Navigating the Charms of Coastal Gem

The waterfront town of Port Orchard in south Kitsap County has embraced entrepreneurship while hanging onto its small-town charm. Its main drag, Bay Street, is a block away from the marina where Kitsap Transit foot ferries run the refurbished Carlisle II—part of the historic Mosquito Fleet.

Residents enjoy a quiet neighborhood close to mountains and ocean views. They also love the short commute to downtown Seattle and the perks of living in western Washington.

Waterfront Park

In this picturesque seaside village, a stunning waterfront park provides a peaceful oasis for relaxation and picnicking. Explore the scenic lookouts, environmental education trail and boat launch – or simply stroll along the shore to soak up the views.

A self-proclaimed rock hound, Jorgensen was busy displaying her skills at this weekend’s gem festival, igniting the oohs and ahhs of children who came to watch her facet a piece of Oregon Sunstone. She’s been polishing rocks and encasing them in Sterling Silver for more than 22 years now.

Coastal Gem is located on a quiet pleasant avenue in Weymouth, just a short 1/4 mile walk from the town centre and seafront. This split-level property offers a kitchen with electric oven, a 50″ Smart TV and a comfortable living area with double sofa bed.

Bay Street Shopping

Set along Sinclair Inlet, Port Orchard’s walkable downtown stretches along the waterfront and features lines of unique shops, antique stores and tasty restaurants. The tight-knit community embraces a small-town atmosphere and hosts events including First Friday Artwalks, the Festival of Chimes and Lights, Pooch and Purr Pet Parade, and summertime concerts.

New to the Bay Street shopping scene is Revival, a curated gift shop by the owners of Josephine’s Mercantile. It is located in a historic building that once housed a Ford dealership.

The quaint community is also home to Unity, Port Orchard’s skateboarding and roller skating shop. Located just a stone’s throw from the waterfront park and marina, you can rent skateboards or roller blades for a fun day on the town! The shop is also home to a skateboarding camp and host to local skating events.

Ferry Rides

In Port Orchard, the town’s charm lies in the mix of eras and tastes. Locals like Samantha Smith, 44, run two businesses on the town’s historical main street a block from where Kitsap Transit foot ferries carry passengers on a 10-minute ride across Sinclair Inlet to Bremerton.

She’s excited for the future of her community, a waterfront neighborhood that’s becoming known for its artisanal offerings. “It’s community plus creativity,” she says.

The most ferry-connected of all Kitsap communities, the Victorian seaport entices visitors with views of Puget Sound and nearby Olympic National Park. With a short drive and ferry ride back to Seattle, this is a Northwest enthusiast’s haven.

Farmers Market

Located on the pristine waters of Puget Sound, Port Orchard is home to stunning scenery and a vibrant downtown area filled with one-of-a-kind boutiques and local events. Whether you want to relax on your boat, shop for unique local brews or find the perfect piece of art, Port Orchard has something for everyone.

The farmers market is a fun place to go if you have an hour to kill on Saturdays during the season. The market has a nice mix of a few bakery stalls, some produce and plants along with a fair amount of crafty stuff. They never seem to have the usual “spam” booths such as real estate and dental offices.

Parking is tight so I recommend leaving the car out in town and walking.

Local Attractions

With serene marinas and a backdrop of forested hills, Port Orchard exudes the quintessential blend of coastal charm and Pacific Northwest beauty. Puget Sound Window & Door proudly provides Port Orchard homeowners with a curated selection of windows designed to capture these serene vistas and the region’s unique ambience.

While civic disagreements over the color of its Western-themed marquee and a rash of antique shops contributed to the town’s hodgepodge image, community leaders are now focusing on making downtown Port Orchard a spiffy destination for shopping, eating, local celebrities (best-selling soft-fiction author Debbie Macomber and local radio star Delilah), B&B’s and quirky festivals.

Port Orchard’s waterfront vistas and friendly faces make it a place to visit, shop, dine, or relax year-round. For a glimpse of the picturesque city, check out our top-rated window collections, perfect for Port Orchard homes and embodying its coastal beauty and serene atmosphere.