Winter is upon us, and if you’re looking for something to do as the snow piles up and the wind howls, here are a few things that might help you pass the time between now and the next big Arctic blast that hits the Kitsap area.
Outside Activities
Ice Skating – There is just something about the snowy weather that makes you want to strap on a pair of skates and glide around an ice rink. Whether outside on a frozen pond or inside at a place like the Bremerton Ice Center, skating helps burn off that extra energy from being cooped up, work up an appetite and build leg muscles. Bremerton Ice Center offers public skating and skate rentals.
While many of the skiing, cross-country skiing and snowboarding locations are outside of the immediate area, there are several places around Kitsap County where you can buy snowboards and skis. Don’t miss a chance to go play on Hurricane Ridge in the Olympic National Park.
If you plan a trip to the park, make sure that your vehicle has been winterized. If you need to do that, call Kitsap Auto Outlet and make an appointment with their service department. They will get you ready for a road trip. [I suggest linking to the winterize article here]
Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal Beach and Poulsbo Marina – Take a trip along the shorelines at night to see what lives under the docks. Guided tours by Kitsap Beach Naturalists share all that they know about the nightlife of the ocean. If you miss this, then check out the Poulsbo Marine Science Center for other events.
State Parks are open during the winter –Kitsap Memorial and Illahee both offer year-round hiking to Anderson Lake. Other trails may be closed depending upon the time of the year, but Battle Ground Lake has camping all year long. The water supply may be turned off during the winter, but there is a winter water supply area. You can rent a cabin at Cama Beach all year long, too.
Don’t have a vehicle that can get you around the parks in the winter? Kitsap Auto Outlet has a large selection of SUVs and trucks that can get you out and about this winter. Stop by and take a look at their inventory. A new truck will make the adventure that much more fun.
Inside Activities
Roller Skating – For those who would prefer to strap their skates on and stay inside a building, roller skating is a great way to socialize without freezing your toes.
Planetarium – The Pacific Planetarium in Bremerton hosts a winter program that will make all preschool kids want to go to space. Older kids can learn about dinosaurs, and everyone – even adults – can plan a mission to Mars or visit the moon. Since schedules change, check with the planetarium before you go.
Japanese Gardens in the winter – Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island offers a magical place to wander during the winter. If you get there in time (ends January, 3), the visitor’s center is transformed into a miniature town complete with trains. If not, then there is always a lovely waterfall, trestle bridge, and beautiful gardens to enjoy. The Winter in the Woods exhibit runs until January 9th.
Western Washington Center for the Arts – Add some culture to your life with a trip to the theatre. December features A Christmas Carol, but 2023 starts with a Steve Martin-penned comedy featuring Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso together in 1904 Paris. Cubism meets the theory of relativity. There are many other upcoming plays, as well as open auditions should you decide you want to try out for a leading role.
Of course, there are always activities like bowling at our local Hi Joy bowl or going to the movies at the Regal South Sound Cinema.
Ring in the New Year
Dancing and New Year’s Eve parties are just about everywhere, including The Roxy Theatre, the Tracyton Public House, and the Admiral Theatre, and if you feel like driving, there is a masquerade ball at Maynard’s Restaurant in Silverdale.
There doesn’t have to be a big party to enjoy a night out eating with family and friends. There are so many fine restaurants to choose from that it may be difficult to decide on one. From American grub to pub food to seafood to Chinese food they all can be found in Port Orchard’s local restaurants.
Shopping
If you’re in the market for a treasure hunt, then find your way to any one of the antique malls that pepper the towns on the Kitsap Peninsula. In Port Orchard, Josephine’s Mercantile and Olde Central Antique Mall, Inc. offer hidden treasures amongst the many items brought in by independent vendors. You never know what you might find.
If you want to people-watch, you might want to drive to The Trails in Silverdale where you can wander in and out of the stores, but bundle up because this is an outdoor mall. For indoor people-watching, The Bellevue Collection (Bellevue Square, Lincoln Square, and Bellevue Place) in Bellevue, WA, offers shopping at some of the most unique stores, dining at over 50 restaurants, and entertainment like movies and bowling. No matter what the weather, you could get lost in these shopping centers for hours and never notice it.
If you need a new car to bring home all of the things you bought while shopping, then don’t miss the deals from Kitsap Auto Outlet. They offer a wide selection of pre-owned cars, and their service department will help you keep your current car on the road. Stop by or call them for more information or to schedule a service appointment.