Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge Island Farmers Market
The Bainbridge Island Farmers Market has been a staple of the island since 1993, when a handful of local farmers and artists set up a modest market on Winslow Green. Today the market has over 40 vendors. Every Saturday, you will find a variety of locally grown produce, flowers, wine, meat, and eggs to purchase. Artisans also offer macramé, paintings, glasswork, greeting cards, and more. Below are a few spotlights of vendors you will find during your next trip to the Bainbridge Island Farmers Market.
Butler Green Farms
Brian MacWhorter’s farm, Butler Green, is a diverse biodynamic farm raising produce, pastured meats, and eggs on Bainbridge Island. You can find over 35 different fruits, vettables, and barries from Buler Green Farms.
Powell & Jones Craft Chocolate
The first ‘Bean to Bar’ fine chocolate maker on Bainbridge Island. They create high-quality craft chocolates of various types using only the best cacao and other mainly organic ingredients with no artificial preservatives or flavors added.
Kuy Glass
Handblown glass created by artist Kuy Hepburn on Bainbridge Island. Kuy has been working with glass for almost fifty years and creates vibrant pieces without any molds.
AmosSoma
Natural handmade skincare prepared in small batches from the highest quality natural ingredients. AmosSoma centers around the skin’s balance, health, and radiance.
The market is located at Winslow Town Square, 280 Madison Avenue N, Bainbridge Island, WA, and runs Saturdays, 10-2, from April through November.
Pantone’s Color of the Year Has a Unique, Local Tie
Pantone colors of the year for 2021 are Ultimate Gray and Illuminating. (Image: Pantone)
Every year, folks around the globe look to the start of a new year with a fresh perspective. And leading that change, is the often highly anticipated Pantone Color of the Year. For two decades running, that color is chosen by experts at the Pantone Color Institute, but you might be surprised to learn that this influential decision is made right here in our backyard.
Local island resident Leatrice (Lee) Eiseman has been leading the influential group since the beginning. How special is that? Seattle Refined sat down with Leatrice to get the scoop on this year’s colors, how they were chosen, and what they mean.
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Leatrice (Lee) Eiseman is the Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. (Image: Lee Eiseman)
Seattle Refined: Lee Eiseman from the Eiseman Center for Color Information and Training – you are literally a global color guru, and you live right here in our area on Bainbridge Island. You wear many hats, including one with Pantone, and we all know Pantone are the color experts!
Lee Eiseman: I’m the Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. I’m the leader of the group who does their Color of the Year.
How did this start?
We started this back in 1999 because people would call Pantone, and they would say, “So tell us about the color for the Millennium?” There were two things going on at the time. One was the millennium bug, where the clocks were gonna stop, and all the computers were gonna go down. But at the same time, it was looking forward to a new century. We chose a color called Cerulean Blue. The color of the sky, the color of what lies beyond us. That represents a bit of peace and tranquility. We had such an amazing response to doing the Color of the Millennium. We decided that maybe we needed to do Color of the Year.
For 2021 there is something really unique happening.
We chose two colors this time, which is unusual for us. The two colors of the year are Ultimate Gray and Illuminating, which is a yellow.
What do these colors mean in terms of 2021?
We felt that with 2021 (and goodness knows what’s happening in the world around us and the stresses that people are under), gray would give us the solid, resilient color that is something you can depend on. It’s the color of rock and stone and granite and those sorts of things that are very substantive. Yellow, the Illuminating Yellow. What can we aspire to? What can we look forward to in the future? We know that in every country all over the world, people respond to sunshine on a very positive level. It’s cheer. It’s happiness. So we have two disparate colors coming together, which then gives us a feeling of connective-ness. We feel that that’s a very important word as far as the future is concerned.
What goes into this process of choosing these colors?
The biggest part of how we get that messaging is to examine the “Zeitgeist.” What’s going on in the world around us? What is it people are aspiring to, that they’re hoping for, and how does color best serve that? We look at fashion because fashion is always a forerunner. We look at the world of entertainment. We also look at the world of art. We look at industrial design. In addition to that, we look at big events.
Lee, you have written ten books on color – you are a teacher, you’ve taught many classes and you’ve dealt with some very big clients around the globe. Some people might feel intimidated by the idea of color and not know where to start.
I think that some people just have a skill like an artist does, but others can still learn how to enjoy color and use it in their everyday lives. I mean, when you set the table, you want to make the table look wonderful, you want to pick the colors that are right, the flowers, the stemware, you want to create a beautiful atmosphere. It is something that we take for granted – yes, that is a form of creativity! Why are we picking that color, what is it saying to us? I always tell people; each of us has that artistic ability within is. It’s something you can spend time and learn about and enjoy because it gets your creative juices going.
Lee Eiseman, it’s just so much fun talking to you. Thank you so much for your time and for sharing the colors of the year.
You’re very welcome.
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For more about Lee Eiseman, including her color training programs, check out the Eiseman Center for Color Information and Training. You can also follow Lee Eiseman on Instagram and Facebook.
Q3 2020 Market Update
In an unusual year, the real estate market has largely been a beacon of positivity. After activity came to a brief halt in the second quarter, buyers quickly got off the bench to take advantage of extremely low interest rates, to invest in homes with bigger spaces, or to be closer to nature. And even as temperatures began to drop this September, the market remained hot in the third quarter with rapidly appreciating home prices, low inventory, and buyers eager to find the right opportunity.
This is particularly true on Bainbridge Island where homes are appreciating at record speed. Compared to this time last year, the average price per square foot is up 22%, while the median sold price is up 34% year-over-year. Fewer homes have been on the market, and those homes that are available have been closing quickly, too, with inventory of available homes down 61.3% versus this quarter in 2019.
If you’re curious about how this competitive market impacts the value of your home, reach out today. I’d be honored to help you reach your real estate goals!
If You Only Have a Day
We are so lucky to live on Bainbridge Island. For us, this is just our community – but for others, Bainbridge Island can be a relaxing getaway. Our island makes for an excellent day trip and escape from the hustle of surrounding cities. Perhaps you’re looking to explore the island for a day. If so, this is the ultimate guide to visiting Bainbridge If You Only Have a Day.
If coming from the East (Seattle and beyond), you’re likely to enter the island by ferry which is undoubtedly the most picturesque arrival. Boarding from Ferry Terminal at Pier 50, you’ll use the same ferry islanders use to commute downtown for work. You’ll enjoy a breezy 35-minute ferry ride offering spectacular vistas of the Seattle skyline to your east and Olympic Mountains on the west. Traveling on a clear day? Don’t forget to turn around for an epic shot of Mount Rainier as your backdrop. The best part? You can go by car, bicycle, or foot as the island is flexible and accessible to all modes of transportation.
Sound fantastic? Then read on for our suggested itinerary below and don’t forget to bring your mask!
9:00 am
Get up early and catch the 9:35 am ferry from the Seattle Ferry Terminal. You’ll want to make sure to get there a half an hour early (especially if you have a car) because they do fill up on busy weekends at prime time.
When you get to the island, walk 10-15 minutes up the street into the quaint downtown area.
10:15 am
Turn left on Winslow Way E and stroll through the downtown area. Don’t worry, you’ll be back! Walkthrough the main strip of Winslow and take a left on Madison Ave S. You’ll end at Pegasus Coffee, a strong contender for the best coffee on the island. Grab your drink of choice and savor it at Waterfront Park to admire the views of the harbor and beyond.
11:00 am
Time for breakfast! We recommend Good Egg for brunch. They have a range of breakfast foods – from eggs, to sandwiches, to granola. Eat your fill and relax – their outdoor patio seating is the perfect place to hang out and enjoy your food on a sunny day.
11:45 am
Remember that cute little downtown strip you walked past? Now it’s time to explore that little slice of heaven.
If you’re in town on a Saturday, don’t miss the Bainbridge Island Farmers Market, which is a few blocks north of Winslow Way.
A must-stop for book lovers (and pretty much everyone, I guess) is Eagle Harbor Books. Spend a few minutes wandering the shelves and check out some of the work by local authors. If you see something you like, buy it!
Next, time for some shopping. You won’t want to miss Pelindaba Lavender and Salt House Mercantile, two of the best shops in the area. Here are some others that are worth checking out.
- Danger – handcrafted gifts and art – like their stunning jewelry
- Millstream – Pacific Northwest-inspired art, gifts, and souvenirs
- Winslow Mall – a collection of small boutiques
There are a few more stops worth making before catching the 2:10 ferry back to Seattle.
For ice cream…head to Mora Iced Creamery for the best ice cream on the island. Gluten free? Just ask and they’ll use a clean scoop and cup to serve up your frozen treat.
For wine… head to Eleven Winery’s tasting room along Winslow Way. Or, if you’ve got a car, you should head to the actual winery a few miles away on Bainbridge Island.
For beer lovers… head to Bainbridge Brewing’s Alehouse for some craft beer made on Bainbridge Island. If you have a car, their brewery is a few miles north along state highway 305 and is worth a visit. They have cider (in cans and bottles, for Celiac friends) and non-alcoholic drinks that are gluten-free, but no food or wine.
For art lovers… head to Bainbridge Island Museum of Art for a world-class display of contemporary art and crafts of the Puget Sound Region.
1:45 pm
That’s it! Head back to the Ferry Terminal (the same one you arrived at) and take the ferry back to Seattle.
Social Distance-Friendly Events Around the Island
The pandemic has changed many things in 2020, but one thing that has not changed is Bainbridge Island’s love for community! We’re finding creative ways to stay connected while staying safe. Check out these events happening around the island this month that are social distance-friendly and island approved!
Photo Courtesy of Island Theater
WHAT | Island Theatre’s 2020 Ten-Minute Play VIDEO Festival
WHEN | August 13-15 at 7:30 p.m.
Watch some of the best plays by Kitsap County playwrights! In lieu of the traditional live event, Island Theatre will be streaming a selection of plays from past Ten-Minute Play Festivals for four screenings, August 13 – 15. Screenings will be at 7:30 pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday (8/13-8/15) and at 3:00 pm on Saturday 8/15. The program features 11 plays in two one-hour programs that will be streamed back-to-back. Watch all 11 plays at one time, or watch half one day and half another. No ticketing or registration is required.
Watch and learn more at www.islandtheatre.org.
Photo Courtesy of Bainbridge Island Parks and Rec
WHAT | Movies in the Park – Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker
WHEN | August 14, 2020 at 8:30 p.m.
Pack your car full of your favorite treats and head on over to Battle Point Park for a drive-in movie with the family! To ensure the safety of all guests and follow WA Safe Start phased reopening guidelines, it is asked that you please remain in your vehicle for the duration of the film. Due to limited vehicle capacity, registration is required for this free event. Movies begin shortly after 8:30 pm. Parking attendants will be on site to help situate your vehicle. Viewing the film outside of your vehicle will not be permitted due to WA Safe Start requirements.
Register to watch at Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District.
Photo Courtesy of Bainbridge Island Rotary
WHAT | Bainbridge Island Rotary Online Auction & Rummage Sale
WHEN | Monday August 24, 6:00 am through Sunday August 30, 5:00 pm
This August, for the first time in its 60-year history, the Rotary Auction & Rummage Sale is being held online. To protect our community during the COVID-19 pandemic, they opted for this new arrangement. And while a lot of things are different this year, one thing remains the same: All proceeds from the Auction & Rummage Sale are invested in our community, local and beyond. This year, donating and buying items happens from the comfort of your home. The only personal interaction is between donor and buyer for item pickup, at an agreed upon time and place. You can eliminate contact by arranging for pickup at the donor’s porch or driveway and items will stay with donors until purchased.
Learn more and shop at bainbridgerotaryauction.org/shopping-at-the-online-auction/.
Four Bainbridge Island Parks in Four Weeks
As warmer days are lingering near, you may be itching to spend more time outdoors. If you’re in search of some fresh air, try visiting one of these four lovely parks around the island. And if that’s not enough, check out 12 parks in 12 weeks by the Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation.
Photo courtesy of Bainbridge Island Parks Association
Frey Road
How to get there: Find Battle Point Park. Next, exit the park at the north gate onto Frey Road, walk east down the hill 20 yards and find the trailhead across the street.
Why you should go: You’re at Battle Point Park for the millionth time anyway. Why not see something different? Fairy Dell Trail offers a pleasant hike through a wooded ravine and respite from the summer heat, with a little slice of island history in the mix. Leave the island’s busiest park for a few minutes, and try a path less traveled.
The easy, half-mile trail crisscrosses the long furrow of a seasonal stream via a series of stout, Eagle Scout footbridges. The ecosystem is a mixed affair, alternately sublime and blighted; you’ll be flanked by a glorious sea of ferns on one slope and a bleak ivy desert on the other. Ancient fir and cedar stumps are your waypoints.
When you reach trail’s end, duck under the low-hanging overgrowth to find a tide flat sprawling endlessly before you at low water. Keyport lies ahead in the distance, the jagged rim of the Olympics to the left, and you can make out the Agate Pass Bridge to your right for a panoramic view indeed. Just don’t wear your good shoes.
Here’s another reason to go: to say you’ve been on one of the island’s oldest dedicated public trails, maybe the oldest. Fairy Dell was staked out around 1909, when today’s Battle Point was platted as a vacation community called Venice.
Photo courtesy of Bainbridge Island Land Trust
Upper reaches of the Grand Forest, east and west
How you get there: Hike. There is motor vehicle access off the end of lower Mandus Olson Road – look for the ad hoc “Prue’s House” sign around the bend from the parking area – but the driveway is generally gated for security. Your best bet is to park on either side of the Grand Forest, find a trailhead and start hoofing. Let the grade be your guide; uphill and you’re on the right path, and when it levels out into an open field, you’re there.
Why you should go: Hilltop is the Constantinople of Bainbridge parks, the junction where East meets West, the confluence into which miles of island trails flow. The 5-acre meadow at the crest is zenith for any number of possible day hikes; you could start at Battle Point Park at one end or McRedmond Road at the other, walk long enough and you’ll eventually find yourself at Hilltop summit.
Hilltop gets a lot of thru-traffic (runners and walkers) but perhaps fewer sustained visits than other parks. Poets and painters could find inspiration here. Look for natural highlights like the Royal empress trees, or a madrone and fir twinned in familial embrace; savor the quiet heirloom orchard, or imagine the rustic barn echoing the whinny of horses eager to graze the meadow.
Unlike most parks, you can’t really tell where Hilltop begins and ends, blurring as it does into some 540 contiguous acres of public land. But it’s more of an experience anyway, a state of mind. Try to time your visit to a sunny afternoon and feel the world shrink away beneath the azure sky. You might just believe you have the whole island to yourself…
Photo courtesy of hiking project
Marshall Road
How you get there: Make your way to Gazzam Lake Preserve’s main entrance off Marshall Road. This is a great destination by bike, especially via pastoral, lightly traveled Island Center Road off Fletcher Bay. Once you reach the Preserve, hike west several hundred yards past the Springridge trailhead, crest the hill and keep going.
Why you should go: The Westwood Shore Trail is probably the most challenging hike Bainbridge has to offer. You plunge from the island’s second-highest point (Gazzam Lake, Elev. 380 ft.) to the shoreline (Elev. well, Zero) over seven precipitous tenths of a mile. The hike down requires a sure foot, the hike back up a stout heart. It’s not for the casual walker.
The path traverses the former Close property, acquired with Open Space bond funds in 2003 to add a 64-acre waterfront corridor to the previously landlocked Preserve. It’s a topographic wonder, all gouged ravines and dramatic slopes tumbling away at your feet into the green abyss. Actually, the trail is so steep at points that rude wooden steps are notched into the hillside for safety. The route is renowned for its acres of gentle ferns, although patches of ivy blight the lower reaches and are starting to climb the trees.
Your reward for reaching the bottom: 500 feet of lovely rocky shoreline along Port Orchard Narrows, one of the island’s more remote reaches in a nebulous stretch between upper Crystal Springs and the Hansen Road area to the north.
You get a peekaboo view at high tide, but a well-timed visit opens up the protected nearshore habitat to exploration. Bowed, second-growth firs cling to life against the slow encroachment of tide and time; signage reminds you this erosion – helpfully illustrated by a naturally sculpted mesa of sediment pocked with stones at the foot of the bluff – is an environmentally healthy process.
Photo courtesy of Bainbridge Island Parks Association
Williams Lane
How to get there: Take Koura Road west off Miller, then head straight down the hill as it turns into Williams Lane and buttonhooks into the park.
Why you should go: Another park rich in island lore, Williams-Olson is the last sliver of a larger, storied island homestead dating to pioneer times of Swedish settlers John Olson and Karin Persson Olson.
Here, kayakers will find the park an excellent jumping-off point for excursions of their own. Trundle your boat across the lawn and down to the broad 8-acre tide flat and off you go, skimming across the quiet bay.
The view from the bluff above is narrow but stunning beneath blue skies. Squint north and you can even make out the bridge at Agate Passage! Flanked by a pleasant orchard of apple and pear, the rolling lawn makes for great family picnicking, and you can get in a game of pickleball on the dedicated court.
Prepping Our Pets for When We Return to Work
With so many of us at home now, our pets are our almost constant companions. But that could pose some challenges for them in the future.
Many of our pets will have become accustomed to us being home all day. So how can we help ease the transition when we’re back in the office full time?
One of the recommended ways to help your pet is by setting up a schedule including when they wake up, when they eat, when they get play time, and planning time for them to rest independently as they would when they have alone time throughout the day.
The busier dogs are kept, the better off they’ll be and at the end of the day, a tired dog is a happy dog. Spend some time offering enrichment activities such as a treat scavenger hunt throughout the home. If you need to add a new toy into the rotation, or stock up on treats, The B.I. Barkery is a wonderful option and they’ve been shipping and delivering to homes around the island for free during this time. Paws and Fins and Z-Bones both remain open as essential businesses and also have squeaky toys and delectable treats for your furkids!
If your dog is particularly anxious about you leaving the home, it’s helpful to minimize the event as much as possible. Try to avoid goodbye routines as they only add to the anxiety.
Additionally, you can socialize your dog now even with social distancing. Try taking your pup on a route near a park where other people are walking. Even if they’re not getting some belly rubs from friendly neighbors, seeing other people, children, and animals will help them feel more socialized and less isolated.
A couple of good boys at Animal Magnetizm, photo from their Instagram!
When you do return, there are many great services to take advantage of such as doggy daycares or dog walkers. Many are closed right now but will likely be eager to welcome your pup once businesses are able to open back up. Animal Magnetizm is a wonderful dog daycare that is sure to tire out your furry friend while you’re in the office. And when they get a bit messy from playing in the park, Salty Dog Wash will have them looking fabulous again in no time at all.
A United Community During COVID-19
Bainbridge Island Unites During the Coronavirus Pandemic
During this time, it’s been inspiring to see everyone come together—it makes us truly thankful to be part of this community. From the selfless service of our healthcare heroes and essential workers to the neighbors and community members that are working together in innovate ways to serve our island—we thank you.
We wanted to take this time to highlight some of the fabulous local restaurants that are working hard shifting to takeout and delivery options, local heroes that are spreading hope and positivity throughout our town, and ways you can help.
Restaurants and Cafes Offering Takeout and Curbside Pickup
Photo courtesy of Ba | Sa Restaurant
The Marketplace at Pleasant Beach
There are many other local restaurants and cafes working hard to continue employing their staff and serve our community. Find out if your favorite spot is offering delivery or takeout options by giving them a call, we’re sure they’d love to hear from you!
Shining Light on Local Heroes
Wife of Local Doctor Teams Up with B.A.R.N. to Make Protective Gear for Area Physicians
Leah, wife of area physician Will Boyar, saw the critical need for PAPR masks, protective gear worn by physicians serving COVID-19 patients. Partnering with Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network, they used laser cutting and 3D printers to create components.
Photo Courtesy of Tour Bainbridge Island
Tour Bainbridge delivers in response to COVID-19
As a small business in these uncertain times, we want to do all we can for our neighbors and friends. To better serve the community we’ve shifted our business model to provide grocery delivery service on Bainbridge Island. If you need help with ordering your groceries online please call us at 833-424-8687 and we will do it for your over the phone While we don’t expect this to be profitable, it will hopefully allow us to keep our business operating and continue paying our bills as we get through this together. Please call us if you or someone you know could use the service.
Helpline House Continuing Services with Curbside Pickup
Continuing their amazing work, Healthline House is continuing their food bank operations with modified hours and curbside pickup. They have provided an extensive list of resources for those deeply impacted by the pandemic on their website.
Feel Inclined to Lend Your Support?
Support Bainbridge Island businesses by purchasing a gift card today that will make for a wonderful gift later. This is a wonderful way to help our neighbors now while treating ourselves later or sharing with a friend.
Deemed an Essential Service, Real Estate Continues with Restrictions
Our community is the heart of our business, and our hearts are with you. The COVID-19 health crisis is not over yet, but working through this as a community has also made us feel incredible gratitude for the way our real estate family can pull together, innovate, and support one another in a time of need.
To protect your health and safety, Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty has outlined how we are changing the way we work and evolving our services to help you safely meet your real estate goals.
Autumn Events on the Island
Life on Bainbridge | Autumn 2019
In anticipation of the season ahead I’d like to share a few local happenings to get you in the autumnal spirit. From fundraising events that benefit little ones to a worldwide film festival, this season is filled with fun.
September 22nd | Harvest Fair
Friends of the Farms invite you to the historic Johnson Farm for the 18th Annual Harvest Fair. Enjoy cider pressing, carriage rides, pie contents and much more.
September 27th – 29th | Manhattan Shorts
BIMA will be hosting this year’s Manhattan Short film Festival—a weekend presentation of short films from around the world, curated carefully for you.
September 28th | Beach Cleanup
From 10am to 2pm volunteers will be working to cleanup the island. Click below to sign up for a time on a public road or shoreline near you.
September 17th & 28th | Mini Golf Masters
KiDiMu is preparing for two days for FUNdraising! On September 27th golfing will be just for grown-ups, and golfers of all ages are encouraged to participate on September 28th.
October 4th | First Friday Art Walk
Step out for an evening of fun in Winslow. Local businesses will open their doors to host art, food and friends from 6pm to 8pm.
October 5th | The Island School’s Carnival
The 36th Annual Carnival is sure to be a grand time! Everyone is welcome for games, food, music and more from 12pm to 4pm.
October 13th | Sip & Succulent Pumpkins
These festive plants are the perfect way to get in the autumnal spirit! Enjoy a glass of wine while crafting a succulent pumpkin in this hands-on class.
Market Trends on Bainbridge Island
We’ve reached the peak of summer and I’m pleased to present a mid-year checkpoint with market trends from the second quarter of 2019.
Bainbridge Island saw increased activity, with more home sales and higher sales prices than we saw in the first quarter. The average median sales price April through June was just below $1 million, coming in at $979,000. Despite some retracement in previous quarters this figure has continued to see growth in the second quarter throughout the last two years, proving that our market thrives during the warmer months each year.
The condition of the market has shifted slightly from the balanced state we saw in the beginning of the year. Inventory has dropped to two months causing the market to favor sellers—and making it a wonderful time to sell!
Interest rates are on a downward trajectory, which is encouraging more buyers to get out there and find their dream home! Furthermore, the federal reserve just announced a quarter-point reduction in rates. This is the first cut they’ve made since our country’s recession in 2008 and is sure to benefit buyers at all price points.
Increased market activity and lowered interest rates create the perfect climate to make a move in the market. I’d be happy to sit with you today and answer any questions you have about buying or selling. Please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Find out about market trends around Puget Sound by clicking here, or read more about the reduction in rates, here.