Four Nights to Find Your Soft Side

A Countywide Analog Escape

Oldtown Silverdale Dock

Some trips are built for checklists. This Kitsap Peninsula itinerary is built for the opposite. Four nights, four waterfront communities, and one simple goal: put the phone away. Let the Puget Sound set the pace and see what you notice when you’re not looking at your screen. 

Trade a notification for a conversation. Scroll for a stroll. Good food, water views, local shops, a few good books, and plenty of time to enjoy them. That’s the whole itinerary. Continue reading.

Oxford Suites Silverdale, Photo courtesy of Oxford Suites

Night One | Eat and setup basecamp in Central Kitsap

Check into Oxford Suites Silverdale, a comfortable home base near the waterfront. Whatever you’re craving, you can find flavors from around the world. Local favorites include Silver City Restaurant & Brewery, Peter’s Kitchen, Maynard’s Restaurant, and if your in old town Silverdale check out Old Town Kitchen, or Peninsula Brewhouse.
Analog Prompt: Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” for the evening. Count how many different restaurants and cuisines you pass on your way to dinner. If you’re with someone else, compare your count, and see how close or different you are.

Night Two | Have fun the Scandinavian way in Poulsbo!

Start slowly with breakfast and coffee at Oak Table Café, where huge portions are served, and a horn is tooted when a special meal is ordered.
Analog idea: Read your menu and find any unique names or stories behind the meal. If you’re with someone else, share one that stands out to you with your partner.

Enjoy the day in Poulsbo for a day of pastries, bookstores, waterfront walks, and local shops. Take your time in Historic Downtown Poulsbo along Front Street and Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park with the view of Liberty Bay before heading back to your hotel.
Analog Prompt: Try reading 3 signs you see in Poulsbo, can you pronounce them correctly? Dare to ask a local the meaning behind it.

Historic Downtown Poulsbo Mural, Photo by Brittany Kelley Photography

If you’re 21+ don’t miss out on the karaoke, live music, or trivia opportunities that you can often find in downtown Poulsbo at The Sip, Brass Kraken, The Skal House Pub, or Aegir’s Public House, all that are open past 10pm on most nights.
Analog Prompt: Slowing down means giving into what activities present themselves! Remember, just have fun! 

Night Three | Learn how the local tribes built community in Suquamish

Take the Scenic Way to Suquamish! Leave Silverdale behind and follow the forest-lined roads toward Seabeck and Hood Canal, stop at Scenic Beach State Park for Olympic Mountain views. Then continue north through Poulsbo before arriving in Suquamish. It’s a longer route, but that’s the point.
Analog Prompt: Leave the schedule behind and enjoy the drive.

Suquamish Museum, Photo by Inspired Creative Co

Squamish offers views and history. Check out the Suquamish Museumand visit Chief Seath’ s Gravenext door. End the day with a sunset view from the Old Mans House Park and enjoy the sparkle of the bridge that connects Bainbridge Island and Poulsbo.

Night Four | Enjoy garden walks and sunset in Bainbridge Island

To maximize exploration, stop by the local Bainbridge Town & Country, the locals supermarket and specialty grocery store with the perfect hot plate and picnic goods. Spend the day at Bloedel Reserve, wandering gardens and forest paths. Explore Downtown Bainbridge Island of Winslow Way at your own pace, then end your final evening with dinner and one last sunset.
Analog Prompt: Draw something you see at the garden or downtown.

Bloedel Reserve

Take Your Time. Four nights is the ideal time to enjoy each unique community without just rushing through them. Four days of good food, beautiful places, independent businesses, and time to enjoy them.

Stay four nights. Put your phone down. Find your soft side.