EXPLORE: Secret Summer with Lizzy Rolando of Salmonberry Books
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!
lizzy rolando
salmonberry books,
owner
Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
Stepping into Lizzy’s Bay Street bookshop is like stepping into a tiny world of whimsy, words, and art. The light-filled space is stocked floor-to-ceiling with all manner of reading material, stickers, prints, and items curated specifically for bibliophiles! Salmonberry Books is a relatively new addition to the Port Orchard waterfront, and in a short amount of time it has become a local favorite and a shining point of the small businesses on Bay St. This is all due to Lizzy’s welcoming and friendly demeanor and the fun and magical vibes that she so effortlessly creates in her store.
We caught up with Lizzy to get her take on where she loves to go for eats, watering holes, local businesses, places to get outside, and spots to take friends from out of town.
Explore Kitsap like a local!
Lizzy, WHAT Do YOU LOVE ABOUT KITSAP?
Lizzy’s Favorite Local Meal:
‘I always turn to the chicken burrito plate at the Taquerio el Rey food truck on Sedgwick in Port Orchard when I want something delicious, filling, and comforting. Bonus points if you get yourself a Jarritos soda to enjoy while you wait for your order!’
Lizzy’s Favorite Local Drink:
‘I love the wine, cocktails and relaxing spaces at Holy Water A Heavenly Lounge so much we host our book swaps here! Especially when their outdoor patio is open, this is the perfect place to have a nice drink, enjoy a good book, and relax in a serene garden environment.
Damn Fine Pizza also has a stellar cocktail and beer menu, as well as excellent vibes. You may occasionally catch me grabbing a drink and enjoying their water views before heading home after work.’
Lizzy’s Favorite Local Brands:
‘This isn’t really a brand or business per se, but I’m a devoted fan and supporter of the Port Orchard Farmers Market. It’s such an amazing resource for the community and in such a stunning location! It’s also where we first started to feel at home in Port Orchard. We moved here in 2021 and we live in Burley, a 20 min drive from Downtown Port Orchard. It was easy to feel disconnected from the rest of the city, especially because we didn’t know anyone. But going to the Farmer’s Market every Saturday gave us a direct connection to this lovely town and the people who live here.
There are some amazing bookstores in Kitsap County, and we’ve been fortunate to know many of them. The owners of Invitation Bookshop in Gig Harbor and Ballast Book Company in Bremerton have both built amazing stores, and they’ve been generous with their time and expertise. And we’ve loved working with the online romance bookstore Wicked Words a few times! They’re based out of Poulsbo and regularly host fun bookish events in the community.’
Lizzy’s Favorite Local Businesses for shopping:
‘Away with Words in downtown Poulsbo sells books and the best bath bombs around, and so if you’re really looking to treat yourself or a loved one, this is a great option. I am a big fan of reading in bathtubs and Away with Words has everything in one place! Then I’d have to hop across the street to Nordiska to check out the Moomin and Marimekko goodies.
Revival in downtown Port Orchard is dangerously close to our store, and it’s my go-to for gifts, Port Orchard merch (I am literally wearing a Port Orchard sweatshirt from Revival as I type this), and other delightful home goods. I take drum lessons at Mainline Music which is in the same space - we exit through Revival, and it’s a tempting walk because there’s always something new and fun to see!
Lizzy’s favorite thing about Port Orchard:
In my totally impartial and not-all-biased opinion, downtown Port Orchard is a magical place. It’s a phenomenal and unique blend of retail, dining, entertainment, waterfront, mountain views, and public spaces. Even before I worked down here, I was downtown at least a few times a week.
Lizzy’s favorite thing about Bremerton:
I love Bremerton’s First Friday! You can hop on the foot ferry from downtown Port Orchard, and then spend a few hours checking out the galleries, hunting for the Heavy Jeens posters, and meeting artists at all the local shops. Bigfoot Records also often hosts bands! There’s such good energy on First Fridays, and I try to make it as frequently as possible.
Lizzy’s favorite place to get outside:
‘If I want to walk a little and get a little exercise, or I want to walk our dogs, I usually head to Manchester State Park. The trails aren’t too strenuous and you’re rewarded for walking with such amazing views of Seattle and Mount Rainier. I also love watching and listening to the sea lions.
If I plan to post up for a bit and read, I’ll usually head to Anderson Point Park or Kopachuck State Park. Both have such beautiful walks down to the water and then the most serene and quiet beaches. It’s not uncommon to be the only person on these beaches, and often you can’t hear anything other than the water and birds. You will have a bit of a hike back up for both of these beaches, so plan accordingly!
If I’ve got a little more time on my hands, and it’s warmer, I love to head up to Point No Point. It’s a lovely drive, the lighthouse is beautiful, the views from the beach are stunning, and I’ve never not seen fun marine mammals.’
Lizzy’s favorite thing to do in the sunshine:
‘When it’s sunny out I either want to sit outside in the sun with a beverage and read, or I want to be out kayaking. Even better if I can fit both into a day trip, and many of the beaches in the area make it possible to do both!’
Lizzy’s favorite place to take first-time visitors:
‘We always head to downtown Port Orchard first. Downtown has food, shopping, a walking path along the waterfront with views of the Olympic Mountains, and plenty of places to sit and relax. We’ll often hop on the foot ferry and head over to downtown Bremerton to check out their shops, galleries, and eateries as well!’
Lizzy’s favorite shots on her camera roll:
Explore more of Kitsap!
Stay in Kitsap
Scroll through to see some of our favorite options for your overnight stay 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.