Ideas to make this summer the most memorable yet

Here's a list of things to try this summer in order to make it one for the books.

By Sara N. Miller • June 12, 2015 12:41 pm
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A view of the Cascades along Wildcat Trail.
A view of the Cascades along Wildcat Trail.

After growing up in a pretty big urban area, then going to school in wine country Oregon, moving to Kitsap a month ago has been a bit of a change. Playing every sport imaginable and being constantly drawn to the water, it shouldn’t be a surprise that I love summer.

I am new to the area but in an effort to make this summer great for everyone in this community, I have compiled a list of things to do outside and make memories. Whether you like hiking, swimming, evenings out with the family or trying new things, there is something on this list for everyone to make summer 2015 the best one to date.

For those who like adventuring:

  • The Olympic Outdoor Center offers great ways to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful PNW. They have kayak and paddle board rentals as well as beginning level classes, wildlife tours and the outdoor adventure camp for kids ages 7-15 that includes kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, mountain biking and a beach party. “We offer classes for everyone and focus primarily on safety, fun and that people learn outdoor skills,” said John Kuntz, owner and founder of Olympic Outdoor Center.
  • Hiking has found new life among Instagrammers, with users constantly posting pictures of them experiencing nature. Two of the best places to take pictures with #nofilter are Gold Mountain and Green Mountain hikes. They are in the same location but produce different views. Both trails start at Gold Creek trailhead and you can take different paths to see views of the Cascades or the Seattle skyline on a clear day. If you take the Wildcat Lake trail, you can end up at a picturesque place to jump in and cool off.

For those who like sports:

  • The Women’s World Cup started on June 6. If you can’t make it up to Vancouver to be a part of the atmosphere, find a local pub and join other soccer die hards. The Hare & Hounds bar in downtown Poulsbo is home of the Kitsap branch of the Emerald City Supporters and hosts viewing parties for games. After beating Australia on June 8, the U.S. are scheduled to play Sweden on June 12 at 5 p.m.
  • The Kitsap BlueJackets in Bremerton is a baseball team made up of collegiate players. With new management, the BlueJackets are hosting different theme nights with giveaways, including a trip to Hawaii.
  • For soccer fans, the Kitsap Pumas are a semi-professional soccer team who also play at the Kitsap Fairgrounds in Bremerton. They play teams like the Under-23 Sounders and Timbers. The Pumas are currently first in their league and draw quite the crowd.

For those who want a family outing:

  • Poulsbo hosts its summer concert series, Summer Nights at the Bay, Tuesdays at 6:30. Admission is free and you can walk downtown, try new restaurants or get some ice cream from Mora while listening to the music.
  • If you feel like taking the ferry in to Seattle, the city offers several free outdoor movies. Spread across different locations such as Seattle Center, Fremont, the Shilshole Bay Marina, Marymoor Park and many more, movies being played include: “Elf,” “Dumb and Dumber,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Big Movie 6” and “In To The Woods” to name a few. Bring a blanket, your own lawn chair and snacks, and sit back and enjoy the beautiful Seattle weather.

For a night on the town:

  • The Slippery Pig Brewery offers karaoke every Friday night and an open mic night on Thursdays. With great barbecue and local beer options, bring friends and take the microphone or listen to local artists.
  • Every Tuesday, Tizley’s Europub hosts trivia nights. “Build your team and test your cranial capacity with our trivia,” Tizley’s website says. Trivia begins at 7:30 and they suggest you call to make a reservation for your team. Teams can be any size and you can win prizes for proving that you’re the smartest one there.
  • On July 18, Bremerton Summer Brewfest is taking place on the Bremerton boardwalk by the Marina. The event will feature 30 Washington breweries pouring more than 100 different craft beers. Advanced tickets are $20 and admission includes a commemorative tasting glass and six tokens to taste whatever you like.

There is plenty more to add to this list, but these are simply a few options to try out this summer. Go out and make it one to remember.

 

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