Kitsap Auto Outlet

There is nothing quite like browsing through antique stores looking for that rare treasure. The one that might make you famous on The Antique Roadshow or at least double your money on an online auction site. Where do you go to find these gems? Well, everywhere!

Here are some shops that might have the long-lost treasure map or first edition book on your wish list.

Josephine’s Mercantile – Port Orchard

Owned and operated by Samantha Smith, the mercantile is named after her Grandma Jo who saved everything. Like all family traditions, Samantha has filled her shop with pieces of the past that have been preserved so that future generations will treasure them.

Josephine’s is home to partner curators like Farmer Rosie who is pleased to present a menu of soups and sandwiches that will satisfy your hunger. Shopping is hard work.

Jo’s is stocked by a collective of treasure hunters like yourself, so you never know what you’ll find. As treasure hunting is a never-ending sport, you should check back often; inventory changes regularly.

Josephine’s Mercantile is located on Bay Street in Port Orchard. For more information, click here. https://www.josephinesmerc.com/

Abigail’s Artful Abode – Poulsbo

From farmhouse to the Victorian Era, Abigail’s is packed with treasures that will have everyone asking you where you got your copper fruit bowl. Or where you found the brass butterfly trivet.

Abigail’s is all about funky and fun. The eclectic mix of collectibles and antiques is co-mingled with home goods and furniture, which makes every twist and turn in the shop a delight for shoppers. Whether shopping for yourself or a gift for a friend, you’re sure to find something.

While the inventory changes regularly, the fun of the hunt does not so check back often to see what else is on Abigail’s shelves.

You’ll find Abigail’s Artful Abode on Front Street NE in Poulsbo and on the web. https://www.abigailsartfulabode.com/

Olde Central Antique Mall – Port Orchard

Don’t miss what’s in your own backyard. Olde Central Antique Mall is located on Bay Street in Port Orchard, and they’ve won awards for the Best Antique Shop from WestSound magazine for a reason. Thanks to their wide selection of glassware, books, clothing and more such as museum pieces and pottery, they are considered a premier place to shop for all things vintage.

They house 45 dealers with a range of tastes and styles, which is why it’s fun to shop here. You never know what you’ll find tucked away in a corner somewhere. It could be that missing piece of Fiestaware that will complete your Grandmother’s set or that vintage Coco-Cola bar stool you need to finish your home bar. Maybe you need a horse collar to hang on your living room wall. Or a child’s desk salvaged from a one-room schoolhouse.

No matter what your tastes, you’ll be able to find something you can’t live without.

In addition to being located on Bay Street, you’ll find them at http://www.oldecentralantiquemall.com/

Have you run out of room in your vehicle?

Have you done so much antiquing that you ran out of room in your car? It might be time to think about getting something a little bigger. Especially if you’re going to spend a lot of time exploring all of the antique shops on the Kitsap Peninsula. It would be too bad if you found the perfect armoire for your hallway in Port Gamble and were unable to get it back home.

Our large selection of pre-owned vehicles include trucks, SUVs and passenger cars, so we’re sure that we’ve got a car that will meet your needs. We also offer financing, so you can buy your new vehicle and get it financed all in one spot.

If not time for a new vehicle, maybe you should check the towing capacity on the vehicle you have.

To find out if you can tow, locate the vehicle towing capacity section in your owner’s manual. That will give you an idea of whether or not you can tow a trailer. If your manual doesn’t mention this, you can always give us a call, and we’ll be happy to check for you.

You can do engine damage if the weight exceeds your car’s towing capacity, so it’s always best to check before you try it.

Towing Safety Checklist

Cooling System – Added weight adds a strain on your engine, which puts strain on the cooling system. Before you tow, make sure your radiator is properly filed and the hoses are in good shape. Inspect your water pump, thermostat and cooling fan, too.  Remember, it’s going to run hotter than normal with a load, so prepare the engine accordingly.

Brakes – Make sure the brake lights on the trailer and the vehicle are working. Make sure that your brakes can handle the additional weight of a trailer when you need to stop. Replace worn brakes.

Fluids – Towing adds stress on your engine, so check all of the fluids before you leave. Your brake fluid needs to be at the proper level, as should your transmission fluid.

Shocks and springs – Before your tow, check your suspension for wear. Don’t forget your hub bearings. If you have any signs of bad hubs like a wobble or wheel play, don’t tow.  Call us and we’ll replace them for you.

Hitch – Check to ensure it’s tight and that you are not exceeding its capacity.

Chains – Don’t forget to add chains to the trailer. They’ll keep the trailer with the vehicle should the hitch come undone.

Tires – Make sure your trailer tires are properly inflated to meet the load.

Wiring – Check your wiring to make sure it’s connected and nothing has shorted out.

Mirrors – Check your view from all of the side mirrors. If you can’t see, consider adding a mirror extension to the vehicle.

If you need to tow, but don’t know if you can get your vehicle ready, come by and see us. Our ASE Certified technicians are experts in getting your vehicle prepared for all types of adventures. You can call us or make an appointment online. Either way, we can get you ready to go.