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Local Holiday Festivities
There are so many wonderful ways to enjoy the holiday season, and they’re all happening right here in our own backyard. From free pony rides for kids to ice skating, we’ve got you covered.
3 Great Places to See Santa
When: Dec. 4, Dec. 11, Dec. 18, and Dec. 19, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Where: Manor House at Pleasant Beach Village, Bainbridge Island
Cost: Free
Head on down to visit Santa and give him your holiday wish list. There are also plenty of cute stores to shop locally for holiday gifts. Pleasant Beach Village is also a fun place to grab a bite or beverage to round out your holiday weekend festivities.
When: Sunday, Dec. 5 5 9:00 – 11:00 AM
Where: Poulsbo Sons of Norway
Cost: $7 for children 10 and under, $10 for ages 10+
Enjoy a tasty breakfast that includes pancakes, lingonberries, bacon, sausage, fruit, potatoes, coffee, juices, and a “no contact” visit with Santa.
Nordic Father Christmas in Poulsbo
When: Saturdays in December from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Sundays in December 12:00 – 3:00PM, Christmas Eve 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Drop off letters anytime.)
Where: Santa’s House in front of Marina Market in Downtown Poulsbo
Cost: Free (Donations to Fishline Food Bank are encouraged.)
Visit Father Christmas for a photo op in front of his little house at this cute little Holiday Tiny Home in Historic Downtown Poulsbo. Bring your own camera for some family photos. Additionally, kids can drop off their letter to Santa and they’ll receive a reply if a return address is listed.
Holiday Festivals
When: Dec. 4 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Where: Mike Wallace Park in Kingston
Cost: Free
Kingston’s annual Christmas event boasts thousands upon thousands of lights. The official lighting ceremony is on December 4th at 5:00 PM. However, there are plenty of festivities happening throughout the day. This year there’s a Craft Fair at the Village Green (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM), Santa’s Workshop (take and make crafts), photos with Santa at Kingston Cove Yacht Club (1:00 – 4:00 PM), live music, Santa’s arrival, a boat parade, a cookie-crawl, and a holiday spirits garden. View the complete schedule. Once the holiday lights are on, they light up the waterfront until the first week of January. So, you can take a stroll to enjoy it all season long. Unusual creations for this display usually include an octopus, a dragon, butterflies, and turtles.
Julefest: Nordic Market, Taste of Norway, and Viking Bonfire
When: Dec. 4 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Where: Sons of Norway and Poulsbo Waterfront Park
Cost: Free
Taste Norwegian food, shop for Scandinavian-inspired gifts and crafts and experience the holidays with a Nordic twist at the Sons of Norway Lodge. At dusk, enjoy the Lucia Bride ceremony where the Vikings escort Lucia and her wreath of candles to the shore on their boat, followed by a bonfire and winter proclamation. It’s one of the most authentic Nordic holiday ceremonies in the Northwest, and very unique to Poulsbo.
When: Dec. 11 & 12
Where: Port Gamble
Cost: Free+
Celebrate the holidays in historic Port Gamble with shopping and holiday lights! This year they have over 100,000 lights on display. On Saturday, Dec. 11th there will be a community lighting at 5:00 PM followed by fireworks. Santa’s workshop ($5 per child) is open Saturday 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM and Sunday 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Merry Meadows Farm will have their ponies near the pavilion for holiday pony rides as well.
Lighted Ships Parade, Bonfire, and Caroling
When: Dec. 11, 5:00 PM
Where: Liberty Bay and Poulsbo Waterfront Park
Cost: Free
Find a spot along Liberty Bay to watch the lighted ship parade, complete with call-outs from Santa. If you want to add a name to Santa’s list for him to call out, you can email santa@poulsboyc.org before Dec. 10th. The Crossroads Rotary will be hosting a bonfire, and caroling will be provided by Emerald Heights Elementary. View Poulsbo Yacht Club’s route map.
Unique Holiday Activities
When: Nov. 26 – Dec. 17, Wed. – Fri. 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Dec. 18 – Jan. 2, Daily 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Dec. 24 10AM – 2:00 PM; Closed Dec. 25
Where: Pleasant Beach Village, Bainbridge Island
Cost: $15 per person; pool members skate for free. The fee includes skate rental and regular skates aren’t allowed on the surface. Rental skates must be worn. All proceeds go to the Windermere Foundation on Bainbridge Island, supporting locals in need.
Grab your loved ones and celebrate the season by skating in Pleasant Beach Village. Skate, enjoy a bite to eat, and take in this beautifully transformed winter scene. Although it’s a synthetic ice rink, it’s very similar and it’s easy for beginners.
When: Dec. 4 & 5 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: Countryman Stables
5349 McDonald Ave. NE, Bainbridge Island
Cost: Free
This holiday experience has been going on for almost two decades, giving children the experience of horse riding for the holidays. Children up to age 12 are welcome. Helmets are available, or you can bring your own.
Cookies and Canvas – Family Paint Workshop
When: Dec. 4 (2 sessions) & Dec. 11 (2 sessions)
Where: Griffin Gallery in Poulsbo
Cost: $35 per person, pre-registration required (ages 6+ welcome)
Enjoy time with family members or friends while painting. Delicious cookies and warm beverages will make it an extra sweet event. Fee includes all painting supplies, 2 hours of instruction, canvas, snacks, and drinks.
Every Christmas Story Ever Told
When: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Dec. 3 – Dec. 19 (various showtimes)
Where: Port Gamble Theater
Cost: Children $12, Adults $18, Military/Senior/Youth $16
Live theater is back in Port Gamble! Enjoy a funny look at holiday specials and stories that are often relatable. Note from the theater: Santa’s existence is called into question, so caution to parents who may wish to keep that magic alive. Tickets can be purchased here.
Holiday at Fay – Drive-Thru Holiday Event (Pre-Register)
When: Dec. 9 – 12 & Dec. 16 – 19. Driving times available between 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Where: Fay Bainbridge Park, Bainbridge Island
Cost: $20 per vehicle
Experience a beautiful light display from the comfort of your cozy car. Pack the car with your favorite holiday treats and play your favorite festive tunes as you slowly drive through Fay Bainbridge Park, enjoying it in a whole new way!
We wish you a joyful, healthy holiday season! To stay “in the know” about local events, stories, and more, follow our page: Windermere Sound Living.
Our Community Involvement in 2021
We love Bainbridge Island and our community involvement is an important part of how we operate. So, we thought we would take a moment to share how our Windermere Bainbridge Island office has been involved this year. By doing so, we hope to spread awareness about some of the great events and non-profits that you can connect to and support as well.
Annual Support
We’ve proudly supported Bainbridge Youth Services (BYS) for years. Since 1962, they’ve worked hard to “promote the social and emotional well-being of adolescents and young adults” through a variety of services including free, confidential counseling, and peer tutoring.
Another youth-centered organization that we support on an annual basis is the Boys & Girls Club of Bainbridge Island. They offer a program for K – 4th grade and a separate middle school program for 5th – 8th grade. When the pandemic began, our local Boys & Girls Club chapter began offering discounted rates and extended out-of-school programming.
PAWS of Bainbridge Island and North Kitsap has been helping pets and their people for 45 years, and we love supporting their efforts. PAWS is a volunteer-based nonprofit animal welfare organization. Their services include pet adoption, spay/neuter assistance, pet retention counseling, humane care for elderly cats, and veterinary financial assistance. They have been helping cats and dogs find loving homes since 1975.
Community Events
Bainbridge Island’s Art Walk is a vibrant event, and we love participating in it. It happens the first Friday of every month and it’s a fun way to enjoy local artists’ creations and live music while having a bite to eat and chatting with neighbors and friends. This tradition is brought to you by the Bainbridge Island Downtown Association. This year, we moved our office to downtown Winslow Way, and we’ve loved highlighting local artists and musicians during the Art Walk. We will continue to do so in the new year.
Another fun event we look forward to each year is Shred Fest. It’s a free event where you can safely and securely shred old documents and recycle old electronics. We love to host this event because it helps people get organized and recycle. And, it’s always fun when friends and clients stop by.
Every year, all Windermere offices close for Community Service Day so that we can give back to the communities we serve. This year, some of us helped with the Bainbridge Island Land Trust, which works to “conserve and steward the diverse natural environments of Bainbridge Island for the benefit of all”. They’ve protected 1, 471 acres to date and provided 1,102 public acres. Additionally, we hosted an online fundraiser in an effort to further support Bainbridge Youth Services.
Every year, we participate in Pacific Northwest Title’s annual food drive. This year marked their 17th year. There are many in need in our community, and a food drive is an easy way to give back. In fact, in Kitsap County, approximately one-third of adults are food insecure and over a third of local children are in need of free and reduced lunch. Our local food banks serve about 48,000 residents per year.
This year we also supported Kitsap Humane Society‘s drive sponsored by Pacific Northwest Title, and we promoted Kitsap Humane Society for Kitsap Great Give. Dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming pets, Kitsap Humane Society has been serving our community since 1908. It’s one of the leading animal welfare organizations in the Pacific Northwest. Last year alone, KHS rehomed 3,676 animals. Check out our video promoting Kitsap Humane Society, which features some of our agents and their pets.
Other fun events that we were happy to support this year include Hometown Halloween and the senior class graduation parade.
Additionally, a couple of our agents sponsored some of the studios for the Bainbridge Island Studio Art Tour. This free, self-guided tour celebrates locally made art. It’s a chance to appreciate local artisans, see works in progress, and purchase beautiful art. The Winter Studio Tour 2021 was December 3rd – 5th. If you weren’t able to attend, you can explore the featured artists’ work online.
Windermere Foundation, Bainbridge Island
A portion of every agent’s commission is donated to the Windermere Foundation of Bainbridge Island. All of our agents participate, and we’re also proud to be part of the broader Windermere Foundation. It impacts communities across 10 states and we’ve collectively raised over $41 million for programs that provide shelter, food, children’s programs, and more.
Every year, our Foundation awards two or three Bainbridge High School graduates a total of $6,000 in scholarships based on their community service, academic achievement, and financial need. We have also supported a variety of local nonprofits. This year we awarded grants to Peacock Family Services, Helpline House, Arms Around Bainbridge, Housing Resources Bainbridge, and Bainbridge Youth Services. All of these organizations strengthen our community, providing vital resources and support to those in need.
While we recognize that there are many different ways to give back, we’re proud of what we’ve done so far. If you’re looking to get more involved in our community, we hope this has sparked some ideas. We should note that our agents also support a variety of charities on their own. So this only reflects our office-wide community involvement.
6 Smart Appliances to Improve Your Home
Imagine waking up in the morning to clean floors, a fresh cup of coffee, and your home at the perfect temperature. Now imagine having all of that done for you, automatically. This is possible thanks to some of our favorite smart gadgets. And, with the holiday season upon us, there are many great deals on these items.
Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats are an energy-efficient way of regulating the temperature in your house while helping the environment and saving on utility bills. They have a variety of functions that can help regulate the temperature in your home. Most will allow you to adjust your thermostat anywhere away from home as long as you have Wi-Fi. So, if you want to save energy while on a vacation but still want your home warm and cozy right when you return, a smart thermostat would do this for you. Additionally, smart thermostats can be connected to Siri, Alexa or Google for voice commands and activation.
Robot Vacuum
Smart vacuums have become increasingly popular within the last few years. They are handy for keeping your home consistently clean. This helpful appliance can map out the layout of your house. You can also set it up to vacuum at a certain time of day, even when you’re at work. Robot vacuums are especially beneficial for families with pets, where fur seems to take over the home every time you finish cleaning.
Home Security
Any home can benefit from being more secure. Luckily, there are tons of options to choose from. Nowadays, many motion-sensing home security cameras can send your phone notifications. Brands like Vivint, Simplisafe, and Ring are reliable and give homeowners peace of mind. Many of these systems allow you to monitor your home when you’re away, so you always know what’s going on.
Smart Coffee Maker
Many of us can’t get our day started without our morning cup of coffee. Now you can cut out the time it takes to grind the beans, replace the filter, and wait for your coffee maker to heat up. A smart coffee maker will expedite the process by automatically grinding the beans and brewing your coffee at a pre-programmed time. Some coffee makers can even make espresso drinks! Smart coffee makers have become increasingly common, and many programmable coffee makers can be pretty affordable. Smart coffee makers can range from $80 on the low-end to around $200 on the higher end.
Soundbar
Experience your favorite movies with a high-quality soundbar. A soundbar is a fantastic speaker that packs surround sound into a small, long device that sits right under your TV. The soundbar is essentially multiple speakers built into one, positioned to create an immersive experience. Smart soundbars can even understand voice commands allowing you to play any movie without the need for a remote.
Smart Garden
Nothing beats fresh herbs or greens in a recipe. A smart garden cultivates plants automatically by monitoring their water and light at all times. The smart garden comes with LED grow lights and varies in size to fit in any kitchen regardless of space or exposure to natural sunlight. It’s completely organic and contains no pesticides, fungicides, or hormones. This self-watering appliance is an excellent addition to any home and is especially helpful during the cold winter months. Some smart gardens even come with a sensor that will alert you about the soil’s nutrients. There’s nothing like the gift of fresh tomatoes, lettuce, and basil – all grown at home, year-round.
8 Interesting Thanksgiving Side Dishes
We don’t know about you, but we’re excited for Thanksgiving and all of the festivities that occur this time of year. Now’s the time to start planning! So, here are some interesting Thanksgiving side dishes that could make your meal even more memorable and delicious. These recipes cater to a variety of taste buds so you’ll truly have something for everyone.
Easy Thanksgiving Sides
Don’t have time to make a labor-intensive side dish? No worries, we’ve got you covered with two “one-pot” recipes. Both of these dishes only require tossing the ingredients into an appliance and waiting. Not only do they need minimal oversight, but they’re also sure to impress at the dinner table.
Slow Cooker Creamed Corn with Bacon
Slow Cooker Creamed Corn with Bacon is a creamy side dish that only requires ten ingredients, eight of which you simply throw into the slow cooker. You can get it started and then go about your morning, preparing everything else and enjoying time with family and friends. Four hours later, you have a savory dish that will have guests begging for seconds.
Photo by A Taste of Home.
Air-Fryer Broccoli Parmesan
This recipe is a one-pot, air-fryer recipe. All you need to do is throw some broccoli and seasoning into an air fryer and set it aside for a couple of minutes. Air Fryer Broccoli Parmesan is a great way to add something green to the table, and it’s incredibly flavorful.
Photo by Happy Veggie Kitchen.
Seafood Lovers’ Side Dishes
We can’t forget about the seafood lovers! We’re fortunate to live in a place where fresh seafood is practically a staple here in the Pacific Northwest.
Seafood Mac and Cheese
A classic comfort food, consider serving this delicious take on mac and cheese as a side dish for Thanksgiving. You can even make it ahead and then reheat it right before it’s time to eat. This recipe comes from Food Network’s Kardea Brown, and it’s sure to be a family favorite.
Easy Crab Cakes
Absolutely wow your guests with this crab cake recipe. It’s the type of thing you’d order at a wonderful restaurant, yet it isn’t hard to make and only takes 15 minutes. You can serve it as an interesting side or as an appetizer.
Photo by Seafood Nutrition Partnership.
Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes
If you’re going to have some vegan friends or family members joining you for Thanksgiving, here are some interesting options. Additionally, there are many vegetarian dishes that can easily be made vegan thanks to vegan cheese, cashew butter, plant-based milk, and other ingredients that don’t involve animal products.
Crazy Vegan Stuffed “Turkey” Wrapped in “Bacon”
This Vegan Stuffed Turkey from vegan chef Gaz Oakley is eye-catching and fun to make. Vegetarians and vegans will enjoy this hearty, protein-filled dish.
Garlic Brussel Sprouts with Sriracha Aioli
Introduce some delectable greens to the menu with this Garlic Brussels Sprouts recipe. A creamy sriracha aioli complements the garlicky greens wonderfully. The spicy yet creamy sauce is sure to impress vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Photo by Minimalist Baker.
Kid-Friendly Thanksgiving Side Dishes
We know that some kids and teens can be picky eaters. So, we’ve included two simple yet flavorful recipes that will hopefully get them eating something that tastes good and provides some nutrients. That way, everyone’s happy and they aren’t simply eating pie and ice cream nonstop. These dishes also add a pop of color to your table, which is always a plus.
Maple Glazed Carrots and Parsnips
Maple Glazed Carrots and Parsnips have a sweet maple aroma, which can entice kids right away. This recipe isn’t challenging, and it only takes 25 minutes.
Photo by Linda Xiao via Parents.com.
Snow Peas with Butter and Lemon
A simple, yummy side dish, Snow Peas with Butter and Lemon only takes 15 minutes to make. It’s not too exotic for a child’s palette and butter and lemon zest make it extra tasty. While the toasted almonds are optional, they do provide a nice crunch so we suggest including them if you think your kids will like them.
Sweet Potato Fries
Most people are fans of mashed potatoes, which is great, but sweet potato fries can be a fun addition to your Thanksgiving meal, and kids usually like them. This Food Network recipe from Jeff Mauro is easy to make, and Jeff shares tips for how to make them extra crispy.
Third Quarter Market Review for Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge Island’s real estate market remains a strong seller’s market. In our third quarter, we continued to see homes sell above the asking price. We also saw a similar increase in average sale price when compared to this time last year. We’ve compiled key highlights to keep you in the know about our local market.
Bainbridge’s Competitive Market
Bainbridge Island continues to get more competitive for buyers in this third quarter. Many home buyers want to live near Seattle while enjoying beautiful Bainbridge, and remote work trends have increased demand. However, the volume of homes on the market decreased year-over-year, making our seller’s market that much stronger. If you’re looking to buy, our Brokers can help guide you through this competitive market. They know this market extremely well, they know the nuances of Bainbridge’s neighborhoods, and they have excellent track records.
Market Data
In the last five quarters outlined in the graph below, the long-standing growth trend in sales volume is finally slowing. Yet home prices are still growing and sold homes still outpace pending listings as a result of the increased economic demand. As the season slows and inventory wanes, prices may level – effectively balancing out the market between buyers and sellers. Or, at least they will start to shift toward a more balanced market.
With our lower supply, we continue to see even higher prices. While many buyers are willing to meet the demands of Bainbridge Island’s pricing, there just aren’t enough homes on the market right now. As you can see below, the averages of listing and sale prices are starting to converge as demand stretches the costs of housing even further in favor of sellers.
Home Purchase Sentiment Index: Insights from Matthew Gardner
In his most recent Monday with Matthew video, our Chief Economist delivered a comprehensive analysis of the most recent Home Purchase Sentiment Index figures put out by Fannie Mae. The data comes from a survey containing approximately 100 questions on housing-related topics. Fannie Mae collected 1,000 consumer responses from across the country. As Matthew Gardner says, “It’s the only national, monthly survey that’s focused primarily on housing.”
The survey shows that many Americans continue to think it is not a good time to buy because of the low supply and rapidly rising prices. However, many feel it is a good time to sell as consumers predict home prices and mortgage rates will go down. As Gardner explains, “most consumers continue to report that it’s a good time to sell a home, but a bad time to buy. They most frequently cite high home prices and a lack of supply as their primary rationale…However, the good time to buy component did tick up for the first time since March.” While this is a recipe to shift towards a buyer’s market, we’ll see how things unfold in the coming months.
Gardner sums it up nicely: “The takeaways for me so far are that consumers tempered both their recent pessimism about home buying conditions and their upward expectations of home price growth.” So again, we are seeing the potential for a shift toward a more balanced market.
Fun Fall Activities in North Kitsap
The leaves are turning and fall is here! Celebrate the season with some fun, local fall activities. Here’s a list to get you started.
Pumpkin Patches
Suyematsu Farms on Bainbridge Island
Photo by Suyematsu Farms.
A Bainbridge Island favorite for u-pick, Suyematsu Farms is back at it this year with their wonderful pumpkin patch. They grow many different types of squashes, gourds, and pumpkins. Celebrate autumn by taking festive photos and finding beautiful, delicious fall decor. Check their Instagram or their Facebook page to find out about special happenings.
Opened Saturday, September 25th
Hours: Weekdays 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM and Weekends 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fat Turnip Farms in Kingston
Photo by Bittina Erickson.
Fat Turnip Farms has a great farm stand with certified organic produce and they have a u-pick pumpkin patch. Their setup offers fun photo ops with friends or little ones, and they periodically offer events. Check their Facebook page for details.
Opened Friday, September 17th
Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Scandia Patch in Poulsbo
Photo by Scandia Patch.
This farm sits on 5 acres in Scandia and has been a local favorite since 1966. They have great produce, pumpkins, herbs, and flowers. Enjoy their beautiful fields and visit their animals. For current offerings, visit their Facebook page.
Open: Ongoing
Hours: Times vary; check their Facebook page for the latest information.
Fall Activities
Bainbridge Gardens’ 27th Annual Pumpkin Walk
Photos by Bittina Erickson.
This year is the 27th year the Bainbridge Gardens has hosted this free, delightful Halloween activity. The Bainbridge Gardens’ historic nature trail is lined with hundreds of hand-painted and carved pumpkins as well as themed vignettes. Pumpkin submissions are being requested to add to the pathway, and it’s an integral part of the experience. Live music and food trucks will be making guest appearances. Visit their website for more details.
Starts October 1st and ends October 31st
Hours: Mondays – Saturdays 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM and Sundays 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Battle Point Park’s Haunted Hayride on Bainbridge Island
The drive-thru version of this event is back again this year. For $25 per car, you can take a Halloween-themed drive to see fun displays and performances. The attractions are ongoing and cars are asked to continually drive slowly at 5mph to keep the flow of traffic moving. Additionally, you can enter the pumpkin carving contest (PDF) to have your jack-o-lantern displayed during the event. Prizes will be awarded to the top three pumpkins.
Starts Tuesday, October 19th and ends Thursday, October 21st
Hours: Drive-thru times are available from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM and you can register here (one registration needed per vehicle)
Valley Nursery’s Fall Kickoff & Glass Pumpkin Patch in Poulsbo
Enjoy two fall activities at Valley Nursery in Poulsbo. First, check out their large selection of pumpkins at their Fall Kickoff, happening the first weekend in October. It includes raffle prizes and delicious food for purchase from Smoked Asian Food Truck, Viking Ice Cream, and Cookie Creations. The following week, they’re having their annual, one-day Glass Pumpkin Patch, sponsored by Tacoma Glass Blowing Studio. Come for the festivities and for lunch! The Barbacoa Food Truck will be there as well as Cookie Creations. Stay up to date on Valley Nursery’s happenings by visiting their Instagram.
Fall Kickoff is on Saturday, Oct. 2nd and Sunday, Oct. 3rd
Glass Pumpkin Patch is on Saturday, October 9th 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
First Signs of Fall
As a little bonus, watch our snapshot video showing the first signs of fall. We loved getting glimpses of fall’s colors at Poulsbo’s Fish Park.
New Agent Spotlight: Chris Miller
Although Managing Broker Chris Miller has extensive real estate experience, he’s new to our Windermere office but not to real estate on the island. So, we wanted to highlight him in our Q&A series. We’re delighted to have him. His expertise, fascinating background, and positivity are greatly appreciated.
What drew you to real estate?
I was drawn to real estate by the opportunity it gave me to run my own business and the freedom it gave me to give back to and be active in my community. It also afforded me the time to be the springboard diving coach on Bainbridge Island for almost 30 years.
What unique professional experiences or skills do you possess that enhance your abilities as a realtor?
My communication and organizational skills have been honed through successful production of events in a previous music career and concurrent athletic coaching career. When presented with a challenge, I relish researching for true and accurate information from original, reliable, and proven sources.
What personality traits do you think are important in this profession?
I believe this profession calls for the sincere personality traits of honesty, reliability, attention to the details, and of course, good etiquette.
Which areas do you serve and what do you love about the area?
I primarily serve the Bainbridge Island and North Kitsap areas. These are the places I know and understand. I love that Bainbridge Island and North Kitsap are the “midway” between Metropolitan Seattle and the wilderness areas of the Olympic Peninsula. It makes for a more relaxed pace of life and people seem more “grounded”. I love Puget Sound and the mountains.
How long have you lived here and what brought you here?
I moved here with nothing but my backpack in 1988 after hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. I stumbled on Bainbridge Island while taking a side track visit to the Hoh Rainforest. Back then Bainbridge Island reminded me very much of my hometown in the suburbs of NY near the New Jersey border, so I settled here under the notion of, “Go west young man, and seek thy fortune”.
How are you involved in the community?
Community involvement has been a big part of my life even as a child growing up. I have been on the Bainbridge Island Grand Old 4th of July production committee since 1992, been the springboard diving coach on the island from 1991 to 2019, I am a Chamber of Commerce Board of Director for a third time, been on the Kitsap County Association of Realtors board for two terms in the past, been a past president of the retired BI Lions Club, created the first electronic recycling event on Bainbridge Island in 2007 with my Business Partner Bill Barrow, and through him, I’ve been an avid supporter of the BI Kiwanis Club and their scholarship programs over the years.
What made you decide to work with Windermere?
I decided to take my business practice and license to Windermere Real Estate Bainbridge Island because it reminds me very much of the very first office I worked at here on Bainbridge Island. Deschamps Realty is long gone now but taught me the importance of being a community-minded business. Being led by a Managing Broker who is integrated into the community and encourages the office to respect and support the community is a great catalyst. The supportive culture of hardworking brokers and staff with the highest standards of professional practices and ethical principles is paramount. It is a joy to come to work every morning at the crack of dawn and be surrounded by colleagues and staff who exercise mutual support. Go Team!
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
You may recognize me from my real estate partnership with Bill Barrow over the past 20+ years. He afforded me many opportunities and I loved working with him. We worked well together. He was not only my partner but one of my best friends. Bill passed away on August 7, 2021, and I miss him very much.
We’re very fortunate to have Chris on our team. If you’d like to learn more about him, check out his very interesting bio; you’d be hard-pressed to find one that’s more unique.
Enjoy Bainbridge’s Water Sports, Marinas & Yacht Clubs
Surrounded by amazing water-based activities, Bainbridge Island has no shortage of fun ways to enjoy island life. With convenient places to moor boats of all sizes and options for chartering tours, kayak rentals, scuba diving lessons, and Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP), there is something here for everyone. Below you’ll find a great list to get you started.
Water Adventures
Photo by Leo Phillips.
Exotic Aquatics
A great shop for water enthusiasts, Exotic Aquatics offers kayak and paddleboard rentals, and scuba classes and certification. For kayak and SUP, they offer rentals, guided tours, and purchases. For scuba diving, their offerings include classes, tours, and rentals. Additionally, they are a PADI 5-Star Training Facility. Their current kayak tour options include excursions to Blake Island and a full-moon paddle.
Kayak and SUP Rentals: $23.50+ | Scuba Classes $79.95+
Sail Bainbridge
From two-hour excursions to multi-day overnight trips, Sail Bainbridge has been chartering tours for six years and offers private bookings for one to six people. These trips are a wonderful way to explore Bainbridge and beyond. Whether you’re new to the area or you have visitors to entertain, Sail Bainbridge is a fun way to experience our beautiful corner of the Pacific Northwest. Climb aboard the 44’ Pearson Countess Yacht named TRUE, and let their team do the rest.
2-hour sail for 6: $395 | All-day sail for 6: $985
Waterfront Park and City Dock
Launch your next adventure from Waterfront Park, one of the most popular spots for recreation on Bainbridge. There is a boat launch and a trailer parking lot as well as a hand-launch for smaller vessels like kayaks and paddleboards. The 900-foot city dock is directly south of the park. The dock provides first-come-first-serve moorage for boats up to 70 feet. Open year-round, they also provide electricity and pump-out services.
Launch and Trailer Parking $8/day or $80/year | Moorage $0.50/foot for 24 hours
Marinas and Yacht Clubs
Photo by Leo Phillips.
Eagle Harbor Marina
Located directly across from the Winslow Ferry Dock, the Eagle Harbor Marina is a convenient home base for your boat and you can easily explore the north or south parts of the Sound. They offer laundry and shower facilities, state-of-the-art pump out at each slip, free WiFi, and have a clubhouse you can rent for small events.
Boat accommodations 25’ to 200’ | 12-month contract | No Liveaboards
Eagle Harbor Yacht Club
Established in 1978, the EHYC describes its club as “informal, casual, and above all, fun.” They plan group cruises and excursions, social outings, and have reciprocal privileges at over 40 other clubs in the Northwest. Their home location is Winslow Wharf Marina.
Membership $75+ | Located at Winslow Wharf
The Harbour Marina
The Harbour Marina is located just below Harbour Public House, an island favorite. You can enjoy free moorage while you dine! This marina offers a variety of options from hourly or daily rates to monthly rates. Contact them if you wish to arrange a more permanent stay. They have showers, laundry, cable TV, power, and water. Also, they have a pump-out station. The Harbour Marina also connects to the waterfront trail, which stretches from the ferry to just beyond the pub.
Boat accommodations 48’ and under | Monthly and Daily Rates | Liveaboards Welcome
Port Madison Yacht Club
Port Madison Yacht Club is located on the north end of the Island in Hidden Cove. The facilities include a modest clubhouse, extensive docks, deep-water buoys, lovely natural grounds, and storage for members’ dinghies and tender boats. To join, membership must be approved by a current club member. Multiple sailing races are sponsored each year, and youth sailing camps are also offered.
Limited Availability | Membership $150+ | Residency Requirement for Moorage
Winslow Wharf Marina
Winslow Wharf Marina is described as a water-based version of a condominium called a dockominium. All slips are privately owned and owner-occupied or used for long-term moorage at monthly rates. They also offer reciprocal moorage for Eagle Harbor Yacht Club members. Short-term moorage is available when owners are gone for extended periods of time. Power is metered, water is provided, and there is a laundromat on site. Free pump-out is available at the City Dock.
Privately Owned Slips | Guest Moorage from $1.65/foot | Liveaboards Welcome
Yacht Sales
Olympic View Yachts
A yacht Broker with an office on Bainbridge Island, Olympic View Yachts offers yachts for sale and locations at three other local marinas. They also offer advice on different sized vessels and can assist with listing your boat for sale. They are a helpful resource, especially if you have questions about equipping a vessel for safe travel in the Pacific Northwest, or yachting in general.
More Island Information
For more local information, check out our Newcomer’s Guide to Bainbridge Island. In it, you’ll find videos, articles, and helpful links to learn about our neighborhoods, schools, outdoor activities, housing prices by city, local home buying resources, and much more.
Downsize With These Helpful Tips
Downsizing may sound scary, but it can help you start fresh as you begin the next chapter of your life. From retiring to simplifying your life, there are many reasons to downsize. If you’re considering a move to a smaller house or condo but feel overwhelmed by it, here are some useful tips to get you started.
Decluttering and Reorganizing
After deciding that downsizing is right for you, it is time to declutter and reorganize. Start small and start as soon as possible. You don’t necessarily need a large block of time to tackle it all at once. Instead, pick a drawer to go through today, and then maybe pick two tomorrow, and so on. Or, if you prefer time-based tasks, set a timer and spend just 30 minutes a day shredding old documents you don’t need and reorganizing items you do need.
As difficult as it is to determine whether your sentimental items go into the “yes” or “no” pile, it is vital during this process. In Marie Kondo’s book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, Kondo teaches a decluttering method that has gained popularity worldwide. You can also learn more about the KonMari Method in our article, Tips and Tricks to Get (and Stay) Organized.
Ways to Finance Downsizing
Downsizing comes with both buying and selling a home, so here are some loan options to help you achieve your goals if you need to finance your move. From Bridge Loans to a HELOC (Home Equity Line Of Credit), there are different options to consider. Doing your research and managing expectations will go a long way. This includes getting an accurate estimate of what your current home is really worth. Our local experts can provide a free market analysis.
Saying Goodbye
If downsizing will mean moving away from your community, saying goodbye will be the most challenging step. Spend as much time as possible with your local friends and family before it’s time to say goodbye. Though it can be difficult to break the news, telling loved ones as early as possible can help everyone process and prioritize as much time together as possible.
Starting Anew
If you’re moving from a large house to a smaller townhome or a cozy condo, you may want to start fresh with some space-saving, multifunctional furniture. Sofa beds like this one from Pottery Barn are an excellent option for when you have guests. A bench like this one from Crate and Barrel gives you extra storage space. Coffee tables like this one from Wayfair can turn into desks. We recommend buying furniture that fits your lifestyle and maximizes the space in your new home.
Community Spotlight: Bainbridge’s Boys & Girls Club
The Boys and Girls Club of Bainbridge Island has persevered through the pandemic and has enriched the minds of countless youth. Since 2001, our Windermere Bainbridge Island office has proudly supported the Club by donating $250 per month, or $60,000 to date. Read on to learn more about the important work that this wonderful nonprofit does right here in our community.
Boys & Girls Club During the Pandemic
Our local Boys & Girls Club provides academic, engaging, and supportive out-of-school care for Bainbridge Island youth from kindergarten through 8th grade. This organization has also been an integral part of our community’s response to COVID-19. They, along with other local organizations, provided discounted rates and extended out-of-school programming.
Not even the pandemic could stop children from safely having fun and learning at the Boys & Girls Club of Bainbridge Island. The Club implemented remote learning programs to support children during stressful times. And, peer connection, adult mentorship, and engaging activities are still part of the curriculum. As part of their new virtual initiatives, they started offering Free Youth Force Job Readiness workshops.
This past year and a half, our Boys & Girls Club transformed from an after-school care center to a full-time, safe, and reliable place for kids to learn. Additionally, they’ve provided free childcare for frontline workers’ children. They continue to innovate by working with the Bainbridge Island School District and adapting their programs to meet the changing environment.
School Year Programs
Bainbridge’s Boys & Girls Club provides fun programs throughout the school year. There’s a program for K – 4th grade and a separate middle school program for 5th – 8th grade. Club members enjoy healthy snacks and choose from three to four program options. Kids can choose anything from cooking to sports, Minecraft to drone club. There is also a PowerHour to complete homework. 5th – 8th graders participate in PowerHour every day as well as a variety of program offerings from filmmaking to learning how to play the ukulele.
Get Involved
If you have a child or children who would like to get involved with our local Boys & Girls Club, the cost varies based on the program. You can find out more on their school year programs page. They also offer full-day camps during school breaks (winter, mid-winter, and summer). To see what the Club has been up to lately, check out their Facebook page.
Whether you have young children or not, it’s easy to see the long-lasting benefits of a nonprofit organization like this. The Club’s programs give students opportunities to try new things, gain confidence, make new friends, and learn in a safe, supportive environment. Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. The Boys and Girls Club’s mission is to continue to uplift youth and help them reach their goals. If you would like to contribute to our local Club, you can easily donate online.
