Among the dozens of paintings that hang in Carla O’Connor’s Olalla studio is a tiny, framed crayon drawing of a purple cow. It’s the very first picture O’Connor ever drew — when she was just 3 years old. Another small, framed drawing of a kitty looking at the moon hangs nearby, done around that same […]
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!
Posted inPeople & Places
Egypt — Ancient Land of Fascinating Historical Significance
Egypt is a mystical place where your emotions take a rollercoaster ride. Look right and see some of the world’s most ancient antiquities. Look left and see traffic congestion and pollution. Read the news and there is terrorism and unrest. But spend several days on the placid Nile River and find peace and tranquility. Egypt […]
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Naval Undersea Museum an Undiscovered Gem
It’s one of Kitsap County’s best-kept secrets — a treasure hidden in plain view. The Naval Undersea Museum in Keyport is a trove of artifacts, history and hands-on experiences that tell the stories of the U. S. Navy’s undersea operations. And it’s all free. According to operations director Olivia Wilson, the museum is one of […]
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Rolling Bay Winery — Award-Winning Winery with a Friendly Vibe
The Romans introduced grapevines to the Netherlands in 968. Today about one million bottles of Dutch wine are produced annually from 170 small vineyards located throughout the country. Fortunately, there’s no need to buy a ticket to Amsterdam to taste Dutch wines when you can make a trip to Bainbridge Island instead. There, the Washington […]
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Illahee Preserve — A Natural Forest in an Urban Setting
In the middle of Kitsap County between East Bremerton and Silverdale is located one of the most outstanding urban natural-park spaces in the United States. It is a 570-acre site known as the Illahee Preserve. Owned by Kitsap County, the Illahee Preserve is managed by the county’s parks department in conjunction with a nonprofit group […]
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WSSEF — Inspiring Future Scientists and Engineers
Science project. For some students, those words conjure up nightmares. For others, it’s an opportunity for revving up their creativity and designing a project that might win them an award in the Washington State Science & Engineering Fair — and beyond. WSSEF (“Wussef,” as its 600-plus volunteers call it) has drawn students from across the […]
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Gig Harbor’s Gallery Row — A Place for Diverse, Cool Art
In 1988, a small handful of artists got together and rented a space in the old Shoreline building where Marketplace Grille is located today in downtown Gig Harbor. Gretchen Wilbert (a former mayor of Gig Harbor) was their landlord, and very supportive of the little gallery. The artists supported the gallery by sharing the rent […]
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Preserving a Piece of Key Peninsula History
When Washington became the 42nd state in November 1889, the Key Peninsula celebrated in style. Earlier that year, the community had come together to build the Vaughn Library Hall as a dance floor for the 4th of July celebrations on land donated by early settler Harry Coblentz. When the Vaughn Library Association looked for a […]
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10 Tips for Acing Your Next International Trip
Maybe you’re planning a trip to Croatia to see the Instagram-worthy walls of Dubrovnik. Or to Portugal because everyone raves about its food and budget-destination status. Or perhaps to Peru to see Machu Pichu before limits are imposed on daily tourist visits. You’re planning the trip sans tour company. You’ve read the guidebooks. Now the […]