap
If this winter weather is getting you down, shake things up with a night out in North Kitsap. From excellent food and drink options to live music and creative activities, there are many fun things to do here. Check out these unique suggestions below.
Enjoy Wine, Food, and Live Music at d’Vine Wines
A popular place for friends and loved ones, d’Vine Wines is a great spot for a night out in Kingston. Just steps away from the Kingston Ferry Terminal, you can easily stop in for a glass of wine or enjoy it with dinner. They have indoor and outdoor seating, a wonderful wine selection, and they frequently host live music. Check out their updated menu, which includes tasty small plates like bacon-wrapped dates and flatbreads, as well as entrees like butternut squash risotto and Thai green curry shrimp.
For Valentine’s Day, they are offering a romantic brunch either on Saturday, Feb. 12th or Sunday, Feb. 13th. Additionally, you and your Valentine can enjoy dinner and live jazz on Saturday, Feb. 12th. Reservations are highly recommended. Follow d’Vine Wines’ Facebook page for additional information and updates.
Go on a Ghost Walk in Port Gamble
Grab a Pint & Watch or Play a Game at Downpour Brewing
For a casual night of fun, head to Downpour Brewing, just four blocks up from Kingston’s Ferry Terminal. It’s a popular local spot where you can watch a game or play one of their many board games. They’re known for great beer, friendly staff, open mic nights, and food truck pop-ups. They have indoor seating as well as a covered, outdoor beer garden. You are also welcome to bring in food from other places to enjoy there with your beer. Follow Downpour’s Facebook page for updates and events.
Get Creative at Dancing Brush Studio
A visit to Dancing Brush Studio makes for a unique, artsy night out. Whether you consider yourself a creative person or not, we can all use time getting in touch with our creative side. Paint your own pottery with friends or a loved one either in their downtown Poulsbo studio or at home by purchasing one of their take-home kits. If you want to paint at the studio, call in advance to reserve your table: (360) 598-3800. From cappuccino mugs to gnomes, platters to wine glasses – there are so many interesting things you can paint. For ideas and details, check out Dancing Brush Studio’s Facebook page.
Listen to Live Music at the Manor House
There’s nothing like experiencing live music, and there are many shows coming up on Bainbridge Island, specifically on the south end in the Manor House at Pleasant Beach Village. This series features everything from Latin jazz to alternative rock, indie folk to classical music. Tickets range from $25 – $40. There’s a full-service bar and snacks available for purchase. The 1920’s Tudor-style Manor House is a beautiful place to explore and is near many delightful eateries and boutiques.
Watch a Movie at the Firehouse Theater
Kingston’s Firehouse Theater offers a unique movie-going experience. They have excellent movie options, popcorn with real melted butter, and staff members who introduce each movie with bits of trivia and news on upcoming events. It’s a welcoming, cozy place, and they even offer movies for just $6 on Wednesdays.
Want to have the theater all to yourself? Well, you actually can rent out this theater for your own private event! You can either rent the Back Stage theater for $99 or the Main Stage for $175 (both for 2 hours with a 50% non-refundable deposit). And, concessions are available for your private rental.
Upcoming events at the Firehouse include a free Superbowl event on Feb. 13th where you can watch the game on the big screen. On February 14th, they’re hosting a Valentine’s Day Movie and Trivia Night from 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM. To stay “in the know”, follow the Firehouse Theater’s Facebook page.
Easy Summer Dinner Party Recipes
Summer is the perfect time to host a dinner party so we’ve compiled some delicious recipes that are sure to please a variety of guests. We’ve included ideas for appetizers, desserts, and everything in between, using seasonal ingredients like basil, watermelon, raspberries, and blackberries.
Appetizers
Eggplant Parm Bites
Enjoy the Italian taste of eggplant parmesan in small little bites by using phyllo dough. This is a great addition to any outdoor dinner party or potluck. It’s also fun to make and if you have young children, they can easily help you spoon the eggplant mixture into the muffin tin. In 45 minutes, you’ll have a wonderful appetizer ready to go!
Caprese Skewers
Take a classic Caprese salad and turn it into a fun finger food delight in just a few minutes. These skewers are both tasty and perfect for groups.
Drinks
Non-Alcoholic Sangria
A non-alcoholic version of a fun summer drink, this sangria recipe goes with many dishes. The fruity flavors will attract a range of guests and there’s a bit of spice to enjoy in it as well.
Frozen Watermelon Margarita
These frozen watermelon margaritas pack a refreshing burst of flavor. And, this cocktail only requires a few ingredients so you won’t be searching around for ingredients at multiple stores. Don’t forget to leave a few little watermelon slices to use as a garnish!
Sides
Summer Strawberry Salad
A healthy mix of fruit and greens comes together in this sweet and tangy salad featuring a summer favorite: strawberries. Salads are the perfect side dish, and this one could even serve as an entree if you add grilled chicken or shrimp to it.
Carrots with Pesto and Ricotta
Add a splash of color into your summer spread with these roasted carrots topped with pesto and ricotta. While you’re probably used to making pesto as a pasta sauce, why not using it to brighten up your veggies? This nutritious dish is easy to make and only takes about 30 minutes.
Entrees
Cedar Planked Salmon with Maple Glaze
This salmon dish will be the show stopper of the evening. This recipe takes a bit more work, but the results will satisfy. Using a plank of non-treated western red cedar gives the salmon a smokey flavor. Additionally, the maple glaze on top of the salmon brings together just the right touch of sweetness.
Pulled Pork with Mango BBQ Sauce
Enjoy a twist on a summer classic by making pulled pork sandwiches with Aarti’s mango BBQ sauce. Aarti infuses this recipe with Indian flavors and you can make it as spicy or as mild as you’d like. It’s a great recipe for the whole family and would be a fun meal to enjoy outside on your deck or balcony.
Dessert
Blackberry Cheesecake Squares
Blackberry season is upon us! This blackberry cheesecake recipe is a great way to end a dinner party, especially here in the Pacific Northwest where blackberries are all around us. We love that the crust is made with vanilla wafers to change up the taste of cheesecake just a bit to really make it memorable. The only problem with these bite-sized squares is that they’ll be gone in a flash.
Rose Water Panna Cotta with Raspberry and Lychee
Finish off the night with this delightful rosewater panna cotta garnished with tangy raspberries and sweet lychees. The floral flavor of this silky dessert will enchant your guests and leave them wanting more.
Heronswood: Incredible Beauty and a Unique History
Nestled in North Kitsap, is Heronswood, a botanical paradise. Originally brought to life in 1987 by Horticulturalist Dan Hinkley and his husband, architect Robert L. Jones, the garden has grown to more than 15 acres of fantastic flora from all around the world. Heronswood is an internationally recognized treasure in the Pacific Northwest, even garnering the attention of Martha Stewart.
Hinkley’s dream of starting a small nursery, where he could introduce rare and hardy plants to the community, has become a de facto landmark in Kitsap County. He spent the next 20 years developing the estate and traveling worldwide on plant-hunting trips to expand the garden. In 2000, Hinkley and Jones sold the business to W. Atlee Burpee Company. But in 2006 the company filed for bankruptcy. The estate laid dormant until 2012 when it was sold to the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe.
Together with Hinkley, the S’Klallam Tribe has breathed new life into the garden through a series of tremendous restoration efforts. The Heronswood Garden has become a place for special events, plant sales, and educational programs that speak to the heritage of the garden and the S’Klallam Tribe.
S’Klallam History
For centuries, the S’Klallam Tribe occupied the shores of Strait Juan de Fuca, Admiralty Inlet, and Puget Sound. S’Klallam means “strong people”. Although their culture was almost lost after European contact, the S’Klallam have maintained agency over their heritage and traditions.
Over the past few decades, tribal leaders have made significant efforts to strengthen their community through economic development, establishing an Economic Development Authority to support local businesses through the administration of federal grants.
The acquisition of Heronswood Garden has provided an opportunity for all community members to work together to maintain this local treasure. Since 2012, members of Heronswood staff, the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, the Heronswood Garden Steering Committee, and dozens of very skilled, dedicated volunteers have teamed up to shape the future of Heronswood.
Heronswood sign and the S’Klallam Orca Crest. Photos by Leo Phillips.
Legacy and Future
After 35 years and two ownership changes, Heronswood continues to thrive and flourish. It offers an abundance of resources and events for community members to learn more about horticulture. Hinkley, now Director Emeritus, creates and leads many of these events himself. Field Notes is the official blog of Heronswood, where Hinkley and Assistant Director Dr. Ross Bayton write educational blog posts about their experiences foraging around the world. They also have Nature Notes, a video series that features new Garden Director, Dr. Patrick Mcmillan. In this series, you can learn fascinating information about Pacific Northwest shrubs, trees, and more.
Lunchbreak Lectures is an online series of classes that take place virtually over Zoom. Hinkley and Bayton teach these classes. Heronswood also offers pre-scheduled tours lead by experienced garden professionals.
In adherence to current COVID-19 guidelines, masks and facial covers are mandatory. Tourists will be able to use a whisper headset system to listen to the tour guide while maintaining six feet from one another.
Next spring, Heronswood will be dedicating a stumpery, an artistic display of tree stumps, that recounts the history of the S’Klallam Tribe with the local timber industry. Additionally, they will be adding plant species used in traditional dyeing and weaving for tribal artists to access. The S’Klallam Tribe and Hinkley are ushering in a new chapter for Heronswood, bringing people from all over Kitsap County and beyond to experience the unparalleled beauty of the botanical garden and S’Klallam Tribe.
The Unique Charm of Kingston and Beyond
The quaint community of Kingston sits just a ferry ride away from Seattle and Edmonds, yet it retains the easygoing energy of the Kitsap Peninsula.
A Scenic Home for a Connected Life
Whether you’re starting a family or looking to live near a big city but not in one, Kingston is a wonderful place to put down roots. Kingston’s history as a town dates back to 1890. That’s when the Kingston Land and Improvement Company was established by Seattle investors. They wanted the area to become a “resort and hideaway for Seattle folk”.
Stepping off the ferry, the charm of Kingston’s downtown surrounds, starting with a greeting from the lovely welcome mural. A five-minute stroll through the tree-lined street reveals the lovely little Paris feel of J’aime les Crêpes Crêperie and the robust food and drink options at places like Kingston Alehouse and d’Vine Wines. Venture up the hill to the rustic, century-old farmhouse of the Mossback Cafe for locally-sourced, eclectic meals.
Though Kingston is small, there are many options for a good cup of coffee as well as a range of delicious treats, thanks to places like The Coffee Oasis, The Cup & Muffin, Sweet Life Cakery, and Borrowed Kitchen Bakery. You could literally eat your way through town and then enjoy a movie at the now nationally known Firehouse Theater. Then stroll down Saltair Beach or go play some golf at the beautiful White Horse Golf Club.
“Kingston is still a small friendly town that is full of people that greet one another when you run into each other in the store or about town,” says Windermere Kingston’s Managing Broker, Jet Woelke. “Locals will pitch in and help neighbors in need or pull together if the community needs something. It’s amazing the community involvement!”
Kingston is connected to exciting, culturally rich areas to explore. Just a short drive away are the towns of Indianola, Suquamish, Hansville, and Port Gamble. Each has its own distinct feel, with unique activities for all ages.
Adventure Surrounds
Indianola
What is now a quaint seaside community and friendly artists’ haven, Indianola was founded in 1916 as a summer/weekend community only reached by steamboat. Since those humble beginnings, even big names such as Martha Stewart have discovered its serenity. Stewart knows the Director Emeritus of Heronswood Garden, Dan Hinkley. In 2013, Stewart visited Indianola and Heronswood Garden in nearby Kingston. An incredible botanical garden, Heronswood is maintained by the Port Gamble S’Klallam Foundation and the garden’s management team. There’s lush beauty all around North Kitsap, and Indianola is one picturesque place to enjoy it.
Suquamish
Fishing has long been a focal point here. For thousands of years, the Suquamish and their ancestors inhabited this region, and fishing was traditionally their most important source of food. It still remains important for many Tribes today. Visit the reservation town of Suquamish to tour the beautiful Suquamish Museum and pay your respects at the gravesite of Chief Seattle.
Suquamish also offers parks and some popular places like Sully’s Bistro & Bar, which often serves locally sourced seafood. Realtor Christine Todd loves the beautiful views there. “Grab a seat on one of the beach logs at Old Man House and watch the marine traffic go by.”
Hansville
Spend a day at the famous Point No Point Beach in Hansville, featuring the oldest lighthouse on Puget Sound. It just so happens to also be one of the best Chinook Salmon fishing holes in all of Puget Sound. You can join the growing trend of kayak salmon fishing. The quiet, friendly town of Hansville also has some nice places to stop in for a bite like North Point Market. This deli offers fresh food, coffee, local produce, and gifts.
Port Gamble
Visit nearby Port Gamble, an old company town, for a foray into cute, turn-of-the-century culture. Growing from a bustling logging town to a popular tourist destination, it’s now famous for its New England style homes, its hiking and biking trails, and paranormal activity legends. It’s also a popular wedding venue and has even served as a backdrop for Hollywood films.
Welcome Home
Gorgeous vistas, rich areas to explore, thriving small businesses, and great schools – what’s not to love? The Kingston area offers a range of sights, activities, and much more. If you’re looking to buy in the area, our local experts would be happy to show you around.