Like a Local: Visit Kitsap with ‘Paranormal Pete’ Orbea
EXPLORE Kitsap SPOTS TO EAT, SHOP & ADVENTURE ‘like a local’.
Like a Local gives you the scoop on the restaurants, shops, parks and places to explore from our local guides. Use our local guides and itineraries as inspiration and start planning your Visit to Kitsap today!
pete orbea
paranormal pete, Port Gamble’s town manager
Pete Orbea is also known as ‘Paranormal Pete’ due to his involvement in paranormal research, mainly in the historic center of Port Gamble. Port Gamble is rumored to be one of Washington’s most haunted towns…and Pete leans in wholeheartedly with Ghost Walks, Special Investigations, and coordinating the annual Ghost Conference in November, also held in Port Gamble. Pete’s first job in Port Gamble was an entry-level position with Port Gamble’s Weddings and Events team, fast forward a few years, and many, many paranormal occurrences later - he is now the Town Manager or Mayor.
We caught up with Pete to get his take on where to go for the best eats, watering holes, local businesses, places to get outside, and spots to take friends from out of town.
EXPLORE KITSAP LIKE A LOCAL!
Pete, WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT KITSAP?
Pete’s Favorite Local Meal:
“Grub Hut all day. Old Fashioned burger and a milkshake please!”
Pete’s Favorite Local Drink:
“I love hanging out at all of the shops in Port Gamble and when I find myself in Bremerton, I love to pop into the Manette Saloon. They have great live music on the weekends, by the way. For coffee, Steel Bridge Coffee in Port Gamble. They share a parking lot with Butcher and Baker, which is always a good idea.”
Pete’s favorite place to get outside:
“Foulweather Bluff in Hansville, Kitsap Memorial State Park, Salisbury Point, and of course Port Gamble Heritage Park! I just enjoy getting out for a walk either on a beach or through a forest! We have some amazing forests and trees around here and it’s spectacular.”
Pete’s Favorite Sunny/rainy Day Activity:
“Favorite thing in the sunshine is just hanging out on a sunny Port Gamble sidewalk seat and playing guitar or ukelele. When it’s raining, one of my favorite things is to head inside somewhere haunted and investigate for paranormal activity.”
Pete’s Favorite Spot to Take First-Time Visitors:
“I would take them to downtown Poulsbo. Skol!”
From Pete’s Camera Roll:
Visit Kitsap with Pete’s Weekend Itinerary
Friday: Kingston
Eat: Grub Hut - an unending assortment of mouth-watering hamburgers
Explore: Foulweather Bluff
Experience: Set sail into Kingston with a ride on the Washington State Ferry system, a 30 minute ride from Edmonds
* Learn more about Kingston, Washington State Ferry information, annual events, waterfront happenings, marina information and so much more!
Saturday: Port Gamble
Eat: Butcher & Baker - get the Chicken Sandwich
Explore: Port Gamble shopping and the Heritage Park trails
Experience: Reserve your spot on the next ghost tour with Paranormal Pete
Sunday: Downtown POulsbo
Eat: Caffe Cocina - quick wraps and salads plus delicious coffee/tea options
Explore: Poulsbo’s Maritime History Museum
Experience: Rent a kayak from Olympic Outdoor Center and paddle Liberty Bay
* Plan to visit during one of the many annual Viking themed events - check the events calendar for more details
** Learn more about Poulsbo, Vikings, Nordic culture, annual events, shopping, restaurants, waterfront happenings, marina info and so much more!
Stay in Kitsap
Scroll through to see some of our favorite options for your overnight stay near Kingston + Port Gamble.
Explore with more locals!
Waterfront bliss and views for days…perfectly nestled on the waterfront between Poulsbo and Bainbridge Island.