EXPLORE: Secret Summer with Brittany Hess
EXPLORE NOT-SO-SECRET SPOTS TO EAT, SHOP & ADVENTURE THAT LOCALS RECOMMEND THIS SPRING & SUMMER!
Secret Summer gives you the scoop on the restaurants, shops, parks and places to explore that Kitsap community leaders & small business owners love to experience during the sunny months. Look for new Secret Summer articles on the regular around here and start planning your Summer adventures today!
EXPLORE KITSAP LIKE A LOCAL!
Brittany, WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT KITSAP?
Brittany’s Favorite Local Meal:
“One of my favorite spots in town to grab a quick bite to eat is the Mercantile Coffee! There is something so grounding about grabbing a warm scone drizzled in hot honey on my day off, in that café, it warms my heart! Every bite comforts my soul, and I always feel so welcomed there!
I also love getting French fries at Harbor Hot Dogs (best fries around)! They have the best crunch!”
Brittany’s Favorite Local Drink:
“Finding moments of joy in the little things is what life is all about! My local paradise and favorite watering hole in Port Orchard is the Twin Peak themed restaurant, Damn Fine Pizza! I love to sit at the bar, and I dive into my favorite coffee old-fashioned cocktail! Served over a big rock ice and a cherry on top, it's pure bliss! Cheers to good vibes and great company!”
Brittany’s favorite place to get outside:
“One of my favorite local places to visit near my house is the Manchester State Beach. I love walking to the beach solo, with pups, or with visiting friends. I love the views of Seattle and Mount Rainier on a clear day!
My other favorite local outdoor space to take a walk or run is the Port Orchard waterfront trail! I enjoy parking my vehicle at Damn Fine Pizza and walking the entire trail to downtown Bay Street, visiting some local shops and walking back. I love the views of the water and seeing all the wildlife along the beaches in Port Orchard.”
Brittany’s Favorite Sunny/rainy Day Activity:
“My favorite thing to do in the sunshine is hitting up the local Port Orchard Farmers Market during the spring, summer, and fall (runs April-October). I LOVE grabbing local produce, plants, and flowers for the week. I love the atmosphere, and I always feel welcome.
One of my favorite things to do in the rain (it rains a lot) is enjoy a game or two of bowling with my friends at the local bowling alley! It’s always such a fun time at Hi Joy Bowl. We love grabbing a bite to eat at their diner and hitting up the arcade after!”
Brittany’s Favorite Spot to Take First-Time Visitors:
“Since opening my shop, Dos Casas Thrift, in the Town Square Mall, I think the FIRST thing I would take them to is my shop and give them a tour of my boutique thrift/gift shop that opened in April of 2024.”
Take photos of Dos Casas and add them below
Brittany’s Favorite Saturday morning community outing:
“Before opening my store, when I had Saturday mornings off, my absolute FAVORITE thing to do was grab my pups and head to Howe Dog Park to enjoy the trails while my dogs enjoyed being off leash. Then we would hit up the Port Orchard Farmers Market to buy produce for the week, walk down Bay Street, grab a coffee and a little bite to eat at one of the local cafes before heading home! I love to pop into some of my favorite shops such as C Side Rcords, Gathered by Josephine’s, The Antique Mall, and a few others! It is a perfect Saturday ritual that felt great! I love walking and getting fresh air while also supporting local small businesses!”
From Brittany’s Camera Roll:
explore more of kitsap!
If you only have a few hours on the bremerton waterfront and want explore public parks on foot, here’s a great walkable itinerary that takes you to easy accessible parks and public spaces to relax and play.