Much of the country is still in the middle of a red-hot real estate market. Home values are rising due to high demand and first-time homebuyers should be aware of how the value of their home impacts the way their premiums are calculated. Location and structure type are two examples of considerations that can affect […]
Featured
Featured Articles from the West Sound. These are the highlighted articles from WestSound Magazine.
Posted inFood & Entertainment
Understanding Wines and Regions
With so many bottles crowding the shelves of your favorite wine shop or grocery store, it’s hard to know what wines you might like, especially when the label doesn’t even tell you the kind of grape is in the bottle. With a simple understanding of wine regions and knowing where different grapes grow best, you’ll […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Swift Plumbing Grows Through Second Generation
Like a lot of his fellow tradesmen, Ty Swift is almost giddy about doing business in Kitsap and Jefferson counties. “It’s a good spot for business,” says the 46-year-old CEO of Swift Plumbing & Heating Inc. in Kingston. “There’s a lot of growth here.” Even during the recession of 2008-2014 and the more recent pandemic, […]
Posted inGarden
A Visit to… Crescent Valley Lavender Farm
Crossing the wooden bridge at 11501 Crescent Valley Drive NW, just outside of Gig Harbor and midway between Soundview and 144th, the sight up the hill to your right will leave you breathless. About 2,000 lavender mounds in varying colors of greens, pinks, deep purple and blue quicken the pulse and delight the eye. Park […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
How to Save Money when Hosting a Barbecue on a Budget
If you’re one of the 70% of all households in the United Sates to own a grill or smoker, you’re probably looking forward to summer cookouts and barbecues. However, with the rising cost of food, your backyard get-togethers might cost more than in previous years. You don’t have to skimp on your meats and vegetables […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
Three Ways to Incorporate Plants Into Your Privacy Fence
Not every homeowner has a privacy fence. At some point, though, you’ve likely wished you did. Standard plank or timber fences can look garish and out of place. Brick and steel are tough, but expensive. Is there an optimum solution? Indeed, there is. Plants and bushes make perfect additions to privacy fences and screens. The […]
Posted inGarden
The Double Life of the Imperiled Forest Seabird
It’s a beautiful summer afternoon at Point No Point County Park in Hansville. Scores of people are relaxing on the beach. Suddenly, everyone springs up and runs to the water’s edge, excitedly pointing at something offshore. A trio of orcas are swimming by. Everyone is thrilled to see the stunning, endangered sea creatures. But the […]
Posted inAt Home
Fresh Summer Flavors with Two Grilled Grass-Fed Lamb Recipes
Enjoy flavorful meals straight off the grill this summer with these delicious recipes that put New Zealand grass-fed lamb at the center of your plate. These Endless Summer Grass-Fed Lamb Burgers are topped with a fresh herb salad and juicy tomatoes on brioche buns. Or, for a spiced sensation, try Grass-Fed Lamb Meatball and Veggie […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Cultural Arts Foundation NW — Advocate for the Arts
Cultural Arts Foundation NW (CAFNW) has a lofty organizational mission statement: “supporting the arts, advancing creative potential and involving the community in the enjoyment and appreciation of the arts in Kitsap County.” Since its inception 37 years ago, the Poulsbo-based nonprofit has been doing just that. Run entirely by a small group of volunteers, CAFNW […]