Also (technically) pacific islanders…

Is it weird if I tell you that my favorite experience in Seattle was technically leaving Seattle? I can’t tell you how many people told me to take the ferry to Bainbridge Island. When I asked what to do there, no one could give me any actual recommendations. “The ride itself is worth your time,” seemed like a silly use of minimal time in Seattle. I couldn’t have been more wrong. This is a MUST DO in Seattle. I had a beautiful, sunny, wide open day, so I had breakfast at Pike Place Market before walking onto the ferry with a loose plan to meet an old friend on the island.

I stood at the back of the boat facing the skyline snapping photos of the ferris wheel, Space Needle, sports arenas, and kicking myself for waiting three trips to take this ride. Then I took a stroll around the skydeck and saw whales. I had heard that there was a chance to see whales in the sound when you take a ferry ride, but I never expected to see several orcas playing in the water. I walked around a bit more and there were breathtaking views of Mount Rainier and several other islands.

Bainbridge is adorable, and I truly enjoyed it. I had a wonderful couple of hours wandering into the shops and checking out the main street. I didn’t stay on the island long since I had a pup to get back to, but I would jump at an opportunity to do it again. The island has much more to offer a little farther out from the main drag, but the short walk into town was perfect for an afternoon wander. Some of my favorite spots were: Danger , which is where I found these awesome vinyl record Christmas ornaments (including one with a song written by my friend’s dad.) These sweet floating hats and a cute angel wing mural that reminded me of Nashville at Plum. The vibe at Bainbridge Apothecary and & Tea Shop is UNREAL. Their creative director is a theatre set designer and their whole complex of shops are stunning. Millstream is the perfect gallery gift shop. Relic is a really cool crystal and hippy little store with sassy trinkets, and I cant say no to a bookstore like Eagle Harbor Book Co. Zutto Market is a sassy and fun antique mall with really varied collections of vendors. The shopping here was really great, but don’t forget to stay hydrated!

Stop into Hitchcock for a cocktail, they served the most delicious and beautiful Pimm’s Cup I’ve had on this side of the Atlantic. Eleven Winery has incredible wine, each pour in my flight got better and better.

The return trip was even lovelier than the first and I made some great new friends on deck. I was gobsmacked by the journey, which felt like a great metaphor for this period of my life. I was resistant to missing what I thought I should be doing with my time, but had the absolute time of my life letting go, winging it, and doing something for the joy of it. The #SpoiledSpinster #SoulSabbatical reminds me I’m doing the right thing in the weirdest of ways.

All my mom wanted to do when she got the PNW was visit some Pacific Islands. When a Vietnamese woman tells you that, you kind of picture something else, but she was right. You should have at least one island on your list if you head up here. You can do as much or as little as you want to with your island exploration, but you need to cross some water and see things from a different perspective.

You really don’t need a car to visit Bainbridge Island, but you DO need one to pop over to Vashon Island. We did a little research on the islands nearest Tacoma and decided on Vashon for the lighthouse, views of Mt Rainier, and the driftwood beaches. You can get to the north side of the Island from west Seattle or head to the south side of the island from Point Defiance in Tacoma. We decided to arrive from our home base of Tacoma and depart to Seattle for dinner after our exploration. Point Defiance is a lovely walk and where the 5 mile scenic drive begins, so be sure to arrive early for your ride and do a little exploring near the ferry. It’s relatively cheap for a single rider to walk on ferry, but a car load of people will run you about $40. You only pay one way for the ferries, your return trip is free, and it’s totally worth it.

There are excellent views of Mt. Rainier from several vantage points on the island, but the drive to and quick stop at Maury Island Marine Park were incredibly beautiful. Seals in the water, Bald Eagles in the trees, and wildflowers everywhere. The Point Robinson Park and Lighthouse were gorgeous, and the beach was full of picturesque driftwood structures. The mountain is perfectly framed, it’s a must see.  

We would have liked to have seen the Nashi Orchard, but we didn’t have the time to visit both. Their tasting room is housed in a converted sculpture studio on the north end of the Island. It was the most unique tasting experience I’ve ever had, and we really appreciated that they had non-alcoholic flights for my little brother and an award winning line up for the legal ladies. Did you know that a cider made entirely of pear juice is called a Perry? Well Nashi makes an incredible one from Asian Pears they grow on the south side of the island. They have high gravity ciders aged in whiskey barrels, which makes the whole playing corn hole in a luxury venue with an audience of sheep all the more delightful. Don’t sleep on their imported Japanese snacks. Peanut Butter Mochi Puffs are life changing, and the perfect high note to end a beautiful day on.

Technically Gig Harbor isn’t an island and you don’t need to take a ferry to visit, but it feels a world away from everything else. I tried to escape the historic heat wave with some time by the water. A failed attempt at happy hour at the gorgeous waterfront Boathouse 19 had me looking for something else I could do nearby and serendipity smiled down at me. I fell hard for Gig Harbor. It didn’t hurt that the temperature dropped 20 degrees as I drove across the beautiful Tacoma Narrows Bridge.The beer and the deck at 7Seas Harbor are a perfect first stop for excellent views of Mount Rainier, the harbor, the lighthouse, and even a picturesque imported gondola. Flights of whiskey and flavored vodka down the street at Heritage Distilling are pretty unique. Soak up that booze with delicious carbs at Il Lucano. They’ll swap homemade gnocchi in any of their pasta dishes, so turn that Penne Verona into something that will make you hear the angels sing.

I loved Gig Harbor so much I came back a second time when Boathouse restored their power. I would have returned for a third visit with my family had time permitted. It really is a magical place. The locals take pride in how long it’s been since they have crossed the bridge into Tacoma and say they go years without visiting Seattle. It’s a heart stealing spot, and you won’t feel bad about the theft at all.

Seattle is swell, but don’t hesitate to take some time to slow things down and venture farther.