Things To Do
Venue: IslandWood
When you're not gathered with the group, IslandWood itself is a place to slow down, wander, and soak it all in. The stunning 250 acre forest is yours to explore freely. Follow the trails to admire the towering evergreens, pause at the reflection pond, #frawlek in the wild meadow, or explore the lush gardens. For the adventurous, don't miss the two treehouses, the suspension bridge, and the canopy tower. Back indoors, you'll find board games, yard games, art supplies, movies, and more waiting for you whenever you need a moment to recharge.
Bloedel Reserve
Bloedel Reserve, at the northern tip of the island, is a 140-acre public garden and forest reserve with a two-mile hiking loop through an arboretum, a Japanese garden, a pollinator meadow, and a moss garden. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are not available as walk-ups, so plan ahead. The Grand Forest in the center of the island offers around eight miles of trails for those looking for a longer hike. Fay Bainbridge Park offers breathtaking views of the Cascade Mountains and Puget Sound, with a beach scattered with bleached driftwood and picnic areas to enjoy. Fun fact: we almost booked our wedding here; it's gorgeous!
Wineries & Breweries
Bainbridge Island has a wonderful wine and beer scene. Start at Bainbridge Vineyards, a women-owned gem and one of Washington's oldest wineries. Their wines are estate-grown on a certified organic, historic farm using draft horses and regenerative practices, with a wine garden open Friday through Sunday featuring live music and food trucks. For more great tastings, Eleven Winery is known for bold, award-winning reds, Rolling Bay Winery offers an intimate patio experience with complimentary cheeses and charcuterie, and Fletcher Bay Winery boasts a rooftop wine garden above their downtown tasting room. On the brewery side, Bainbridge Brewing has two locations, a 21-and-over alehouse in downtown Winslow and a dog- and kid-friendly taproom at Coppertop Park and Sisters' Cider House pours an excellent range of house-made ciders.
Coffee Shops
Start your morning right. Pegasus Coffee House has been a staple on Bainbridge Island since 1980, known for its friendly, casual, and bohemian vibe housed in a beautiful ivy-covered brick building right near the waterfront. Coquette Bake Shop is a beloved local bakery on Winslow Avenue worth a stop. Blackbird Bakery is where to go for a solid breakfast or snack to go with a latte. Their Helen's French Roll is considered one of the best pastries in the Puget Sound area. Fun fact: Blackbird Bakery is making our wedding cake!
Restaurants
Harbour Public House sits right on Eagle Harbor with an outdoor deck overlooking the marina with pub-style food and ferry views. Proper Fish serves Alaskan line-caught cod fried in local beer batter with house-made tartar sauce and minted mushy peas, a Bainbridge institution for good reason. Bruciato brought Neapolitan-style pizza to Bainbridge and quickly became a local favorite: blistered, chewy crust, simple seasonal toppings, and a casual, bustling vibe. For something more elevated, Hitchcock is the destination for special occasions, with hyper-local ingredients and an ever-changing Pacific Northwest farm-to-table menu. Finally, Ba Sa, a modern Vietnamese restaurant beloved for its chili prawns and fried chicken bao buns, carries a beautiful story; the siblings who opened it named it in honor of their parents and a cherished dish from their mother's kitchen.
Shopping
Downtown Winslow is wonderfully walkable and full of one-of-a-kind shops. Eagle Harbor Book Co. is a beloved independent bookstore known for its excellent selection and towering wall of staff picks. Salt House Mercantile features coastal-inspired gifts and locally made treasures. Lively Olive Tasting Bar offers over 60 flavors of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar, a fun and delicious stop. Millstream feels like a small art gallery mixed with a gift shop, packed with local artwork, hand-blown glass, and jewelry. Bainbridge Arts and Crafts showcases rotating exhibits alongside unique pottery, jewelry, and artwork from local artists. Don't miss the Farmers' Market in the town square, featuring fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, and artisan goods.
Outdoor Adventures
Exotic Aquatics offers kayak rentals and guided tours to experience the island, its wildlife, and stunning scenery from the water. For something more leisurely on the water, Sail Bainbridge offers private, customizable sailing experiences on Puget Sound, from romantic sunset cruises to visits to remote Blake Island with chances to spot orcas, sea lions, and porpoises along the way. Back on land, Bike Barn Rentals, located right next to the ferry terminal, offers e-bikes and hybrid bikes with detailed route maps to help you explore the island at your own pace. Heyday Farm is a family-owned, sustainable historic farm offering farm-to-table community dinners most Thursday and Friday nights year-round. And don't miss Battle Point Park, a 90-acre park with jogging trails, tennis and pickleball courts (cough Jonas cough), disc golf, a BMX track, and much more, a true local favorite.