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!
A few stops – one into the Poulsbo Maritime Museum and tourist go-to. They’ll send you on up to city hall, for a gander at Poulsbo’s Historical Museum.
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!
End your evening with live music and local beer at Slippery Pig Brewery or Brass Kraken.
Sunday Itinerary
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.
