West Sound has three world-class gardens open to the public all year round. The smallest, Vista Gardens, at 4.5 acres, is tucked in against a hillside on 31st Street in East Bremerton. Perhaps 4.5 acres sounds small but this garden is home to myriad amounts of plants, literally thousands. For example, there are over 450 […]
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Posted inAt Home
Minimalist vs. Maximalist: Finding Your Perfect Interior Style
The way a room is designed can instantly inspire calm or feel overwhelming. This often comes down to two contrasting styles: minimalism, which focuses on simplicity; and maximalism, which embraces bold expression. Each offers unique benefits and challenges, making the choice deeply personal. As we spend more time at home, our surroundings play a more […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
Tips for Buying Your First Boat
Navigating the exciting journey of buying a boat requires careful planning. With various costs beyond purchase price, such as maintenance, insurance, storage and unexpected expenses, understanding how to budget for a boat is essential for a smooth sailing experience. Here to guide you through the process are the experts at Boatmart, a marketplace for buying […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Discover the New Marina Square Suites
If you’re seeking a blend of luxury, comfort and urban convenience, look no further than the newly envisioned Marina Square Suites. This independent boutique hotel, located on the stunning waterfront of downtown Bremerton, invites you to “Make Our House Your Home.” With options perfect for families, business travelers and those looking to explore the Kitsap […]
Posted inGarden
Sprawling Gardens for Year-Round Enjoyment
At the end of a short road in Indianola there is an extremely charming and inviting garden created by Jeanne Simmons and Tony Bartling. They have even encouraged and worked with their neighbors to turn their small neighborhood into a little piece of heaven and sharing. Simmons and Bartling met in a ballroom dancing class. […]
Posted inPeople & Places
A Guide to Sparkling Wine
Sparkling wine has a storied history that goes back centuries, beginning as a fortunate accident when winemakers discovered that some of their wines continued to ferment in the bottle, creating effervescent bubbles. From its humble beginnings, sparkling wine has evolved into one of the most acclaimed beverages in the world, synonymous with luxury, celebration and […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Vista Gardens Fall Gathering
Vista Gardens recently hosted Fall Gathering, uniting community leaders, local business owners, volunteers and garden enthusiasts. This special event introduced the new executive director, Baqi Kopelman, who shared his vision for the future of Vista Gardens and officially kicked off the garden’s rebrand and relaunch. The day symbolized new beginnings, highlighted by a ceremonial tree […]
Posted inHome
Living the Lodge Life
“The time to take pie is when pie is passed.” It was a favorite saying of Mike Day’s grandmother, who liked to remind her family that opportunities are meant to be seized. Her matriarchal philosophy recognized the folly of waiting around for second chances. (It was also practical advice, Day recalls, because in his large […]
Posted inGarden
Autumn Charms for Those Dark Days Ahead
Fall officially begins on Sept. 22, weaving its way toward winter’s arrival in December. In West Sound, September often provides lots of delightful days to spend out among the plants in our gardens. October is often quite lovely, too, but as we move into November and sometimes slide down slippery hills and travel on frosty […]