Spending a beautiful day on Bainbridge Island
This trip marked our second visit to Bainbridge Island, Washington. The first thing I notice as the ferry approaches the island community is the beauty of the area. Surrounded by Puget Sound, The Cascade and Olympic Mountain ranges, Bainbridge Island is the epitome of Northwest Pacific communities.
Coming from Seattle, you first board a Washington State Ferry along the city’s Waterfront. The 20-minute ride seems too fast at times, as you want to take in all the scenery – the water ahead of you, the forests on islands in the distance and the city behind you.
Washington operates an outstanding ferry system. It seems very organized. Vehicles board on the lower level of the giant boat. You can stay with your vehicle or head to the boat’s deck. We were on foot for the trip, so we hung out on the deck, roaming between indoors and outdoors. The wind was strong that day, so it was a challenge to keep a ball cap on. It ended up in my jacket pocket.
As we stood near the boat’s hull, people took turns taking photos of themselves with the water and islands in the background. Some people seemed mesmerized and concerned about a cargo ship in the distance that appeared to be crossing in front of our boat. It was actually several miles away, so I didn’t understand the concern.
As we approached Bainbridge Island, the island community was waiting for us. Exiting the ferry took little time, as everything seems organized. Vehicles empty the ferry in short time. Then, the folks taking the ferry back to Seattle start loading and vehicles start embarking.
It took us only a few minutes to recognize spots we saw in 2010, when we spent an afternoon here. A bicycle rental place looked new since then.
As we walked up a hill and rounded a corner, there she was – downtown Bainbridge. The business district took up only a few blocks, but it was packed with museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and shops.
Since it was lunch time, we sought out a restaurant. One place had been recommended as a must-try – Soup’r Burger. So off we went. We had to ask for directions a couple of times, but we found it. A man was locking up. I asked and he replied it was closed that day. Ugh! However, we ended up joying a great Mexican lunch at Isla Bonita.
As we started our tour of Bainbridge, we walked past the City Hall building. It looked unique for a government office. It could have easily passed for a house.
A church building had the look of a small town church. Nothing fancy or elaborate. A basic – yet attractive – appearance.
Lisa and I enjoy checking out marinas when we can. Bainbridge Island has a nice one. I felt like we were on set of a movie, as the backdrop around us was perfect for filming. Reflection photos are my favorite style, so I was in a state of nirvana. So many boat photo opportunities, so little time.
The marina is part of a nature trail in town. It had some impressive sculptures along the walk. Lisa loved the ones made from stones.
And, of course, when near water, gulls are a given, right? They and some other small birds gathered along the shoreline as people tossed bread crumbs.
Our afternoon in Bainbridge was topped with a trip to Mora’s Ice Creamery. We knew this was a required trip based on our 2010 visit. The ice cream treats were delicious.
We enjoyed our visit to Bainbridge Island. I think our next visit will include bringing a car, so we can drive around the island and visit some other attractions. Driving it or walking it, we recommend visiting Bainbridge Island.
For more information about Bainbridge, please visit www.visitbainbridge.com.
