EXPLORE: Secret Summer with Danielle Rimbert
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!

danielle rimbert
Rimbert Illustration, owner
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Physical Address: 617 N Callow Ave Bremerton
Danielle is a lifelong creator of art, experimenting with every medium possible. From comics and handmade flyers, to painted furniture, walls, and windows, art has been the center of all Danielle’s projects, jobs, and side-hustles. A Kitsap resident for over 30 years, Danielle offers paint services around Kitsap and beyond in the form of murals and window art.
Over the many decades of art making, Danielle has become a firm believer in collaborations and community partnerships, after seeing one opportunity after another present itself through relationship building. Creating these opportunities for the next generation of artists is just one of the many reasons she opened her own gallery and events venue in Bremerton. Each month, she hosts community art classes, events, dance lessons, live music, and markets, creating a space for all types of art and artists to brighten the community with their talents.
*Find her calendar of events at the bottom of this article.
WE CAUGHT UP WITH Danielle and asked her to share the watering holes, restaurants, local businesses, places to explore, and the spots she loves to take friends when they come to visit Kitsap.
EXPLORE KITSAP LIKE A LOCAL!
Danielle, WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT KITSAP?
Danielle’s Favorite Local Meal:
“My favorite meal is found at Spiros in Port Orchard! I order the Pesto Tortellini salad with their homemade Roquefort dressing and the best dang peanut butter pie in all the land!”
Danielle’s Favorite Local Drink:
“On Callow Ave, in Bremerton, I love the sit down spot, Cafe Corvo, it’s high quality coffee with a warm, intimate, inviting, artistic atmosphere. You’re almost always guaranteed to run into a friend on a coffee run at this sit-down cafe.
For fast, consistent, friendly, quality coffee on-the-go, I love the tug boat themed drive-thru, Chug a Tug, in Port Orchard.
And for beer, I love Ridgeline Brewery. It’s casual, a fun spot to hang out with quality, brewed beer.”
Danielle’s favorite local businesses to buy gifts or self indulge:
I love Carter’s Chocolates in Port Orchard. They stay open until 9pm, and they offer mini tarts, cheesecakes, homemade paninis, gourmet chocolates, and more. Little Bee Home in Bremerton has a great selection of adorable, whimsical home goods, cards, teas, and soaps. I can always find a nice little gift in there. I love Paul’s Flowers in Manette, and Josephine’s Mercantile {photos below} in Port Orchard or Bremerton Flea for curated antiques (only open on Saturdays).”
Danielle’s favorite place to get outside:
“My family spends a lot of our free time outside and exploring many of our local parks. We love the sandy beaches at Anderson Point (Olalla) and the playgrounds and walking paths at Lions Park {photos below} and Evergreen Park (Bremerton) are easily accessible.
We love the Heritage Parks in Silverdale and near Port Gamble to spend miles walking in the woods, and South Kitsap Regional Park also has great trails, seasonal mini train rides, batting cages, and an epic skatepark!”
Danielle’s Favorite Sunny/rainy Day Activity:
“On a sunny day, just being outside doing anything is the best!
On a rainy day, we love to get takeout from one of our favorite eateries, paint, and listen to or play music! There are always lots of all-ages live shows happening regularly in Kitsap at The Charleston, Brother Dons, Rimbert Illustration, and Tracyton Movie House.”
Danielle’s Favorite Spot to Take First-Time Visitors:
“There are so many great live music and performance options in Kitsap, so I’d probably take them to dinner and a show.”
See Kitsap’s list of outdoor summer concerts here!
From Danielle’s Camera Roll:
Rimbert Illustration hosts a wide variety of all-age public events, monthly art shows, pop up artists and workshops, as well as private lessons and wall mural/window painting services for hire. Check out their Facebook page for more info on upcoming events.
open gallery
9a-2p during the week.
Tuesday
Ballroom Dancing Lessons with instructor LB Bryant from Port Orchard Dance.
Wednesday
4-6p, painting and drawing events.
1st & 3rd Thursday
5-8p the art studio is open for you to come and hang out! Bring a project and share what you are working on or for just $10 use studio supplies and play and experiment. Come and check out the gallery show or make new friends! Art is for everyone and we want you all to be able to participate without barriers.
last Thursday
5-7p, live, dressed modeling provided. Sessions are intended to strengthen foundational practices in figure drawing. Suitable for beginner to advanced artists. Supplies and light guidance are available. Whether it’s proportion, anatomy, value, or atmosphere, the instructor will provide constructive feedback to help participants get the most out of their time. The cost is $25.
First Friday
5-8:30p art show and indoor art market called ‘Callow Makers Market’ during the Bremerton’s First Friday Art Walk.
3rd Friday
Original Music & Art Showcase for all ages. Doors open at 6p. Show 7-9p.
$10 in advance or $15 at the door.
Spend the night and extend your adventures.
There are lots of great options for accommodations for travelers of all types in the Kitsap area, here are a few options to explore near Port Orchard and Bremerton.
Learn more about where to stay in Kitsap.
The perfect 3-day summer itinerary, by Danielle
Friday: Bremerton
Eat: Hit up Ridgeline Brewing on Callow Ave for freshly brewed local beer options
Explore: Elandan Gardens, a living bonsai museum built over a reclaimed landfill on the waterfront of Sinclair Inlet
Experience: Experience a ride on Carlisle II, the last remaining Mosquito Fleet Vessel still in daily operations (foot ferry)
Saturday: Downtown Port Orchard
Stay in Kitsap
Scroll through to see some of our favorite options for your overnight stay in Kitsap.
Featuring 27 acres, 4 bedrooms + loft with 6 beds + 2 fold-down sofas, 4 bathrooms. Enjoy the Steinway grand piano, outdoor cedar hot tub, and organic lavender farm.
Stunning beachfront on the shores of Port Orchard with unobstructed, waterfront vistas from inside the window-lined living area and furnished deck beneath by a canopy of trees.
The Baymont offers comfy, no-fuss stays with easy access to all Bremerton + Silverdale amenities, like ferries, local shopping, markets, and laid-back Kitsap vibes.
5 acres full of unique scenery, wildlife, and a small fruit tree orchard overlooking the Bremerton waterfront.
400 sq ft waterfront studio cottage and gazebo with amazing views of Mount Rainier! Bella Rosa Cottage is the perfect couples’ cozy getaway!
There is something for everyone at this award-winning hotel with well-appointed rooms, friendly service, and waterfront views.
With stunning views of Sinclair Inlet and the mighty Olympic Mountains, the historic Carriage House is the perfect place for a South Kitsap adventure.
The custom built studio cabin is a unique design, with wood floors, a vaulted wood ceiling and a large wrap around deck.
An 1895 historic chapel featuring gorgeous stained glass windows, open space design, 25 ft ceilings, loft bedrooms, huge work space, and fabulous art!
Overlooking Agate Pass with beautifully manicured grounds and a relaxing atmosphere, Clearwater Casino Resort isn’t *just a Kitsap destination…it’s one of the best casino resorts in WA.
The only hotel located on the Port Orchard waterfront pathway, you’ll be just a few steps away from countless adventures.
Stay right in the center of the action, in a cottage that feels like it’s in another world.
A beautiful, petite boutique hotel overlooking the Bainbridge Island waterfront, The Eagle Harbor Inn offers relaxing overnight accommodations in five one-of-a-kind hotel rooms and two custom townhomes.
Escape to Enchanted Forest Cottage in an evergreen forest of towering trees nestled between Poulsbo and Suquamish.
A dreamy geodesic dome tucked among towering firs and cozy cabin stay options. Glamping at it’s finest!
Located a short walk to many downtown landmarks, such as the Bremerton waterfront boardwalk, Kitsap Conference Center, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton ferry terminals, Bremerton marina, and the USS Turner Joy Museum.
Overlooking Liberty Bay, Fairfield Inn & Suites is close to all the well-loved amenities of downtown Poulsbo—with delicious restaurants, local shops, and big-name businesses nearby.
This charming Tudor-style fairyland cottage with pristine bay views, 50-feet beachfront for clamming, crabbing, or kayaking.
Sweeping views of Puget Sound, Cascade Mountain range, Mount Rainier, Mount Baker and features sandy beaches.
Nestled along the picturesque shores of Oyster Bay and framed by the majestic Olympic Mountains, the Flagship Inn offers a tranquil retreat with breathtaking views that will leave you in awe.
Nestled on the shores of Port Gamble Bay is an escape that is perfect for groups, families and anyone who wants to escape the noise and connect with PNW perfection in North Kitsap.
An ideal location for visitors to Naval Base Bangor, Naval Base Kitsap, and Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Keyport.
Located along the Bremerton waterfront boardwalk and moments from the entrance to the ferry terminals, Bremerton marina, USS Turner Joy Museum, Puget Sound Navy Museum, and Kitsap Conference Center, the Hampton offers a relaxed home base with unmistakable Puget Sound charm.
Heron Haus is a sleek, artfully appointed retreat with unparalleled views of Mount Rainier, Bainbridge & Blake Islands.
This Hobbit Hole may be small but it’s big on character and adventure! Perfect for a fantasy enthusiast or anyone looking for a unique glamping experience.
Originally built in the 1890’s, this boutique, 9-room hotel has been restored to its former Scandinavian glory. Book one room or the entire hotel!
This stunning space connects you directly with the serene beauty of the Hood Canal in the beautiful rural region of Kitsap known as Seabeck.
Tucked away in a timeless place on the Puget Sound. Enjoy panoramic views of Mount Rainier, Bainbridge Island, Agate Pass, and the Olympic Mountains from atop a 30 foot bluff.
This beautiful & tranquil getaway on the shores of historic Crystal Springs is one of the best beaches & neighborhoods on the island.
explore more of kitsap!
Danielle Rimbert, local artist, community leader, and owner of Rimbert Illustration, gives you the ‘Secret Summer’ scoop on the restaurants, shops, parks, and places to explore during the sunny months in 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.
Coreen Haydock, Port Orchard’s Citizen of the Year and co-owner of Waterman Mitigation Partners, gives you the ‘Secret Summer’ scoop on the restaurants, shops, parks, and places to explore during the sunny months in Kitsap.
Step aboard the new Suquamish Heritage Bus Tour - a small group guided experience created by the Suquamish Museum to some of the most culturally and historically significant sites of the Suquamish people.
Korum Bischoff, Deputy Director of Bainbridge Island Museum Art, gives you the ‘Secret Summer’ scoop on the restaurants, shops, parks, and places to explore during the sunny months in Kitsap.
Jake + Jackie are local veterans, teachers and authors from the South Kitsap community. They’re sharing their favorite local adventures, swimming holes, tours and eateries in this episode of Secret Summer.
Your guide to the Bremerton National Airport, Kitsap’s largest and most well appointed airport!
Ready, set…SNAP! Who doesn’t love to take a selfie in front of something beautiful, unique, extraordinary and hashtag worthy? Finding yourself in front of a colorful mural or a giant wooden gnome is a PERFECT excuse to memorialize the moment with a selfie for Facebook and Insta. Here is a round up of just a few of the amazing places on the Kitsap Peninsula to take photos in front of!
Explore with local Port Gamble Town Manager, Pete Orbea, or as he’s known in the paranormal realms - Paranormal Pete! Port Gamble is a small historic town in North Kitsap known for its beautiful views, small town charm and paranormal activities.
Keep reading for a list of fun, family-friendly activities & things to do in Port Orchard, Washington, rain or shine!
Waterfront bliss and views for days…perfectly nestled on the waterfront between Poulsbo and Bainbridge Island.