nadia wanders

Since my boyfriend moved up to Washington, I’ve looked for all kinds of excuses to explore the Pacific North West. We’ve driven up to Vancouver, Canada and explored the treetops at the Capilano Suspension Bridge. We walked out to the Dungeness Spit and looked for lavender farms in Sequim. We’ve eaten the best food, smoked the best pot, and saw the hippest strippers in Portland ☺.

That being said, one of the coziest, quaintest, totally #PNW neighborhoods is a 45 minute drive from my man’s house. If you know Grey’s Anatomy, you’ve heard of and seen Bainbridge Island. And apparently Vogue.com calls this place the Nantucket of the Pacific Northwest.

So much delicious seafood coming out of Harbour Public House on Bainbridge Island.

The trees during Spring on Bainbridge Island.

The town is teeny, it has some serious seafood, its homes are addddorable, and it makes for the perfect day trip. We first visited Bainbridge Island in the thick of Spring last year and it was beautiful outside. We took the ferry from Seattle, got some seafood from The Harbour Public House, and walked and shopped under the perennial blooms.

Heading out to Winslow Way on a beautiful fall day.

While my man had to work a weekend recently, his housemate and I, who I absolutely love, went on a wild Bainbridge autumn adventure. Matt and I were packin’ and brought along one of my favorite edibles, a mint chocolate dipped Korova cookie. With a latte, about 25mg THC entering our system, and a joint in our hands, we took Winslow Way by storm.

One of our first stops was Hattie Rose, a super feminine boutique that’s oozing French chateau and Bohemian boudoir vibes. Matt and I must have chatted with owner, Liz, for 30 minutes admiring her wares and collectively gasping at how warm and ethereal that October day was turning out to be.

Inside Hattie Rose on Bainbridge Island.

Sunkissed corners of Liz's adorable shop, Hattie Rose.

Matt and I puttered around a little more before stumbling into the Calico Toy Shoppe. There were so many things to get our paws on and it seriously felt like I was Tom Hanks in the movie Big. A few blocks down, the stunning hunks of amethyst and rose quartz at Gilbert Thomes nearly blinded me. For someone who loves having little crystals around and on her, this place was absolutely insane and I wanted to buy everything in sight.

One of the coolest finds of the day was the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA). Admission was free, our edibles were kicking in real nicely, and we got to spend some time admiring all kinds of photography, sculptures and paintings.

We definitely managed to goof off for a few hours while my man was away working. Bainbridge Island is so stinking close to Seattle, yet such a different scene. If you Seattlites are looking for a day trip, don't forget about Bainbridge!