Less than ten nautical miles away from Seattle's famous Space Needle, lies an island that is far removed from fast-paced city life. A place with a quintessential Pacific Northwest atmosphere. A stroll from basically anywhere in downtown Seattle, will take you to the city ferry terminal. Once there, you can walk onto a Washington State Ferry as a foot passenger and sail to magnificent Bainbridge Island. As your ferry pulls away from the dock, the photo opportunities of the Seattle skyline are breathtaking. The fresh air and sparkling waters of Puget Sound will soon release any stress that you may have accumulated and prepare you for an island adventure. Thirty-five minutes later, you will feel as though you are a million miles away from the big city. Yet, when you look behind you, the skyline is in view. The close proximity between Seattle and Bainbridge, makes this island destination an ideal getaway, even for those visitors on a tight schedule.

Upon arrival, you immediately feel the vibe. Smiling faces, helpful locals and a treasure-trove of goodies to explore. The charming village of Winslow (which is only a few blocks from the ferry terminal) boasts a beautiful art museum, several cafes, restaurants and pubs. There are also handful of unique stores, which guarantee to have your curiousity on high alert. No matter in what direction your compass points, the true beauty of the island can be found everywhere. Whether you have a free-flowing wallet or on a limited budget, Bainbridge is tourist-friendly. From transportation to shopping and from accommodation to dining, there is something to suit every budget.

FYI, you can also board the ferry to Bainbridge Island with your car. However, for venturing beyond Winslow (without wheels) there is a convenient and regularly scheduled bus system. There is also a seasonal "hop on/hop off" bus created for visitors. This bus is known as the "Frog Hopper". On the Hopper, you can stop at up to twenty attractions all over the island for one low price and you can board the Hopper at the ferry terminal where you arrived. Points of interest include, the historic Bloedel Reserve, which offers a look into the island's past and has wonderful walking trails, gardens and a large variety of plants and birds to admire. There is also the Japanese American Memorial (which commemorates the exclusion of Japanese-American islanders during World War II) There are also several wineries, including Washington's first and only "Grain to Glass" organic distillery that offers tours and free-of-charge spirit-tasting sessions. There are many other island attractions that may entice you, so you may want to stay overnight or even a few days to capture the full Bainbridge experience.

A Weekend in Seattle offers various types of accommodation on the island. Bed & Breakfast establishments, colorful country inns and even a major chain property is available for lodging. Whether you stay in the town of Winslow or retreat yourself to other parts of the island, the experience will be a memorable one. If you are a casino-buff, we haven't forgotten you either! On the northern side of the island, across Agate Passage is a bridge that will connect you to a whole lot of fun! The Suquamish Clearwater Casino located on the Kitsap Peninsula, is a stones-throw away from Bainbridge Island and offers a variety of entertainment, slot machines and gaming tables as well as a full service spa and golf course. A Weekend in Seattle has several packages available at the casino resort. Staying at the Clearwater is a great way to enhance your visit to Bainbridge Island. There is also a free shuttle service from the ferry terminal in Winslow that will take you there as well.

Bainbridge Island is also a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering miles of bicycle-friendly roads and trails. There are outfitters on the island that can provide bicycle rentals or match you up with a perfect kayak or boat to explore Bainbridge from the water's edge. Photographers, artists and even writers, have found Bainbridge Island to be a very inspirational destination. If you are the solitary or romantic type, you may want to explore the island and find your very own section of beach to relax on. As locals will agree that there's no shortage of sand!

Contact us for current specials or upcoming events on Bainbridge Island. A Weekend in Seattle will ensure your island getaway escape from the big city will be a special one.