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Explore Washington State Logo Shape of Washington State
  • Campground at Blake Island
    Things To Do | Destinations | Fun with Kids | Kitsap County

    Spending A Weekend On Blake Island State Park

    ByLisa Mize August 25, 2025October 27, 2025

    Twenty-seven minutes to paradise. That is it. Twenty-seven minutes. Okay, itโ€™s Blake Island Marine State Park, but to us, itโ€™s a local paradise. Your arrival at the island puts you directly into another world. You will be greeted with grazing deer, possibly a bald eagle, the sounds of birds chirping and the waves crashing over…

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  • Poulsbo Marina
    Destinations | Kitsap County | Poulsbo

    Spending A Day In Poulsbo, WA

    ByNatalie Benson July 2, 2024October 27, 2025

    II am ashamed to say that in the 18 years Iโ€™ve lived in Washington state, this is my first year exploring the magnificent Olympic Peninsula. The mountain views, ocean smell, outdoor activities, and charming marine towns are enchanting, and one particular marine town hooked my heart forever โ€” Poulsbo in Kitsap county, Washington.   A new…

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  • Bloedel Reserve pond
    Bainbridge Island | Destinations | History and Museums | Kitsap County | Things To Do

    Visiting The Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island

    ByChris Boone June 12, 2024September 22, 2024

    Tucked away on the north end of Bainbridge Island, a pristine estate sits atop the high banks looking north over Puget Sound. A fairytale setting come to life, the enchanted woods, sweeping meadows and romantic 18th century French-inspired villa that make up The Bloedel Reserve gives visitors a personal glimpse into one of Washingtonโ€™s more…

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  • Liberty Bay in Poulsbo
    Destinations | Kitsap County | Poulsbo

    Spending The Day In Poulsbo, Washington’s “Little Norway”

    ByBritt Board June 6, 2024October 27, 2025

    Hugging the shores of Liberty Bay, Poulsbo’s downtown corridor is adorned with gingerbread house facades and Scandinavian-themed murals. Much like Leavenworth, its more famous cousin, Poulsbo is a European-styled village designed for tourists. Kitsch and quality collide in Poulsbo. The locals lean into their Scandinavian heritage, so there’s no shortage of t-shirts with pithy puns…

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  • The General store in Port Gamble Washington
    Destinations | Food and Drink | History and Culture | Kitsap County | Museums | Places to See | Port Gamble | Things To Do

    Visiting Port Gamble

    ByChris Boone May 30, 2024November 23, 2024

    Traveling Northbound on Highway 3 towards the Hood Canal Bridge, a large brown sign stands on the shoulder reading “National Historic Landmark straight ahead.” Passing the bridge exit on my left, Highway 3 becomes Highway 104 East as it quickly narrows and slows to a cautious 25 mph. Entering a large thicket of Evergreens the…

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  • The Brothers Greenhouses Hobbit House
    Destinations | Fun with Kids | Kitsap County | Port Orchard | Roadside Attractions

    The Brothers Greenhouses

    ByMacKenzie Passegger August 5, 2018February 1, 2025

    You may have heard of The Brothers Greenhouses before. They have been featured on King 5 Evening, Kitsap Sun, Atlas Obsura, Insider Travel and another handful and a half journalistic outlets. But what is it about this seemingly ordinary retail garden center that attracts thousands of patrons from all over the country per year? Can…

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  • bridge at Silverdale WA: Tips for Walking Clear Creek Trail
    Hiking | Kitsap County | Recreation | Summer | Things To Do

    Silverdale WA: Tips for Walking Clear Creek Trail

    ByExplore Washington State July 20, 2018December 14, 2024

    This post was originally posted here, but with permission from Valerie we are sharing it here.  If you want to escape the burbs, or the busy life around Seattle, head to Silverdale! This lovely town  is centrally located on the Kitsap Peninsula. I’ve explored the area from top to bottom, and side to side, ha!…

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  • Destinations | History and Culture | Kitsap County | Poulsbo

    Norwegian Influence in Poulsbo

    ByMacKenzie Passegger November 22, 2017October 27, 2025

    Founded by Ole Stubb, a Norwegian immigrant in 1875, Poulsbo is often referred to as โ€œLittle Norway,โ€ with good reason. Throughout history this portion of land in the North Kitsap County has been used for fishing and trapping by Europeans and Native Americans alike. The First Norwegian Ole Stubb came to America with his family,…

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