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!
anna carson
Dana’s on bainbridge, owner
Website | Instagram | Facebook
Anna Carson is a Bainbridge Island photographer and entrepreneur who loves her island and the vibrant community that lives there. Anna pulls double duty as photographer & social media manager, helping local brands look great and communicate authentically with their customers. With her marketing skills and her husband’s retail/ product experience, they jumped at the opportunity to combine their talents and become the proud owners of Dana’s on Bainbridge. Located on Winslow Way in the heart of downtown BI, in the old historic Robert's Jewelers building, Dana’s been the go-to spot on Bainbridge Island for cards, gifts, apparel, puzzles, furniture, and unique PNW souvenirs since 1977!
We caught up with Anna to get her 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!
ANNA, WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT KITSAP?
ANNA’s Favorite Local Meal:
‘Agate Pass Restaurant is so good and fresh. Their menu constantly changes so it forces my husband and I out of our comfort zones, which we both love!’
ANNA’s Favorite Local Drink:
‘We absolutely love going to Cafe Hitchcock for their unique cocktails - my favorite is the Nickotine - and great bourbon suggestions like Whistle Pig!’
ANNA’s Favorite Local Brand or Business:
‘I’m not a knitter but if I were to try, I’m super inspired by La Mercerie. I love their whole vibe and everyone they sell is so incredibly nice! We feel extremely lucky to call them our neighbors on Winslow Way! Also, my big sister owns Furnish Bainbridge and I’m always inspired creatively when I go in there! So much color!’
ANNA’s Favorite Local BUSINESS TO BUY A GIFT:
I always love Bon Bon Candies because their fudge is just so good and it’s made here on the island! Danger is also wonderful for some great handmade, local artisan gifts.’
ANNA’s favorite place to get outside:
‘Fay Bainbridge (to climb on the driftwood) and Hawley Cove Park (to sit and watch the ferry go in and out of Eagle Harbor).’
ANNA’s Favorite Sunny/rainy Day Activity:
‘Our favorite thing to do in the sunshine is beachcombing and riding our Vespa all over the island!’
ANNA’s Favorite Spot to Take First-Time Visitors:
‘Definitely the Japanese Exclusion Memorial and Fay Bainbridge.’
ANNA’s favorite WEEKEND ACTIVITY:
‘We love the BI Farmers Market on Saturday. Winslow is bustling with locals and dogs and there’s great music!
What Anna loves about Bainbridge:
We love the small-town feel within the heart of a bigger city close by! Bainbridge is such a tight knit community and we are super supportive of shopping locally.
From ANNA’s Camera Roll:
explore more of kitsap!
Stay in Kitsap
Scroll through to see some of our favorite options for your overnight stay on Bainbridge Island.
Opening each April and running through October, the Port Orchard Farmers Market is a must-visit waterfront destination on the Kitsap Peninsula.