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Must-Visit Museums in the Pacific Northwest
Winter might seem like it is dragging on, but these local and regional museums are a great way to get out while staying dry. Our corner of the Pacific Northwest has many different types of museums to explore. Whether you want to keep it local or venture out a bit farther from home, this list has something for everyone!
Arts and Culture
Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA)
So many wonderful pieces of art are in the permanent collection at BIMA, which has a primary focus on the contemporary art and craft of the Puget Sound region, featuring more than 50 artists. You’ll also find a unique collection of artists’ books, and rotating exhibits showcasing different types of art. The museum frequently hosts special events, including films in their theater, lectures, and readings. Additionally, you can rent out areas of the museum for private events.
Admission: Free, donations accepted; memberships available
Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop) in Seattle
MoPop showcases local musical history with bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam as well as Jimi Hendrix. There’s also a visual history of hip hop. In the non-musical exhibits, you can view the “Thrill of Horror Film” – complete with 50 terrorizing props like zombie heads from “The Walking Dead” and items from “Nightmare on Elm Street”. (The horror area is recommended for ages 13+.) You can also explore the world of magic and make-believe with memorabilia from cult classics like “The Wizard of Oz”, “Harry Potter”, and “The Princess Bride”. MoPop also has rotating exhibits on other topics, so check their current list for more details.
Admission: $25 – $31
Hours: Thursday to Tuesday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed Wednesdays)
Seattle Asian Art Museum
Located in Volunteer Park, the Seattle Asian Art Museum is home to an extensive Asian art collection that is part of the larger Seattle Art Museum family. In this eye-catching Art Deco building from 1933, you will find a contemporary Asian art exhibit, showcasing the work of 12 artists which, when displayed together, the museum says aims to “answer questions of who we are and where we belong”.
Admission: $9.99 – $17.99; children under 14 are free
Hours: Friday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Special: Last Friday of every month is free
Museum of Glass in Tacoma
This unique museum showcases the wide variety of techniques used by glass artists. You’ll find exhibits featuring glassware from the nineteenth century, interesting pieces created during the studio glass movement, contemporary pieces, and art created on-site through the artist residency program. For interactive fun, you can sign up for a workshop that teaches glass blowing, mosaics, and more.
Admission: $10 – $18; children under 6 are free
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed Monday, Tuesday)
Special: Workshop prices vary
History Museums
Suquamish Museum
Open for almost 10 years, Suquamish Museum sits in the heart of the Port Madison Reservation. There are two exhibit galleries, an educational classroom space, a research space, a museum store, and beautiful grounds with a storytelling area. The staff often plan and host various educational workshops that are free with general admission. The permanent exhibit, “Ancient Shores – Changing Tides”, provides a window into Suquamish culture and traditions. The second gallery has rotating exhibits about historical events, customs and traditions, and pieces from Native artists. And, steps away from Suquamish Museum you’ll find historical sites like Chief Seattle’s grave and Suquamish Veterans Memorial.
Admission: $5 for adults, $3 for seniors/students, $15 for family; children under 5 are free
Winter Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Puget Sound Navy Museum in Bremerton
Explore a portrayal of life onboard one of the U.S. Navy’s nuclear aircraft carriers in the museum’s first permanent exhibit, and learn about the 100+ year history of the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. Temporary exhibits change periodically. In the past, they’ve included exhibits on 3D printing and the Navy, African American Contributions to PSNS & IMF, as well as the history of women’s work in the Shipyard. You can also view a collection of artifacts and photography highlighting the region’s Naval history. Additionally, there are rentable meeting spaces for events, as well as volunteer opportunities.
Admission: Free; donations accepted
Hours: Monday and Wednesday – Sunday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Special Hours: First Friday of each month is open until 7:00 PM
National Nordic Museum in Ballard (Seattle)
Ballard has a large number of Scandinavian residents, so it is no wonder it is home to a Nordic museum. Explore the evolution of twelve thousand years of Nordic life and history, as well as immigration stories. Until March, you can see an exhibit called Mygration, an exhibition of works by Tomas Colbengtson and Stina Folkebrant. From March to July, enjoy immersive artwork created by Jónsi (Jón Þór Birgisson), lead singer of the band Sigur Rós in its first United States exhibit. This vast collection features over 80,000 artifacts from five Nordic countries.
Admission: $10 – $20; children under 4 are free
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Special: First Thursday of each month is free
America’s Car Museum in Tacoma
Whether you are a fan of NASCAR or have always wanted to see the sights on Route 66, this car museum has tons to explore. There’s a British Invasion exhibit dedicated to the influence of British cars from WWII to the 1960s. However, the cornerstone of the museum is the donated private collection of Harold and Nancy LeMay, whose name you will see in the emblem of the logo. The LeMays were the world’s largest car collectors, with over 3,000 in their collection at one time. The museum hosts a variety of speakers and special events, such as a family STEAM night once a month.
Admission: $10 – $18; children under 5 are free
Hours: Thursday to Monday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM; last entry at 4:30 PM
Museums that are Great for Kids
Kids Discovery Museum (KiDiMu) on Bainbridge Island
KiDiMu offers a fun world of imaginative play for young children to explore. They can enjoy various play areas like the giant marble run, the pretend grocery store, the giant light wall, the science exploration area, the treehouse, or the arts and crafts room. Also, KiDiMu offers a play-based preschool program and birthday party rental packages.
Admission: $9 for children and adults, free if under 12 months of age; $8 for military and $3 for EBT and Apple Health Families
Hours: Monday & Friday, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Special: First Friday of each month is free
Bremerton Bug and Reptile Museum
Located in the area of Bremerton known as Navy Yard City, this bug and reptile museum is a fan-favorite for those who love creepy crawly things. There is an 8-foot ant farm to observe, multiple live snakes, other reptiles and insects, as well as a large variety of preserved insects and butterflies. Complete a scavenger hunt or check out the gift shop for lots of great STEM-based toys.
Admission: Free to visit; donations are appreciated
Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Hands-on Children’s Museum in Olympia
Set on a half acre, this interactive museum for kids has 150 exhibits and 10 gallery spaces. Creativity can run wild with maker spaces including tools like glue guns and sewing machines, a climbing gym with 9 pods, reaching 20 feet in the air, mini versions of a veterinary clinic, hospital, pizzeria, cargo ship, and more. Other fun activities are a light table, air maze, rocket launcher, woodland wind tunnel, plus lots of outdoor play spaces as well. Memberships and party bookings are also available.
Admission: Timed Entry Tickets starting at $14.95; $3.00 tickets for EBT families
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Specials: Save $2.00 when you purchase tickets online
Imagine Children’s Museum in Everett
This recently-expanded museum features tons of wonderful opportunities for kids of all ages. Exhibits include an interactive farm, a transit bus, an airplane, an area for kids under 3, tall timbers, a giant outdoor play structure, a replica of an archaeological dig, an animal hospital, a railroad area, a water table, air mazes, and more. You can book parties here, and they have seasonal special events as well as membership offerings.
Admission: $22.00 per person and children under 12 months are free; $3.00 tickets for EBT families
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Must-Visit Wineries in the PNW
There is no doubt we have plenty of wonderful wineries in our area. In fact, Washington is the second-largest producer of premium wine in the United States with over 900 wineries. The Columbia Valley is home to the largest selection of wineries and vineyards, but you can find many places closer to our beautiful Kitsap Peninsula.
Bainbridge Island Wineries
The Winery Alliance of Bainbridge Island is a great one-stop site to check out all things wine on the Island. While grapes have been grown on Bainbridge since the 1970s, most wineries did not start serving until the early 2000s. In total, we have seven wineries/vineyards spanning Bainbridge, from Winslow to Lynwood. We’ve highlighted some wonderful places below.
Bainbridge Vineyards
Established in 1977, this vineyard proudly produces wine from the ground up and specializes in white wine varietals. The vines grow on some of the longest-running agricultural land in the area.
Open: Thursday – Sunday 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Tasting Flight: $18. Glass and bottle purchases available.
Snacks available for purchase. You are also welcome to bring in takeout from a local restaurant.
Eagle Harbor
Eagle Harbor sources their grapes from Eastern Washington but produces them on the island. Their main concentration is red (Bordeaux) varietals. Additionally, they produce Sauvignon Blanc. At the Winery Tasting Room, you’ll find live music in the summer, and you can witness the wine-making process firsthand in the fall.
Downtown Winslow Tasting Room: Open Thursday – Monday 12:00 – 5:00 PM and until 5:30 PM on weekends.
Winery Tasting Room: Open Thursday – Monday 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM and until 6:00 PM on Saturdays. Reservations Suggested.
Eleven Winery
Eleven Winery has two tasting room locations on the Island, one in downtown Winslow, and the other on Day Road. Reservations are not required at either location. Fun fact: if you bike to the Day Road location, you’ll receive a free tasting.
The first crush for this winery was in 2003, and they moved to their current large location in 2011. The owner Matt is a former professional cyclist, and the name was inspired by his former career. He is quoted on their site saying, “On a typical modern road bike, the smallest cog in the rear cluster has eleven teeth, and it’s the one that produces the maximum gear ratio. Therefore, when you’re at the point in the race when it’s all or nothing, when there’s no choice but to put every ounce of strength and determination you’ve got into the pedals no matter how much you’ve already suffered, when you have to give it absolutely everything you’ve got, you use The Eleven.”
Open: (Both locations) Daily 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Tasting Flight: $15 – $20. Glass and bottle purchases available.
Charcuterie, cheese, and snacks available for purchase.
Fletcher Bay Winery
This winery has two locations on Bainbridge Island. Their production facility is in the Coppertop Business Park, and their tasting room is in downtown Winslow. Their award-winning wines come from vineyards in the Columbia Valley and Yakima Valley as well as Oregon. They have been producing for a decade.
Their Facility in Coppertop Business Park is located near restaurants and a bakery.
Open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Wednesday 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Friday and Saturday 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Sunday 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Reservations recommended.
Tasting Flight: Start from $14. Glass and bottle purchases available.
Their Winslow Tasting Room is within walking distance of the Seattle – Bainbridge ferry and it has been open since 2018.
Open: Monday – Thursday 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Friday & Saturday – 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Sunday 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Great Wine Across Kitsap
The Kitsap Peninsula offers many beautiful hikes and beaches, and wonderful wine tasting experiences! Here are a couple of places we recommend visiting.
Olalla Vineyard & Winery in Olalla
Serving a mix of wines made from grapes grown on-site, and in Eastern Washington, this winery has been open to the public since 2008. A mix of red and white varietals are produced here with the flagship wine being Golubok. It’s an Eastern European varietal that flourishes in the Pacific Northwest. Olalla focuses on agricultural tourism, offers live music, and can be rented out for weddings and events.
Open: Thursday – Saturday from 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Sunday 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Tasting Flight: $10. Appointments preferred.
You can purchase picnic baskets and snacks. No outside food or beverages are permitted.
State 42 Wines in Poulsbo
With a production facility in Seabeck, a couple owns this winery and sources grapes from all over Washington state. They have been producing since 2017 and offer a range of wines. To learn more about this local gem, check out our recent State 42 interview.
Open: Wednesday – Sunday 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Tasting Flight: $10. Glass and bottle purchase available.
Live music every Wednesday. Snacks for purchase, BYO-food allowed.
Wineries Beyond Kitsap
If you want to take your tasting experience a little further and explore our region, these places are worth the trip.
Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville
Perhaps one of the most famous wineries in Washington state, Chateau Ste. Michelle’s origin dates back to the repeal of prohibition. You can find a variety of events on their calendar. In the summer, they host large concerts in their amphitheater. Their best-known wine is their Riesling, which won a blind taste test by the Los Angeles Times in 1974. They are the top producer of Reisling in North America.
Open: Daily 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, weekends until 7:00 PM
Tasting Flight: Starts at $15. Enjoy a full food menu. Virtual tastings are also available.
Chateau Ste. Michelle is just one of the 110+ wineries you can find in the Woodinville area.
Mt. Hood Winery in Hood River, OR
If you are looking for a weekend getaway, this could be your spot! The slogan “Come for the wine, stay for the views” is an understatement. The views from this vineyard are amazing. The volcanic soil the vines are planted in mixed with the climate makes for an ideal growing location of many varietals. This “seed to sip” operation has won many awards in recent years. And, if you want to stop here and visit a few others, view this wineries map. There are many others nearby.
Open: Daily, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM (March through November)
Tour groups are welcome by appointment.
Port Townsend Vineyards
Just outside Port Townsend proper, this vineyard is a beautiful venue for large events and features two distinct tasting rooms. They opened their doors in 2017 and produce wines from grapes grown in Port Townsend as well as in Eastern Washington and Oregon.
Open: Sunday – Thursday 11:00 – 5:00 PM, Friday and Saturday 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Vintage is their tasting room and it’s located on the water in historic downtown Port Townsend. This space is curated for live music, food and wine pairings, and other events. They offer a welcoming indoor space as well as a large plaza.
Open: Monday – Saturday 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Sunday 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Tasting Flight: $25. Reservations are required.
For more coverage of local wineries, watch our fun snapshot below.
Start the New Year Off Right With These Fun Activities
Each new year brings hope and the chance to start fresh. Here are some activities to help you feel rejuvenated and more connected to this incredible place we call home.
New Year, New View
We all get caught up in our daily lives and sometimes we take this gorgeous area for granted. Grab your coat and visit a trail you haven’t been to in months or ever. There are many great trails here on Bainbridge like Grand Forest, which is made up of 240 acres with approximately eight miles of trails. Kitsap Peninsula offers many wonderful places to enjoy. Another peaceful spot is Point No Point Park and Lighthouse in Hansville. There’s a short nature trail, a beautiful beach, and the oldest lighthouse on Puget Sound. 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. Tapping into that can help you see your surroundings with fresh eyes.
Unplug For One Day
If your routine involves a lot of time in front of a computer or on your phone, take a day to fully unplug. Turn off all of your electronics. Yes, even your phone. It can be challenging yet rewarding. Play a board game with your family, write good ol’ fashioned letters or thank you cards, bake cookies for a neighbor. You may be surprised how often you automatically reach for your phone. In just one day, you can see where you really are on the usage spectrum. And, you may decide you want to limit your screen time as a new year’s resolution. Even if you are fine with how much time you spend in front of screens, a day off from electronics can help you appreciate them more.
Share Your Love of Books, New and Old
Whether you’re a voracious reader or have fond childhood memories of reading some of the classics, start the new year off by sharing your love of books. Donate a few of your books to your nearest Little Free Library so that others can enjoy them. If there isn’t a Little Free Library near you, start your own! Either way, it’s a great way to connect with neighbors, friends, and family over beloved books.
After you add to or start your own Little Free Library, you’ll have the perfect excuse to visit your local bookstore. After all, you’ll have gaps on your bookshelf that you’ll need to fill. You can find an array of excellent books at Eagle Harbor Book Co. here on Bainbridge Island and Poulsbo’s Liberty Bay Books.
If you never seem to have the time to sit down with a good book, try downloading a free app called Libby. You can borrow audiobooks by connecting the app to your Kitsap Regional Library card. It’s user-friendly and offers tons of bestsellers and classics for free.
Create a Gratitude Jar
Want a simple yet meaningful activity that gets the whole family involved? Get a large jar and decorate it with the word “gratitude” on it or purchase a gratitude jar like this one. Every week, your family members can put little notes in it, describing what you’re thankful for and memorable moments. To establish this new habit, pick a day that you’ll each add one note to the jar, like on Sundays after dinner. That way, it quickly becomes part of your routine. Also, make sure your gratitude jar is in a prominent place so anyone can jot down a note whenever they want. At the end of the year, you’ll get to go through all of these little notes together. It’s an easy way to regularly practice gratitude and an enjoyable way to reflect on the year’s highlights.
We wish you a happy, healthy 2021!
Ways to Enjoy Labor Day While Social Distancing
Bainbridge Island’s allure includes the peace and adventure it offers in every season, making it a great Labor Day destination, even amidst social distancing. While large gatherings are still on hold, below are some creative ways to say goodbye to summer while staying safe this Labor Day weekend.
Support Bainbridge Island Businesses
Bainbridge is home to many locally-owned shops and restaurants. Many are open and need support now more than ever. According to the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce, many businesses rely on visitors from April through September to help them succeed. Since this year’s visitor season has been significantly quiet, the Chamber and the Bainbridge Island Downtown Association have developed SOS Bainbridge Island, in an effort to Save our Stores and Businesses. Their website includes updates on how you can safely shop, dine, and support local merchants.
Host a Backyard Movie Night
Upon publishing this post, Kitsap County is in Phase 2 of reopening. For safe Labor Day social distancing, outdoor recreation can include up to five people outside your household. This happens to be a delightful headcount for a DIY outdoor theater. Project a classic, favorite film in the comfort of your own yard. Have a catered, intimate event using a local favorite such as Via Rosa 11 or Bainbridge Island BBQ.
Choose your Own Labor Day Adventure
Stretch the summer spirit with all that Bainbridge has to offer this Labor Day weekend. From water sports to hiking, to exploring the Bloedel Reserve – everyone can partake in fun holiday-weekend activities. Just be sure to check out the latest safety updates before venturing out.
Savor Summer Favorites
Say so long to summer while savoring seasonal favorites. Enjoy zucchini walnut bread from Blackbird Bakery or watermelon sorbet from Mora Iced Creamery. Craving one last crab feast of the year? The season runs through Labor Day, so be sure to obtain a license and discover the best spots here.
We wish you all a safe and joyous holiday weekend!
The Allure of Bainbridge Island Living
The charm of Bainbridge Island, Washington offers an escape during tourist season to those from near and far. But locals know that Bainbridge Island living offers adventure, beauty, and serenity all year long. Vogue Magazine once coined it the Nantucket of the Pacific Northwest. Learn how its allure can easily convince any visitor to imagine Bainbridge Island as ‘home’.
Small Town Life and Adventure
Bainbridge Island’s footprint is similar in size to Manhattan but hosts a population currently under 25,000. Slower-paced and sophisticated, it’s also home to 65 miles of hiking trails, dozens of public parks and beaches, and the famous Bloedel Reserve. The 150-acre attraction is regularly named one of the Top-10 Botanical Gardens in the US (its distinguished Japanese Garden is considered one of the best in North America.)
The adventurous landscape of Bainbridge Island is served regularly by ferry from Seattle, the route that many island locals make their daily work commute. A 35-minute ride allows time for breakfast, phone calls, and even a jump-start on emails, all with serene views. It’s quite the opposite experience of sitting in Seattle traffic.
An Excellent Place to Raise a Family
The quaint, engaged community of Bainbridge Island is an ideal place to raise a family. Safewise ranks Bainbridge Washington’s 6th safest city in 2020. The community also actively supports its highly-regarded public school system. Bainbridge Island School District includes Bainbridge High School, which often ranks high locally and nationally by US News and World Report. It also includes Captain Johnston Blakely and Ordway elementary schools; GreatSchools.org lists both in Washington’s top-10. Islandwood, a non-profit environmental learning center, also serves thousands of students each year from its 250-acre Bainbridge Island campus. Its alternative programs have gained national recognition.
Bainbridge Culture is Rooted and Refined
Full-time island life doesn’t mean leaving behind fine dining or the arts. From regionally-sourced and James-Beard-awarded Hitchcock, to long-time Kitsap County favorite, Agate Restaurant – the island’s local cuisine is often renowned beyond the region.
Bainbridge Brewing and Bainbridge Organic Distillers keep spirits cheering year-round. Locals and tourists alike can find their coffee fix all around the island. The iconic Pegasus Coffee and the adorable carly’s Rolling Bay Cafe are just a couple of favorites.
The artist community of Bainbridge Island is abundant. The BARN (Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network) keeps local artists and makers connected and inspired. Bainbridge Museum of Art and Bainbridge Performing Arts continuously feature local and indigenous works for all to enjoy, while galleries and studios dot the island throughout.
A Strong Real Estate Market
Bainbridge is a Pacific Northwest gem with so much to offer. And, now is a great time to make island living a reality. The local real estate market has fared well through the uncertainties of 2020 thus far. Plus, our Windermere Bainbridge agents are all active community members and highly-skilled experts. Our team has an average of over 16 years in the real estate industry (the range spans from 4 – 37 years). We are passionate locals, and we’re honored to work with nearly half of the market on the island.
Looking to get away from the crowds, but still be close to adventure and city excitement? Bainbridge Island’s 53 miles of shoreline with thousands of waterfront properties awaits. Let Windermere Bainbridge help you find your island home.
