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What you should do for a Poulsbo weekend getaway

What you should do for a Poulsbo weekend getaway

You may be thinking it’s time for a weekend getaway…like you and your closest few friends.  Kids are back in school, sports have come on strong and you have a long year ahead of you.  So, yup, it’s time!  May we suggest a pretty awesome trip to a great little Norwegian town, in your own backyard!

Poulsbo, WA offers so much to do, no matter what interests you have!

Epic Weekend Getaway, With Small Town Shenanigans!

First, you’ll need to check out the local places to stay.  There are so many choices, from our hotels to fantastic B&B’s. But, this is a group trip, so staying at the Viking House is the perfect place.  A newly remodeled home, within walking distance of town, a commanding view of the bay, and decorated in the local town flavor!  You will definitely be relaxed as you watch the sun set from the porch.

 

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Friday Itinerary

Arrival – drop your bags, check out the house.  Set up your game plan for the day:

Pick up supplies.  Shopping at the local Central Market, which carries an array of amazing goods.  Local produce is abundant – so grabbing snacks, refreshments, local beer and wine, is a must.  It’s tempting to pick up some dinner supplies as well, but let’s face it…you are here for a break.  So cooking a big meal is out!

Coffee and a snack up the way on Viking, at Caffé Cocina, to keep you going!  Touring Poulsbo, Viking Way has its own charm…and the Fish Park, with local artist’s murals, is the perfect place to stop and wander, while enjoying your coffee.  Don’t forget to stop off at the Martinson Cabin, across the street – giving you a glimpse into the past, of our Poulsbo pioneers.

 

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Next to check out local town, browse the shops.  Shopping at Flicka (meaning girl in Swedish – yes, there a Swedish shop in the middle of Norway!) This local women’s clothing store is a fun step into the fashion world.  Perhaps pick up a necklace, bearing the coordinates of Poulsbo, and a P’bo sticker.  Delightful bookstores, more women’s shopping, vintage shops, a baby store, even a great shoe store.  The Marina Market has an array of goodies from around the world, so picking up some candy sounds like a delicious idea.  Add that to the Boehm’s chocolate you picked up along the way.  Modern Mercantile is filled with beautiful items to purchase…and the jewelry stores dazzle.  We even have a mosaic studio and pottery painting store.  And of course, you would be remiss if you didn’t grab some renowned Sluys donuts and Poulsbo bread for later!

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A few stops – one into the Poulsbo Maritime Museum and tourist go-to.  They’ll send you on up to city hall, for a gander at Poulsbo’s Historical Museum.

Grab a quick bite of lunch, ChocMo is a great choice.  The award-winning local beef, and voted best steaks in North Kitsap, will have you coming back for more!  And swing over to Harrison’s Footwear, for more shoe shopping!

 

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Tour the neighboring towns: Suquamish, Kingston – don’t forget to stop off at CB’s Nuts and Hood Canal Brewery on your way, and final destination: Port Gamble.  Ending the evening in Port Gamble, touring the historic buildings and haunted sites.  Stop in for an early dinner at the Port Gamble Café, after wandering through the General Store and Museum, which is attached.  Don’t forget to pick up some meat at the Butcher & Baker Provisions.

Head back into Poulsbo to catch a 7pm show at the Jewel Box Theater.

 

Saturday Itinerary

Within a block from the VRBO you’ve rented, you can casually stroll on down to Poulsbo’s Farmers Market.  Local artists, local farmers, and more, all make for the perfect morning with your cup of joe.

Head back into Poulsbo for an afternoon of kayaking, rentals provided at the Port of Poulsbo dock.  The view of the surrounding majestic mountains, the fish jumping around you, and gathering of the sea-lions, completes this special water trip.

 

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That ate up a chunk of your day, and lunch is in order.  With a water view, the Loft is a great choice.

With the afternoon coming to a close, tour a few of the breweries along the way –Rainy Daze and Sound Brewery on Viking, with its award winning array of beers, would be the first stop.  Valholl, above Front Street, has a cool casual vibe.  Sit, sip, and watch the customers come and go, often with their doggies in tow!  Back into town, as it is the 2nd Saturday of the month, it’s time for Poulsbo’s Art Walk.  Browse the many galleries through Historic Downtown Poulsbo, meet more local artists, this town definitely has it going on!  You might even run into a Viking!

In the mood for some excellent Thai?  Poulsbo’s new Kachai Thai Kitchen gets rave reviews.  The dining experience is phenomenal.  Food exquisite, and local beer on tap is an excellent pairing!

 

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End your evening with live music and local beer at Slippery Pig Brewery or Brass Kraken.

 

Sunday Itinerary

Early run out in the Port Gamble Trails.  A Pope Resources public use-land, with trails carved out of the 4,000 acres.  Plenty of room for bikers, runners, and horses alike, to share.

 

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On your list of to-do’s, you are overdue for a scrumptious brunch.  There are so many to choose from, here in Poulsbo.  But this time, you make reservations the Molly Ward Gardens.  Take a walk through the beautiful gardens after a filling brunch.

Head back into town to say your sorrowful goodbyes, until next time…a quick mani/pedi at Beautifully Polished sounds like an excellent choice.

 

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Topping off with a quick sip and bite at the local tapas restaurant, Paella, an excellent way to end a perfect and fun-filled weekend.

Your suitcase may be a little heavier on the way out of town, thanks to all the goodies and awesome finds this weekend!

 

**Mental note: come back for a weekend of hiking out on the Peninsula next time, Poulsbo is a great base-camp.

Spring Edition – Events of P’bo

Spring Edition – Events of P’bo

At times, it can be mind-boggling to think of all there is to do here, in this little Norwegian town of Poulsbo, Washington. Living here, we take advantage of the hiking, biking, and running trails, the water trails that are all at our front door. And for the day trips? We love our Kitsap Peninsula – sight-seeing, trips out to the rain forest or the hot springs. We enjoy our local Jewel Box Theater productions, as well at KCMT’s kids’ productions, our monthly Art Walk through Historic Downtown Poulsbo. And between all that, we have annual festivities that are like no other around! Each month brings something fun for the whole family, but spring is one of our favorites!

March is a great time to enjoy a run and a beer – all at the same time! Poulsbo is filled with great local breweries. And running from one to the other, all while dressed in our best Irish green gear, makes for some happy cheer! And then there are multiple local Egg Hunts for the kids before Easter. Who doesn’t love to watch all those cute little kiddos scream in delight over finding what the Easter Bunny hides!

April brings the start of the best Farmers Market around! Fresh and local food, flowers, and more!

May is when we get to don our Viking helmets for our famous Viking Fest! Rides, and food fare galore! Talk about laughter, music, and fun! Surrounding this event, if you are a biker, you can join in the Viking Tour. If you love to run, try the Viking Road Run. And if SUP is your thing, we even have a race for that! Don’t forget about our very own soccer tournament, Viking Cup. And for the girls out there that love to shop and eat – Girls Night Out is always a great time through Historic Downtown Poulsbo. Shops are open late, running specials and giveaways.

June holds our summer solstice event: Mid-Sommer Fest – “Enjoy folk dancing, meet Norwegian and Icelandic dogs, and partake of traditional Norwegian cuisine in the lodge and other activities. Enjoy the Viking Parade, lighting of the Bon Fire and Midsummer proclamation by Sons of Norway Vikings.” And then Port Gamble holds their annual Medieval Faire – events and fun dedicated to the Middle Ages and Renaissance time.

There truly is so much to see and do here. Come and visit us for a day or stay the weekend!

Why Everyone Should Visit Poulsbo – by Only In Your State

Why Everyone Should Visit Poulsbo – by Only In Your State

Looking for a great day trip or a weekend getaway? Look no further~ Poulsbo has it all. Beaches, hiking, biking, water trails for SUPs and kayaking…fabulous breweries, restaurants, as well as many shops. And don’t forget our Viking Flare!

But if you need convincing, ‘Only In Your State’ has an outline of why you should Visit Poulsbo.

http://bit.ly/21HnKpy

Outdoor Adventure Itinerary

Outdoor Adventure Itinerary

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Tired of shopping on your weekend getaway? It’s time to get dirty and have some fun on the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas.

Poulsbo is the most convenient base for a getaway from Seattle or the I-5 corridor to hike the Olympics, kayak the Hood Canal, and/or mountain bike endless trails. [/text_output][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” border=”all” style=”padding: 15px;”][vc_column width=”1/4″][image type=”rounded” float=”none” link=”true” target=”blank” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” src=”1327″ alt=”adventure itinerary – lodging in poulsbo” href=”http://www.greencatbb.com/”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][text_output]

Sleep Well

Obviously the first thing to do is check-in to your accommodations! You’ll find plenty to choose from in Poulsbo, but to keep close to adventure, you’ll be staying at the Green Cat Guest House Bed & Breakfast, just minutes from the Hood Canal Bridge and the gateway to the Olympics Mountains.

Enjoy your night with some award winning BBQ just a couple minutes down the road at Mike’s Four Star BBQ in Port Gamble. If you get close enough to smell it, you’ll have to eat there!

More lodging options »[/text_output][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” border=”all” style=”padding: 15px;”][vc_column width=”1/4″][image type=”rounded” float=”none” link=”true” target=”blank” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” src=”1335″ alt=”Port Gamble General Store & Cafe” href=”http://www.portgamblegeneralstore.com/”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][text_output]

Fuel Up

Wake up refreshed and take the opportunity of being close to Port Gamble to have breakfast at Kitsap’s top rated breakfast restaurant, the Port Gamble General Store and Cafe. The local, fresh and organic fare will help get you energized for your day of hiking in the Olympics.[/text_output][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” border=”all” style=”padding: 15px;”][vc_column width=”1/4″][image type=”rounded” float=”none” link=”true” target=”blank” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” src=”1338″ alt=”Hike Mount Townsend” href=”http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/mount-townsend”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][text_output]

Hike Til You Can’t Anymore

Mount Townsend offers rhododendrons in May and June, wildflowers in June through August, then berries in August and September and fall colors in, well, fall in an old growth wonderland with waterfalls and a unique summit experience. The trailhead is about an hour away from breakfast in some of our states most beautiful country.

Get hike details here »[/text_output][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” border=”all” style=”padding: 15px;”][vc_column width=”1/4″][image type=”rounded” float=”none” link=”true” target=”blank” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” src=”1341″ alt=”Molly Ward Garden” href=”http://www.mollywardgardens.com/rest.htm”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][text_output]

Treat Yourself

There is truly nothing like Molly Ward Gardens for dinner. With eclectic settings described as “European, warm & cozy” and a wild, ever changing menu you’re sure to be delighted with, simply put, something different than the norm.

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Day Two – Breakfast then Kayaking

Remember, “Fun Wins.” Today breakfast is at a uniquely Poulsbo cafe called The Poulsbohemian, where you’ll have a light treat, good coffee and get ready to walk to your kayaking adventure.

Olympic Outdoor Center will equip you with everything you need for a fun day on the water with the best kayak rentals Kitsap County has to offer to explore Liberty Bay.[/text_output][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” border=”all” style=”padding: 15px;”][vc_column width=”1/4″][image type=”rounded” float=”none” link=”true” target=”blank” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” src=”1345″ alt=”Green Light Diner” href=”http://greenlightdiner.com/”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][text_output]

With the Idea of Fun in Mind…

Before leaving town stop by The Green Light Diner on Front Street in downtown Poulsbo for an early dinner. This is not a cheesy 50’s diner wannabe! The Green Light Diner is a throwback restaurant, but is ran by high end chefs and restaurateurs for the best in good ol’ American food.[/text_output][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][text_output]We Recommend:

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