Spend time exploring Bainbridge Island --the Bloedel Reserve, the wineries, the arts, the parks, and the sports, including kayaking, hiking, and biking. 

You can easily consume a full day as a casual observer, active participant, or both on Bainbridge Island and adjacent Kitsap County.

For a wonderful, relaxing walk, the Bloedel Reserve offers you 150 acres almost equally divided between rich second growth forest and altered landscapes, gardens, ponds and meadows. Meander through a traditionally planted Japanese Garden, relax beside a rock and sand Zen Garden, or gently step beside the living carpet of the Moss Garden. Watch herons and kingfishers nab trout while geese, swans and ducks float atop the same pond. Start in the bluff-top French Country house-turned visitor center and peruse half-a-day away.

History is showcased inside the 94-year old Island C enter schoolhouse at the Bainbridge Historical Museum on Erickson Ave. In addition to the Museum's array of photos, videos, and artifacts, a special exhibition on Manzanar, the camp Bainbridge Island citizens of Japanese ancestry were sent to during World War II, shouldn't be missed. Port Gamble is a nationally registered historical town. Walk down its main street and reenter the early 19th century. Explore its shops and venues all in restored historic buildings from the days of big busy lumber mills. See where the workers and the mill bosses lived. Watch for the opening of Poulsbo Historical Museum at its site in the middle of town.

Park - Two state parks and 18 city parks, including an aquatic center, comprise a generous portion of Bainbridge Island. Fay Bainbridge State Park offers more than a quarter-mile of shoreline within its 17 acres. Use the salt water to swim, boat, fish, crab, kayak or clam. Stay on shore and put the horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, or fire circles to use. Fort Ward State Park is a 137-acre marine park with 4,300 feet of saltwater shoreline on Rich Passage. It is ideal for viewing marine birds, and you might catch a glimpse of navy vessels going to or from the Bremerton naval shipyard. Bainbridge Island's many public parks range from one to 318 acres. You'll find soccer and softball fields, tennis and basketball courts, walking and jogging trails, plus a pond and kids play area at Battle Point Park. Grand Forest offers 240 acres of walking and equestrian trails. The Aquatic Center provides two pools with lap lanes and diving boards. In addition, the center has a slide, a spa, and a tot pool.

Interested in spending a little time either on or under the water? Back of Beyond Outdoors will set you up to kayak or canoe. If you want to get beneath the surface, Exotic Aquatics Scuba and Watersports offers an introduction to Scuba, escorted shore and boat dives, orientation dives and dry suit orientations. Many divers claim the nutrient rich Puget Sound is as good as cold-water diving gets. The underwater diving park Octopus Rocks lies off the southwest shore of the island. Other boat rentals and water tours are also headquartered in Eagle Harbor.

The quiet streets, picturesque views, and historic buildings will make you dream of a less demanding time, leisurely Sundays of tennis, kite flying and family picnics on the green.