Community October 3, 2022

Fantastic Fall Events and Activities in Kitsap County

Celebrate the season with some fun, family-friendly fall events and activities here in Kitsap County. Here’s a list to get you started. From dress-up days to pumpkin patches and everything in between, we’re sure there’s something that will pique your interest.

Ongoing Fall Events

Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch at Pheasant Fields Farm in Silverdale

October 1 – November 1, 2022

When it comes to fall events and activities, you have to check out Kitsap’s oldest and tallest corn maze. Walk the paths to solve a riddle and you’ll be entered to win a harvest prize basket. You’ll also find one of the largest collections of pumpkins, including different colors and shapes. Most pumpkins are grown on-site, while some come from Sequim. Grab a fall beverage, shop the farm stand, and enjoy their many photo opportunities.

Cost: Corn Maze tickets $6 for youth 16 and under, $8 for adults, $1 off for active duty military with ID, and there’s a coupon available on their website. Pumpkins are sold separately.

Have a Hoot Hunt at Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island

October 1 – 31, 2022

Explore the grounds of the famous Bloedel Reserve and see if you can spot where the woodland owls hid the squash and pumpkins. There are close to 100 squash waiting to be found. And, place your guess on the weight of the largest pumpkin to be entered to win a prize. Timed tickets are required and must be booked in advance (no walk-ups permitted).

Cost: $5 – $20 per person depending on age. Children 4 and under are free.

Pumpkin Walk at Bainbridge Gardens

October 1 – 31, 2022 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Nearing its third decade in operation, the Bainbridge Gardens Pumpkin Walk is a fall event you don’t want to miss. The Gardens’ historic Nature Trail is lined with hundreds of hand-painted and carved pumpkins as well as themed vignettes. There will be a straw maze for young children as well. Pumpkin submissions are being requested to add to the pathway, and are an integral part to complete the experience. Also, you can guess the weight of a large pumpkin, and delicious food trucks will be on-site on Saturdays.

Cost: Free to attend, and donations are accepted for Bainbridge Island Boys and Girls Club.

Harvest Fest at Miracle Ranch Camp in Port Orchard

October 21 – 23 and October 28 – 30, 2022 (times vary by day)

An extravaganza for the whole family, Harvest Fest includes classic activities like hay rides, face painting, crafts, apple pressing, a petting zoo, and a rodeo. Meals are available as well as sweet fall treats like candied apples, cotton candy, and kettle corn. Most activities are free. But if you want to take it up a notch, you can add on additional excursions like pony rides, a climbing wall, or even an overnight stay. Miracle Ranch is located south of downtown Port Orchard, near the small community of Purdy.

Cost: Free to attend. Extra activities and food available for purchase.

Fall Pumpkin Patches

Fat Turnip Farms in Kingston

Out in the little community of Eglon, Fat Turnip Farms sells certified organic produce at their farm stand and has a u-pick pumpkin patch with tons of different options as well as late-season, u-pick flowers. Their setup offers many great places to take photos with friends or little ones, and they periodically offer events. Be sure to check their Facebook page for details. 

Hours until October 31st: Monday – Saturday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Suyematsu Farms on Bainbridge Island

An Island favorite for u-pick, Suyematsu Farms is back at it this year with their wonderful pumpkin patch. They grow a large variety of squashes, gourds, and pumpkins. Celebrate autumn, take photos, and find some colorful, delicious fall decor. Check their Instagram and/or their Facebook page to find out about special happenings. 

Hours: Weekdays 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM & Weekends 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

One-Day Events

HOWL-O-WEEN at IslandWood on Bainbridge Island

October 23, 2022 from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Don your Halloween costume and hit the trails! This family-friendly event at IslandWood is a wonderful walk through the woods with hot cider, warm cookies, and other fall treats. Naturalists will be on-site to teach about the “spooky” nature of nocturnal animals. Participants can enjoy a fall craft and bone yard investigation as well as a lecture about wildlife. Costumes are encouraged but not required.

Cost: $2.50 for kids and $5 for adults. Financial assistance is available.

Boo Bash hosted by Port Orchard Bay Street Association

October 29, 2022 from Noon – 4:00 PM

Bring the family and enjoy downtown Port Orchard. Participate in the costume contest from noon to 2:00 PM and take the kids trick-or-treating at Bay Street businesses from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. And, this event wraps up with a pet costume contest at 4:00 PM. For more information, check the Bay Street Association’s Facebook page.

Cost: Free to attend

Drive-Thru Halloween Hunt hosted by the Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce

October 29, 2022 from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Back for the third year, this popular drive-thru trick-or-treat event weaves around Poulsbo to visit businesses handing out candy. The hunt begins at the Poulsbo Village Shopping Center where you’ll receive a map and a free tote bag (if you’re one of the first 800 participants). Then follow the route for candy and prizes! Non-perishable food and monetary donations will be accepted for Fishline Food Bank at the start of the event. 

Cost: Free to attend, but non-perishable food donations are highly encouraged.

Pre-school Spooktacular by Poulsbo Parks and Rec

October 31, 2022 from 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Geared toward younger kids, this fun event is a great way to kick off your Halloween festivities. With a superhero theme and lots of crafts and activities planned, it is sure to be a Marvel-ous time.

Cost: Free to attend for kids 5 and under. $1 for older children

Ghoulsbo Celebration in Downtown Poulsbo

October 31, 2022 from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Enjoy the rare treat of walking right down the middle of Front Street! This Poulsbo trick-or-treat classic is back after a hiatus. Sponsored by the Historic Downtown Poulsbo Association, merchants will be handing out candy in front of their shops. It is the most costumes you will ever see in one place in Poulsbo. 

Cost: Free to attend

Halloween Walk in Downtown Winslow, Bainbridge Island

October 31, 2022 at 3:30 PM 

This safe trick-or-treating event in Winslow invites participants to wear a costume, enjoy hot cider, and listen to spooky tunes from the Eagle Harbor Church’s bell tower. Hosted by the Bainbridge Island Downtown Association, you’ll also get to cast your vote for the best merchant costume.

Cost: Free to attend

Community March 21, 2022

Poulsbo’s Annual and Recurring Events You Don’t Want to Miss

With taglines such as “Little Norway, Big Fun”, it’s not surprising that there are so many great events in Poulsbo happening throughout the year. From shopping and live music to embracing the Nordic roots of Poulsbo’s founders, here’s a roundup of festivals and activities to put on your calendar.

Spring

Girls’ Night Out

First Wednesday in May 

Shop and dine in Downtown Poulsbo with your gal pals. Stores and boutiques stay open late and offer discounts, promotions, and giveaways. There’s even a “golden ticket” awarding a $100 shopping spree. Enjoy food and drink specials, and snap a photo with the famous Poulsbo Sons of Norway Vikings. 

Cost: Free to Attend

 

Viking Fest

3rd Weekend in May

Perhaps one of the most well-known events in Poulsbo, Viking Fest is a weekend-long event featuring a carnival, Viking village, parade, live music, vendor marketplace, a road race, and many other family-friendly activities. With a city slogan of “The Viking City”, this signature event is one you don’t want to miss. 

Cost: Free to Attend and Activities Vary

 

Summer

Midtsommer

3rd Saturday in June

Paying homage to mid-summer festivals popular in Nordic countries, this annual event at the Waterfront Park in Poulsbo features the raising of a maypole, traditional Nordic dancing, flower crowns, music, and a Viking Bonfire at dusk. This cultural event is hosted by the Sons of Norway.

Cost: Free to Attend and Activities Vary

 

Poulsbo Arts Festival

3rd Weekend in August

For 35 years, this festival has been art lovers’ favorite. The waterfront park is a wonderful backdrop for all types of art, live music, food, raffles, and family fun. 

Cost: Free to Attend and Activities Vary

 

Liberty Bay Festival

Last Weekend in August

Hosted by the Poulsbo Historical Society, this event showcases the nautical history of Poulsbo. This unique, family-friendly event highlights a fleet of wooden boats known as “Poulsbo Boats.” Locals and tourists enjoy live music, boat tours, historical presentations, and more. 

Cost: Free to Attend and Activities Vary

 

Fall

Poulsbrew

3rd Weekend in September

Celebrating beer and cider made in Western Washington, Poulsbrew is a lively one-day festival. Of course, Poulsbo’s own breweries are part of the celebration too. Come for the beer and stay for the live music, food, and friendly community atmosphere.

Cost: Varies, Approx. $30 Each

 

Poulsbo Halloween Hunt

The weekend prior to or on Halloween

Hosted by the Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce, this drive around town brings families into businesses to collect candy and goodies. More details posted when the event nears.

Cost: Free and There’s a Suggested Non-perishable Food Donation

 

Downtown Trick-or-Treat

Halloween

A fun, safe evening for families, this is one of Poulsbo’s busiest annual events. Kids of all ages can celebrate Halloween and parade down the street in their costumes. A section of Front Street in downtown Poulsbo is closed off and all businesses hand out candy and treats. 

Cost: Free to Attend

 

Winter

Tree Lighting

Weekend after Thanksgiving

Join Santa and the Vikings to kick off the holiday season in Little Norway. Enjoy the tree lighting, cookies, holiday crafts, and lots of festive photo opportunities. Location to be announced in the fall.

Cost: Free to Attend

 

Julefest and Bazaar

1st Saturday in December

A Saturday full of Little Norway fun, the Julefest and Bazaar provides an authentic experience. Start the day at the Nordic Marketplace at the Sons of Norway to kick off your holiday shopping, and grab some Scandinavian food for lunch. In the evening, the Poulsbo Sons of Norway Vikings will escort the Lucia Bride from a Viking ship on Liberty Bay to a winter proclamation and Bonfire to celebrate the winter solstice. 

Cost: Free to Attend and Activities Vary

Watch our video below to get a glimpse of last year’s festivities.

 

Lighted Ships Parade

Second Saturday in December

A Poulsbo Yacht Club tradition for over 50 years, this annual parade of boats decked out in lights and holiday cheer is a fun family event. Contact the Yacht Club in advance to have a special shout-out by Santa himself as he cruises by.

Cost: Free to Attend

Valisblot

Weekend closest to Valentine’s Day

Celebrate love with a Norse Valentine’s Day, complete with a bonfire at Muriel Iverson Waterfront Park.

Cost: Free to Attend

Recurring 

Poulsbo Farmers Market

Every Saturday from April through December

From fresh produce to prepared foods, baked goods to wine and cider, the Poulsbo Farmers Market is sure to offer something delicious every weekend. This market also features locally-made crafts and home goods, garden starts, honey, jam, fresh flowers, and meat products. A picnic area and live music create a fun atmosphere to relish your market finds. Our office is a proud sponsor

Cost: Free to Attend and Products Vary

Our video below gives you a taste of this wonderful market.

 

Poulsbo Beer Run

March and October 

Twice a year, craft beer enthusiasts can participate in the Poulsbo Beer Run, a 4 mile “run” with stops in Downtown Poulsbo as well as the Viking Way corridor. Costumes are encouraged with the March run being St. Patrick’s Day themed, and October being Oktoberfest themed. Proceeds benefit the Blue Star Banner Program, which honors locals currently serving in the military by installing street banners throughout Washington.

Cost: Registration $45+ 

Second Saturday Art Walk

Monthly, 2nd Saturday, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Every month, Poulsbo’s art galleries stay open late to create an engaging atmosphere for art lovers. Gallery hop and enjoy sales, specials, drinks, and snacks.

Cost: Free to Attend; Purchases Separate

New to Kitsap? Check Out Our Free Guide

If you’re new to the Kitsap Peninsula and want to learn more about our area, flip through our free digital Guide to Kitsap. It has videos, articles, and links to give you the scoop about our local businesses, recreation, coworking spaces, childcare options, and much more.

guide-kitsap-recreation-dining

Community October 27, 2021

Great Places to Pre-Order Your Thanksgiving Pies

If baking pies isn’t your favorite thing on your Thanksgiving to-do list, these wonderful local bakeries have got you covered. Just make sure to order ahead so you can get your favorites before they sell out!

Bigleaf Maple Bakery in Poulsbo

Not only can you order Thanksgiving desserts from this new Poulsbo bakery, but you can also pre-order a quiche to take one more thing off of your to-do list. Offerings for Thanksgiving will include a variety of sweet treats, including gingersnap pumpkin pie and 3-inch butter tartlets. Orders must be placed by November 14th. You can pick up your order on Wednesday, Nov. 24th from 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM. To learn more about this new bakery, check out our recent interview with them.

Borrowed Kitchen Bakery in Kingston

This year, Borrowed Kitchen Bakery will be offering apple and pumpkin pies, which are the mainstays of most Thanksgiving tables. You can also pre-order Thanksgiving dinner for 2 and other delicious items. Ordering starts after Monday, November 1st, and the deadline to place your order is Saturday, November 20th. They also offer a delicious citrus orange cranberry sauce, a perfect condiment for your turkey meal. Order can be picked up on Wednesday, November 24th from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM. 

McGavin’s Bakery in Bremerton

This Bremerton staple not only has sweets for your Thanksgiving meal, but it is also offering pre-orders for dinner rolls, and cheddar rolls as well. Their menu for pre-orders includes pies such as pumpkin, apple, and pecan, as well as their signature pumpkin cheesecake. Orders must be placed no later than 3:00 PM on Saturday, November 20th. 

Monica’s Waterfront Bakery & Cafe in Silverdale

This Silverdale favorite offers pre-order pies year-round in a variety of flavors. Apple, pumpkin, berry, cherry, and other seasonal flavors are available. Give them a call to order. For Thanksgiving orders, plan to call about two weeks in advance, but non-peak times require only 48-hours notice. They are also happy to work with custom orders and can make other flavors upon request.

Sluys Poulsbo Bakery in Poulsbo

This Poulsbo spot might be known best for their donuts, but they offer a wide variety of other baked goods as well. Pies for Thanksgiving can be pre-ordered until Monday, November 22nd. Flavors available are apple, blackberry, cherry, strawberry, strawberry-rhubarb, raspberry, pecan, pumpkin, and dutch apple. Each pie weighs in at close to 3 lbs. They will have lots of pies on hand for walk-in service as well. However, if you have a specific flavor in mind, it’s best to place your order in advance.

Sweet Life Cakery in Kingston

This cute little shop is a few blocks from the Kingston ferry terminal and offers a wide variety of sweet treats and cute decor. Their Thanksgiving pre-order menu includes classics like apple and pumpkin as well as local favorites like salted caramel apple and whiskey pecan. They offer gluten-free, vegan pie crust for an extra $8 as well as regular crust. Their vegan pie options include mixed berry, sour cherry, and classic apple. You can order whole 9-inch pies and/or cute 4-inch “pielets”.  For the chocolate lovers in your family, add their signature Sweet Blisses to your order. All Thanksgiving orders must be placed by Wednesday, November 17th by 5:00 PM. Thanksgiving pickup is available on Tuesday, November 23rd, or Wednesday, November 24th.

Community August 18, 2021

12 Kitsap Farms to Visit

City proximity is one of the many benefits of living in Kitsap County, but during the summer months, rural life can really steal the show. Here are some local farms that offer U-pick flowers, farm stands, and opportunities to visit and interact with animals. 

Farm Animal Fun

baby-goat-farm

Photo by The Smithshyre.

Bushel & Barrel in Poulsbo

Although Bushel & Barrel is known for its beverages, this cidery is also a great place to play with baby goats! They have different types of events on their calendar that allow interactions with their animals on a regular basis. One example: goat yoga on Sundays! 

Price: Pints for $6; events starting at $25

 

Courter Country Farm in Poulsbo

Open seasonally from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM for U-pick veggies and animal visits, Courter County Farm is a “destination” farm. They’re a fun option for birthday parties, weddings, and even Airbnb stays. Located off of Central Valley Road near Poulsbo, they sell produce, poultry, flowers, and eggs. Enjoy spending time with their cute animals including rabbits and goats. 

Online Farm Store

 

Laeradr Farms in Poulsbo

You can make an appointment to snuggle baby goats at this farm and feed their alpacas and sheep. They offer open farm days and private farm tours. You can also book small events such as birthday parties. Fun fact: all of their sheep are named after Star Wars characters! 

Price: $15 for a 30-minute appointment or $180 for a 2-hour private party

 

Sapphire Meadowbrook Farms in Olalla

This Olalla farm is currently offering farm visits (petting-zoo style) by appointment. Contact them to schedule a private mobile petting zoo for your event, or host a party at their farm. They have goats, turkeys, ducks, chickens, pigs, and dogs. Additionally, they sell eggs, goat cheese, and soap. 

Price: Varies by event

 

Sawdust Hill Alpaca Farm in Poulsbo

This farm off of Port Gamble Road raises alpacas and llamas. Additionally, they sell yarn, free-range eggs, and other goods as well as alpaca toys and apparel. Currently, they are doing tours by reservation only with limited contact with animals. But you can still visit the farm and learn all about alpacas and meet their Great Pyrenees dog.

Price: $7.50 per person for tours

 

The Smithshyre in Poulsbo

A homestead by self-definition, The Smithshyre grows food to self-sustain and offers tours to learn about homesteading practices. They are the home of Kitsap Goat Yoga, and they offer baby goat snuggle sessions. Also, you can book private events there. 

Price: $35 for Goat Yoga; $65 for Private Tour; $300 for Private Goat Yoga for 8

Produce and Flowers 

Butler Green Farms on Bainbridge Island

A Bainbridge Island favorite since 1984, Butler Green Farms’ growing practices are biodiverse and they proudly offer pesticide-free veggies and humanely-raised meats and eggs. Seasonal bouquets are available for purchase at their Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm stand, the Bainbridge Island Farmers Market, and also for special occasions upon request. Current CSA members and those interested in joining can visit their farmstand. They can also be found at select local retailers. 

CSA Info

Fat Turnip Farms in Kingston

Tucked away in Eglon, Fat Turnip is a WSDA certified organic farm with various types of produce. But their real showstopper is their annual Pumpkin Patch. They also offer U-Pick bouquets for only $5.00. You can find their produce on Kitsap Fresh, or pay a visit to their cute location for roadside sales. Mark your calendar to visit them again in October for fall harvest fun. 

 

Petal and Pitchfork in Poulsbo

This lush oasis, located between Poulsbo and Keyport on Sherman Hill Road, has a flower CSA and offers U-pick flowers, which is currently by appointment only due to COVID-19. Also, they sell produce. In non-pandemic times, they host pop-up markets. Interesting additional info: Petal & Pitchfork is owned by Kelsey and Stacy Marshall who own Grounds for Change and helped create Owen’s Playground, an inclusive, barrier-free playground on Bainbridge Island.

Online Store

 

Suyematsu Farms on Bainbridge Island

Located off Day Road on Bainbridge Island, Suyematsu offers different things in different seasons. In spring and early summer, they have U-pick berries. In late summer, they have flowers, and in the fall, they have great pumpkins and gourds. Check their Facebook page for current offerings.

 

Take Your Pick: U-Cut Flowers in Bremerton 

Visit this flower garden with a cause. Their mission is to help Kitsap County’s homeless community by cutting flowers. All proceeds are donated to shelters benefiting women and children. They have a roadside flower stand open on Wednesdays and offer U-cut bouquets on Saturdays. 

 

Yoked Farmhouse & Brewery in Port Orchard

Yoked is a farm-to-table brewery, growing their own ingredients for unique brews. They offer produce, eggs, and flowers for sale. Also, they host many family-friendly events like themed food cook-offs, science Saturdays, pickling classes, and yoga. 

Community December 9, 2020

Easy, Fun Ways to Start the New Year Right

2021 is the fresh start we’ve been waiting for; it’s a new year full of hope and possibility. Want to really make it a year to remember? Here are some fun, easy ways to do just that, right here in Kitsap County.

Enjoy the View

We all get caught up in routines and sometimes that means we take things for granted, like this beautiful place we call home. Bundle up and take a walk on a trail you haven’t been on in months (or ever). Really enjoy the sights and sounds around you.

“I love feeling like a tourist in my own town,” says Cherie Kesti, Branch Manager/Mortgage Consultant for Penrith Home Loans. Kesti enjoys walking along Poulsbo’s marina and through the park. Another great spot in North Kitsap is Point No Point Park and Lighthouse in Hansville. Broker Bonnie Chandler highly recommends it saying, “It’s a favorite beach walk of mine.” Chandler also notes that the lighthouse there is the oldest on Puget Sound. For a more expansive place to take it all in, head to Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park. “I always feel refreshed and renewed after visiting the Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park,” says Broker Valerie Gallagher. “This spacious park is a gift to the community with nearly 3,500 acres & 60 miles of trails!”

While you’re taking it all in, try to remember what it felt like to experience this place for the first time. Or, if you grew up here, remember the joy of sharing this place with a visitor. Focusing on those positive feelings can go a long way, boosting your mood and helping you refuel.

Actually Unplug

If your daily life involves a lot of screen time, take a day to fully unplug. Turn off your laptop, your TV, and yes, even your phone. It can be hard to do but so worth it. See what it feels like to spend time with those you love without any devices. Play a board game, write those holiday thank you notes, work on a home improvement project you’ve been meaning to finish. Whatever you decide to do, you may be surprised how often you instinctively reach for your phone throughout the day. Taking a break can help you step back and see where you really are on the usage spectrum. You may decide you want to limit your screen time as a new year’s resolution. If nothing else, a day off from electronics will help you appreciate them more.

Share Your Love of Books

Whether you’re an avid reader or have fond memories reading childhood favorites, make this a year to remember by sharing your love of books. Dust off some old stories that others could benefit from and donate them to your nearest Little Free Library. If there isn’t one near you, start your own! It’s a fun project, especially if you have kids. They can help you design it, decorate it, and fill it with all kinds of books for the neighborhood to enjoy.

Starting or adding to a Little Free Library also calls for a visit to your local bookstore. After all, you’ll have to pick up something new to read to fill those empty spots on your bookshelf. We love local bookstores like Poulsbo’s Liberty Bay Books and Eagle Harbor Book Co. on Bainbridge Island. If you struggle to find the time to sit down with a good book, we suggest downloading the free app called Libby. You can borrow ebooks and audiobooks on it by connecting it to your Kitsap Regional Library card. It’s easy to use and offers thousands of books for free.

Create a Gratitude Jar

Here’s a simple yet meaningful activity to do with your family. Get a large jar and decorate it with the word “gratitude” on it or purchase a gratitude jar like this one. Throughout the year, you and your family members can add notes to it: things you’re thankful for and moments you enjoyed. At the end of 2021, sit down together and go through all of these little notes. It’s a great way to reminisce and regularly practice gratitude throughout the year. To get in the habit, pick a day each week to do it as a family, like on Sundays after dinner. That way, it becomes part of your routine. Additionally, be sure to put it in a prominent place with pens and blank notecards so anyone can quickly jot something down and add it to the jar. The easier you make it, the more little notes you’ll have at the end of the year to enjoy.

Here’s to a wonderful new year ahead! 

Community November 17, 2020

Shop Local: Unique Holiday Gifts Found Across North Kitsap

What better way to support our wonderful local businesses than to “shop local” this holiday season? There are so many unique, thoughtful holiday gifts you can buy right here. While it’s challenging to put together a complete list of all of the wonderful options across North Kitsap, we’ve created a collection that provides a range of ideas, many of which were recommended by locals and even some of our agents and staff.

Artistic Gifts

Arists’ Edge in Poulsbo: For over 28 years, this local business has specialized in custom framing, art products, and supplies. They also offer gift cards, military, student, and business discounts, and they have products available through their online store.

Fern Street Pottery
: Local artist Meredith Chernick thoughtfully crafts gorgeous yet functional items like handmade, customizable mugs, serving bowls, and hanging planter pots. You can order online and she’ll ship your gifts for you or you can choose free pickup at checkout.

Mak. W Designs:  This artist collective in Kingston supports the work of 23 different artists and features stunning jewelry. Their online ordering makes it easy to buy for the holidays.

Verksted Gallery: Support local artists by visiting one of the oldest cooperative art galleries in Washington state. They have a range of treasures in Poulsbo and some artwork is available for purchase online.

Gifts to Make Them Grin

Clever Gift Shop: From funny socks to retro toys, this Kingston shop has a range of items that will brighten someone’s holiday season. Check out their online store for more info.

The Curious Child: This Poulsbo shop has all kinds of fun gifts: kids’ musical instruments and toys, puzzles for teens and adults, games and much more. You can order online and they offer free local delivery, curbside pickup, and free gift wrapping.

Liberty Bay Books: Who doesn’t love a good book? This beloved local bookstore offers all kinds of literary treasures for kids and adults: bestsellers, cookbooks, poetry, picture books, graphic novels, PNW guidebooks, and much, much more. You can order online and have your books shipped or you can choose curbside pickup at checkout.

Thistle Floral and Home
: While this Kingston-based shop is known for its beautiful floral arrangements, it also has a range of gifts, often made by locals. Their gifts are sure to make the recipient smile, like this new year gift that comes with a “Kiss 2020 Goodbye” lip balm, a funny pin, and a smudge stick.

thistle floral home 2020 gift

Help a friend celebrate the end of 2020 with this clever gift from Kingston’s Thistle Floral and Home.

Presents for Pampering

Away with Words: This sister-owned bath and bookshop in Poulsbo has a range of gifts. Many rave about their bath bombs and they also have creative self-care gift boxes, some of which include their popular bath bombs with fun book pairings while others feature loose leaf tea and/or locally made goat’s milk soap.

Northwest Sparks: These eco-friendly 100% soy candles are hand-poured in Washington by an environmental biologist and you can get little stocking stuffers , PNW-themed candles, and more.

Willow and Daisies Apothecary: From bath salts to shower steamers, these handcrafted bath products are sure to delight. This store is located in Suquamish and has an online Etsy shop.

The Gift of a Great Meal

Have a family member or friend with a favorite local restaurant? Consider treating them to a nice meal or giving them a gift card. Many restaurants have wonderful takeout menus with options for curbside pickup. Windermere Realtor Elaine Tanner highly recommends Kachai Thai Kitchen in Poulsbo. Tizley’s EuroPub is another local favorite. “The food on the menu is a delicious array of European traditional family dishes that enhance the experience of visiting Poulsbo!” says Penrith Home Loans’ Branch Manager, Cherie Kesti. Also in Poulsbo, Vietnamese restaurant Phó T & N has practically doubled in size. “It speaks to how popular it is,” says Realtor Bill Touchette, who highly recommends them. Punjab Indian Cuisine is another local favorite and recommended by Audrey Newell. “It’s owned by a local family and they make terrific South Indian food,” says Newell.

Other local favorites include the delightful Butcher & Baker Provisions in Port Gamble, which was voted Best Dessert in this year’s Best of North Kitsap contest. Kingston’s Mossback is another local gem. Our Director of Digital Marketing, Kara Wyman, says Mossback is “the ultimate farm-to-table experience.” They don’t offer takeout but they do offer gift cards.

We hope you have a healthy, joyful holiday season!