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National Geographic
22-05-2025
- National Geographic
The Pacific Northwest county primed for adventure lovers
Between the skyscrapers of Seattle and the wilds of the Olympic National Park you'll find Washington's Kitsap Peninsula, a waterfront spot that stretches across 375 miles of coastline. Aside from its tranquil natural beauty, this area offers a long list of adventures — from bioluminescent kayaking and forest hikes to art galleries and beer festivals, there's more than enough variety to keep you entertained. If you're passing though Seattle for the 2026 FIFA events — or simply to experience one of the US's greatest cities — consider tagging on a visit to this beguiling region in the Puget Sound. Here's how to make the most of it. Stump houses were commonplace in the early logging days of the late 19th century, when enormous trees were cut down and resourceful settlers repurposed the stumps for storage and shelter. Photograph by Aljolynn Sperber What to do Think national park adventures, Indigenous sites, museums, art galleries and more. By day, fill your itinerary with experiences in Kitsap's great outdoors. Watch for orcas and collect sea glass at Point No Point County Park, catching reflections of Mount Rainier in the water. Also at the northern end of Kitsap, Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park — where locals are restoring former timber-company land — offers an idyllic spot for mountain biking. Follow the coastline southwest to go for a hike in the Guillemot Cove Nature Reserve, where you should keep an eye out for the iconic 'stump house', a large hollowed out Western Red Cedar stump that was fitted with a door, windows and a roof some time in the late 19th or early 20th century. Alternatively, stay busy with cultural attractions. It takes around an hour to drive south from Port Gamble (home to colourful Maine-inspired architecture) to Bremerton, and en route there is much to discover. You can visit Chief Seattle's grave at the Suquamish Tribal Cemetery and learn about Coast Salish heritage at the Suquamish Museum or, for a slice of small town life, explore the many shops, cafes, bakeries and galleries in Norway-inspired Poulsbo. For military history, tour Keyport's US Naval Undersea Museum to discover the area's role in the evolution of submarine technology. Bremerton itself offers a more artsy vibe — catch a show at the Bremerton Roxy or the Admiral Theatre and explore the Kitsap History Museum. If time allows, venture over to the incomparable Olympic National Park. There, you'll find ancient forests, rocky beaches and the wild, verdant slopes of Mount Olympus, all about an hour's drive from Port Gamble. Once night falls, be sure to get back on the peninsula. Head to the Olympic Outdoor Center, where you can paddle through bioluminescent algae on the Kitsap Peninsula Water Trail — the etheral glow puts the lights of Seattle to shame. The Kitsap Peninsula provides fishers, restaurants and diners access to some of the freshest seafood in the Pacific Northwest, including oysters, clams, salmon, Dungeness crab and mussels. Where to eat Stick to the local classics — that is, fresh seafood and a pint — or try something completely new. Kitsap is loaded with fabulous dining options morning, noon and night. For breakfast, take your pick of bakeries and cafes, like Poulsbo's famous Sluys Bakery — if nothing else, be sure to step in for a whiff and to eye the towering pastry displays in the window. Bremerton's creative Cafe Corvo, Manette's Saboteur Bakery and Silverdale's Oak Table will also keep you both cosy and caffeinated. For lunch, nowhere beats Butcher & Baker in Port Gamble, famous for its pimento cheese fried-chicken sandwiches, housemade cheesecakes and the views across the water. For dinner, pick your passion: American South-inspired, elevated fare at Restaurant Lola, a Black-owned local fave; Poulsbo's Molly Ward Gardens, where you can dine amid antiques and wildflowers; Kingston's Sourdough Willy's, where the sourdough starter has been bubbling for 127 years; Port Orchard's Holy Water, where cafe grub gets served up in an old-school church; or Bremerton's hip, eclectic Hound + Bottle, a spot that feels every bit a neighbourhood restaurant. After dark, head on over to Grumble & Wine, Tracyton Public House or The Kingston Ale House for some of the Pacific Northwest's best signature brews. Great dining and entertainment meet fascinating maritime history in Bremerton. Photograph by Visit Kitsap Peninsula Illahee State Park is home to an impressive old-growth forest, including towering Douglas firs. Photograph by Visit Kitsap Where to stay Choose between cosy farmstays, Nordic-inspired digs, waterfront accommodations and everything in between. At approximately 600sq miles, the Kitsap Peninsula is roughly the same size as London. Which is to say there are plenty of accommodation options. In downtown Poulsbo — known as 'Little Norway', thanks to the fjord-like Liberty Bay — boutique hotels and charming B&Bs like Hotel Scandi place you steps from waterfront dining and Scandinavian-inspired shops. Kingston and Bremerton offer waterfront holiday rentals, perfect for families or extended stays, many with small private beaches and boat docks. For example, the Marina Square Suites are situated between the ferry terminal and marina in downtown Bremerton — from here, you can catch a 30-minute ferry ride to Seattle or go on a paddleboarding, kayaking or sailing adventure. For nature enthusiasts, campsites at Illahee State Park and Scenic Beach State Park allow you to sleep amid enormous Douglas firs and near the water. Or, for those who prefer to bed down in luxury, there's the Black Crane Treehouse and Raspberry Ridge Farm, both of which provide the seclusion and flexibility of a self-catered space. More than 150 vendors gather to celebrate all things blackberry on the Bremerton Boardwalk for the annual Blackberry Festival. Photograph by Isaak Hammers When to go Mark your calendar for the region's best events — or visit whenever the mood strikes. With mild winters and less rain than Seattle, there's no bad time to explore the Kitsap Peninsula. May through October offers especially excellent weather, perfect for morning hikes or late-night paddles. Spring and fall are milder, but with smaller crowds in the big-ticket attractions like the Olympic National Park. Keep in mind, though, that the Olympics hit elevations of around 7,900ft, so be prepared for changing weather and snow at higher elevations. As for events, time your visit during the annual Chief Seattle Days to celebrate the region's Indigenous community (August), taste the glories of the Bremerton Blackberry Festival (September), experience Viking Fest in Poulsbo (May), or catch FIFA World Cup and World Club Cup events in nearby Seattle (summer 2026). Direct flights are available to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport from London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. Cars are available to rent for the 75-minute drive to Kitsap Peninsula, or take a scenic ferry ride across Puget Sound from Seattle to Bremerton. For more information, head to This paid content article was created for the Greater Kitsap Chamber & Visitor Center. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Yahoo
The Pacific Northwest county primed for adventure lovers
Between the skyscrapers of Seattle and the wilds of the Olympic National Park you'll find Washington's Kitsap Peninsula, a waterfront spot that stretches across 375 miles of coastline. Aside from its tranquil natural beauty, this area offers a long list of adventures — from bioluminescent kayaking and forest hikes to art galleries and beer festivals, there's more than enough variety to keep you entertained. If you're passing though Seattle for the 2026 FIFA events — or simply to experience one of the US's greatest cities — consider tagging on a visit to this beguiling region in the Puget Sound. Here's how to make the most of it. Think national park adventures, Indigenous sites, museums, art galleries and more. By day, fill your itinerary with experiences in Kitsap's great outdoors. Watch for orcas and collect sea glass at Point No Point County Park, catching reflections of Mount Rainier in the water. Also at the northern end of Kitsap, Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park — where locals are restoring former timber-company land — offers an idyllic spot for mountain biking. Follow the coastline southwest to go for a hike in the Guillemot Cove Nature Reserve, where you should keep an eye out for the iconic 'stump house', a large hollowed out Western Red Cedar stump that was fitted with a door, windows and a roof some time in the late 19th or early 20th century. Alternatively, stay busy with cultural attractions. It takes around an hour to drive south from Port Gamble (home to colourful Maine-inspired architecture) to Bremerton, and en route there is much to discover. You can visit Chief Seattle's grave at the Suquamish Tribal Cemetery and learn about Coast Salish heritage at the Suquamish Museum or, for a slice of small town life, explore the many shops, cafes, bakeries and galleries in Norway-inspired Poulsbo. For military history, tour Keyport's US Naval Undersea Museum to discover the area's role in the evolution of submarine technology. Bremerton itself offers a more artsy vibe — catch a show at the Bremerton Roxy or the Admiral Theatre and explore the Kitsap History Museum. If time allows, venture over to the incomparable Olympic National Park. There, you'll find ancient forests, rocky beaches and the wild, verdant slopes of Mount Olympus, all about an hour's drive from Port Gamble. Once night falls, be sure to get back on the peninsula. Head to the Olympic Outdoor Center, where you can paddle through bioluminescent algae on the Kitsap Peninsula Water Trail — the etheral glow puts the lights of Seattle to shame. Stick to the local classics — that is, fresh seafood and a pint — or try something completely new. Kitsap is loaded with fabulous dining options morning, noon and night. For breakfast, take your pick of bakeries and cafes, like Poulsbo's famous Sluys Bakery — if nothing else, be sure to step in for a whiff and to eye the towering pastry displays in the window. Bremerton's creative Cafe Corvo, Manette's Saboteur Bakery and Silverdale's Oak Table will also keep you both cosy and caffeinated. For lunch, nowhere beats Butcher & Baker in Port Gamble, famous for its pimento cheese fried-chicken sandwiches, housemade cheesecakes and the views across the water. For dinner, pick your passion: American South-inspired, elevated fare at Restaurant Lola, a Black-owned local fave; Poulsbo's Molly Ward Gardens, where you can dine amid antiques and wildflowers; Kingston's Sourdough Willy's, where the sourdough starter has been bubbling for 127 years; Port Orchard's Holy Water, where cafe grub gets served up in an old-school church; or Bremerton's hip, eclectic Hound + Bottle, a spot that feels every bit a neighbourhood restaurant. After dark, head on over to Grumble & Wine, Tracyton Public House or The Kingston Ale House for some of the Pacific Northwest's best signature brews. Choose between cosy farmstays, Nordic-inspired digs, waterfront accommodations and everything in between. At approximately 600sq miles, the Kitsap Peninsula is roughly the same size as London. Which is to say there are plenty of accommodation options. In downtown Poulsbo — known as 'Little Norway', thanks to the fjord-like Liberty Bay — boutique hotels and charming B&Bs like Hotel Scandi place you steps from waterfront dining and Scandinavian-inspired shops. Kingston and Bremerton offer waterfront holiday rentals, perfect for families or extended stays, many with small private beaches and boat docks. For example, the Marina Square Suites are situated between the ferry terminal and marina in downtown Bremerton — from here, you can catch a 30-minute ferry ride to Seattle or go on a paddleboarding, kayaking or sailing adventure. For nature enthusiasts, campsites at Illahee State Park and Scenic Beach State Park allow you to sleep amid enormous Douglas firs and near the water. Or, for those who prefer to bed down in luxury, there's the Black Crane Treehouse and Raspberry Ridge Farm, both of which provide the seclusion and flexibility of a self-catered space. Mark your calendar for the region's best events — or visit whenever the mood strikes. With mild winters and less rain than Seattle, there's no bad time to explore the Kitsap Peninsula. May through October offers especially excellent weather, perfect for morning hikes or late-night paddles. Spring and fall are milder, but with smaller crowds in the big-ticket attractions like the Olympic National Park. Keep in mind, though, that the Olympics hit elevations of around 7,900ft, so be prepared for changing weather and snow at higher elevations. As for events, time your visit during the annual Chief Seattle Days to celebrate the region's Indigenous community (August), taste the glories of the Bremerton Blackberry Festival (September), experience Viking Fest in Poulsbo (May), or catch FIFA World Cup and World Club Cup events in nearby Seattle (summer 2026). This paid content article was created for the Greater Kitsap Chamber & Visitor Center. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tacoma cider bar named best in Northwest. Pair with addictive air-fried wings
In the two years since it reopened in a historic building in downtown Tacoma, Cider & Cedar has become more than just an ambassador for the drinkable version of Washington state's most important crop. It's also a watering hole in the true sense of the term — where regulars return to chat with owners Mia and Sterling Paradiso, dates stop for a space that feels special yet accessible, groups gather to discuss this month's book club title, and anyone (of age) can catch frequent live music. Even better for cider lovers and those who remain skeptical (but shouldn't be!): a brief but impressive menu of better-than-bar-food snacks — all air-fried. This spring, the American Cider Association took note, naming the Tacoma bar the best cider-focused establishment in the Northwest. Cider & Cedar joins winners in five other regions — East, Midwest, Mountain West, Pacific Coast and the South — on the 2025 list. Other categories include best retailer, distributor and hospitality advocate. The awards purposely exclude the cideries themselves, instead drawing attention to 'those who have played pivotal roles in advancing the industry' and 'who have been instrumental in introducing cider to new audiences,' according to the trade group's website. The winners were announced at the annual CiderCon, hosted in Chicago in February, but the Paradisos were unaware they had even been nominated until one day in March when a large envelope arrived in the mail. For the Tacoma couple, the nod was an unexpected but appreciated recognition of a project many years in the making. Mia fell in love with the fermented beverage, which fell behind beer in the United States amid 19th-century industrialization and immigration, while living in Europe, which never let it go. Sterling owns rural property near the Hoh Rainforest. With troves of fallen, old-growth cedar, they built tables and fixtures, including the signature hunk of Western Red Cedar that doubles as the tap wall, and developed a business plan. The first edition of Cider & Cedar opened in 2021 on Tacoma Avenue South and Sixth, moving to this much bigger storefront two years later. (Medzo Gelato took over that space, with The Crafty Beaver Bar next door.) In their fifth year, they feel that maybe, just maybe, said Mia, 'This is our year.' In mid-March, they were invited to a food-and-cider pairing event hosted by the ACA, in conjunction with the Northwest Cider Symposium. The next day, hundreds of producers, packagers, ingredient suppliers, bartenders and writers gathered at the Tacoma Convention Center for geeky conversations about agri-tourism, soil health and easy-to-grow varietals — a near-impossible quest as microclimates and a changing climate mess with success. What languishes on Vashon might thrive as near as Puyallup, as the owners (and farmers) of Dragon's Head Cider and Cockrell Hard Cider, respectively, outlined during one panel discussion. The Northwest, reaching into British Columbia and Montana, is home to more than 200 cideries, according to the Northwest Cider Association. Producers still very much rely on their taprooms, often on their own orchards, to attract customers, as the golden drink remains a likely fourth-place behind beer, wine and cocktails nowadays. But a recent tap list at Cider & Cedar brought several ciders from both sides of the Cascades to the taps of Tacoma, from a luscious Kingston Black by Bauman's in Gervais, Oregon, to a habanero-lime from Channel Marker in Seattle and a hop-biscus from Archibald James in Wenatchee. At the bar, the Paradisos have leaned into live music, hosting local artists most weekend nights and a cozy open mic on Thursdays. Wednesdays often offer trivia, and they also started a book club that meets every six weeks for a casual discussion and, ideally, cider. Special events have ranged from a New Year's Eve party to a Super Bowl hangout, and you can rent the space for your own special occasion. On sunny days, the patio features more pretty pieces of salvaged cedar; their next big to-do is to finally replace the leaning chain-link fence with more aesthetically pleasing wood. Any time of year, though, the lounge-like bar itself is verdant: Plants, some rare, soak in northwestern light, hanging in windows, twirling over pipes, surrounding the performance nook, emerging from more rescued wood. Ask Zack Stockert, one of Sterling's oldest friends, their chef and resident botanist, for an informal tour. There are 'easily 300 plants' and almost as many species, including 'philodendrons, alocasias, some rare anthuriums, some really weird cactuses, lots of ferns,' he explained on a Friday visit in early April. Like Sterling, Stockert is a Jack of many trades. When he's not tending to the plants or pouring a pint, he's leading the kitchen. 'We love spicy here,' he said. 'We're trying to offer the food that we've all kinda grown up loving, but without the deep-fry. A lot of it is made from scratch.' The commercial air fryer is similar to a convection oven in that it recirculates heat and doesn't require a hood. The technique 'really cuts down on the grease and lets the other flavors stand out,' added Stockert. The Carolina sweet-heat wings are brined, rubbed with the Carolina spices, air-fried and at the end covered in a cherry, cranberry, habanero and lime glaze that lends an almost candied texture as they cool. The potato gets hit with a spicy homemade queso, and the Brussels sprouts — on a bed of whipped feta with garlic and lemon zest — a hot-honey chili crunch. The jalapeno poppers are an equally unexpected surprise, layered with chèvre and wrapped, to order, with bacon. The snacks complement the mostly Northwest, mostly dry ciders here — the kind that will swap your skepticism with affection for this inspiring beverage. You, too, can learn your Kingston Blacks from your Newton Pippins, your Foxwhelps to your Dabinetts. ▪ 744 Market St., Tacoma, ▪ Wednesday-Thursday 4-10 p.m., Friday 4-11 p.m., Saturday 2-11 p.m. ▪ Details: Tacoma cider bar with primarily Northwest ciders and a couple beers on tap and bottle (retail growlers and to-go available), plus short menu of air-fried bar food ▪ Frequent events include live music, open mic, trivia and book club — check website for details
