Kitsap Winery Alliance Launches the Ultimate Wine Tasting Experience
Kitsap Peninsula, WA – August 7, 2024 – The Kitsap Winery Alliance is excited to announce the launch of the Kitsap Wine Pass, the ultimate way to explore and enjoy the wine offerings of Bainbridge Island and the Kitsap Peninsula. This pass provides access to nine different wineries, offering a tasting experience throughout the Kitsap Peninsula.
One Pass. More Pours.
The Kitsap Wine Pass is designed to get you tasting around the area, providing:
Tastings: Enjoy a wine flight at each of the nine participating wineries.
Exclusive Discounts: Benefit from special discounts on bottle purchases and more.
Year-Long Validity: The pass is valid for 365 days from the date of purchase, allowing ample time to savor and explore the diverse flavors of the region.
For only $100, the Kitsap Wine Pass offers significant savings on winery tasting fees, making it the perfect choice for wine enthusiasts looking to explore the vibrant Kitsap wine scene.
“Our new Kitsap Wine Pass is the best way for wine lovers to experience the exceptional quality and variety of wines our region has to offer,” said Brooke Huffman, Executive Director of the Kitsap Winery Alliance. “We are proud to present this convenient and cost-effective option for both locals and visitors.”
Purchasing the Kitsap Wine Pass is easy and instant. Receive your pass via text message or email and access it on your phone without the need to download an app. Begin your wine adventure within seconds of purchase.
Poulsbo is about to turn into a magical wonderland for the holidays! Filled with fun family activities, beautifully decorated shops and lights in the waterfront park, you’re sure to find something for everyone!
List of Events
For more details on these events, head on over to our events calendar.
Friday 11/24: The annual Tree Lighting in the Waterfront Park
Saturday 12/2: Julefest including the Nordic Market, Norwegian food and the Viking Bonfire
Sunday 12/3: Santa Breakfast at Sons of Norway
Saturday 12/9: Tuba Christmas, Lighted Ships Parade & a Bonfire in the Waterfront Park
Weekends of 12/9 & 10, and 12/16 & 17: Carolers, and find Olaf wandering around downtown for a photo op!
Every weekend from 12/2-12/16: The Poulsbo Vikings will be roaming downtown Poulsbo, keep your eye out and grab your pic with a Viking!
Every weekend from 11/25-12/23: Santa will be available in his house to hear your holiday wishes from 11:00-4:00pm each Saturday and Sunday through Decmber 23rd.
Pickleball – the sport that’s captivating the nation – is also gaining fans in Poulsbo. Residents of Washington’s very own “Little Norway” are slowly finding out what all the fuss is about thanks to pickleball’s fun, accessible and inclusive atmosphere, which ensures players always come back for more.
Whether you’ve played the game before or are a curious newcomer, Poulsbo’s welcoming community and scenic courts make it the perfect place to dive into the world of pickleball.
Join us as we explore how this easy-to-learn sport fosters camaraderie, promotes health benefits, and adds a new, exciting layer to the rich tapestry of things to do in Poulsbo.
What Is Pickleball?
Pickleball, a dynamic blend of tennis, ping-pong, and badminton, is a paddle sport that’s taking the world by storm. Its unique pace allows for both casual and competitive play, making it a fantastic way to simply stay active or challenge yourself both physically and mentally.
In matches, players use flat paddles to ‘dink’ a perforated plastic ball over a low net, on a court a third of the size of a tennis court. Play continues until one side is unable to return the ball or commits an infraction, after which points are awarded to the opposing team.
Although singles matches aren’t uncommon, pickleball is typically played in a doubles format, which helps to contribute to a social atmosphere that is as engaging as the gameplay itself.
Yet pickleball is more than just a game; it’s a full-body workout that enhances coordination, balance, and mental agility.
There’s a couple of places where you can enjoy a game of pickleball in Poulsbo, so if you’re on the hunt for pickleball courts near you, our list is a great place to start.
Chief Kitsap Academy Gym is home to three indoor pickleball courts with permanent lines, which makes it a great place to enjoy a game, come rain or shine.
Just remember to bring your own net with you, as these aren’t provided by the gym. Membership is also required to play here, but this ensures a dedicated, friendly and regular community of players.
Click here for more details on Chief Kitsap Academy Gym
Lions Park is a favorite among Poulsbo’s pickleball enthusiasts. It features two outdoor concrete courts, overlaid on a tennis court, which makes the net slightly taller than a standard pickleball net.
The park offers amenities like lights for evening games. Best of all, the courts are free to use, making it a popular choice for casual games and friendly matches.
Embrace the pickleball phenomenon today! Step onto the court, feel the energy and join in the fun. Experience firsthand why this sport has been America’s fastest-growing sport for three consecutive years. Don’t just read about it – grab your paddle, get out there, and play!
For more information on the sport of Pickleball, head on over to pickleheads.com
That time of year is upon us again, Oktoberfest! With 5 breweries, 1 Cidery (and a winery) Poulsbo loves to make those tasty fermented drinks! We honor our local brewers with two events this fall. The season kicks off with Poulsbrew–a single day beer festival featuring fall brews from all out local brewers. Admission is $35 and gets you 5 tastes, with more available to purchase at the festival. It runs from 12-6pm in the Poulsbo Village shopping center and features food trucks to balance your tastings. Awards will be given to the best fall beer.
Next up is the Poulsbo Beer Run. This fun event happens twice a year. For the fall event, runners dress in their best Oktoberfest outfits and run a course from brewery to brewery with a beer at each. The event is just as fun to watch as it is to attend!
Details on both events and registration/ticket links can be found on our events page.
Looking for a unique getaway under the stars? Try the “glass house” on the Kitsap Peninsula.
Courter Country Farm in Poulsbo is a dreamy, quiet retreat where guests can opt to spend the night in a beautifully appointed and fully functional greenhouse.
“We still do use it to start all of our tomatoes and peppers in the winter,” said Denise Courter, who runs the farm with her husband Kevin.
The greenhouse sleeps two and includes a bed, chandelier, and small table with chairs for dining. Outside, there’s a fire pit and lawn games.
The greenhouse room sleeps two and features a bed, small table and chairs, chandelier, and moveable privacy screens.
“There’s a creek right down alongside the greenhouse, so at night you go to sleep listening to thousands of frogs,” Kevin said.
There isn’t an indoor bathroom but guests can use a nearby pink porta potty, sink and mirror.
The greenhouse isn’t plumbed but guests can use a nearby porta-potty, in Denise’s signature color: pink.
While the greenhouse is temperature-controlled by nature, the Courters do what they can to make it comfortable.
“In the colder season we have a heated mattress pad in there,” Kevin said. “Clear nights, you get to watch the stars while laying in bed. We’ve had people stay in there when it’s snowing.”
Denise added, “They said, ‘I feel like I’m in the middle of a snow globe,’ it was so cool!”
For those concerned about modesty, there are moveable privacy screens and a strategically placed barn blocking views from the main house.
When they’re not in the glass house, guests can experience the rest of the farm, including a small “petting zoo” area where they can hold baby bunnies and turkeys.
There are also two resident alpacas who love getting sprayed with the hose – what Denise calls the “alpaca car wash.”
“They just love the water and it doesn’t matter if it’s rain or shine,” she said.
Guests can also learn how to milk the Courter’s goat Mary, or feed her (along with the farm’s chickens) by accessing feed bags in mailboxes strategically placed around the property.
When it’s time to take a break and log in to email, there’s an indoor space with other options.
“We have a saloon, we call it – a little game room with a pool table, they have WiFi, and a little kitchenette we’ve set up so they can bring their food and cook,” Kevin said.
The Courters encourage people to prepare food grown right on the farm, including eggs collected fresh from the chicken coop. They hope a stay will introduce guests to a new way of life because they are also first-time farmers.
“Kevin did 21 1/2 years in the Navy as a submariner, was deployed constantly,” Denise said. “We were living in Waikiki in a 600 square foot studio apartment when we decided we were coming back home to Washington, and we decided to totally shift gears and this was all new to us, but we knew we wanted to be together, we wanted to work together.”
Work – and love – have created one-of-a-kind experience at Courter Country Farm.
Author & Photo Credit: Kim Holcomb, KING 5 Evening (KING 5)
Published: 6:00 PM PDT July 21, 2021
Updated: 7:45 PM PDT July 21, 2021
Original Article: https://www.king5.com/article/entertainment/television/programs/evening/greenhouse-rental-poulsbo-getaway-farm-experience/281-f00e3881-bd7e-4da4-8df4-af1a73a5fc0a
This message, translated from Norwegian and meaning “Welcome to Poulsbo,” stands below a mighty statue of a sword-wielding Viking, greeting all who enter this sublime small town.
Despite its population of just over 10,000, Poulsbo’s allure is vast. Travelers come to the smallest city in Kitsap County to enjoy the historical convergence of Nordic and Native American culture. But they can easily wind up spending hours sampling the delicious local fare, strolling down winding walking trails, or trying their luck at the Suquamish Clearwater Casino. With so much to offer, this town lies at the perfect intersection of its colorful history and bright future!
Where is Poulsbo?
Poulsbo is located on Liberty Bay on the Kitsap Peninsula. There are various ways to get there, crossing the Hood Canal Bridge from the Olympic Peninsula, the Tacoma Narrows to the South or by Ferry from Seattle or Edmonds.
The trip from Seattle is just under an hour and a half by car (crossing the Tacoma Narrows), and the fastest route includes a gorgeous ferry crossing (approx. 35 minute crossing time).
A Quick History of Poulsbo
Poulsbo’s history is an unusual hodgepodge of cultures and events!
First settled as a fishing village by the Suquamish Native American people, Poulsbo later became known as “Little Norway” because of Scandinavians who came from the Midwest, and previously, the Nordic region of Europe.
The land’s rich natural resources and its similarities to Scandinavia endeared itself to the settlers and soon became a hot spot for Nordic culture.
Meanwhile, the area acted as the winter home of Chief Sealth, for whom the city of Seattle is named.
The town was actually supposed to be named “Paulsbo,” named after early European settler Jørgen Eliason’s hometown in Norway, but due to his sloppy handwriting, it went down in history as Poulsbo.
The Best Time to Visit Poulsbo
With warm to mild weather, several festivals celebrating the local culture, and outdoor recreation in full swing, summer is the best time to visit Poulsbo!
However, this is also the busiest season, especially when school is out. For a more tranquil visit, fall, spring, and winter make for a relaxing trip.
The Best Things to Do in Poulsbo
Visit the Poulsbo Austin-Kvelstad Pavilion.
Like much of the Pacific Northwest, Poulsbo offers some enticing opportunities to take in nature’s splendor!
For the best views with the easiest access, check out the Austin-Kvelstad Pavilion, which lies on the edge of the Liberty Bay in the Muriel Iverson Waterfront Park. The pavilion is expansive and covered, offering views even in blustery PNW weather.
It’s a great spot for special occasions including weddings and concerts, and features sweeping views of the placid water and sailboats of every shape and size.
Check out Viking Fest.
During summers without pandemics, there are often small street fairs and even live music performances on the Poulsbo waterfront!
One such celebration in the Poulsbo area is Viking Fest, an annual event held on the 3rd weekend in May.
Celebrating all things Nordic, you’ll find people dressed as Vikings, Lutefisk (fish) eating contests, parades, street food vendors, and much more.
Though canceled for 2021 due to COVID-19, the festival will return in all its Nordic glory in 2022!
Try sangria at Paella Bar
Come to Poulsbo with an appetite! The town is a wellspring of good eats, boasting cuisine inspired by both the Pacific Northwest and the world as a whole.
Hit up Paella Bar, an upscale tapas spot delivering exceptional Spanish food in the heart of Poulsbo. Whatever combination of tapas you choose, make sure to try a glass of their excellent sangria.
Go for a hike.
The surrounding area boasts a handful of serene walking trails, which showcase the area’s impressive forests, filled with meadows, meandering streams, and drooping ferns, all away from the crowds.
Try the Poulsbo Wilderness Trail and the Poulsbo Fish Park for tranquil strolls, colorful murals, and plenty of views of the water — some with a stunning backdrop of the glaciated Mt. Rainier.
As the weather gets warmer, the number of visitors increases, but don’t let that stop you from embarking on a journey through Poulsbo’s natural beauty.
Get authentic Poulsbo pastries.
For an authentically Poulsbo snack (or meal), head to Sluys’ Bakery.
They specialize in local breads and pastries that you can only get here, and work perfectly as a snack to accompany a long day of hiking and sightseeing!
Go kayaking on the bay.
Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor adventures, or shopping, Poulsbo has a spot for you!
One great way to learn about the nature of Poulsbo is to rent some kayaks and glide through the waters of Liberty Bay, where once every blue moon, you can catch orca whales swimming and bald eagles circling.
Explore the SEA Discovery Center.
Free to the public, this aquarium and museum space offers kids and adults alike the chance to interact with the wildly diverse marine ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest.
You’ll get to feel starfish, watch an octopus swim, and count the bones on a giant whale skeleton!
Visit a historical gravesite.
There’s a lot of opportunities to take in the rich history of Poulsbo while in town!
Try visiting distinguished Native American leader Chief Sealth’s gravesite, which features beautiful carvings and an air of serenity.
Pack a picnic from Central Market.
For the budget-friendly option, look no further than Central Market.
Poulsbo is home to one of only three Central Markets in Washington, and inside you’ll find a one-stop-shop filled with fresh produce and a top-notch deli!
Celebrate Chief Seattle Days.
The annual celebration of the respected Native American Leader’s legacy, Chief Seattle Days offers a 3-day celebration in Suquamish.
The weekend is filled with canoe races, sports tournaments, traditional food, drumming, and dancing!
Go antiquing.
For indoor fun, try antiquing at Poulsbo’s many vintage shops.
With a reputation for unique finds and good deals, Poulsbo offers yet another way to explore the past!
For some of the best finds, try the shop Red Plantation.
Dine like the locals.
For family dinners, locals love That’s-A-Some-Italian Ristorante, which serves up mouth-watering dishes, including a take on New England clam chowder.
There’s also a special table you can sit at dedicated to John F. Kennedy Jr., designated as such after he sailed the bay and dined at the restaurant 27 years ago.
Get up close and personal with an alpaca.
Sawdust Hill Alpaca Farm offers tours and feeding opportunities for those looking to get some hands-on animal time that’s fun for all ages!
Window shop at the boutiques.
Window shopping at the many unique boutiques that line Little Norway’s streets is a great way to dive into the Poulsbo culture.
Shops like Indigo Plum and Flicka are fun to window shop at and even more fun to buy from! For Scandinavian wears, be sure to check out Nordiska!
Find inspiration at an art gallery.
Poulsbo is a popular destination for art enthusiasts!
Art galleries, like the well-reviewed Front Street Gallery, are popular in town as well for either shopping, browsing, or drawing inspiration. On the Second Saturday of each month the galleries extend their hours and offer specials and refreshments.
Try a local favorite restaurant!
More popular choices include local Vietnamese haunt Pho T&N and Molly Ward Gardens, a five-acre property with a restaurant at its center!
Try your luck at the casino.
Feeling lucky?
Head over to the Suquamish Clearwater Casino & Resort, you’ll find reasonable prices and relaxed luxury at the only Puget Sound waterfront casino in Washington.
Learn about Naval and maritime history.
Nearby, visit the U.S. Naval Underwater Museum, where you can learn about submarines, prolific U.S. Navy figures, and all things relating to Washington’s Navy presence.
This is one of 10 Navy museums that are operated by the Naval History & Heritage Command!
Visit a quaint museum.
The Poulsbo Historical Society and Museum is a great place to explore the town’s past.
With rotating exhibits that range from 19th-century clothing to photographs of early life in Little Norway, it’s a great way to get a blast from the past.
Camp (or cabin!) at the Kitsap Memorial State Park.
This spot is worth a visit for an outdoors adventurer!
It offers plentiful fishing, cabins for rent, campsites, and unimpeded views of the Olympic mountains perched on the Hood Canal.
Experience the life of early settlers.
Finally, one of the best ways to understand the history of the town is by visiting the Martinson Cabin.
The cabin was built in the 1800s and still features pieces of everyday life from the era, like tools and laundry apparatuses, to transport visitors into a bygone time.
Poulsbo, with its dynamic history and modern appeal, is one of the most interesting small towns in Washington.
Sitting on the Kitsap Peninsula, just a ferry ride from Seattle, this is one you won’t want to miss!
When thinking of Poulsbo one thinks of the charming waterfront, historic downtown and water activities on Liberty Bay. But most don’t think about farming. Recently we’ve seen a lot of growth in local farms that supply our community with fresh produce and flowers. One of these such farms is Petal & Pitchfork. They turned their passion for nature and farming into a community spot where locals and visitors alike can go to for a hands-on experience. Beginning July 10th the farm will open to the public for their u-pick season for flowers and produce. Be sure to check them out on social media or their website for more details!
Type of Business: Flower and Produce Farm
How long have you been in business? 5 years
What was the inspiration to start this business? A life-long love of flowers, food, pollinators and a life lived in close relationship with nature and the soil.
What do you love most about doing business in Poulsbo? We moved to Kitsap County 20 years ago and started our first business, Grounds for Change, in 2003 on Bainbridge Island. Shortly after, in 2004, we moved the business to Poulsbo. We cherish the business community here which is collaborative, innovative and truly one-of-a-kind. We love the fresh air, the salt water, the mountains and all of the meaningful connections we’ve built across the Kitsap community over the years.
What’s one thing visitors to your business might be surprised to know? Stacy grew up in rural Iowa, outside of Iowa City, where her dad made a living as a butcher and hunted deer, pheasant and rabbit for much of the family’s food. Her parents grew a half acre garden every year, the vegetables from which her mom, grandmother and great aunt would preserve and her mom would store in the basement to get them through winter time. The root cellar was an amazing place filled with onions and potatoes and other fruit vegetables. The barn that is at their farm in Poulsbo is filled with antiques from Stacy‘s grandparents farm as well as from the homestead she grew up on.
Anything else? Come visit us for U-pick flowers this season! The kick-off to the main part of the season is Saturday, July 10th. Please visit our website or follow us on social for more information.
As Poulsbo moves into Phase 3, stores will be able to increase capacity and restaurants can expand indoor dining. Poulsbo businesses are meeting or exceeding all local regulations to keep customers and employees safe. The town has added and will continue to add more outdoor seating to allow visitors to get take-out from restaurants and eat outdoors. Masks, of course, are still required in all businesses and recommended while in congested outdoor areas. Moving towards this summer many businesses will expand their hours and get close to normal. The town’s largest events, Viking Fest & 3rd of July have been cancelled this year, with hopes to return next year. If you have any questions about your visit to Poulsbo this Spring/Summer, please feel free to reach out to us, [email protected]
#PoulsboSafe #PoulsboStrong
For more information on what’s allowed in Phase 3 for our area, see guidelines on the state’s website here.
With the events of the year, getting out and shopping local is a challenge for most. While our stores are open, hours are limited and strict safety rules are in affect to ensure the health and safety for all. BUT the good news is nearly all of our beloved Poulsbo businesses offer some form of alternative shopping. Most have online shops up and running, you can also purchase gift cards, or place phone orders. Many businesses offer curb-side pick-up, delivery and shipping. Head on over to the most up-to-date list of our local businesses with links to their online shops!
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