This Mother’s Day, hop aboard one of four iconic WA State Ferries or cross the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and transport yourself to the beautiful Kitsap Peninsula…just a 30-minute ride from Seattle. Brush off the urban fog, and take time to relax and soak up and in some fresh air. Take a stressless garden tour or imbibe in wine tasting. Or take the family and play along miles of sandy beaches, race through forested trails, or kayak around our little bays and inlets.

At the end of the day, or in the middle, head to one of our many memorable pubs, cafes, bars or bistros to enjoy a craft brew, cider, fine wine, or well-deserved martini. We have it all. The best of both world…nature and urban amenities and restaurants and lodging that will please just about everyone..including your best four-legged friends. We are, without question, “the Natural Side of Puget Sound” (TM), 

Just A Few Special Events Happening Mother’s Day Weekend

Kitsap Peninsula Farmer’s MarketsMay 12 -13 -The perfect place to find Mom some beautiful flowers, a handcrafted treasure, homemade sweets, and treats. Markets Open Saturday, May 12Kingston Farmer’s Market 9:30 am to 2:30 pm; Poulsbo Farmer’s Market –  9am – 2 pm; Bainbridge Island Farmer’s Market 9 am – 1 pm; Port Orchard Farmers Market  – 9 am – 2pm; Open Sunday, May 13, Port Gamble Farmer’s Market 9 am to 3 pm. Note: You can do a little early shopping at the Bremerton’s Farmer Market at Evergreen Park is open on Thursday 3- 7 pm

Bloedel Reserve – Live Concert – May 13 – 10 am – 4pm – Bainbridge Island – This is a perfect time of year to tour this world famous garden. As a special treat, Takako Satoh will play the beautiful stringed Koto on the deck of the Japanese Guest House (weather permitting). Included in cost of admission. Adults $17, Seniors $12,  Students: $10, Children $6, Under age free. click for details

Albers Visit Garden

Albers Visit Garden – May 12 – Bremerton – 10 am – 12 pm – Honoring Mother’s Day. Located in the heart of Bremerton, this is a wonderful opportunity to explore unique plant collections, topography, vistas, open spaces, natural and restored areas, and the wildlife. Guided tours by John Albers. Suggested donations of $10. click for details

Olalla Community Club Concerts – May 12 – Dan Frechette and Laurel Thomsen in Concert. lalla Lyrically refreshing and musically diverse”, they seamlessly combine emotive, “judicious violin,” diverse and “phenomenal guitar playing,” compelling storytelling, harmonica and humor, and unique vocal chemistry for a polished, engaging performance. Potluck starts at 6pm. Tickets at the door. $20. click for details

Kingston Cove Almost Summer Fest – May 12,  8-5 pm. Celebrate opening day of boating season with a boat parade, farmer’s market, live music, tour a tall ship, street dance, sailboat rides and much, much more! Port of Kingston Marina Park. FREE. click for details

Poulsbo 2nd Saturday Art Walk May 12, 5 – 8 pm. Downtown Historic & Arts District.

Heronswood Garden

Heronswood Spring Plant Sale & Garden Open – May 12-13
11am – Rose expert Nita-Jo Rountree: “Designing with Gorgeous Disease-free Roses” 11 am. Dan Hinkley, Heronswood Garden Director: “The Forgotten Elements of Design; Texture, Movement, and Fragrance” 1 pm – Kingston  – The entry fee is $10 for adults, $5 ages 7-17, free for ages 6 and under. Kingston – Mother’s receive free entry on Mother’s Day! click for details

Islandwood Mother’s Day Hike & Tea – May 13 – 1-5 pm  Bainbridge Island – Join us for a family-friendly nature program built right into your trail hike! Return to campus for a delicious Mother’s Day Tea complete with homemade sweet and savory fare. Bainbridge Island. Adult-13 $25, Child 4-12 $10. 3 and under free.  click for details.

Port Gamble Store Wine Tasting – May 13 – 3-5 pm  “Not-your-kid’s” Mac-n-Cheese and WINE tasting on Mother’s Day, because who needs wine more than Moms?! We will taste 8 fabulous and affordable wines along with a few Mac-n-Cheeses from the book, MAC ‘N’ CHEESE, by Laura Washburn. – click for details

Wine on the Rock – May 12-13 – Bainbridge Island: A two-day event featuring local cheeses paired with wines at all seven Bainbridge Island wineries. Taste 28 different wines. $45 per person. click for details.I

Make it a weekend getaway! There’s still time to book a room and use your unused vacation days!!  Shown at right overlooking Dyes Inlet, is the Best Western Silverdale Beach Hotel.

Click here to find more lodging options.