Mt. Rainier Views

Posted on November 18, 2011 by stayonbainbridge
Eagle Harbor to Mt. Rainier

Eagle Harbor to Mt. Rainier

Locals know Wing Point, the north pillar of the entrance to Eagle Harbor, as the former home of the Senator from Washington State, Warren Magnuson.  The house on the tip of Wing Point still hugs the low the bluff in its prime location, facing the Sound, the Mountain, the sunrise, and the storms.

Abode by the Sea

Abode by the Sea

Inside Eagle Harbor, a stone’s throw from the senator’s former estate, the waterfront is lined with homes of current Bainbridge Island residents, including Abode by the Sea.  Abode by the Sea is an antiques-filled beach-front apartment, tucked in along the northern bank of Eagle Harbor, above the kayaks and seagrass.  With dinette and kitchen, fold-out sofa and queen bedroom, the cheery Abode by the Sea can accommodate a variety of family holiday options as well as longer-term stays.  In earlier days, the Harbor was alive with the clang of shipbuilding at Hall Brothers Shipyard, but now, Abode by the Sea is witness to local yachts and power boats and the hourly passage of the ferries — the island’s lifeline to nearby-by Seattle.

Yeomalt Beach House

Yeomalt Beach House

Just north of Wing Point on Bainbridge Island’s eastern shore is Yeomalt Point and Yeomalt Beach House.  Yeomalt is Wing Point’s quieter neighbor, sitting in full view of the Cascades, the shipping lanes that bring goods from around the world, and of the grain terminals that take Washington State wheat to far corners of the Pacific.  Yeomalt Beach House, a beautifully furnished 3-bedroom beach-front home, is perfect for the girls’ weekend, a writers’ group, or a place for the bride and her attendants to prepare for the grand event. Yeomalt Beach has an exquisite expansive view of the Puget Sound from Mt Baker to Mt Rainier, and the contemporary atmosphere at Yeomalt Beach House lends itself to groups and multi-generational families — both practical and romantic at the same time.

Wing Point

Inside Eagle Harbor to Wing Point

If you choose Bainbridge Island as a destination after the clatter and clutter of the summer visitors have subsided, you cannot do better than late Autumn. The mid-Autumn weather lends itself to long beach walks into town, local fresh produce in a roast or salad, the art of local wine-makers and distillers, and sumptuous fires in the evening.  This is the season locals like to keep to themselves — the reward for patience, the light revealed, the Puget Sound at its best.

  • For more information on the cosy Abode by the Sea, go to their website or call Claes at (206) 941-9747.  (www.abodebythesea)
  • For the contemporary Yeomalt Beach House, call Kinam at 206-842-4339.
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West-side Secrets on Bainbridge Island

Posted on June 18, 2011 by stayonbainbridge

Remnants of the Dock at Manzanita

Clandestine deliveries, secret distribution, muffled footsteps, furtive glances and dimmed running lights.  Just a few locals knew when to meet the shipments and who trusted allies were to receive the contraband.  The dock at Manzanita was the place. Prohibition (1919-1933) the timeframe. The goods?  Golden Canadian whiskey.  Ssshhhhhhh!  Tell no one!

Swimming float at Little Manzanita Bay

Now, of course, the road-end at Manzanita where the dock and its warehouse once stood is a street-end picnic area with a lovely view sunsets over the Olympics — still colorful and full of character, but in with a different vibe.  Bring your camp chairs and set up for a glorious view.

The sleepy Manzanita/Seabold area holds several street end beach access points as well as walks past old farmsteads, remnants of a largely Norwegian community that farmed the fertile north end of Bainbridge Island.

Manzanita Park is full of trails, used often by equestrians.  If you are on human foot rather than horseback, it is suggested that the best time to walk through Manzanita Park is in September and October when the ground is dry, before the late-Fall rains return.  For specific directions, check those walks in Dave and Alice Shorett’s book, Walks on Bainbridge or go to the Bainbridge Island Parks District Trail Maps.

Fletcher Bay

Just south of Manzanita lies the shallower Fletcher’s Bay, where just after the turn of the 20th century, cabins and tents tucked under cedar trees could be rented for the summer.  Foster’s store offered provisions and campers could swim or row in the protected bay, and hike the forest paths.

Patio Fireplace at Fletcher Bay Landing

Patio Fireplace at Fletcher Bay Landing

West-side sunset over the Olympics

Every evening, according to the historical record, there was a beach fire for roasting marshmallows, and a place to tell tall tales and sing camp songs.  Sounds like fun, doesn’t it?  No wonder, the resort was often filled to capacity, and such a popular destination that additional steamers were hired for special summer excursions.

Enjoy a relaxing stay on the Manzanita/Seabold and Fletcher Bay waterfronts at Fletcher Bay Landing (www.fletcherbaylanding.com) and the charming Aunt Margie’s Beach (www.auntmargiesbeach.com) on the shores of Little Manzanita Bay.

Aunt Margie's Beach

Resources consulted for this blog are:

  • Walks on Bainbridge by Dave and Alice Shorett, Lakestream Publications
  • Bainbridge Landings by Allen Beach, Driftwood Press
  • Picture Bainbridge by Jack Swanson.  Bainbridge Historical Society.

All are resources above are available from Eagle Harbor Books (www.eagleharborbooks.com) 157 Winslow Way East, Bainbridge Island.  206.842.5332.

Photos provided by Aunt Margie’s Beach and Fletcher Bay Landing.

Bainbridge Island Lodging Association is a group of 21 lodges, inns, guesthouses, suites, boutique hotels, cottages, and B&B’s on Bainbridge Island, WA, dedicated to bringing you quality accommodation on a beautiful island.  Visit our website for events and experiences, and of course, for your vacation rentals.


 

 

 

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West-side Bainbridge Island

Posted on May 12, 2011 by stayonbainbridge
Kayaking on Puget Sound

Kayaking on Puget Sound

On the forested western side of Bainbridge Island, along its 53 miles of shoreline, lie two bays:  Fletcher Bay and Manzanita Bay.

According to historians, and in keeping with Bainbridge Island’s past as a recreational destination for early-twentieth century tourists, a pavilion, camp grounds, a store — and by the 1930’s — a bowling alley were built at Fletcher Bay, bringing day campers and overnight tourists from Kitsap County and Seattle to the “sunset” side of Bainbridge Island.  The pier at Fletcher’s Landing was the closest access point to Kitsap County via ferry.  It’s halcyon days long gone, Fletcher Bay’s shallow cove is sleepy now, quiet and relaxed.

Fletcher Bay Landing

Fletcher Bay Landing

Tucked beneath trees on a beautifully landscaped property on the edge of Fletcher Bay with water access and a waterfront barbecue is the guesthouse at Fletcher Bay Landing.  A stand-alone guesthouse as well as a separate in-house apartment serve island visitors looking for quiet, yet spacious accommodation, fabulous western sunsets, and a place to launch a kayak or canoe onto the waters of West Puget Sound.

One bay north of Fletcher Bay on the west side lies the larger Manzanita Bay.  Where Fletcher Bay is intimate and shallow, Manzanita Bay is a larger, deeper glacial scour.

Aunt Margie's Beach

Aunt Margie's Beach

There, on its northern arm at Little Manzanita Bay, is Aunt Margie’s Beach, a guesthouse perched high on the bluff with water access to the beach below.  Furnished in retro 1950’s rattan modern with fresh Hawaiian fabric and complete with an large authentic field-stone fireplace, Aunt Margie’s Beach is re-opening for the season in late May.

Aunt Margie’s Beach rents by the week (Saturday to Saturday), has enough room for families as well friends vacationing together, and comes with the amazing Margie McDevitt herself, who lives on the property below at the water’s edge.  Water access to 100 feet of sheltered waterfront is down a steep but handsomely landscaped slope.  The view of the bay offers a glimmer of sun on the waves and an array of wildlife in the nature corridor that are all part of the charm — and why people come back year after year to Aunt Margie’s.

As you tour the island, stop in at these two lovely bays and get a sense of old Bainbridge.  Bring a picnic and savor the sunset.  (Click here for a road-end map and the many water access points on Bainbridge — scroll down to page 3. )

Aunt Margie's Beach

Aunt Margie's Beach

• • •

West-side Accommodation:

  • Fletcher Bay Landing: 206.842.4396;larry@fletcherbaylanding.com
  • Aunt Margie’s Beach: 206.842.6969; auntmargies@msn.com

Resources used for this article are available at Eagle Harbor Books:

  • Walks on Bainbridge by Dave and Alice Shorett
  • Picture Bainbridge, Bainbridge Historical Society

 

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Bainbridge Island SouthEnd

Posted on April 27, 2011 by stayonbainbridge
Bainbridge Trees

Bainbridge Glory

Exploring Bainbridge Island’s southwest quadrant offers the joy of discovery through the island’s history, as well as the physical challenge of a delightful long hike through the woods.

Adding in extra loops and alternative trails, you can walk for miles through the hemlock, Douglas Fir, white pine, forest at the more than 300 acre wildlife sanctuary at Gazzam Lake Park and its northern and southern additions.  The walk is a favorite get-away for islanders and visitors alike.  Listen for great-horned owls, for pigmy owls, and watch for brown creepers and various woodpeckers, and in the summer, waterfowl nest.

Formed during the last glaciation that left depressions and striations from south to north on Bainbridge Island as the glaciers retreated, Gazzam Lake is now fed by local precipitation and surface water and is a designated freshwater wetland.

Fish Rearing Nets from Fort Ward Park

Fish Rearing Nets from Fort Ward Park

Enter Gazzam Lake Park at Deerpath Lane off NE Baker Hill Road W on the south end or on NE Marshall Road on the north end.  You can walk a 3 mile loop or exit the park, walking through the Close Addition off Crystal Springs Drive NE.  Or you may want to enter at NE Marshall Road off Vincent Road and Fletcher Bay Road. (See links to island maps and trails below.)

Fort Ward National Park, a World War I emplacement to guard the entrance to the Bremerton Shipyard, also offers opportunities for historical exploration.  Walk the flat shoreline or hike up the bluff to view the Officers’ Quarters and the remnants of base housing.  Fort Ward Park’s shoreline is one of the few flat bike trails on the island.  Enter Fort Ward Park by driving south from Pleasant Beach on Pleasant Beach Drive, keeping close to the shoreline through lovely waterfront residential neighborhoods.

Divers Emerging at Rockaway Park

Divers Emerging at Rockaway Park

On the eastern side of Bainbridge Island’s southern shoreline lies Rockaway Beach Park.  Dive boats meet their clients at this park to explore the nearby Puget Sound sea-floor, and picnic tables are available for visitors who want to dine with the view of the spectacular Seattle skyline.

Bainbridge Island Beach Cottage

Bainbridge Island Beach Cottage

Bainbridge Island Lodging Association members offerings in this area include Bainbridge Island Beach Cottage on the island’s southwest side at Pleasant Beach, near Lynwood Theatre, Pane d’Amore deli and bakery, and Treehouse Cafe.

On the eastern side of southern Bainbridge Island, Lodging Association members offer the Guesthouse at Wacky Nut Farm, an eco-equestrian retreat and host to equestrian workshops, seminars and training.

Explore all of Bainbridge Island’s shoreline with prize-winning island author Bruce Barcott’s article on island trails and with the book “Walks on Bainbridge” available at Eagle Harbor Books on Bainbridge Island.

Guesthouse at Wacky Nut Farm

Guesthouse at Wacky Nut Farm

Click here for maps from Bainbridge Island Parks and Recreation of island trails.

Bainbridge Island Lodging Association is a member-managed organization of island innkeepers and vacation rental owners.  Current accommodation availability may be found at Who Has Lodging.

 

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Delightful South

Posted on March 24, 2011 by stayonbainbridge
BI Beach Cottage

Bainbridge Island Beach Cottage

Bainbridge Island’s south end was once a bustling hub, busier than Winslow with economic centers at Lynwood Center and Port Blakley and protective military base at Fort Ward.  Now, the peaceful avenues, sheltered coves, and local watering holes are ideal places for idyllic vacations.

On a rise above the protected southwestern shoreline of Bainbridge Island lies the Bainbridge Island Beach Cottage, overlooking Rich Passage.  The well-appointed cottage is a stroll away from the turn-of-the-twentieth-century holiday hub at Lynwood Center where day-trippers and holiday-makers once would dine at the Lynwood Cafeteria, enjoy ball games and plays and theater.  Book early and take advantage of seasonal specials.

Bainbridge Island Beach interior

Bainbridge Island Beach Cottage Interior

Lynwood Centre is now home of the historic Lynwood Theatre, a wonderful new bakery and deli called Pane d’Amore (try their croissant-based bread pudding for a slice of heaven), and Tree House Cafe and Billiards (we recommend 3-T Pizza and Spinach Salad), and Bay Massage and Skin Care.  Not much farther afield are two more island restaurants and Walts Grocery.  For a lovely flat bike ride (rare on Bainbridge Island) or a stroll, go south along the waterfront to Ft. Ward Park.

Wacky Nut Farm

Wacky Nut Farm

On the southeastern side of Bainbridge Island is another experience entirely.  Tucked into the forest and a short walk away from the waterfront at Rockaway Beach is the Guesthouse at Wacky Nut Farm.  The Guesthouse not only serves the environmentally-friendly 20-acre equestrian center, but also welcomes guests who love the proximity of woods and sea as well as beautifully groomed grounds and thoughtfully-designed facilities.

Every detail is specifically designed at Wacky Nut Farm for the health of the horses, equestrians, guests, and environment.  Attend riding clinics in the covered arena with state-of-the-art footing, ride trails, take lessons, or just enjoy walks on the miles of trails through the forest. The guesthouse may be rented by the room or in its entirety.  Equestrians will want to check their clinic schedule at their website (see below).

Wacky Nut Farm

Wacky Nut Farm

Enjoy the beauty of Bainbridge Island’s southern reaches — ideal for bike riding, hiking, riding, leisurely walking and incredible vistas.

• • •

• For more information on Bainbridge Island Beach Cottage, contact:  bibeachcottage@aol.com or www.bainbridgebeachcottage.com.

• For more information about the Guesthouse at Wacky Nut Farm, contact:  Guesthouse at Wacky Nut Farm or guesthouse@wackynutfarm.com.

Guesthouse at Wacky Nut Farm and Bainbridge Island Beach Cottage are members of the Bainbridge Island Lodging Association and the Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce.

•••

Reference: Walks on Bainbridge by Alice and Dave Shorett, available at Eagle Harbor Books on Winslow Way, Bainbridge Island.

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Chautauqua at Skiff Point

Posted on February 15, 2011 by admin

Dock at Manitou Beach

Dock at Manitou Beach

Once the site of a glamorous hotel and as well as host for entertainments, lectures, and adult education in the turn-of-the-twentieth-century chautauqua style, the Skiff Point area was an important destination.

People arrived by one of the Mosquito Fleet* ferries or by steamer as island roads were rudimentary.  Later the hotel’s expansive property facing Manitou Beach, north of Skiff point, became a private school, then a naval-themed prep academy, and finally was converted to its present use — a nursing home.

Seattle and Duwamish Valley from Skiff Point

Seattle and Duwamish Valley from Skiff Point

Skiff Point marks the northern point of Murden Cove, site of a World War I gun emplacement and home to thousands of sand dollars and moon snails.  Walk the shallow cove carefully at low tide as the delicate sand dollars sit on their edge, covered with tiny purple tentacles to filter the tide for food. “When the hops were grown in Duwamish Valley,” writes Dave and Alice Shorett, “tribes came from as far as Canada to harvest hops, using Skiff Point as one of their stopping points.”

Bay Hay & Feed, Post Office at Rolling Bay

Bay Hay & Feed, Post Office at Rolling Bay

The community of Rolling Bay, a local hub for the Sunrise, Skiff Point and Manitou Beach area, holds one of the island’s most delightful stores, Bay Hay and Feed. Housed next to what was, and still is, the post office and located at the corner of Valley Road and Sunrise Drive, Bay Hay has preserved its historic nature while maintaining an eclectic inventory in their country store worthy of a special trip.

Stop in at Bay Hay to purchase feed for your goats or buy chicks in the spring, browse for shoes and clothing, or housewares and gifts.  Pick up one of their iconic tee-shirts or sweatshirts, a sure sign you are an islander at heart, and stroll through their nursery with coffee and a sandwich in hand.  Friends from off-island always request a stop at fascinating Bay Hay when they visit.

North to Canada from the deck at Skiff Point

From the deck at Skiff Point

••• Lodging resources in the Rolling Bay area include these amazing vacation rentals:

• Skiff Point Guesthouse and Retreat with two charming self-contained units with Puget Sound views and loft sleeping as well as a convenient separate meeting room for up to 20.

• Eagle’s Perch Guesthouse farther north along Sunrise Drive with stunning views of Puget Sound from Mt. Baker to Mt. Rainier, perfect for a family reunion or girl’s weekend with 3 bedrooms, a hot tub on the deck and a large living room for great conversation.

• Kellerman Creek B&B, a delightful self-catering Hawaiian-themed studio as well as access to one of the best breakfast cooks on the island — your host Jean Kellerman.

Kellerman Creek B&B

Kellerman Creek B&B

•••Information Resources:

  • *Mosquito Fleet:  passenger ferries that plied the Puget Sound during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.  Each shoreline community on Bainbridge Island had a store and ferry dock.  Water travel was much easier than overland on slippery, muddy island roads.
  • Walks on Bainbridge by Dave & Alice Shorett, p. 46.
  • Picture Bainbridge, Bainbridge Island Historical Society, p. 139-146
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Dusk on Puget Sound

Posted on January 15, 2011 by stayonbainbridge

What can be more beautiful than watching the low winter light on the Puget Sound?  The exquisite gloaming that comes early this time of year just begs for us to stop, have a cup of tea or glass of wine and watch nature’s miracle. 

The gradual shift from crisp illumination with a pink sunset tinge into a warm blue hazy scrim obscures imperfection and shrouds our differences with in dusk that reminds us we are in the Pacific Northwest.  Observed, that view offers the peaceful thought that night shrouds our differences and within our space, light inside that serves as the campfire that becomes a place of security and communion. 

Eagle's Perch Guest Retreat

Eagle's Perch Guest Retreat

 

Down a long winding country lane on Bainbridge Island’s eastern shore is Eagle’s Perch Guest Retreat. It’s spectacular view is hidden, revealed only as you walk into the great-room and kitchen. Iif you are lucky and “the mountain is out,” you will have a breathtaking view of Mt. Rainier.  Turn to the left, and Mt. Baker, the next volcano north, shows its snow-cap above the Cascades.  The property is aptly named as an eagle family nests to the left of the deck and scans the boating traffic on Sound from a tree on the right — offering us a hint of nature’s grace.  Eagle’s Perch Guest Retreat includes three bedrooms, a full kitchen and laundry, beautiful great-room for extended family visits to the island, for writing groups and class reunions.  Space to gather and space to retreat.  For winter stalwarts and summer celebrants, the deck sports a large hot tub.  A BBQ, plenty of seating, and the stunning view of the Cascade Mountains and the shipping lanes of the Puget Sound top off this lovely high-bank waterfront property. 

Kellerman Creek

Kellerman Creek

 

For the more gregarious, Kellerman Creek Guesthouse reflects the warm nature of its hostess, Jean Kellerman.  A complete catered breakfast from Jean’s dining room overlooking Puget Sound is the perfect way to get a great start on the day, and to get to know Bainbridge Island as well as Jean’s links to other islands where she has lived.  A long-time resident of Hawaii, Jean’s studio guesthouse reflects that connection with gorgeous Hawaiian quilts, prints, and gracious ambiance.  Kellerman Creek Guesthouse is a perfect couple’s intimate get-away — warm, gracious, and welcoming. 

Skiff Point Guest Retreat

Skiff Point Guest Retreat

 

Working our way south towards Winslow, Skiff Point Guesthouse and Retreat is one of the few properties that offers both accommodation and a separate meeting room.  Skiff Point includes two guesthouses, each with a cozy loft bedroom, beautiful and thoughtful appointments, and stunning high-bank views of the Puget Sound.  Sunsets on Mt. Baker will add golden light to the already golden atmosphere of Skiff Point Guesthouse and Retreat. Skiff Point’s meeting room is suitable for executive retreats and workshops, making the package offered at Skiff Point unique among privately-owned and owner-operated accommodation on Bainbridge Island.  Skiff Point is close enough to town for excursions and wine tasting, but far enough away to enjoy the intimacy of the shipping lane on Puget Sound view.  What a perfect way to work through stress-inducing issues that executive retreats entail in a peace-inducing setting and after-work ambiance? 

Feel the mantle of tranquility descend as you walk out on one of these the decks, a glass of exceptional wine from Bainbridge Island’s growing wine industry, and watch dusk descent on our little slice of Puget Sound.  Welcome to Bainbridge Island. 

• • • • • 

Bainbridge Island Lodging Association’s 23 members offer more than 92 rooms in a variety settings on the island from downtown boutique hotels to quiet cottages in the woods, from high-bank waterfront to B&B’s whose lawns abut the beach, from view properties to farm-stays.  For a pet-friendly or children-friendly place to say, for a romantic get-away, for weekly or monthly lodging opportunities, and special rates – you’ll find it all at Bainbridge Island Lodging Association. 

Check out your accommodation options at Find Lodging and activities on our Travel Planner on www.bainbridgelodging.com.

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Winslow

Posted on December 28, 2010 by stayonbainbridge
Waterfront Trail by Harbour Pub

Waterfront Trail by Harbour Pub

The green spice of damp cedar boughs and crisp salt air dominate my sense-memory of Bainbridge Island in winter. Drifting fog to windows of clear blue sky, early morning harbor water still until the air rips with the sudden flutter of water birds low overhead setting tail feathers and trailing wing tips for a smooth water landing, one after the other. That’s winter for me at the water’s edge on Bainbridge.

I might start my morning with a lovely winter walk, steeped in the echos of men working on the shore. I’d start directly across the street from Captain’s House at the Harbour Pub, duck by the Harbor Master’s hut and wind my way east to the ferry on board walk and sidewalk along Eagle Harbor. I circle back to Madison and walk past The Eagle Harbor Inn and up to Bjune Drive, then dip down Shannon Drive and into Waterfront Park.

If you join me, we’d be walking along what once was a thriving shipyard, home to Hall Brothers Shipbuilding. The residents of the little town on the banks Eagle Harbor were so grateful that the Hall Brothers decided to move their shipyard from Port Blakley to Eagle Harbor in 1903, that they changed the name of their little town from “Madrone” to “Winslow” after Winslow Hall, the ship designer whose genius allowed Hall Brothers to grow and thrive.

On those 77 leased acres along the waterfront in Eagle Harbor the Halls built 4-masted lumber schooners that plied the West Coast and scores of smaller vessels. The shipbuilding business passed through several hands and by the 1940’s, metal hulled vessels were built for World War II. Some 2300 workers poured off the ferries from Seattle to work the shipyard.

Sound travels well across the water, and the sound of 2300 men working in the shipyard must have echoed off the hills that surround the harbor and filled the air with the cacophony of enterprise. Today, my dog and one on the opposite shore have a call and response dog-chat across that same, now quiet, water.

Let’s go by Bainbridge Bakers and grab a cup of coffee and one of their famous pull-apart rolls. That will give us the energy to walk up Winslow Way to Grow Avenue, turn up hill, and about 1/2 way along, turn left onto Shepard Way. Shepard way doesn’t look like it goes anywhere, but we’ll be now poking through the back trail past the guesthouse at Nicholson Place to Strawberry Park where a cannery once stood at the head of Eagle Harbor, employing many island families to pack and ship the berries.

Eagle Harbor, Strawberry Park on the right

Eagle Harbor, Strawberry Park

Jack Swanson writes in his book “Picture Bainbridge” that the Japanese-American and Filipino-American communities “created a major new industry on the island between the world wars that helped many island families.” Raised by their deft farming touch and hand-sorted and packed by school-aged islanders and their moms, the sweet strawberries were sold throughout the northwest coast — and purported to have been served to King George VI and Queen Elizabeth during their visit to Vancouver BC in 1939.

Staying in downtown Winslow is a fascinating experience in a contemporary world steeped in an historic site. Downtown Winslow’s accommodations include The Eagle Harbor Inn and Captain’s House. Slightly farther afield are Madison Townhouses, the Inn at Vineyard Lane and Nicholson Place. For more vacation rentals and island experiences, go the Bainbridge Island Lodging Association’s website, www.bainbridgelodging.com. Click here for more information on Bainbridge Trails, including the Waterfront Loop Trails.

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"Walk-ons"

Posted on December 8, 2010 by stayonbainbridge

“Walk-ons.” That’s Bainbridge Island insider’s lingo for those who walk on the ferry rather than driving on in a car. Walking on the ferry from Seattle is a lovely option for visitors to Bainbridge Island. Why bother with a car when you have so many entertaining options within walking range from the ferry — whether you stay on Bainbridge for a couple of days or a week?

Downtown Winslow’s historic nature gives you many rich opportunities to check out downtown Winslow, once the little hamlet of Madrone. The name changed in 1903, but madrone trees are still scattered here and there, survivors of the three clear-cuts that changed the nature of Bainbridge Island view property over and over again.

Captain's House B & B

Captain's House B & B

One of these historic properties is Captain’s House. A traditional B&B, Captain’s House was built in 1906 by E.L. Franks who gained the honorary title of “captain” for linking Bainbridge Island to Seattle with his passenger steamer “Florence K.” Turn of the century charm at Captain’s House wouldn’t be complete without a four-poster bed and period furniture. Across the street from the historic Harbour Pub, Captain’s House has that old-world feel that makes memories.

courtyard at The Eagle Harbor Inn

Courtyard at The Eagle Harbor Inn

Just steps around the corner from Captain’s House is a boutique Euro-hotel, The Eagle Harbor Inn. Built around a central courtyard, the Inn offers eight lodging alternatives, including rooms, suites, and townhomes, many with views of the harbor, the marina, and the soaring eagles that give the harbor its name. Each unit has a distinctive feel, embellished with art and artifacts from all around the Pacific Northwest.

Slightly farther afield but within walking distance of downtown Winslow are three more lodging options for guests afoot or on bicycles.

Inn at Vineyard Lane

Inn at Vineyard Lane


One of them,the Inn at Vineyard Lane is a small private accommodation, located north of the ferry terminal, about a 15 minute walk from downtown Winslow. Set in a former vineyard and tucked into a contemporary condominium complex, the rooms are stylish and comfortable. The Inn has meeting rooms as well as a catering service, and is surrounded by exquisite landscaping.

Nicholson Place

Nicholson Place

The second option, for those comfortable with walking, is just south of downtown Winslow, about a 10 minute walk. Down a secret footpath near the historic strawberry cannery dock is Nicholson Place. Its contemporary studio apartment lies in a quiet neighborhood, just a stone’s throw from downtown Winslow, but secluded and protected from late-night revelry. Walk through the gardens, and up the drive to your own private entrance. If your get-away is about togetherness, then Nicholson Place is an affordable self-contained stodio to regenerate and reconnect. And just around the corner is a beach access at the old strawberry processing plant to explore, now a community park.

Madison Townhomes

Madison Townhomes

The third lies two blocks west of downtown, up Madison Avenue. Madison Townhomes — East and West, are located in a contemporary townhouse complex. Stylishly furnished and spacious, they can accommodate a family or together, a group. Their location, close to the library, to the high school, and to the cinema complex, give them another dimension in proximity to businesses and shopping on High School Road as well as a downhill stroll into Winslow.

For other exciting lodging opportunities on Bainbridge Island, including view properties, high- and low-bank waterfront, cottages in the woods, working farms and equestrian facilities, as well as activities, events, and destinations on Bainbridge, visit the Bainbridge Island Lodging Association’s website, www.bainbridgelodging.com.  Relax to “island time” and stay with us awhile on beautiful Bainbridge Island.

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Artists on Bainbridge – Part II

Posted on November 15, 2010 by stayonbainbridge

Homegrown

Red Lettuce © Claudia McKinstry

The Artist’s Studio

Claudia McKinstry, owner of The Artist’s Studio (a guesthouse on Bainbridge Island), is an artist herself, and an experienced teacher and coach.  She works in several media in a photo-realistic style.  “As far a my favorite places to paint or photograph, I’ve used the land around the winery, the pumpkin fields, Bloedel, but most of my subjects come from right here on my land. I am having an exhibition at Bainbridge Arts and Crafts in July which I think will be called ‘Homegrown’”.

Claudia has packaged art experience, teaching and coaching for guests to her property, customized to fit the guests’ artistic experience and interests.  “The media we would work in are drawing, watercolor and oil,” says McKinstry.  To see more of Claudia’s portfolio and her workshops, visit www.claudiamckinstry.com or call her directly, 206.842.6962.

Weddings at Holly Lane Gardens

Holly Lane Gardens

Patti Dusbabek, a long-time island resident, is an active member of the Bainbridge Farmers Market. She creates a product line in her commercial kitchen on her property, and offers cooking classes to interested guests and groups.

Dusbabek offers a full line of catering and pastries as well, including wedding cakes for weddings scheduled in the Gardens at Holly Lane.  Her line includes Lebanese baklava (family recipe), holiday fruit breads, jams and vinegars.  At her shop on her property, for 4 weekends before Christmas, she also includes linens and basketry, lambswool hats and scarves, decorated eggs, and hand-made candles.  Her shop is open Saturdays and Sundays, 10-4 from November 27 through December 19.  For more information and bookings for classes or overnight stays, visit www.hollylanegardens.com or call 206.842.8959.

Lichen in the hinterland, NSW ©Buff Hungerland

Harbor View Guesthouse

“Harbor View Guesthouse was my studio space,” says Buff Hungerland, co-owner of Harbor View Guesthouse.  The studio was re-designed by Chris Hungerland, an architect, as a stylish two-story townhouse-style apartment, overlooking the south side of Eagle Harbor.

“We walk the beach at Pritchard Park most days with our dogs, and taking the camera along, tucked into a pocket. We have a dog/human pact:  the dogs can sniff to read the latest details, and I get to photograph the latest details,” says Hungerland.  Chris, with his designer’s eye, serves as art director.

What catches the eye?  A last blackberry changing color or water-logged wood, the stumps of the old Creosote Pier or an odd shell, scullers, marina masts, a caterpillar navigating over beach stones, the moss on an old log, clusters of winter berries on a branch — all photographed and incorporated into drawings, embellished and collaged.

After a long career of making art to be shown, of designing lines of products for galleries and stores, Hungerland’s work is now personal, post-card sized and ephemeral.  For more on Hungerland’s work, go to www.buffhungerland.wordpress.com and visit the guesthouse at www.bainbridgeharborviewguesthouse.com.

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