by Julie Hall on December 26, 2011.

Up for an Island adventure? Bainbridge is a great destination for the day or longer. A lovely 35-minute ferry trip across the Sound from downtown Seattle, the ride alone is part of the fun. From the stellar view of Mount Rainier to the Seattle skyline at night to the people-watching and occasional wildlife sightings, your vacation begins on the boat. Dogs are allowed on the outdoor top deck.

Leaving the car behind and hoofing it is an inexpensive and flexible way to travel. And the cool part is the return trip is free! Once you’ve reached the Island, here are some ideas for walkable fun stuff to do in downtown Winslow, with or without the kids. (For those traveling by car, read about ideas for fun around the Island: Exploring Bainbridge Beyond Downtown: 36 Hot Spots.)

1. Munch on a breakfast muffin and sip a latté at popular Blackbird Bakery, 210 Winslow Way E.
2. For hardier breakfast fare, enjoy a meal at Island fixture Streamliner Diner, 397 Winslow Way E.
3. Take the kids to the recently expanded and relocated Kids Discovery Museum (KiDiMu), 301 Ravine Lane N.E.
4. Shop for books at Eagle Harbor Book Company, 157 Winslow Way E.
5. Tour the Island by bicycle. You can rent bikes in June, July, August, and September at Bike Barn Rentals next to the ferry terminal, 260 Olympic Way S.E.; or at Classic Cycle the rest of the year, 740 Winslow Way N.E. (maps and route suggestions provided at bike shops).
6. Rent a kayak and explore Bainbridge Island’s deep inner harbor. Rentals are available from Exotic Aquatics Scuba and Kayaking, 146 Winslow Way W.; and from Back of Beyond Explorations, 181 Winslow Way E.
7. Visit Waterfront Park. Take a stroll, play tennis, shoot hoops, or take the kids to the playground, on Bjune Dr. behind Town & Country.
8. Stop for lunch at Flowering Around Sunroom and grab a bouquet to go in the flower shop, 200 Winslow Way E.
9. Enjoy Northwest eclectic cuisine at Island mainstay Cafe Nola, 101 Winslow Way.
10. Grab vegetarian Vietnamese food to go from Emmy’s Vege House, 100 Winslow Way W.
11. Stop for a slice of pie and a beer at That’s a Some Pizza, 488 Winslow Way E.
12. Sample some local Island-made gourmet ice cream at Mora, 139 Madrone Lane.
13. Stop in at what many consider to be one of the best yarn stores in the state, Churchmouse Yarns and Teas, 118 Madrone Lane.
14. Visit the Bainbridge Island Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings, Town Hall Square near City Hall.
15. Take in the local art scene in the many excellent downtown art galleries, on Winslow Way and Madison Ave.
16. Visit the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum and get some learnin’ on about Bainbridge’s giant lumber mill and historic role in World War II, 215 Ericksen Ave.
17. Visit Dana’s Showhouse for one-of-a-kind home furnishings and gifts, 194 Winslow Way E.
18. Get a massage at Renew Day Spa or a first-class cut and facial at Billy Shears Salon and Spa, 400 Winslow Way E, 310 Madison Ave. S.
    
19. Pick up deli sandwiches and soup from Town & Country Market, 343 Winslow Way E.
20. Have a picnic at Waterfront Park.
21. Take a walk along Eagle Harbor.
22. Check out the wide selection of travel gear at The Traveler, 265 Winslow Way E.
23. Go wine tasting! Check out: Eleven Winery Tasting Room, 287 Winslow Way E.; Eagle Harbor Wine Company Tasting Room, 278 Winslow Way; Island Vintners Wine Shop, 450 Winslow Way E.; The Harbor Square Wine Shop, 756 Winslow Way E.
24. Check out the extensive collection of games and toys at Calico Cat Toy Shoppe, 104 Winslow Way W.
25. Stop for a treat a few doors down from Calico Cat at Bainbridge Bakers, 140 Winslow Way W.
26. See a movie at Bainbridge Cinemas at the Pavilion, 403 N. Madison Ave.
27. After the show, dine in the Pavilion at Local Harvest, one of the Island’s newest farm-to-table restaurants, 403 N. Madison Ave.
28. Shop for outdoor wear at Wildernest Outdoor Store, 310 Winslow Way E.
29. Take in a play at Bainbridge Performing Arts (BPA), 200 Madison Ave. N.
30. Sit back for local, organic, handcrafted cuisine at Hitchcock, 133 Winslow Way E.
31. Imbibe the harbor view along with drinks and dinner indoors or out at Doc’s Marina Grill, 403 Madison Ave. S.
32. Sample some finger-licking-good family-friendly fare at Bainbridge Island Barbeque, 251 Winslow Way W.
33. Grab a great burger and your choice of Northwest microbrew with a view of Eagle Harbor at Harbour Public House and Marina (“The Pub”), 231 Parfitt Way S.W. (no one under 21 allowed)
34. Shoot some pool and grab a bite with the younger crowd at The 122, 241 Winslow Way W.
35. Catch some live music and coffee at Pegasus Coffee House, 131 Parfitt Way S.W.
36. Take in at outdoor evening concert at Waterfront Park.
37. For a Northwest elegant overnight stay on Bainbridge Island, make an advance reservation at The Eagle Harbor Inn, 291 Madison Ave. S.

Photos courtesy of two gypsy hearts’, Melissa Doroquez, Back of Beyond Explorations, Hitchcock, Flowering Around Sunroom, Public Harbour House and Marina, and The Eagle Harbor Inn.