Summer on Bainbridge Island | 10 Ways to Have Fun 2014

Summer in Full Swing

Around here we all say there is no better place to be in the summer than the Pacific Northwest.  True story.  For our family summer means a lot of sports.  From soccer to softball to crew my kids are in it and we are there watching and driving them to and from.  Being just the other side of the 4th of July I can honestly say this island puts on a great celebration.  From the 3rd of July Street Fair to the 4th of July Parade to the Fireworks at night, it was quite a holiday weekend.  This year we even got a shout out on the Today Show as one of the best places to spend the 4th of July.

Ten Ways to Celebrate Summer on Bainbridge

Many folks here think summer officially starts after the 4th of July.

Some of my favorite things to do on the island in the summer are:

1. Participate in the All-Comer Races at the Bainbridge High School track  – all ages welcome.  July 7th  – August 25th 2014, 6:30pm start time.

2. Enjoy a Wednesday Summer Concert in the Park, Sounds of Summer sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department.  July 9th – August 20th at Battle Point Park.

3. Pick strawberries or raspberries at the Suyematsu & Bentryn Farm.  While you are there you can also buy farm fresh vegetables. Or just down the road cut colorful dahlias and pick blueberries at the Bainbridge Island Blueberry Co.

4. As August approaches the island becomes one great big blackberry patch and the picking is abundant and free.  Fort Ward Park and Battle Point Park are great locations. After you pick a batch make blackberry muffins or blackberry ice cream.

5. Summer nights are best spent at a beach.  Lytle Beach and Treehouse Cafe Pizza are my favorite combination.  Rockaway Beach and Fay Bainbridge Park are also picturesque spots to enjoy a summer evening picnic.

6. If the heat of the summer gets too high, a hike in the Grand Forest is a nice place to cool off in the shade of the stately trees. This map is a great resource too for island-wide trails.

7. Renting a boat at the Back of Beyond on Eagle Harbor is a great way to get out on the water. Canoe and kayak rentals have many flexible rental/time options.

8.  Cool off at the Bainbridge Library and if you have kids sign them up for the Summer Reading Program.  Afterwards, make a stop at Mora Iced Creamery (their seasonal blackberry ice cream is terrific by the way) or Sunshine Yogurt to make a sweet toast to summer.

9. Enjoy a nice meal outside, either on your own back patio, the Harbour Public House or The Beach House at Pleasant Beach Village.

10.  If you are the adventurous type you can join the crew that regularly jumps off the Point White Pier at summer evening high tide.  Fun to watch even if you are not up for the challenge.