Welcome to the first edition of our Poulsbo business spotlight. Each month we will ask a few simple questions to one of our amazing local businesses to get a better understanding of who they are and why you shouldn’t wait to visit them on your next visit to Poulsbo!
Today we pose those questions to the owners of Western Red Brewing, Denver & Marianna Smyth. Western Red Brewing (WRB) is the newest of Poulsbo’s five breweries. But don’t let the newness fool you, they have a state of the art brewing facility and beer that rival’s the guys that have been doing it for decades. Their taproom decor is a nod to the logging industry that was such a major part of the area’s past economy. Its warm and inviting, and pared with their beer selection, you may never want to leave.
WRB Taproom is open 2:00-8:00pm Monday-Thursday, and 12:00-9:00pm Friday-Saturday. They are located at 19168 Jensen Way NE – just down the street from the Post Office. There is ample free street parking with additional parking lots nearby.
Q&A
Business Name: Western Red Brewing (WRB)
Type of Business: Craft Brewery
How long have you been in business? Our team opened WRB on August 31, 2017.
What was the inspiration to start this business? Our love for craft beer is where it all began for us.
What do you love most about doing business in Poulsbo? We love the community in which we get to serve. The residents of Poulsbo are a great bunch of people.
What’s one thing visitors to your business might be surprised to know? We are kid and dog friendly. WRB strives to create an atmosphere where family, friends, and neighbors can come together and celebrate Historic Downtown Poulsbo.
Anything else? We have a spacious tasting room and we also have an even larger banquet space. Both areas are available to rent for your private parties. In addition, we have a mobile beer truck that can be brought to a location of your choosing for your events. WRB is truly your full beer experience!
Viking Fest is Poulsbo’s annual tradition, celebrating 50 years this year! For the schedule of events click here.
History
Viking Fest is a mix of two celebrations originating with “Syttende Mai,” commonly known as the 17th of May festival or the Norwegian Constitution Day which has been celebrated by local Norwegians for over a century. In the early days Poulsbo residents would travel to Ballard & Seattle to join in the celebration. In 1903 Poulsbo decided to partake and throw its first celebration. Through the years and changing times the celebration shifted to later in May.
In 1960 local artists and photographers started the North Kitsap Arts & Crafts Fair. Over the years they attracted national artists and the event drew large crowds.
Due to the popularity of both events in the late 1960’s it was decided to combine the events into one new festival “Viking Fest” which would be held the weekend following the 17th of May. The first 3-day event was a huge success and the tradition was born.
What Goes On?
Over the years the festival has grown and added a number of new events, but some original ones have stayed including the parade, lutefisk eating contest and carnival. These days you will also find live music and performances throughout the weekend, demonstrations by Vikings, a road, bike and paddle board race, donut eating contest, booths with food and crafts – all in a magical small-town setting. This year’s schedule of events can be found here: www.vikingfest.org
Carnival wristbands are available for pre-sale at the Poulsbo Safeway & Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce.
Check out this video courtesy of the North Kitsap Tourism Coalition on Viking Fest:
Looking for a place to relax with your Pup?
Poulsbo has plenty of dog-friendly destinations!
Explore Kitsap County’s parks with your best friend and enjoy great food and beautiful views in our dog-friendly restaurants and hotels.
Poulsbo Inn Loves Pets!
Arrive at the Poulsbo Inn and Suites, where pets are welcome for an additional $15/night plus tax. You can choose one of 83 newly renovated guestrooms featuring the rich colors of the Northwest that is reminiscent of a mountain lodge. A room with a view will afford you a breathtaking panorama of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound.
Start your day with a stroll down Front Street in downtown Poulsbo. Take your dog for a walk on the boardwalk alongside Liberty Bay, where you can breathe in the fresh marine air, catch a glimpse of the Olympic Mountains, and watch the abundance of wildlife.
Eats and Treats
Pack your lunch from Marina Market on Front Street, where you can find the the largest selection of Scandinavian, European, and Dutch foods in Western Puget Sound. Enjoy the selection of over 350 licorices, 500+ Craft Beers, and over 350 top quality chocolates. Pick up some treats for your pup at Boomer’s Pet Boutique.
Picnic in the Park
Bring your picnic lunch to Raab Park, a 21 acre community park with something for everyone–volleyball, a playground for the kids, bird watching, an arboretum, and a fenced dog run.
Happy Trails
For more hiking adventures, explore the trails with your dog at North Kitsap Heritage Park, an 809 acre community preserve 25 minutes from downtown Poulsbo.
Afternoon Fare
Finish your day with a sweet chicken chili salad, or a bacon burger with frizzled onions and fries at Caffe Cocina and top it off with an espresso and a pastry for dessert.
What motivates you to get out and run? Is it the challenge of beating your best time, the rush of pushing yourself to the limit, the peace of the open road, or just the love of being outside?
For many in this area, the surrounding beauty is enough to get you out and to move. Poulsbo has plenty to show off; from beautiful neighborhoods to waterways, to vast stretches of green pathways.
We asked one of our well-known and loved runners of the area, Suzie Banzar, to give us a few of her top areas to run.
Fjord Drive; One of her favorite routes would have to be along our downtown route; through downtown Poulsbo, onto Fjord, with stunning views of the water, and turning into Lemolo. This route has it all and can be as long or short as you wish.
Liberty Bay Boardwalk; With plenty of parking around our Poulsbo Rec Center, it’s a perfect starting point. An easy run along Front Street, or cut down through Nelson Park to run the boardwalk, which follows the shores of Liberty Bay. Stunning views of the mountains, water, and our Poulsbo Marina. Past the Marina, head back up to reach Fjord for more waterfront views. Fjord turns into Lemolo, and along with it brings the trees and some shade.
A local neighborhood, which the locals lovingly call Skittleville, is stunning this time of year. The colors of the changing of the leaves can be breathtaking. Add this neighborhood onto your Fjord/Lemolo route for a lengthier run.
Our local Clear Creek Trail, as you head into the Silverdale, is a fun 3-5 mile run. It winds through pathways of wooden bridges, over the wetlands, and beautiful open field spaces. These trails are perfect for all ages; many moms with strollers and children on bikes, in tow, can be found on these paths each day.
Poulsbo’s Fish Park provides a perfect little jaunt through Liberty Bay Estuary and viewing spots of Dogfish Creek, over the wooden pathways. Add on some mileage along the wide sidewalks of Viking Way.
Port Gamble Trails provides fun for everyone. Mountain bikers and horse-riders share the paths with runners, and provides some of the best trail runs around! On any given day, you will find groups of all sorts enjoying nature out there. But be careful, downloading a map is a must, or you may get lost.
For more serious runners, check out the Roots Rock Racing series, sponsored by our very own Poulsbo Running. From the Spooky 12k on Halloween to a 5k and trail half marathon race, there is always a great race to join in on!
In addition to Suzie’s love for running, she has a passion for her volunteer work with Girls On The Run (GOTR). GOTR sessions run through Spring and Fall; building girls’ self-confidence and a love of running.
Roots Rock Run -Lumberjack Run An endurance run through Port Gamble Trails. There are always several mile options available.
Save KPLU in Historic Downtown Poulsbo
Shops, restaurants, and locals all came together to raise money to save KPLU – food, drinks, prizes, games, and live music
Viking Fest
Poulsbo’s most famous event – a fun weekend of races, runs, rides, games, food, and VIKINGS!
Photos by P5 Photography
June 2016
CF Walk
Our 4-mile walk to raise awareness and money for CF…they hit 91% of their goal this year!
Kiana Brew Fest
Kiana Lodge – one of the area’s most stunning venues: add in local beers from all over the Seattle area, live music, good food, and games. A yearly tradition not to be missed
Poulsbo Twilight Criterium
Think fast bike racing around hot corners- looping through Historic Downtown Poulsbo…add in local beer and shopping. This race was the first of (hopefully) many to come- they’ve already begun planning 2017!
Water Trails Festival
A weekend filled with paddling through our Kitsap Water Trails. Whatever boat you paddle – tours started in Silverdale and stretching out through Brownsville, Poulsbo, Keyport, Bremerton, and Allyn
July 2016
Summer Nights at the Bay
July and August’s concert series, at the Poulsbo Marina and Park, overlooking Liberty Bay. Family fun event for sure -nothing like a summer evening with music in the air
3rd of July Fireworks on the Fjord
Each year, Poulsbo puts on an amazing display of professional fireworks. Boaters and visitors from everywhere visit us to see them!
Photos by P5 Photography
Performances at the Passage begin
Thursday evenings don’t get better than this. Clearwater’s concert series in 2016 was spectacular! Sitting on the grassy lawn, overlooking the waterway, listening to FREE live music each week was a treat
August 2016
Poulsbo Uncorked
An evening enjoying local beer, wine, ciders, distilleries, as well as caterers and restaurants’ fare was as fun as last year! This yearly tradition grows each year and is a chance to catch up with friends and meet new ones
Photos by P5 Photography
Poulsbo Street Dance
Another annual treat – friends and neighbors gather in the closed-off streets of Historic Downtown Poulsbo to enjoy some live music and dancing into the late hours!
Photos by P5 Photography
Port Gamble ½ Marathon
Challenging route through the Port Gamble Trails for sure! But at the end, there’s food, beer, and soda…so that run was worth it!
September 2016
Biketoberfest
If you love biking, this is the area to be in! Bringing the family was an excellent choice – night bike riding, campfires, games, and then more biking the next day
October 2016
Port Gamble’s Ghost Walks begin Port Gamble has some history – and some of it is still around. Touring these haunted sites at least once is a must. If ghosts are your passion – there is even a convention!
Kitsap Wedding Tour
4 staged wedding venues through Kitsap County, a perfect opportunity to get some wedding planning started…and finished!
Spirits and Spirits – Boos and Booze
Days of fun events leading up to Halloween 2016! These celebrations weren’t just for adults either – there was a fun kids glow-in-the-dark treasure hunt through Kingston. You’ll want to get your pass to enjoy the 2017 festivities!
Trick or Treating through Historic Downtown Poulsbo
Historic Downtown Poulsbo is a great place to take the little ones and even the older ones! The haunted house, located in the old Police Station, was definitely a good scare for the kids
November 2016
Art in the Woods Studio Tour
A fun time – grab a map and take a self-guided tour through Kitsap County, to all the great studios!
GEMS Night Out – WWU
GEMS is a girls-only event at our SEA Discovery Center. Girls explore hands-on science, watch a movie, tour the aquarium and enjoy some art activities. A must for any inquisitive young lady.
Big Valley Christmas begins
Beautifully decorated, Big Valley shows off its holiday spirit, and we love that it is open past Christmas!
The Poulsbo Tree Lighting Ceremony on Viking Way with afterparty This magical night did not disappoint! If you want to get into that holiday spirit…or just enjoy everything Christmas, this is the event not to miss! Santa on the Fire Engine, lights, cider and an after-party filled with art, more Santa, and family-fun was a fantastic time!
Tree Lighting Ceremony, Photos by Robbi Perez
After-party at Hudson Auto, Photos by P5 Photography
Jule Fest and Holiday Bazaar
If you missed our Viking Fest and needed your Scandinavian fix – Jule Fest was the one to hit! The day began with the Scandinavian Bazaar at the Sons of Norway. We then made our way to the waterfront for a bonfire, Lucia Bride, music, and dancing around the tree.
Yule Cup and Lighted Boat Parade
An evening watching the lighted boats pass by in Liberty Bay. Enjoying from a boat is great – but we love joining everyone at the waterfront park, enjoying cider and the bonfire.
It’s Halloween weekend…and there are many frightful things to do!
We’ve compiled some pretty fun stuff, to help you along your way…
Kitsap Haunted – the area’s best haunted house. Lights on for kids from 5-6p and full scare from 6-11p: Fri, Sat, and Halloween
Poulsbo Farmer’s Market – enjoy the outdoor market, filled with local farmers and crafters, live music, and on many weekends, enjoy special events! The market happens from 9a – 2p every Saturday through December 17.
It’s that time of year- join us at the Poulsbo Fish Park for the viewing of the salmon returning upstream. Activities and information for kids of all ages.
Plants from the Dark Side (part of the Spirits and Spirits Fest event series) – Dan Hinkley, founder of local botanical garden Heronswood, will introduce you to plants that evoke the spirit of Halloween. Prior to the lecture, take a self-guided tour at the Garden. This all happens Saturday.
A few costume contests and family fun events are taking place this weekend: Saturday morning join the fun at the Halloween Extravaganza, at the Kingston Crossing Complex. Join in for some face painting, massages, music, and more! Then, ON Halloween evening, Café Cocina in Poulsbo, will host a family evening with an opportunity to get a family photo and a costume contest.
Poulsbo’s Liberty Bay Books will be hosting George Lakey, an Author Event. Stop in at the store to listen to him, as he will be talking about his new book, Viking Economics, How the Scandinavians Got it Right and How We Can, Too.
Saturday evening brings more Spirits and Spirits fun – in Kingston! The Halloween Glow in the Dark Treasure Hunt is sure to be a blast! Kiddos from ages 5 – 12 should dress up and head into Downtown Kingston for glow in the dark fun!
If that dancing didn’t do you in for Sunday – then get your run on! At the Roots, Rock Run Spooky 12k – there is a kids 1-mile run too! Everyone dress in their best and get ready for some fun through the Port Gamble Trails!
Monday’s Halloween – and that means there are so many great places to go for some Trick or Treating. Historic Downtown Poulsbo’s merchants will be waiting with lots of treats for your kiddos from 4-6p!
BONUS event! If you are 16+ and haven’t had enough of a scare, join in on one of Port Gamble’s Ghost Walks. Begin at the Port Gamble Museum; learn highlights of the town’s history, hear about the paranormal activities, and tour some haunted buildings in town!
You may be thinking it’s time for a weekend getaway…like you and your closest few friends. Kids are back in school, sports have come on strong and you have a long year ahead of you. So, yup, it’s time! May we suggest a pretty awesome trip to a great little Norwegian town, in your own backyard!
Poulsbo, WA offers so much to do, no matter what interests you have!
Epic Weekend Getaway, With Small Town Shenanigans!
First, you’ll need to check out the local places to stay. There are so many choices, from our hotels to fantastic B&B’s. But, this is a group trip, so staying at the Viking House is the perfect place. A newly remodeled home, within walking distance of town, a commanding view of the bay, and decorated in the local town flavor! You will definitely be relaxed as you watch the sun set from the porch.
Friday Itinerary
Arrival – drop your bags, check out the house. Set up your game plan for the day:
Pick up supplies. Shopping at the local Central Market, which carries an array of amazing goods. Local produce is abundant – so grabbing snacks, refreshments, local beer and wine, is a must. It’s tempting to pick up some dinner supplies as well, but let’s face it…you are here for a break. So cooking a big meal is out!
Coffee and a snack up the way on Viking, at Caffé Cocina, to keep you going! Touring Poulsbo, Viking Way has its own charm…and the Fish Park, with local artist’s murals, is the perfect place to stop and wander, while enjoying your coffee. Don’t forget to stop off at the Martinson Cabin, across the street – giving you a glimpse into the past, of our Poulsbo pioneers.
Next to check out local town, browse the shops. Shopping at Flicka (meaning girl in Swedish – yes, there a Swedish shop in the middle of Norway!) This local women’s clothing store is a fun step into the fashion world. Perhaps pick up a necklace, bearing the coordinates of Poulsbo, and a P’bo sticker. Delightful bookstores, more women’s shopping, vintage shops, a baby store, even a great shoe store. The Marina Market has an array of goodies from around the world, so picking up some candy sounds like a delicious idea. Add that to the Boehm’s chocolate you picked up along the way. Modern Mercantile is filled with beautiful items to purchase…and the jewelry stores dazzle. We even have a mosaic studio and pottery painting store. And of course, you would be remiss if you didn’t grab some renowned Sluys donuts and Poulsbo bread for later!
Grab a quick bite of lunch, ChocMo is a great choice. The award-winning local beef, and voted best steaks in North Kitsap, will have you coming back for more! And swing over to Harrison’s Footwear, for more shoe shopping!
Tour the neighboring towns: Suquamish, Kingston – don’t forget to stop off at CB’s Nuts and Hood Canal Brewery on your way, and final destination: Port Gamble. Ending the evening in Port Gamble, touring the historic buildings and haunted sites. Stop in for an early dinner at the Port Gamble Café, after wandering through the General Store and Museum, which is attached. Don’t forget to pick up some meat at the Butcher & Baker Provisions.
Head back into Poulsbo to catch a 7pm show at the Jewel Box Theater.
Saturday Itinerary
Within a block from the VRBO you’ve rented, you can casually stroll on down to Poulsbo’s Farmers Market. Local artists, local farmers, and more, all make for the perfect morning with your cup of joe.
Head back into Poulsbo for an afternoon of kayaking, rentals provided at the Port of Poulsbo dock. The view of the surrounding majestic mountains, the fish jumping around you, and gathering of the sea-lions, completes this special water trip.
That ate up a chunk of your day, and lunch is in order. With a water view, the Loft is a great choice.
With the afternoon coming to a close, tour a few of the breweries along the way –Rainy Daze and Sound Brewery on Viking, with its award winning array of beers, would be the first stop. Valholl, above Front Street, has a cool casual vibe. Sit, sip, and watch the customers come and go, often with their doggies in tow! Back into town, as it is the 2nd Saturday of the month, it’s time for Poulsbo’s Art Walk. Browse the many galleries through Historic Downtown Poulsbo, meet more local artists, this town definitely has it going on! You might even run into a Viking!
In the mood for some excellent Thai? Poulsbo’s new Kachai Thai Kitchen gets rave reviews. The dining experience is phenomenal. Food exquisite, and local beer on tap is an excellent pairing!
Early run out in the Port Gamble Trails. A Pope Resources public use-land, with trails carved out of the 4,000 acres. Plenty of room for bikers, runners, and horses alike, to share.
On your list of to-do’s, you are overdue for a scrumptious brunch. There are so many to choose from, here in Poulsbo. But this time, you make reservations the Molly Ward Gardens. Take a walk through the beautiful gardens after a filling brunch.
Head back into town to say your sorrowful goodbyes, until next time…a quick mani/pedi at Beautifully Polished sounds like an excellent choice.
Topping off with a quick sip and bite at the local tapas restaurant, Paella, an excellent way to end a perfect and fun-filled weekend.
Your suitcase may be a little heavier on the way out of town, thanks to all the goodies and awesome finds this weekend!
**Mental note: come back for a weekend of hiking out on the Peninsula next time, Poulsbo is a great base-camp.
Throughout Puget Sound’s harbors and marinas are countless small stores catering to boaters and sailors visiting their communities. Poulsbo’s Marina Market isn’t just another small store; it is a destination in itself. Sure you can purchase the basic supplies boaters need to get through their weekend, but venture through the aisles and you will find some rare treats to help make your trip to Little Norway complete.
Located just behind the world famous Boehm’s candies, you find an even greater diversity of candy, notably licorice. These tasty treats come from around the world, particularly Scandinavia. Now we aren’t talking Twizzlers and Red Vines; there are licorice of over 600 varieties, as owner, Andrea, explains to King 5. They even have a Norwegian licorice sauce for your ice cream!
Saving those goodies for your kiddos? There are many other kinds of candies and assortments of Scandinavian delights. Then there is the extensive beer selection…a beer connoisseur’s heaven!
So, we invite you in, if you haven’t had the joy of experiencing the Market…to taste the licorice.
There is nothing better (well, almost) than a wonderful community event.
And Poulsbo has 2 fun ones coming up this Friday and Saturday!
You’ll want to start your weekend off right, with Poulsbo Uncorked. This annual event, Friday from 4-7p at Hudson on Viking, has been going for a few years now, and each year proves to be better than the last. Local restaurants and caterers serve bites. While breweries, wineries, distilleries, and cideries hand out tastings.
This paired with catching up with old friends, meeting new ones, even networking happens left and right.
You will need to purchase tickets. To purchase online, go to the Chamber of Commerce’s website: Poulsbo Chamber. Or pick up your tickets at any participating business.
With the ticket, you will receive a commemorative glass and drink tickets. For details, click on the link in this e-blast.
Our second community event happens in Historic Downtown Poulsbo, starting at 6pm. This fun is for the whole family. Head downtown for some live music and dancing in the street, at Poulsbo’s annual Street Dance.
This weekend may leave you a little tired come Monday morning. But it’s going to be epic!
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