EXPLORE: Secret Kitsap with Baqi Kopelman

EXPLORE NOT-SO-SECRET SPOTS TO EAT, SHOP & ADVENTURE THAT LOCALS RECOMMEND!!

Secret Kitsap gives you the scoop on the restaurants, shops, parks and places to explore that Kitsap community leaders & small business owners love to experience. Look for new Secret Kitsap articles on the regular around here and start planning your Kitsap adventures today!

Baqi Kopelman

Executive Director, Vista Gardens

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Meet Baqi (rhymes with Rocky), the first Executive Director of Vista Gardens and newest addition to the team stewarding these holy grounds alongside owners/residents, John Albers and Santica Marcovina. Baqi has a deep passion for environmental sustainability and education, which aligns perfectly with the mission of Vista Gardens. He envisions expanding the gardens’ programming, forging educational partnerships, and enhancing community visibility both locally and globally. Through his leadership, Vista Gardens is set to thrive as a beacon of sustainability and community engagement and become a vital resource for education and conservation. Welcome to the Vista Gardens team Baqi! We look forward to watching the gardens bloom even bigger under your tender loving care.

WE CAUGHT UP WITH Baqi and asked him to share the watering holes, restaurants, local businesses, places to explore, and the spots he loves to take friends when they visit Kitsap.

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EXPLORE KITSAP LIKE A LOCAL!

Baqi, WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT KITSAP?

Baqi’s Favorite Local drink:

“I’m still making my rounds, but I love discovering new places that reflect the character of Kitsap. Bainbridge Vineyards is a favorite so far—organic, local, and right in tune with our values at Vista Gardens.”

Baqi’s Favorite Local meal:

“I don’t eat out often, but when I do, I really enjoy Hitchcock Deli on Bainbridge. Their sandwiches are made with house-cured meats and fresh, thoughtful ingredients — simple food elevated with care. It’s the kind of place where even a quick lunch feels like a treat.”

Baqi’s favorite place to buy a gift:

Bay Hay & Feed on Bainbridge Island is a treasure trove — you can find everything from an amazing selection of plants and garden treasures to household goods, clothing, and handcrafted items that make perfect gifts. It’s one of those places where you go in for one thing and come out with three, all of them delightful. And while Vista Gardens doesn’t have a shop, it’s a great place to pick up inspiration — and maybe a plant or two at one of our seasonal sales. Our annual membership would also make a great gift for the plant lovers in your life.”

Baqi’s favorite place to get outside:

“Living on Bainbridge Island, I’m spoiled with easy access to trails and shorelines. One of my favorites is a walk through Gazzam Lake Nature Preserve, winding down through the woods to the beach. It’s the perfect blend of forest quiet and saltwater views — a place where you can recharge, breathe deeply, and remember why we’re so lucky to live in the Pacific Northwest.”

Baqi’s Favorite Sunny/rainy Day Activity:

“In the sunshine: garden, always. In the rain: garden, but with a good hat. I’ve come to appreciate how the landscape transforms in the rain—colors deepen, birds get active, and the whole place seems to take a breath.”

Baqi’s Favorite Weekend Community Activity:

I’m often in the garden! But when I get a free morning, I enjoy exploring farmers’ markets and chatting with local growers and makers. There’s so much creativity in the Kitsap community.
Find the list of Kitsap Farmers’ Markets here.

baqi’s Favorite Spot to Take Friends visiting Kitsap:

“Vista Gardens! It’s not just a garden—it’s a living story about sustainability, creativity, and climate-conscious beauty. After that, I’d pair the visit with a ferry ride or a little drive to discover one of the region’s charming towns.”

From baqi’s Camera Roll:

BAqi’s Secret Kitsap Weekend Itinerary

Saturday: downtown Bainbridge Island

Bainbridge Island is a picturesque, 30-minute ferry ride from downtown Seattle. If you’re closer to Seattle than the Kitsap Peninsula, you might consider hopping on one of the huge automobile ferries and snapping some adorable pics while you sail towards Kitsap. We LOVE a good ferry photoshoot.

Eat: Drive off the ferry and make your way to Hitchcock Cafe for coffee, baked treats, located just a few blocks from the ferry terminal, on Winslow Way
Explore: Visit Bainbridge’s farmers market and do some waterfront shopping - Bainbridge’s farmers market is one of the longest-running annual markets, often starting in March and running through mid-November
Experience: Wander the trails at Gazzam Lake Nature Preserve and then hop back in the car for a glass of wine and some relaxing at Bainbridge Winery (part of Bainbridge Farms, also known as Suyematsu Farms) - depending on the season you could pick fresh strawberries, explore a pumpkin patch or even leave town with a freshly cut Christmas tree

Sunday: Explore Bremerton + Vista Gardens

Bremerton is a 60-minute ferry ride from downtown Seattle. Between the ferry terminal and Vista Gardens, you’ll encounter a darling Bremerton neighborhood called Manette. It’s a small waterfront community overlooking the Bremerton Marina and ferry crossings. This tiny footprint packs a punch with award-winning cuisine, sweeping views, and locals with tons of heart. Start your Sunday adventure.

Eat: Grab coffee at Vim & Vigor before taking a walk-about around Manette. *Protip: if you show up early enough, you can nab some of the best pastries in the world (!!) before they sell out at Saboteur Bakery
Explore: Take a stroll over the Manette Bridge on foot and admire views of Warren Ave Bridge, ferry crossings, and general boat traffic sailing about
Experience: Sign up for a guided tour, class or workshop at Vista Gardens and then wander through hundreds of species and cultivars alongside Baqi or the garden’s founder, John Albers

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Stay in Kitsap

Scroll through to see some of our favorite options for your overnight stay near Bainbridge Island + Bremerton.

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Explore with more locals!