From Whatcom County’s favorite neighborhood, to a pristine waterfront village on the Kitsap Peninsula that seems frozen in time, Western Washington contains towns so idyllic, you won’t believe you could call them home. Come with us as we reveal the treasures of Fairhaven, Winslow, and Port Gamble. We’ve included a few RSIR real estate listings to whet your appetite for the waterfront lifestyle in these appealing destinations. Interested in learning more? Connect with an RSIR broker and read through our 2023 Waterfront Report.
Fairhaven, Bellingham
Tucked within the city of Bellingham, the charming Fairhaven neighborhood exudes an irresistible waterfront welcome complemented by Victorian-style, red-brick architecture. With restaurants serving locally sourced food and craft beer, bookstores that not only sell novels but act as a gathering space, and an amazing art scene, Fairhaven is a fantastic day trip, but an even better place to call home. If you’re fortunate enough to buy real estate in the Bellingham area, here’s a taste of our favorite things to do there:
Dine
Start your morning with at Magdalena’s Creperie, where the sweet and savory crepe options are plentiful and delicious. Consider ordering one of the eponymous owner’s pierogis from a special section of the menu devoted to her Polish roots.
Your options are many for lunch or dinner, including the Colophon Café, a local favorite since 19865, with its pretty perch on the edge of the Village Green, or the family-, bike-, and kid-friendly Stones Throw Brewery. Craving a burger? Don’t miss the Filling Station, with its NW pasture-raised beef patties, wild-caught salmon and cod, sandwiched between artisanal buns by local Avenue Bread.
Shop
Village Books prides itself on “building a community one book at a time,” an ethos shoppers feel the minute they enter this three-story (dog-friendly, of course) bookstore. It’s particularly atmospheric on a gray Western Washington winter day, with a hot beverage in hand as you peruse the bestsellers, kids’ books, magazines, puzzles, and thoughtful gift collection.
Don’t miss the Whatcom Art Market (WAM), a non-profit co-op that features the works of more than 45 local artists and makers. Browse the selection of art and gifts, including paintings, photography, glasswork, pottery, jewelry, cards, and more.
Play
Chuckanut Drive is one of Washington State’s original scenic byways – if not the original – and it culminates in Fairhaven. From exit 231 on I-5 at Burlington, the drive, also known as WA State Highway 11, meanders for 20 miles with striking views of the San Juan Islands, Olympic Mountains, and Lummi Island. Stop for a peek around Larrabee State Park. The route is just as popular with cyclists as it is with leisurely motorists.
Take to the water at the Community Boating Center. Rent out kayaks, paddleboards, rowboats, and sailboats and head out into Bellingham Bay. New to the area and the waterfront life? Sign up for an adult class during the summer months and you’ll be paddling in no time.
Winslow, Bainbridge Island
Hop off the Bainbridge Island ferry, walk five minutes, and you’ll find yourself in the heart of Winslow, gateway to the island and as satisfying a waterfront destination as they come. Named for shipbuilder Winslow Hall, the little city – which really does have more of a village feel – runs for 10 blocks along Winslow Way. Lined with local businesses, bookstores, several art galleries, and a plethora of restaurants and bakeries, the street is the heart and soul of Winslow. Here’s what we love there:
Dine
The beloved Blackbird Bakery is a haven of baked goods and coffee all year-round, but their loyal following is particularly drawn to their seasonal offerings that highlight the produce of the island. Around this time of year, that means raspberry cream scones and bluebarb pie and, soon, it will translate to lavender oat milk lattes and Alyce’s signature sugar cookies infused with, you guessed it, lavender.
Love a good diner? Don’t miss Madison Diner, set in a vintage 1950s diner car. They’ve been serving creative comfort food that they call “mostly organic, mostly healthy,” for more than 40 years. For something a bit more upscale, reserve a table at Marché, where the fine dining menu is inspired by both the Pacific Northwest and French culinary traditions. Located between the farmers market, City Hall, and Winslow Way, the handsome dining space dishes up wood-fired steaks and seafood, crisp golden fries from Washington-grown potatoes, fresh-baked rolls made with local, organically grown flour, and…well, you get the idea.
Shop
Live dangerously at this eclectic shop featuring local artwork in many mediums, from statement jewelry to one-of-a-kind home furnishings. Danger Bainbridge carries Northwest-inspired goods that will not only give your new home a local feel, but also work as gifts for just about every occasion. Tea tree-lava soap by Molly Muriel, anyone, or whimsical oven mitts by Collisionware? They’ve got it.
Grabbing cocktails with your new neighbors? Find a fresh outfit at local favorite Petit & Olson. The owners take great pride in their well-edited, European-style boutique offering contemporary clothing by sustainable designers, as well as fine jewelry.
Play
Take a stroll along the Eagle Harbor Waterfront – there’s a west loop that runs for 2 miles and an east loop that is 1.5 miles long. Both trails take about an hour. If you want more of a neighborhood feel so you can scope out where to eat and shop, take the west loop. For a more residential, beachy, woodsy ambiance, try the east loop.
If “play” also means art to you, don’t miss the First Friday Art Walks held from late spring to early fall. Galleries, studios, museums, shops, and restaurants open their doors to celebrate the island’s growing creative scene. Any time of year, the Bainbridge Island Art Museum is worth a visit for its rotating exhibits, fascinating book room, and BIMA Bistro.
Port Gamble, Kitsap Peninsula
A scenic town with a turn-of-the-century appeal, Port Gamble contains a 120-acre National Historic Landmark. Here on the Kitsap Peninsula on the shores of the Hood Canal, you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled upon a New England village. Find a historic church, quaint shops, breathtaking water views, tree-lined streets, and New England-style houses. The little town was home to the lumbering community that grew up around the sawmill that was founded here in 1853 (it remained in operation until 1995). In between bites to eat, gazing out at the water, and shopping, take time to learn about how lumbering communities functioned back in the day as you wander from the historic church, past colonial America-style homes to quaint shops.
Dine
The pastoral lawns and walking trails in and around Port Gamble beg to be explored. Pack a picnic with treats from Butcher and Baker Provisions, or dine in. Choose from a range of hearty sandwiches and salads, including the hearts of palm ceviche, crispy fish tacos, a grilled salmon BLT, and a decadent potato salad. Coffee beverages and a huge array of baked goods are always available.
Whether you live nearby or are just swinging through town on a Kitsap bike ride, House 11 Taproom always satisfies. Depending on the weather, dine inside or out, and enjoy items from the locally sourced, seasonal menu. Favorites include the “Beet it grilled cheese” panini with cacio de roma, roasted beets, balsamic reduction, arugula, and aioli panini, and the salmon sliders on Macrina brioche buns. If so inclined, wash it down with a Stoup IPA from the family-owned, Ballard brewery.
Shop
Smack in the middle of town, the Port Gamble General Store & Café is a local treasure. Since the town was founded, there has always been a general store; today it sits in a building from 1916. Full of knickknacks and Pacific Northwest-inspired goods, the store also includes a café with 16 flavors of ice cream and the Sea & Shore Museum.
You’ll find everything you never knew you wanted at Wish, a gift shop with an extensive card selection, charming items for every special occasion, art supplies, cookbooks, and much more. If you’re a quilter, or just enjoy browsing beautiful fabrics, pop into Quilted Strait in the Old Stables Building.
Play
Just south of the village, Port Gamble Heritage Park offers walking, equestrian, and biking trails, as well as access to the water for paddling adventures. Salsbury Point Park is northwest of Port Gamble, offering easy saltwater access as well. Or stay put in the charming center of Port Gamble and take a self-guided walking tour along historic Rainier Avenue, reading the large placards and getting to know the history of each building.
Interested in learning more about real estate in each of these picturesque waterfront communities or nearby? Connect with an RSRI broker today.