Seattle Day Trips: Bainbridge Island

To get to Bainbridge Island from Seattle, go to Pier 52 to catch the ferry then sit back and relax for a scenic 35-minute ferry ride. Unless you want to explore the entire island by car, you don't really need to bring your vehicle on the ferry. Downtown Bainbridge Island is about a five minute walk from the ferry terminal and most of the things to do and see are within walking distance. The walk from the ferry terminal to downtown is uphill, but is not at all steep. I'm completely out of shape and made it just fine. And, the plus is you get to go downhill when you head back to the ferry after a long day (or weekend) of enjoying everything that Bainbridge Island has to offer.

However, if you do decide to bring your car and it happens to run on bio-diesel, you're in luck - there is a station right up the street from the ferry terminal where you can fill up before tooling around the island or heading back to Seattle.

For walkers and bicyclists, be sure to pick up the Walker & Bicyclist Maps brochure at the Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal. The brochure contains two maps, one of the Winslow area and one of the entire island, and includes markings to show easy, flat walks, trails, steep hills, and parks, which allow you to plan your walking or biking route with ease.

Another great map brochure to pick up is the Downtown Bainbridge Island Walkabout Guide published by the Bainbridge Island Downtown Association. This one is also available at the ferry station and lists most of the shops, eateries and attractions that you won't want to miss. This brochure also has a convenient ferry schedule on the back so you can make sure you don't miss your ride back to Seattle. By the way, there is no charge to take the ferry back to Seattle, so that gives you a few extra dollars to spend while on the island.

Garden enthusiasts will want to make sure to stop by Bainbridge Gardens at 9415 Miller Road to check out unique plants, trees and gifts and to grab a bite at the café. While wine enthusiasts will want to visit Bainbridge Island Vineyards & Winery at 8989 East Day Road. Or, if you want to stay right in the walkable Winslow area, visit Harbor Square Wine Shop & Tasting Room at 756 Winslow E.

My (current) favorite store on the island is Eagle Harbor Book Co. located in the center of downtown at 157 Winslow Way East. They have great used book and sale sections for bibliophiles on a budget, but their selection of new books is varied and enticing as well. If you happen to be on the island on a Thursday, this is one of the shops that will be open late and they might have an author doing a talk or a reading, so make sure to stop by and check them out.

For a great pub experience, head over to the Harbour Public House at 231 Parfitt Way SW to enjoy a microbrew in a historic waterfront homestead. Or, if coffee and tea are more your style, check out one of the many great local cafes and teahouses, like Blackbird Bakery, Café Trios, Andante Coffee, August Moon Asian-Style Teahouse, or Pegasus Coffee House.

One of the most famous stops on Bainbridge Island - and one that you won't want to miss - is the Mora Iced Creamery. Their delectable sweet treats - in a wide range of year-round and seasonal flavors - are made locally in their plant on the island. Mora is so popular, that before you even reach the door there is a brochure that tells you about their ice cream and sorbet and explains the ordering process in order to streamline getting folks in and out smoothly. You will fall in love with their natural, made-from-scratch ice creams and sorbets and will be craving them long after you return home. But, never fear, they offer overnight delivery throughout the continental United States, so as long as you can fend off your craving for about 24 hours, you're in luck!

Bainbridge Island offers year-round beauty, history, shopping and outdoor activities that will be sure to please everyone you are traveling with. So, whether you live in Seattle and are just looking for a great place to spend the day, or you are visiting the Seattle area, make sure that Bainbridge Island is on your list of what you must see before you leave!