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What to Know Before Moving to Poulsbo
Located right in the middle of North Kitsap, Poulsbo’s small town charm, mixed with its proximity to so much, makes it a desirable place to live. Here are some things to keep in mind if you are thinking of moving to Poulsbo or the surrounding areas.
Many adventures are within reach
Poulsbo is conveniently located at the gateway to the Olympic Peninsula. As Windermere Broker Marisa Robba says, “Our proximity to the Olympic Mountains is second to none.” You can easily explore beautiful places like Olympic National Park, which is home to rainforests, mountains, and waterfalls. Historic Port Townsend and sunny Sequim lie just across the Hood Canal bridge, the third-longest floating bridge in the world. To visit Seattle, you can catch a ferry from Bainbridge Island or Bremerton, or walk onto Kingston’s fast ferry.
There are countless recreation options
Poulsbo itself may only be a bit more than five square miles, but there’s much to be explored, especially when it comes to spending time in the great outdoors. Windermere Broker Bridget Young from the Kimmel & Young team shared, “For those who value an active lifestyle, the proximity to three downtown marinas and numerous world class trail systems makes our area suitable for everything from hiking and mountain biking to kayaking and boating. There are so many options to choose from. There is truly something for everyone.”
In Poulsbo you’ll find 16 parks, totaling 137 acres of land. These parks range from playgrounds and picnic areas to trails, sport courts, and a community P-patch garden. The newest park, Rotary Morrow Community Park opened on April 19th, and Raab Park will celebrate the opening of the new Play For All accessible playground on May 10th.
Local shops like Infinity Cyclery and Sasquatch Cycle Works are great places to find cycling and mountain bike gear. There are plenty of nearby trails to enjoy including the Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park and Poulsbo Pump Track. Both of these were created in partnership with the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance. Additionally, Poulsbo Rotary’s annual Viking Tour features three courses, ranging from 17 to 57 miles, and a brew fest at the finish line at Muriel Iverson Waterfront Park.
If you’d rather be in the water, you can rent kayaks or paddle boards from Olympic Outdoor Center at the Port of Poulsbo (during the summer months). Alternatively, bring your own kayak or paddle board and drop in at Oyster Plant Park or the boat launch downtown. The Kitsap Peninsula Water Trails connect Poulsbo with many other areas via an extensive water trail system.
For pickleball lovers, head to Pickleball Kingdom. It recently opened in Poulsbo and features 12 indoor courts. Said to be the fastest growing sport in the country, pickleball was originally started in neighboring Bainbridge Island.
Poulsbo hosts many fun festivals and events
No matter the season, you are bound to find exciting activities and events to check out in Poulsbo. There is a growing arts and music scene, including the Poulsbo Blues & Jazz Festival, affectionately known as the PB&J. You can enjoy monthly art walks on the second Saturday of each month in Historic Downtown Poulsbo as well as the Poulsbo Kid’s Book Festival, and the Poulsbo Film Festival. Additionally, local breweries and wine bars frequently host live music, dance lessons, craft nights, and trivia events.
Longtime community favorites, the Jewel Box Theater, and Kitsap Children’s Musical Theater delight audiences with their many performances throughout the year. You can catch a performance of “The Importance of Being Earnest” at the Jewel Box through May 11th. Or, purchase tickets for “The Wizard of Oz” with performances running from June 12th – 29th.
Historic Downtown Poulsbo boasts dozens of locally-owned shops, restaurants, bakeries, breweries, and more. The Poulsbo Farmers Market has the longest season of all Kitsap farmers markets, running Saturdays from April to December, annually.
There are strong Nordic ties
Poulsbo is known as “Little Norway” and “The Viking City.” Founded in the 1880s by Norwegian immigrant Jørgen Eliason, many other Scandanavians from the midwest were also drawn to the area because of how similar it was to their homeland’s mountains and fjords. From the large Viking statue welcoming you to town, to the oversized viking ship and Uff-Da murals, you’ll find Nordic touches around every corner. The largest annual event, Poulsbo Viking Fest, takes place the third weekend in May every year, a nod to Syttende mai, Norway’s Constitution Day on May 17th. Approximately 30,000 people attend over the three days of festivities.
The Poulsbo Sons of Norway lodge has one of the largest memberships of all Sons of Norway lodges in the world. It’s also home to the largest group of Vikings. If you spend much time in Poulsbo, you’re sure to see these fur-clad folks posing for photos or handing out candy. During the holiday season, there’s a Nordic craft market and Julefest.
Windermere Broker Lora Benson, who is on the Poulsbo Historical Society board, believes that “the preservation and education of Poulsbo’s rich and diverse history have contributed to making Poulsbo such a special place now and will continue to well into the future.”
Learn more about Poulsbo’s history, and check out our Kitsap Events Guide. And, if you’re in need of a highly-rated, local real estate agent who knows Kitsap County’s market, our experts are happy to assist.
Port Gamble: Outdoor Adventures & Fascinating History
With thousands of acres of forest and miles of coastline, Port Gamble is a recreational paradise. Originally inhabited by the Nux Sklai Yem or Strong People, these descendants of the Salish people are now known as the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe. Today, Port Gamble is a charming, quaint town in North Kitsap, but for over 100 years, it was a company town with a busting sawmill. In fact, during WWII, 90% of the mill’s lumber went to the armed forces, with 60% used to build housing on several Washington Naval bases.
Step Back in Time
No matter where you go in Port Gamble, history surrounds you. The New England-style homes have been lovingly maintained to showcase their charm, and you’ll find plaques on fences outside many buildings highlighting their original owners and purposes. If you want to dive deeper, the Port Gamble Museum is full of memorabilia and artifacts, including a land-purchase document signed by President Lincoln and a replica of an Indigenous home. Many Native people were employed at the mill throughout the years, and the museum also showcases some of their history. You will also learn the mill’s history, which operated from 1853 to 1995 and shipped lumber as far as Brazil and Puerto Rico.
Museum Hours: May to September, Thursday to Sunday, 12:00 – 5:00 PM. Also available to rent.
The Bay
Port Gamble Bay played an integral part in the mill’s operations during its time but now serves as home to some of the most nutrient-rich waters of Puget Sound. This secluded area of water is the perfect location for viewing bioluminescence during the summer months. Olympic Outdoor Center offers guided nighttime tours from May to September, as well as daytime wildlife kayak tours as well. You can also rent kayaks to explore year-round (weather permitting). Additionally, Port Gamble Bay is a stop on the Kitsap Peninsula Water Trails system, which has over 100 public access points throughout the peninsula.
The Trails
Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park has dozens of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The mountain biking trails alone total 49 miles. Also known as Stottlemeyer, this trail system is a club favorite of the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance and has a few annual mountain biking events. You’ll see folks of all ages on these trails in all weather. Don’t have a bike of your own? Not to worry; you can rent from the Olympic Outdoor Center.
Learn more about a great organization that helps maintain these trails.
Out of This World
The Walker Ames House is the perfect backdrop for the annual Port Gamble Ghost Conference in early November. It’s known as the most haunted house in Washington. Port Gamble hosts Ghost Walks many evenings from October to April and has a unique summer schedule. These walks are a great way to learn about Port Gamble’s history from town manager Pete Obera, also known as Paranormal Pete.
In March 2024, Pete Obera gave us a private tour of Port Gamble with our friends at Visit Kitsap Peninsula. We learned so much and used the book Pope Resources, Rooted in the Past, Growing for the Future for further research. It is available at the Sylvan Way branch of Kitsap Regional Library and the Port Gamble Historic Museum.
Family Fun on Whidbey Island
Whidbey Island is the perfect spot for families looking for a fun day trip or weekend getaway. The island is about 40 miles long and is a popular destination amongst locals and those visiting the Pacific Northwest. It only takes a couple of hours to get to Whidbey Island from Kitsap County, and Whidbey is about an hour and 15 minutes from Seattle.
Getting to Whidbey Island
If you’re going from Kitsap County to Whidbey Island, you’ll most likely drive and then ferry over. The Port Townsend/Coupeville ferry takes about 35 minutes and drops visitors off on the northern end of the island. Most ferries are loaded on a first-come, first-served basis, but we recommend making a vehicle reservation for the Port Townsend/Coupeville ferry. Alternatively, the Mukilteo/Clinton ferry is ideal to visit the southern portion of the island. The crossing time is about 20 minutes. If you drive around from the Seattle area, you’ll get to cross the picturesque Deception Pass Bridge.
State Parks Galore
Celebrated for its natural beauty, Whidbey Island offers many ways to spend time in nature. Deception Pass State Park is the most visited state park in Washington for good reason. Between the biking, equestrian and hiking trails and the popular Cranberry Lake, visitors are in for a treat. Cranberry Lake also has a dedicated swimming area, which is ideal on hot summer days.
Another popular destination is Ebey’s Landing Reserve. It offers kids and family programming as part of an active working partnership with local farms. The reserve also houses three state parks within its borders: Fort Ebey, Fort Casey, and Ebey’s Landing State Park. Exploring the forts and hiking along their bluffs makes for an unforgettable experience.
Visit Whidbey’s Unique Communities
Whidbey Island has three major cities: Oak Harbor, Langley, and Coupeville. Oak Harbor is the largest city on the island and is home to a number of restaurants and shops. It is also the closest city to the Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI). The city co-hosts an annual Military Appreciation Picnic in September and you can learn more about the military history of the area at the Pacific Northwest Naval Air Museum.
Langley is a quaint waterfront city on the southern end of Whidbey Island. It hosts the Island Shakespeare Festival, which runs performances from mid-July to mid-September. Home to many artists and studios, you and your family can enjoy a First Saturday Art Walk and delve into the Langley art scene. Langley Whale Center is also a fun place to explore. You can view the whale sightings map, check out whale skulls, and listen to orcas in the listening booth.
Coupeville lies in the heart of Ebey’s Landing Reserve. It is the second oldest town in Washington and hosts many fun festivals throughout the year. Coming up in October is The Haunting of Coupeville – a great way to get into the Halloween spirit. You and your family members may also enjoy Haunted Fort Casey State Park. Other popular festivals in town include a MusselFest in March and an annual Water Festival in May that features annual tribal canoe races and dance performances.
Food & Drink on Whidbey Island
Whidbey has a variety of wonderful restaurants, coffee shops, wineries, and breweries. Check out this interactive map of popular restaurants on Whidbey Island and the neighboring Camano Island. While it’s hard to pick just a few great restaurants, Front Street Grill in Coupeville has excellent mussels and cioppino. The Braeburn in Langley is a delicious spot for breakfast and lunch, and Honeymoon Bay Coffee Roasters in Oak Harbor has great coffee and pastries. You can also enjoy local eats by visiting one of the local farmers’ markets. For a family-friendly place to grab a bite and a pint, check out Flyers Restaurant and Brewery in Oak Harbor. They’ve won many awards, and they’re dog-friendly. If you’re looking for a kid-friendly winery, Holmes Harbor Cellars is a family-owned, award-winning winery in Greenbank. They welcome kids and pets, and have igloos and cabanas to enjoy.
However you decide to spend a day or weekend on Whidbey Island, we hope you and your family have a wonderful time. And, if you fall in love with Whidbey and want to stay a little longer, check out this helpful Whidbey Island Guide, created by our friends at Windermere Real Estate Whidbey Island.
Made in Kitsap: Locally Made Home Goods
Transform your space from house to home by shopping for these locally-made products. Kitsap has got you covered for all your household needs, from larger items like custom furniture and wallpaper to small touches that enhance a room. Skip the big-box stores and support these fantastic small businesses next time you want to improve your space or need the perfect host gift.
Wallcoverings and Textiles
Designed in Poulsbo, Abnormals Anonymous offers stunning prints. The creators describe their prints as “drawn from nature’s oddities and designed to spark curiosity, infused with coastal, floral, and wildlife motifs.” Abnormals Anonymous has a variety of wallpapers, grasscloths, and textiles designed locally and manufactured in the United States. You can see their work in Poulsbo’s new Hotel Scandi.
Furniture Made in Kitsap
Have you been dreaming of a specific piece of furniture that you can’t find anywhere else? Experts in both traditional woodworking and modern Architectural Millwork, Phenom Woodworks specializes in custom residential and commercial work that includes non-traditional materials – making every project truly one of a kind. Based in Poulsbo, Phenom Woodworks combines Swiss precision with globally inspired design. The team thrives on challenging projects and loves finding creative solutions to bring your visions to life.
For raw-edge tables or handcrafted rocking chairs, check out Laeradr Millworks, also in Poulsbo. Additionally, they have a wide selection of hand-turned bowls and wall hangings. They’ve even designed unique wall-mounted arcade systems for high-end game rooms.
For the Kitchen and Bathroom
For these frequently-used rooms, it is all about the details. Kitsap does not disappoint when it comes to locally-produced products. F.R.O.G. Soap in Bremerton is known for its beautiful bar soaps and body products. Additionally, they have laundry and dish soaps, locally-made pottery, and other home goods. Point Unbroken, which you can find on Bainbridge Island, has a full line of hypo-allergenic soaps, lotions, salves, candles, and cleaning products. Poulsbo’s Away With Words Bookshop offers house-made lotions, sugar scrubs, and Cupcake Candle Company candles crafted in Sequim. Away With Words also features Frantic Art’s handmade ceramics, which are made in Kitsap but were only available at Pike Place Market until this year.
For pottery made in Kitsap, check out Fern Street Pottery. You can find it at many shops across Kitsap County, including Nordiska in Poulsbo, Danger on Bainbridge Island, and the Indianola Country Store. Fern Street is best known for mugs, barware, and serving items.
To check out various local home goods, visit the Poulsbo Farmers Market. We’re proud sponsors of the Poulsbo Farmers Market, and you’ll find wonderful vendors such as The Rustic Cedar Co., which creates laser-engraved cutting boards, and Secret Garden Lavender from Seabeck for all things lavender. Another local favorite at the market is Sea Wind & Fog, which has Pacific Northwest-inspired soy wax candles and diffusers.
For Your Pantry
If you want to fill your pantry with local goods, Spiva Spices in Silverdale specializes in spice blends and rubs. Also, Tea & Spice Exchange in Poulsbo carries various spices, salts, flavored sugars, and many teas. Kingston’s CB’s Nuts has great nut butters and roasted nuts. Crimson Cove in Poulsbo carries locally-smoked salmon, cheese, nuts, and preserves. Get your coffee fix with freshly roasted beans from Grounds For Change or Caffe Cocina, both in Poulsbo.
If these locally-made goods have inspired you to spruce up your home even more, check out our recent Q&A with local designer Kristin Alvarado.
Best Hot Springs in Western Washington
Some of the best hot springs in Western Washington are only a couple of hours from Kitsap County. Locals and tourists alike enjoy soaking in Washington’s natural beauty. From deep in the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Valley of the Cascade Mountains to the Elwha Valley of the Olympic Mountains, you can explore some of Western Washington’s beloved attractions.
Goldmyer Hot Springs
These are meant for the true wilderness enthusiast and adventurer. Goldmyer is only accessible by mountain bike or a 4.5-mile hike. And, lush forests and waterfalls treat visitors to a spectacular view along the way. The natural waters are the grand prize for those visitors willing to make the trek.
Reservations are strongly recommended because only 20 visitors are allowed per day. They are privately owned and operated by Northwest Wilderness Programs, a nonprofit organization. Learn more about how to make reservations.
Olympic Hot Springs
These pools were once home to the majestic Olympic Hot Springs Resort. However, they are no longer maintained or tested. The resort in the Elwha Valley in the Olympic Mountains is now closed. Thus, visitors are encouraged to use caution before entering the pools. They may contain harmful bacteria.
The Olympic Hot Springs is only accessible by foot. Road access is very limited in that area. Additionally, backpackers must obtain a wilderness use permit and follow all wilderness camping regulations. There is so much to explore in the Olympic National Park that many use these hot springs as a base camp. Just be sure to obtain an Olympic National Park Wilderness Permit.
Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort
The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort is perfect for all ages, and it’s a fun weekend getaway. Enjoy this tranquil retreat by staying in a rustic cabin surrounded by evergreens. Additionally, included in the stay is access to the resort’s three mineral pools and one freshwater pool.
Prefer to visit for the day? The resort also offers reservations for the pools on a first-come, first-served basis, in person. What’s more, the water is tested in the mineral pools periodically, and visitors are encouraged to check the pool’s schedule.
Ready for More?
If you’re ready for other outdoor activities to enjoy here in Washington, check out our article on great places to go fishing and crabbing. Or, visit these fun farms here in Kitsap County.
7 Spring Gardening Tips
1. Don’t Underestimate Your Soil
Soil really has a rich life of its own so pay attention to it and manage it properly. Enrich your soil with organic matter to make sure it can retain moisture and nutrients. You also want to make sure it drains well. You should be able to easily dig, and it should be crumbly and loose so that your plants’ roots have the oxygen they need. When selecting a fertilizer, choose an organic one that adds nitrogen, phosphate, and potash (potassium plants can use). Here’s more info on how to prepare your soil.
2. Mulch Matters
Not only does mulch cut down on the time you spend weeding, but it also reduces your watering needs in the summer and protects the soil. Be sure to lay a thick enough cover, at least 2 inches.
3. Deadhead at the Right Time
If you have spring-blooming bulbs like daffodils and hyacinths, deadhead spent flowers. By doing so, the plants send energy to the bulbs not into making seeds. Now, here’s the part some people fail to do: wait until the foliage turns brown to remove it. If you cut it too soon, the leaves can’t store the nutrients needed for the bulb to bloom next year.
4. Gardening in Zone 8b: Which Fruits and Vegetables to Plant
Ideas for early spring and early summer veggies and greens include beans, cabbage, carrots, chard, kale, lettuce, peas, spinach, strawberries, and tomatoes.
5. Select Plants Pollinators Love
Invite pollinators like bees and hummingbirds into your garden with flowering plants like daylilies, petunias, asters, and phlox.
Plants that grow best in partial or full shade include bleeding hearts, hostas, and coneflowers.
Popular plants that grow well here include hydrangeas, rhododendrons, and lavender.
6. Know the Difference Between Pests and Beneficial Creatures
The Pacific Northwest is known for its rain and that comes with pests like snails and slugs. But other garden creatures are beneficial. Centipedes, millipedes, ladybugs, earthworms, and pillbugs all help your garden so it’s best not to disturb them. For those pesky slugs and snails, be sure to use slug bait. Another one to watch out for: tomato hornworms. They can completely defoliate your tomato plants. Learn about tomato hornworms and how to protect your plants.
7. Get Help From Your Local Nursery’s Experts
Whether you’re new to gardening or a seasoned pro, your local nursery is bound to have the resources and assistance you need when dealing with garden pests, planting a new flower bed, or trying out a new crop. We’re lucky to live in a place with many local experts, including those at Olmsted’s Nursery and Valley Nursery, both right here in Poulsbo. They’re friendly, extremely knowledgeable, and always ready to assist.
Fun Weekend Getaways in the Pacific Northwest
In need of a fun getaway or a relaxing retreat? We’ve rounded up some of our favorites that are located in our corner of the Pacific Northwest. From romantic places to outdoor explorations, these Washington gems are sure to help you unwind and recharge.
Angeline Spa & Clearwater Casino Resort in Suquamish
Part of the Clearwater Casino Resort, the Angeline Spa offers traditional spa services, including facials and massages. A couple’s massage would be the perfect way to create a relaxing, romantic experience. Enjoy a meal at one of the resort’s six restaurants after your spa services. Resort amenities include a zero-entry pool with views of Agate Passage. Not only do you have the casino right there, but you also have the perfect jumping-off point to check out the rest of the Kitsap Peninsula. We may be biased, but our area does have many popular beaches, hiking and biking trails, and cute towns to enjoy. Plus, there are many hidden gems to explore.
Rates: $109+ per night | Couple’s Massage from $220
La Conner Channel Lodge in La Conner
Halfway between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. and minutes from the popular Skagit Valley tulips, lies the charming town of La Conner. A waterfront hotel, La Conner Channel Lodge provides a relaxing atmosphere and offers special add-ons for your room like rose petals or a Pacific Northwest basket. You can easily stroll through town to peruse art galleries, eateries, boutiques, and museums. There are also local spas, hiking trails, and golf courses nearby.
Rates: $139+ per night
Lake Crescent Lodge in Olympic National Park near Port Angeles
This turn-of-the-century resort is located on the shore of Lake Crescent. Built in 1915, the lodge is full of historic charm and character. You can book a room in the lodge or one of the free-standing cabins on the resort grounds. In the warmer months, rent a kayak or paddleboard or take a dip in the lake. Great for a day trip or a weekend getaway, this retreat deserves a spot on your to-do list.
Rates: $150+ per night | Kayak and Paddle Boards from $45
Port Ludlow Inn in Port Ludlow
This picturesque inn is tucked beside Ludlow Bay. Rooms have fireplaces and jetted tubs, and the New England-inspired look of the resort makes you feel like you’re at a faraway beach. Enjoy meals at the Fireside Restaurant with changing offerings based on what’s in season from local farms. A perfect place for activities, Port Ludlow has biking trails, an 18-hole golf course, plus plenty of water activities. It’s a wonderful home base to explore more of the Olympic Peninsula.
Rates: $189+ per night | Golf: $23 + (9 & 18 hole options)
Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort near Port Angeles
Open April through October, this rustic cabin resort nestled in the evergreens offers a variety of lodging options. There are three mineral hot spring pools, a freshwater pool, and lovely walking trails throughout, including the famous Lovers Lane Loop. It takes you to beautiful Sol Duc Falls.
Rates: $240+ per night | National Park Fee Charged Separately
There are many other excellent places in our region for weekend getaways. If you live in our area and want to take a day trip this spring or summer, here are some day trip ideas. Know of another hotel or spa that you’d like to see us promote? Contact us through our Facebook page: Windermere Sound Living.
