Loving Island Life
Life on Bainbridge | March 2023
Spring is in the air on Bainbridge Island! Although we still have chilly days, flowers are beginning to bud, and spring is on the horizon as 7pm sunsets will be here next week! With the turning of the season, we see more events return, check out this month’s list of events happening around Bainbridge.
Sundays, 2-5pm | Live Music at Eleven Winery
Stop by the winery to sip some wine and listen to live music each Sunday. March’s line up includes Sarah Brunner, GO Two, and Larry Murante.
Thursdays, 9:25am | Mindfulness Meditation
Join BIAM for a weekly group mindfulness meditation practice led by Steve Parsons. Mindfulness Meditation focuses on calming your body and mind through present moment awareness and deep breathing. Join remotely over zoom or in person in the BIMA Auditorium.
First and Third Thursday, 6:30-9pm | Open Mic Night
On the first and third Thursday of every month, Marketplace will be hosting an Open mic night for all of the musicians to come and show off their skills! Sign-ups start at 6pm, pick your favorite song, grab a drink and get ready to sing or listen to our local talent.
March 16 – 18, 7pm | St. Patricks Day Festival
Pleasant Beach Village and the Historic Lynwood Theatre are pleased to announce the Bainbridge Island Saint Patricks Festival, a three day celebration of music, drink, and food! The festival features the world class talent of the dynamic celtic group, the Gothard Sisters performing at the iconic Lynwood Theatre, the rocking tones of Seastar, and the stellar stylings of Nashville songstress Kara Hesse who will be playing at the Manor House. Whiskey flights, Gin sampling, and specialty cocktails will be provided over the course of the festival by Southern Glazers and American Northwest Beverage Distributors.
March 17, 8 – 10:30pm | BI Recreation Center Teen Night
The Bainbridge Island Recreation Center will host a 2.5-hour event for local high school-age teens only! The gym will be open for basketball, volleyball, pickleball, ping-pong, and tennis. Other activities may include laser tag, giant human soccer games, and cornhole. For a more relaxed evening, enjoy a snack while creating some art in the Teen Night studio, and play cards or board games with friends, old and new!
March 24, 6pm | Spring Harvest Wine Dinner at BIMA
Joining forces with Vintage Wine Bar at Harbor Square for an evening with a guest winemaker at the Bistro.
March 24, 4-7pm | Salish Sea Greens Oyster Bar Pop-Up
Grab a glass of wine at Eleven Winery and join Salish Sea Greens as they shuck some of the finest oysters the Puget Sound has to offer. Their oyster bar is complete with all the fixings, including kelp mignonette, lemon, and Tabasco.
March 28, 6pm | Paint & Sip at Fletcher Bay
Complete a “Red Bike” painting with step-by-step instructions at Fletcher Bay Winery. All paint supplies and aprons are provided. Wine and pairings will be available for purchase.
2023 Forecast Report
Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty (RSIR) has tapped experts inside and outside the brokerage to share with you where the trends are headed and what to watch for in the coming year. How can you prepare for a successful 2022? From real estate to tech, design to investment, we want to prepare you to achieve your goals.
WHAT’S INSIDE
THE ADVANTAGE: WITH RISING INTEREST RATES AND INFLATION, WHAT THE LENDING INDUSTRY IS WATCHING AS HOME PRICES CLIMB.
THE TECH INDUSTRY IS MAKING MOVES. THE BUSINESS TEAM AT GEEKWIRE SHARES THE 12 STORIES THEY’RE FOLLOWING IN 2022.
From GeekWire
DESIGN: FROM THE FINE FINISHES INSIDE YOUR HOME TO OUTDOOR STYLE, WHERE THE DESIGN TRENDS ARE HEADING THIS YEAR.
5 Reasons To Move To Bainbridge Island
If you’re thinking about moving to Bainbridge Island, you’ve come to the right place! Here are five reasons why it is a great place to live.
It’s Close to Seattle
Bainbridge Island is only a 35-minute ferry ride from Seattle (and the ride itself is relaxing with gorgeous views). That means that if you want to go out for the day or night, it’s easy to do. You can see a show, have a few drinks, or grab dinner before heading back across the sound.
Artistic Comunity
Bainbridge has its own cultural scene. The island has an abundance of art galleries, museums, and local artisan shops full of handmade jewelry, pottery, and more!
Whether you’re an artist looking to add your art to a local gallery, just appreciate art, or you’re interested in learning something new (the island has several community centers where classes are held weekly on topics ranging from yoga to drawing to ballroom dancing) there’s always something happening on the island!
Small Town Feel
Bainbridge Island, although close to the city, maintains a tight-knit community. One way the community connects is with events, including the Bainbridge Blues Festival (the longest-running blues festival west of Mississippi), the First Friday Art Walk (a monthly art walk featuring local artists), and many holiday events.
You Can Live on the Water
Do I need to say more? With miles of beautiful coastline, you can live on your own beach or a quick walk, bike ride, or drive to a public beach. With a marina and some homes complete with their own docs, it is easy to spend your days near or on the water.
It’s One of the Best Places for Outdoor Activities in the State
Hiking: Bainbridge Island is home to several state parks, including two of the most popular in Washington. You can hike through Fidalgo Bay State Park and Fort Ward State Park, both of which offer stunning views of the water and wildlife.
Biking: The island has almost 100 miles of paved bike trails that wind through forests and around neighborhoods. If you’re looking to get more serious about biking (or just want an excuse to get more exercise), there’s a mountain biking trail at Sunrise Mountain Natural Resource Conservation Area right on Bainbridge Island!
Kayaking: With over 50 miles of shoreline, it’s no surprise that kayaking is one of the most popular ways to explore this unique part of Puget Sound. Many people take their boats out every day for catch-and-release fishing or just for fun rides around the islands.
If this has convinced you to start looking at making Bainbridge Island your home, check out homes for sale or reach out to me for more info.
Market Trends From Around The Sound: Q4-2022
The real estate market experienced a shock to the system in the second half of 2022. After more than two years of rock-bottom interest rates, the economic outlook, including rapid inflation, prompted many on their home-buying or selling journey to pump the breaks. For 12 Pacific Northwest market areas, year-over-year growth isn’t what we once saw, but there are many positive takeaways from the fourth quarter stats. As always, your Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty global real estate advisor can guide you through the ups and downs of the market, to assure that you’re making the right decision for your investment, lifestyle, and of course, home.
Bainbridge Island | Single-Family Homes
While prices did see gains year over year, the trendlines are relatively flat. There’s a resetting of expectations here, as one of the biggest shifts from 2021, is the average time a home is listed for sale on the market, 37 days.
View report>>
Kitsap County | Single-Family Homes
(Excluding Bainbridge Island) The median sold price of a single-family home is up only 1.84% while the average price per square foot is down .91% year over year.
View report>>
Seattle | Single-Family Homes
The market has shifted, but in Seattle, homes are still in demand, and these numbers are much more reminiscent of our pre-pandemic statistics.
View report>>
Eastside | Single-Family Homes
In mid-2020 we started seeing incredible gains in the market, and on the Eastside we witnessed year-over-year median sold price gains of 20% to nearly 40%. The reality of gains like this, however, is that they couldn’t continue indefinitely. In the fourth quarter, the median sold price fell by 5% year-over-year, with the average price per square foot also down by just over 4%.
View report>>
Mercer Island | Single-Family Homes
The last six months have seen a shift in the real estate market and have forced many sellers and buyers to realign their expectations. But these numbers suggest that while homes are on the market longer and there is much more inventory available, the value of a Mercer Island home is still above and beyond their “comparable” communities on the Eastside and in Seattle.
View report>>
Seattle | Condominiums
Those interested in Seattle’s condo market should be aware of some key differences from its residential market. For sellers, listings continue to move at a slower pace than single-family homes in the same area.
View report>>
King County | Single-Family Homes
While King County favors sellers with two months of inventory, the outlook for buyers is far more positive than it was nearly a year ago when only .3 months of available inventory.
View report>>
Pierce County | Single-Family Homes
The sales price growth for the fourth quarter, in both average price per square foot and median sales price, saw an uptick of less than a single percentage point.
View report>>
Snohomish County | Single-Family Homes
A year ago, a listing was on the market for two weeks on average before finding its buyer, the average time for a listing to sit in Q4-2022 was 37 days.
View report>>
Skagit County | Single-Family Homes
This flattening of the trendlines year over year is not necessarily a sign of an incoming price drop, as a few key factors keep the market in step with the boom we’ve experienced over the last two years.
View report>>
Island County | Single-Family Homes
Fewer homes sold in the area compared to this time last year, and as a result, inventory is up, too.
View report>>
Whatcom County | Single-Family Homes
This data suggests that sellers are still in a good position, but should be prepared for the home to sit on the market for over a month, as well as make considerations that could persuade the right, but pickier, buyer.
View report>>
Life on Bainbridge Island | December 2022
Life on Bainbridge Island | December 2022
The first snow of the year glistened across the sound this week, covering the beaches in a thin layer of snow. Our island is a popular summer destination – perfect for those seeking to connect with nature, enjoy water activities, and disconnect from city life. But winter is equally as magical. Check out events and winter activities happening now on Bainbridge Island.
Dec 1 – Jan 8 | Winter of Wonder at Bloedel Reserve
On your next visit to Bloedel Reserve, see if you can spot all the delightful, handcrafted woodland creatures along your walk! Enjoy an all-ages scavenger hunt designed to create wonder at every turn.
Winter of Wonder is free with admission to the Reserve. Please book your tickets before your visit.
Dec 1 – 30 | Winter Skating Rink at Pleasant Beach Village
Pleasant Beach Village has transformed into a winter wonderland complete with a custom skating rink and tables under the twinkling lights with full restaurant service from Joe’s Restaurant, including winter cocktails. Enjoy holiday drinks or bring your favorite to-go items from Hammy’s or the Marketplace to watch rink-side.
Times: 4-8pm Thursdays & Fridays; 1pm-8pm Saturdays & Sundays; Christmas Eve 10am-4pm; Closed Christmas Day
Tickets: $15 ages 10 and younger, $20 ages 11+; Pool Members
Dec 2 – 4, 2-5pm | 2022 Winter Studio Tour
Celebrate the beauty and craftsmanship of local, handmade art, at the twice-annual art show on Bainbridge Island. This year marks the 39th annual Winter Studio Tour, and 22nd Summer Tour! During the tour pick up special items in the Spotlight Gallery created by the artists.
Dec 2, 6-8 pm | First Friday Art Walk
Stroll the streets of downtown and enjoy art, film, food, and community on the first Friday of every month. Bainbridge Island’s Art Walk features galleries, studios, museums, shops, and restaurants showcasing the creative talent of PNW artists.
Dec 2 – 4 | Winter Night Market 2022
Join BIMA for its first Winter Night Market. Each night you will find the plaza filled with lights, music, food, and an array of local vendors. Just in time for the holidays, this is a time to come hangout and gather in the dark of winter. There will be activities for all ages throughout the museum as well as in the plaza. Come make a gingerbread house with KidiMu, or write a letter in the galleries to a loved one or Santa!
Dec 10, 1-3pm | Holly-Days Wreath Making with Weed Warriors at IslandWood
Hike the trails with naturalists and learn to identify some of our most common invasive plants like English holly and English ivy. How did these plants get to the Pacific Northwest and why are they so widespread in our forest? We’ll collect these and other abundant plant life to bring back to our straw bale Arts Studio to make holiday wreaths to adorn your home for the season.
Market Trends From Around The Sound: Q3-2022
You may have read headlines about our shifting market: interest rates are up and home sales are down. While that’s true, that simple interpretation of our real estate market is more nuanced, and there are advantages to both sides of a real estate transaction, as long as you have the right real estate advisor by your side. In our quarterly reports, we dig into the numbers to help you decipher what they may mean for achieving your real estate goals. These reports are just the start. A conversation with your global real estate advisor can help you put these numbers in context and what they mean as you approach your real estate goals for 2022, 2023, and beyond.
Bainbridge Island | Single-Family Homes
For sellers, there is good news—the average number of days on market is 15, up from just 10 days in Q3 of 2021, but not even close to the 34 days on average a home spent on the market during the same part of the year in 2020.
View report>>
Kitsap County | Single-Family Homes
(Excluding Bainbridge Island) The market has been shifting, and while the number of homes sold is down from Q3-2021, Kitsap County has seen some of the least of these changes with a less than 20% decrease.
View report>>
Seattle | Single-Family Homes
In the second quarter, the median sold price hit seven figures for the first time ever. But nothing gold can stay, as the poem goes, and while the market has cooled, so has the median sold price, to $965K.
View report>>
Eastside | Single-Family Homes
While the median sales price is up 3.5% year over year, the average price per square foot of an Eastside home increased by 6.87%. While gains aren’t as large as what we saw just a few months ago, the market is still showing evidence of appreciation.
View report>>
Mercer Island | Single-Family Homes
Not only is the median sold price down quarter over quarter, it’s also down year over year. The number of homes sold is down by nearly half year over year, and there are three times as many homes available for sale—still, there are 1.8 months of inventory.
View report>>
Seattle | Condominiums
Year-over-year appreciation is steady: the average price per square up is up over 5% from a year ago and the median sold price is up almost 9%.
View report>>
King County | Single-Family Homes
In King County, homeowners are seeing appreciation, but it’s true that gains are slowing. The buyers that have stayed in the market are more discerning, especially without the threat of a multiple-offer situation on each house.
View report>>
Pierce County | Single-Family Homes
The number of Pierce County homes for sale in the third quarter of 2022 is more than double what it was a year before. The number of homes sold is down by almost 30%. And yet, there’s a seller’s market with 1.8 months of inventory.
View report>>
Snohomish County | Single-Family Homes
The average number of days a home spends on market is up to 22 days—higher than the year before, but not an incredible amount of time, and there’s only 1.9 months of inventory available.
View report>>
Life on Bainbridge Island | Local Holiday Shopping
Shop Small on Bainbridge Island
The sun may be setting by 6pm now, but Bainbridge Island will soon be glistening with holiday spirit! Illuminated by twinkling lights on Winslow Way and the sparkle of the Seattle skyline across the sound, nothing compares. The real magic of the island comes from the local shops that make up the heart of our community. This holiday season, shop local on Bainbridge Island. To help you get inspired, I’ve gathered a few of my favorite local shops, restaurants, and clutter-free gift ideas!
Local Favorites in Downtown
Right off the ferry, you find yourself in downtown Winslow. Running about ten city blocks, the streets are lined with local businesses, including restaurants, bakeries, galleries, toy stores, and more. Below is a list of some of the local stores you will find while walking the streets.
- Eagle Harbor Book Co.
- Island Life Artisan Gifts
- Salt House Mercantile
- Relic
- The Berry Patch Kitchen Store
- Dana’s On Bainbridge
- Bainbridge Apothecary Tea Shop
- Wildernest
- Calico Toy Shoppe
- Little Island Crafts
- Plum
- Pelindaba Lavender
- Petit & Olsen
- Bon Bon Candies
The Gift of Good Food
Food has a way to bring people together, this holiday season, support one of the fantastic locally owned restaurants on the island by gifting a gift card. You can guarantee this gift will be used and loved by anyone!
- Ba Sa Restaurant
- Bainbridge Thai Cuisine
- Bene Pizza
- Bruciato
- Casa Rojas Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
- Doc’s Marina Grill
- Emmy’s Vege House
- Harbor Public House
- Hi Life
- Hitchcock
- Isla Bonita
- Nirvana
- Pegasus Coffee House
- Proper Fish
- Sweet Dahlia Baking
Clutter-Free Gifts
Shopping for something for the person who already has everything? Consider gifting an experience instead!
- Membership to the incredible Reserve on Bainbridge Island
- Membership to Bainbridge Island Museum of Art
- Swim passes to Bainbridge Island Aquatic Center
- A Discovery Passto enjoy State Parks year-round
- Gift a Sailing Package from Sail Bainbridge
For the Pets
We can’t leave our furry friends and family off the list this holiday season! Visit these pet stores for the best baked goods, toys, and accessories.
- B.I Barkery
- Z-Bones
- Make a donation on behalf of your pet to PAWS
The Gift of Relaxation
Give the gift of relaxation with a gift card to a local spa!
Host Gifts
If you need a host gift this holiday season, consider supporting one of our local wineries, distilleries, or breweries!
Wine
Beer
Spirits
Life on Bainbridge | October 2022
The leaves are turning, and even though we may see gray and rainy days ahead, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy the crisp fall air and partake in seasonal activities! This October, support local small businesses at the farmers market and moonlight market, learn about meditation, or get into the Halloween spirit with pumpkin walks and community events.
All October| Bainbridge Gardens Pumpkin Walk
A Bainbridge Island tradition continues with Pumpkin Walk 2022! The Trail of Pumpkins will be open for the entire month of October, decorated with painted pumpkins and familiar characters. Plus, more photo-ready, family-friendly Halloween scenes and our tot-size straw maze.
Saturdays, 10am-2pm | Bainbridge Island Farmers Market
Every Saturday, rain or shine, enjoy over 40 local vendors, including farmers, food vendors, live music, and crafters with artisan-made goods.
Sundays | Live Music at Eleven Winery
End your weekend with an afternoon of wine and live local music. October artists include Cuban Heels, Larry Murante, and Kareem Kandi.
October 1, 10:45am| Zen Buddhist Meditation
The opportunity to learn and practice Serene Reflection Meditation (Soto Zen) is being offered in downtown Winslow on Bainbridge Island. The meditation group meets every Saturday morning from 10:45-11:45.
Oct 7, 6-8 pm | First Friday Art Walk
Stroll the streets of downtown and enjoy art, film, food, and community on the first Friday of every month. Bainbridge Island’s Art Walk features galleries, studios, museums, shops, and restaurants showcasing the creative talent of PNW artists.
Oct 7, 5-9 PM | Moonlight Market at Bainbridge Island Town Square
Take advantage of these warm nights by grabbing a cold beer and some delicious gourmet food while enjoying the music and perusing the dozens of booths that unfold around you. As a family-friendly event, everyone will have a great time!
Oct 7 & 21, 4-7 PM | Salish Sea Greens Oyster Bar at Eleven Winery
Grab a glass of wine and join Salish Sea Greens as they shuck some of the finest oysters the Puget Sound has to offer. Their oyster bar is complete with all the fixings, including kelp mignonette, lemon, and Tabasco.
October 8, 12-3pm | 37th Annual Family Carnival
This year’s carnival is free and will include games for all ages, music, food from Bainbridge Island BBQ, and a used book booth!
October 25-27 | Haunted Hayride
Ride on covered hay wagons through the haunted pumpkin-lined trails of Battle Point Park, where not-too-spooky characters and displays emerge from the shadows. Tickets are $11 per person, registration is required.
October 31, 3-5pm | Hometown Halloween
Hometown Halloween, an all-ages Island tradition on Winslow Way in downtown Bainbridge! Join in on Halloween activities, trick or treating, photo booths, and much more!
Life on Bainbridge | September 2022
Long summer days are beginning to shorten, but events on the island have not slowed. From live music to hiking, and stand-up comedy, check out what Bainbridge Island has going on this September!
Thursdays | Live Music at Eleven Winery
Enjoy a summer afternoon with wine and live local music every Thursday. September artists include Carly Ann Calbero, Alana Davis, Jean Lenke Duo, and Kurt Lindsay.
Sep 1, 6-8pm | Open Mic Poetry at Fletcher Bay Winery – Coppertop Tasting Room
Bring your own work, a poem you love, or just come to listen to the poetry and support the artists.
Sep 2, 6-8pm | First Friday Art Walk
Stroll the streets of downtown and enjoy art, film, food, and community on the first Friday of every month. Bainbridge Island’s Art Walk features galleries, studios, museums, shops, and restaurants showcasing the creative talent of PNW artists.
Sep 2, 5-9pm | Moonlight Market at Bainbridge Island Town Square
Take advantage of these warm nights by grabbing a cold beer and some delicious gourmet food while enjoying the music and perusing the dozens of booths that unfold around you. As a family-friendly event, everyone will have a great time!
Saturdays, 10am-2pm | Bainbridge Island Farmers Market
Every Saturday, rain or shine, enjoy over 40 local vendors, including farmers, food vendors, live music, and crafters with artisan-made goods.
September 10, 11am – 10pm| The Bridge Festival
The event’s purpose is to showcase Bainbridge Island’s creativity as a designated creative district by Washington Arts Commission (ArtsWa). This all-day festival will feature multiple stages with live music, performing arts, dance, and artisan craft booths. There will be food vendors, a wine bar, a beer garden, interactive art activities for kids, and more!
September 17, 7:30pm | Stand-Up Comedy with Dean Edwards
Join Dean Edwards from Saturday Night Live and Dan Rosenberg for a night of stand-up comedy.
Edwards is a stand-up comedian, actor, singer, writer, musician and voice artist. His work as a voice actor includes Scottie Pippen and Spike Lee in Celebrity Deathmatch, a robot in Robotomy, and Donkey in Scared Shrekless after Eddie Murphy was unable to reprise the role (Edwards had impersonated Murphy on stage). He also appeared in Saturday Night Live Weekend Update Halftime Special as Savion Glover and Don Cheadle, in Tony N’ Tina’s Wedding as Father Mark, and The Sopranos.
September 18, 7am | Love & Hiking Date for Couples
Looking for a new date activity? Enjoy a hike at your own pace, with fun digital activities along the way! Recommended to hike at The Bloedel Reserve, but you can take the activities to a trail of your choice.
September 24, 4- 8pm | 10th Annual Whiskies for Wildlife
Bainbridge Organic Distillers presents the 10th Annual Whiskies for Wildlife, all proceeds benefit Puget Sound Restoration Fund (PSRF). Featuring more than 225 Scottish single malt whiskies and world-class single malt, grain, blended and antique whiskies from Scotland, Ireland, Japan, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Taiwan, the United States of America, and more. Sumptuous small plates devised especially for this event by the Manor House’s Executive Chef, Joe Benish, to complement the whiskey offerings, will be served at several stations throughout the hall and patio overlooking beautiful Rich Passage. There will, of course, also be a raw oyster bar with fresh, local Port Madison Petites harvested that morning. It will be an afternoon to remember!
Life on Bainbridge | August 2022
Summer is halfway over, but the fun keeps on coming! Enjoy the long days and warm nights with friends and family all over this beautiful island.
Wine Down Wednesday, every week from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Fletcher Bay Winery, Coppertop location
Feel free to bring your own food and take advantage of our drink specials (as low as $5!) while enjoying the live music and beautiful scenery. Each week we feature a new artist, so come every week to hear something new!
August 3rd, 6:00-8:00 PM | The Sounds of Summer at Battle Point Park
The Sounds of Summer Concert Series is back! As a free event with food vendors, music, and activities for kids, there is something for everyone to have a great time while enjoying the infamous music of LeRoy Bell. Bring your friends, your kids, and your appetite! Guaranteed to be a great night for all!
August 5th, 5:00-9:00 PM | Moonlight Market at Bainbridge Island Town Square
Take advantage of these warm nights by grabbing a cold beer and some delicious, gourmet food while enjoying the music and perusing the dozens of booths that unfold around you. As a family-friendly event, everyone will have a great time!
August 5th, 8:00-10:30 PM | Movies in the Park-Luca-at Battlepoint Park
The perfect (and free!) family event and happening every night in August! Pack up the kids and have a blast under the stars. Check back each week to see if you want to see this Friday’s movie!
August 7th, 2:00-4:00 PM | Summer Skills of a Naturalist: Family Explorations at IslandWood
Looking for something fun to do with the whole family? This outdoor class is guaranteed to inspire curiosity about our beautiful landscape across all generations! Rain or shine, these naturalists are ready to give you a first-hand look into what a naturalist is, how they are helping our planet, and how you can help too!
August 12th, 6:00-8:00 PM | “Blue Boat” at Eleven Winery
Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening for two, a night out with the girls, or exploring a new hobby, this paint-and-sip evening is guaranteed to be a great time. Feel free to bring your own food, everything else you’ll need is included!
August 14th, 1:00-4:40 PM | Beautiful Designs Trunk Show at Eleven Winery
Join Hayley of Fruitful Designs for an afternoon of sipping wine and perusing through unique, handcrafted designs. Find the perfect gift that your friends have never seen before, or maybe something just for you! No matter what your taste, you’re sure to find something one-of-a-kind while supporting a local artist.
August 20th, 12:00-3:00 PM | Back to School Adoption Event at Z Bones
Thinking about getting a furry new friend? This is the perfect event to adopt an animal who is looking for a permanent home. Hosted by a local, active company that cares about giving back to their community, you can feel good about where you got your pet! Feel free to use the link below to check out their current selection of pets to see if one looks right for you!