EXPLORE: Secret Summer with Melissa Kittrell of Bushel & Barrel

EXPLORE

Sep 3

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

melissa kittrell

Bushel & Barrel,
owner
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Good vibes, amazing cider and an eclectic, rustic atmosphere have given Bushel & Barrel a reputation for being one of Kitsap’s best spots to gather. The Poulsbo cider house is nestled in the wilds of North Kitsap and has a full calendar of live music and fun, family-friendly events throughout the year. The rural farmhouse vibes make Bushel & Barrel pleasantly homey making enjoying a flight of cider and some live music feel like hanging out in your best friend’s awesome backyard…but better. Dog-friendly and kid-friendly, Bushel & Barrel and their welcoming staff and owners make everyone who shows up feel like family.
WE CAUGHT UP WITH Melissa 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!

Melissa, WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT KITSAP?

Melissa’s Favorite Local meal:

‘When it comes to food, my all-time favorite spot is Butcher and Baker Provisions in historic Port Gamble. They make the best food, and I can never resist ordering their delicious fried chicken sandwich!’

Melissa’s Favorite Local Drink:

‘My favorite thing to do around Kitsap is to support the local breweries and enjoy a craft beer made with love by our talented brewers. The craft beer and cider in our community is truly exceptional, and I feel lucky to have such a vibrant scene to enjoy.’

Melissa’s favorite place to get outside:

‘One of my favorite pastimes is enjoying the vibrant music scene in Kitsap County. We have so many talented musicians from various eclectic genres, and I love checking out the open mic nights or the fun Duffs Rock and Jam at the Point Casino on Sunday nights. Supporting local musicians is very important to me, and I truly appreciate venues that promote live music.’

Melissa’s Favorite Sunny Day Activity:

‘If I'm looking to get away on a sunny day, I love loading up my dogs and taking them on a hike through the abundant trails in Port Gamble. These trails, mainly maintained by dedicated volunteers, offer a beautiful escape that feels worlds away from the city.’

From Melissa’s Camera Roll:

explore more of kitsap!

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Brittany Hess, owner of Dos Casas Thrift, gives you the ‘Secret Summer’ scoop on the restaurants, shops, parks, and places to explore during the sunny months in Kitsap.

EXPLORE: Secret Summer with Danielle Rimbert

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.

Walkable Pet Friendly Kid Friendly Bremerton Waterfront

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.

EXPLORE: Secret Summer with Coreen Haydock

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.

Explore Native Culture and History with the Suquamish Museum's Cultural Bus Tour

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.

EXPLORE: Secret Summer with Korum Bischoff

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.

EXPLORE: Secret Summer with Jake + Jackie

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.

Explore - The Bremerton National Airport - Kitsap’s largest airstrip is for more than just planes!

Your guide to the Bremerton National Airport, Kitsap’s largest and most well appointed airport!

EXPLORE Unique Public Art & Murals All Around the Kitsap Peninsula

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: Secret Summer with Paranormal Pete Orbea

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.

Scroll through to see some of our favorite options for your overnight stay in Kitsap.

STAY

Agate House | Poulsbo

Waterfront bliss and views for days…perfectly nestled on the waterfront between Poulsbo and Bainbridge Island.

Anker | Kingston

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.

Bald Seagull | Port Orchard

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.

Baymont by Wyndham | Bremerton

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.

BayView Rendezvous | Bremerton

5 acres full of unique scenery, wildlife, and a small fruit tree orchard overlooking the Bremerton waterfront.

Bella Rosa | Kingston

400 sq ft waterfront studio cottage and gazebo with amazing views of Mount Rainier! Bella Rosa Cottage is the perfect couples’ cozy getaway!

Best Western Plus Silverdale Beach Hotel

There is something for everyone at this award-winning hotel with well-appointed rooms, friendly service, and waterfront views.

Carriage House | Port Orchard

With stunning views of Sinclair Inlet and the mighty Olympic Mountains, the historic Carriage House is the perfect place for a South Kitsap adventure.

Cedar Tree Grove | Poulsbo

The custom built studio cabin is a unique design, with wood floors, a vaulted wood ceiling and a large wrap around deck.

The Chapel | Port Orchard

An 1895 historic chapel featuring gorgeous stained glass windows, open space design, 25 ft ceilings, loft bedrooms, huge work space, and fabulous art!

Clearwater Casino Resort | Suquamish

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.

Comfort Inn on the Bay | Port Orchard

The only hotel located on the Port Orchard waterfront pathway, you’ll be just a few steps away from countless adventures.

Dael Hus | Silverdale

Stay right in the center of the action, in a cottage that feels like it’s in another world.

Eagle Harbor Inn | Bainbridge Island

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.

Enchanted Forest Cottage | Poulsbo

Escape to Enchanted Forest Cottage in an evergreen forest of towering trees nestled between Poulsbo and Suquamish.

Forest Dome | Kingston

A dreamy geodesic dome tucked among towering firs and cozy cabin stay options. Glamping at it’s finest!

Fairfield Inn & Suites | Bremerton

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.

Fairfield Inn & Suites | Poulsbo

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.

Fairyland Cottage | Poulsbo

This charming Tudor-style fairyland cottage with pristine bay views, 50-feet beachfront for clamming, crabbing, or kayaking.

Fay Bainbridge Island

Sweeping views of Puget Sound, Cascade Mountain range, Mount Rainier, Mount Baker and features sandy beaches.

Flagship Inn | Bremerton

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.

Gamble Bay House | Kingston

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.

GuestHouse Hotel | Poulsbo

An ideal location for visitors to Naval Base Bangor, Naval Base Kitsap, and Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Keyport.

Hampton Inn & Suites | Bremerton

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 | Port Orchard

Heron Haus is a sleek, artfully appointed retreat with unparalleled views of Mount Rainier, Bainbridge & Blake Islands.

Hobbit Hole | Bainbridge Island

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.

Hotel Scandi | Poulsbo

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!

Sunset Beach House | Seabeck

This stunning space connects you directly with the serene beauty of the Hood Canal in the beautiful rural region of Kitsap known as Seabeck.

Indianola Beach House | Indianola

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.

Marinwood Beach House | Bainbridge Island

This beautiful & tranquil getaway on the shores of historic Crystal Springs is one of the best beaches & neighborhoods on the island.

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EXPLORE: Secret Summer with Melissa Kittrell of Bushel & Barrel

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

Bushel & Barrel,
owner

WE CAUGHT UP WITH Melissa 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.