Model Tested: 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer 2.4 SEL AWC Engine: 2.4-liter I-4 gas, 168 horsepower 167 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 23-mpg city, 31-mpg highway, 26-mpg combined Base Price: $21,995 As Tested: $22,805 Performance: Athletic all-wheel-drive at a budget price Excellent … read more

Liz and Gordon Evans had a dream — retire and move from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Bainbridge Island. Simple, right? But, when you live half a continent away, a collaborator who hears your dream and makes it her own is a necessary asset. In … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Honda Odyssey 5DR SE Engine: 3.5-liter V-6 gas, 248 horsepower 250 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 19-mpg city, 28-mpg highway, 22-mpg combined Base Price: $34,425 As Tested: $34,255 ($1,050 SE discount) Performance: Smooth, powerful V-6 engine Nice … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Honda Accord 2D EX-L V6 Engine: 3.5-liter V-6 gas, 278 horsepower 252 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 18-mpg city, 28-mpg highway, 22-mpg combined Base Price: $30,925 As Tested: $31,745 Performance: Smooth, powerful V-6 engine Very smooth 6-speed … read more

Water-Smart Gardening July and August bring some of the best weather in West Sound. Some local folks like to say that summer begins on July 5 each year. But that hasn’t been the case this year, as we’ve had many summery days. Local … read more

Americans love their pets. According to a recent report by NBC news, Americans will spend more than $60 billion — yes, billion — on their pets in 2016. Clearly, people are taking the term “furbaby” to heart and treating pets more like members … read more

On a sunny day, the walk leading to Harmony Hill Retreat Center’s Great Hall offers an expansive view of Hood Canal, framed by the Olympic Mountain range. Standing before that vista, it’s easy to fill one’s twin cups of humility and inspiration while … read more

Do you like to walk our beautiful Puget Sound beaches at low tide? Do you slowly stroll up and down the docks, staring into the water to catch a glimpse of the sea life lurking beneath the depths? If you do this with … read more

Editor’s note: Now that we know the benefits of mason bees, here’s what we can do to make West Sound bee-friendly. This is an excerpt from “Mason Bee Revolution: How the Hardest Working Bee Can Save the World One Backyard at a Time,” … read more