While farming is no longer the common occupation of America, it’s far from obsolete. Run by Roni and Erin Smith, The Smithshyre in Poulsbo is a farm whose presence brings attention to the traditional relationship between people and livestock. Erin Smith believes that every person, without even realizing it, has a deep and innate desire […]
People & Places
West Sound has an incredible number of talented artists, interesting people, fascinating places and popular destinations. We love to share their stories with our readers. These articles are only a sample of what we have in West Sound Magazine each issue — subscribe to the print version to see all of what we have to offer!
East Bremerton Goodwill
Ever had a friend call you, really excited to tell you about the placemats they just bought in a local thrift shop? Of course not. Let me take you down that road, since no one else will. Entering the Goodwill store in East Bremerton, I began my usual happy-search, walking to the left where there […]
Advancing Scientific and Historic Projects with… Citizen Science
“World’s Oldest European Hedgehog Found by Citizen Scientists,” trumpeted a recent Smithsonian Magazine headline. A 16-year-old male hedgehog dubbed Thorvald had outlived the lifespan of his species by 14 years, surviving habitat loss, pesticides and the No. 1 cause of hedgehog deaths — road crossings. That Europe’s smallest mammal could outwit modern-day encroachment was cause […]
Chef Daniel Ratigan
The Fireside Restaurant is located in the beautiful Port Ludlow Resort across the Hood Canal Bridge in bucolic Port Ludlow — a mere 45 minutes from Bremerton. Fireside chef Daniel Ratigan offers the bounty of local farms, along with artisan meats and cheeses, with a menu that celebrates the best the local area and the […]
The Dinner Plate
How does that go, “Best laid plans…” Contemporary thrifting had reached a wrong turn, the unexpected dilemma. One would think, a dinner plate — piece of cake, so to speak. It started one day at the Goodwill in East Bremerton. Down one side of a long isle were shelves of dinner plates, floor to ceiling, […]
I Love Winter!
As it gets chilly and the temps drop, I always wish for a beautiful snowfall, which is so good for the garden. A blanket of snow insulates the plants and allows a slow and deep watering as it melts away. As my garden sleeps, I turn my back, go inside and make plans for the […]
Chef Adam Sawasy
Chef Adam Sawasy and his team offer menu items as well as curated finds in their Provisions Market, located in the historic town of Port Gamble. Butcher & Baker Provisions features a boutique type butchery and bakery and seasonal menu, keeping a few favorite menu staples. Our favorite is the Fried Chicken Sandwich. Almost everything […]
Octopus Studios — Creating Custom Designs
In a world where products are predominately cookie-cutter and mass-produced in factories, creative individuals offer fresh perspective, artistic lenses and a sense of beauty. Gary Barber of Octopus Studios is one of those individuals. He uses his creativity in his stained glass work to provide beautiful and original pieces to his customers. “I’ve got a […]
Master Woodworker Hugh Montgomery — The Touch to Transform Any Home
Hugh Montgomery, a custom furniture and cabinetry maker, sits in a small office, just off his noisy shop on Bainbridge Island, and tries to explain what he does. “I like to work with my hands,” says the 58-year-old carpenter. “I like to make things and build things. … My business is what I like to […]
