When we first moved to Port Orchard last fall, I wasn’t sure what to think of South Kitsap County. While the community is hard to compete with attractions in nearby Poulsbo and Silverdale (more on that here), we’ve been plesantly surprised by a number of hidden gems in the area.
Here’s 10 great reasons to visit Port Orchard:
South Kitsap Regional Park
South Kitsap Regional Park has a lot to choose from, from batting cages and skatepark to little hiking trails and a seasonal train ride (April-Oct). I love to take my toddler on the “Explorer Trail,” which has fun trail markers and obstacle courses like balance beams and stepping stones along the way.
Manchester State Park
Located in nearby Manchester, Manchester Stae Park is a 111-acre park with hiking trails, a historic torpedo warehouse and fort from WWII, and more than 3,000 feet of saltwater shoreline. The park does require a Discovery Pass, which you can purchase upon arrival.
Revival
I am obsessed with this store. If I could take everything home, I would. Revival is the crème de la crème of gift shops, selling everything from fresh floral arrangements and home decor to kitchen items and clothing apparel.
Josephine’s Merchantile
Another beloved Port Orchard business, Josephine’s Mercantile is a Kitsap institution. Their 10,000 sq ft building offers unique, new and vintage items including home decor, furniture, jewerly, gifts, and unique finds.
New! Merchantile Coffee Co.
Tucked away in the back of Josephine’s is Mercantile Coffee Co. ! Formally occupied by Farmer Rosie, The Merc offers delicious beverages and snacks, from freshly-baked apple turnovers and chocolate crossiants to pasta salads and sandwiches.
Pensinula BevCo
This spot has to be reserved for a child-less outings, but it’s a great date night! Located right on the Port Orhard waterfront, Peninsula BevCo offers a solid menu of appetizers – think soft pretzels with beer cheese, nachos, flatbreads – and entrees – tacos, sandwiches and more. For vegetarian freinds, there’s hearty quinoa bowls, salads and pizzas. Check out their flights!
Bay Street Bistro
Another great date night find, my husband and I wandered into Bay Street Bistro one night and were so glad we did. The restaurant offers fresh, locally-sourced ingredients in a blend of Northwest and international inspired cuisine. The restaurant is small and romantically-lit, and often hosts local celloists and violinists.
Wilson Patisserie
Wilson Patisserie is a sweet, little pastry cart that sets up shop downtown Port Orchard Thursday-Sunday at 640 Bay Street. Their scratch pastries are made with the best, locally-sourced ingredients and old-fashioned techniques to ensure the highest quality crossaints, quiche, rolls, buns and more.
Yoked Farmhouse Brewery
Located in the middle of rural Port Orchard, on (you guessed it) a farm, Yoked Farmhouse Brewery is quickly becoming one of our favorite places. The family and dog-friendly brewery offers a rotating selection of farmhouse ales and ciders, with fun indoor and outdoor spaces. For the kids, a dirt pit with bulldozers and playground, with plenty of ground for dogs to roam. Parking is limited, so we usually call ahead of time to see how crowded they are. The brewery hosts cooking classes and events throughout the year, as well as a new, full farm-to-table menu!
Brick Ally
Also new! Brick Ally opened over the weekend in downtown Port Orchard. A LEGO lover’s dream, the storefront buys and sells new and used LEGO sets, minifigures, bricks and products!
Have you been to Port Orchard? What are some of your avorite place? Thanks for reading!
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