Dogs, Coffee & Community in Poulsbo’s Secret Season

Image shows two chocolate Labrador dogs resting outside a café on a sidewalk in Poulsbo, Washington. A small glass of espresso sits on a nearby wooden table. The dogs appear calm and content, one with its tongue out and the other looking toward the street. The warm tones and soft light create a cozy, inviting scene that reflects the relaxed atmosphere of Kitsap’s Secret Season.

Photo courtesty of Carlos Correa

For Carlos Correa, owner of Jello Penguin Productions, the magic of Poulsbo isn’t in the rush — it’s in the pause. When the ferry decks quiet and the morning mist lingers over Liberty Bay, you’ll find him exactly where you’d expect: sipping coffee outside a local café, two chocolate labs lounging nearby, watching the town wake up.

“Getting into town and seeing the landscape reminds me how lucky we are to live here,” Carlos says.

His perfect day is simple — coffee with friends, a long run through forest trails, and time to connect with the people who make this little coastal town hum. For Carlos, Poulsbo’s strength lies in its community — the business owners, baristas, and artists who pour their hearts into keeping it charming and alive.

“There’s a community of people who believe in Poulsbo — who do so much for a little town,” he says. “It’s difficult to see if you’re just visiting, but it’s what makes this place thrive.”

As fall and winter settle in, Carlos leans into the quieter pace. The Secret Season is when Poulsbo feels most like itself — cozy cafés, mossy trails, and a slower rhythm that invites you to breathe. His advice to visitors?

“Have no expectations. Open your eyes. Slow down.”

So grab a cup of coffee, bring your furry friend, and see Poulsbo through the eyes of someone who knows how to savor it — one quiet, perfect morning at a time.

📍Follow Carlos’ creative adventures: @jellopenguinproductions