One of the greatest things about Bainbridge Island is that there are so many things to do and see every day. If you work during the weekday, no problem because we’ve got your weekends covered with the diverse events happening on the island. Start off your weekend by unleashing your inner artist at Corks & Canvas - Brother’s Mountain Sail. This event is hosted at Eleven Winery, so, you guessed it, grab a glass of wine and paint the night away! If you want to spend some time outdoors, consider attending the Moonlight Market. With over 30 booths of food, crafts, arts, jewelry and much more, this event welcomes the whole family. To end the weekend and get you ready for the work week, we’re filling your bellies at the Paella Party hosted by the Eagle Harbor Wine Company.

Featured Events:

• Corks & Canvas - Brother’s Mountain Sail, July 21

• Moonlight Market, July 21

• Paella Party, July 22 and 23

I may have been ambitious in June but July is feeling lazy, fun and relaxed. I also have such a wonderful group of clients in my life right now so am just grateful for all the good energy around. Not a bad way to spend the hottest days of summer.

Take a look at what’s been on my mind this month.

Summer means good food, good music, and good drinks. This week we’re bringing you all three! First up, we’ve got a weekly Tropical Tuesday at Eleven Winery. Their summer special, the Angelica Spritzer, is a crowd-pleaser and only available during the warmer months. Don’t sleep on this or you’ll have to wait a whole 365 days for your next opportunity. Next we’re talking Sounds of Summer Concert Series only running for the months of July and August. The 12th is their next one so mark your calendars and bring the kids and grandparents for some family fun. The last event we’re featuring is the Battle Point BBQ Food Truck extravaganza on July 15. Save your stomachs and join your neighbors for yummy BBQ grubs. Saucy pulled pork, juicy ribs, cheesy mac and cheese, and so much more.

Featured Events:

• Tropical Tuesdays at Eleven Winery, July 11

• Sounds of Summer Concert Series, July 12

• Food Truck - Battle Point BBQ, July 15

At the end of last year, I made some guesses about the housing market in 2023. Well, here we are, six months into the new year and how did those predictions turn out? I spoke with economist Kathryn Rooney Vera, Chief Market Strategist, StoneX and we had a freewheeling conversation about the housing market and I’ll combine her observations with an evaluation of mine from last year.

When there’s a holiday there’s a celebration. Bainbridge Island is celebrating July 4th this week with a few funtastic event. Dance the night away with your favorite performers and artists at Street Dance on July 3 on Winslow Way. Keep up the energy on Tuesday at the Grand Old 4th of July bash. Grab a drink at their beer, wine, and cider garden and a bite from one (or all!) of their 18 food vendors as you celebrate America’s independence. Last but never least, we’ve got the 63rd Annual Rotary Auction & Rummage Sale on Saturday, July 8. Events you won’t want to miss!

Featured Events:

• Street Dance, July 3

• Grand Old 4th of July, July 4

• The 2023 Rotary Auction & Rummage Sale, July 8

The weather’s heating up which can only mean one thing…backyard BBQ time! With all the fun and excitement, it’s easy to skip steps in the setup or cooking process. This can lead to improperly cooked up or shortening the lifespan of your grill. Avoid these 5 common BBQ mistakes to serve up the juiciest and safest grilled delights.

This week’s calendar has SO many camps running for kids of all ages that Summer Vacation must have now finally begun! We hope you have a fun-packed Summer planned for the kids, but don’t forget about the Adults in the family. A six-week class, (aka “Camp for Adults”!) Introduction to Acting for Adults, starts on Tuesday evenings. Or, if you want to improve your painting skills, spend the afternoon at Bloedel Reserve’s MasterClass Plein Air Painting. This week also includes the beginning of July and on Saturday, July 1, Eleven Winery is hosting a Ukrainian Dumpling Pop-Up.

Featured Events:

• Introduction to Acting for Adults, June 27-August 1

• Masterclass Plein Air Painting at Bloedel, Tuesday June 27

• Ukrainian Dumpling Pop Up at Eleven Winery, Saturday July 1

In the same way that the cooling of the September air also smells like a new backpack and fresh pencils, June feels like an all out celebration of high fives, accomplishments and recognition.

I feel a bit like a kiddo myself this year as I’ve stepped into a couple of areas of personal development that I’m super proud of.

This is the week that Summer officially begins with the Solstice on Wednesday! Accordingly, we are showcasing events that celebrate the beginning of Summer. Take a picnic and enjoy a production of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”, indulge in a tasty bowl of Paella at Port Madison Yacht Club’s Annual Summer Solstice Party, and join Ham Radio enthusiasts at Battle Point for their annual field day.

Featured Events:

• Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” at Bloedel Reserve, June 23-July 9

• Summer Solstice Party, Port Madison Yacht Club, Saturday June 24

• Ham Radio Field Day at the Battle Point Park Observatory, Sunday, June 25

Can’t make the long haul to Hawaii for your vacation? Don’t worry, these tropical paradises may be the best-known islands in the U.S., but that doesn’t mean they’re the only ones. From nature sanctuaries on the East Coast to tropical islands in the Caribbean, here are 10 of the best U.S. islands that aren’t Hawaii.

It’s fun to be spontaneous and try something new, but sometimes it’s comforting to have a routine in your life. This week we focus on our Bainbridge Island Calendar’s weekly recurring events, which you can add to your regular plans for the family to enjoy. Here are just a few of our favorites! Every Monday enjoy live piano and wine at Earth & Vine and on Tuesdays they continue the fun with Half Price Wine by the bottle! On Wednesdays stop by Fletcher Bay’s Copper Top location for “Wine Down Wednesdays” with live music, wine specials, a food truck and importantly they have a kids' play area in the loft! On Fridays, children can play at being Mermaids and Mermen at the Mermaid Cove Aquatic Center.

Featured Events:

• Earth & Vine - Piano Bar Mondays and Half Price Wine Tuesdays

• Fletcher Bay - Wine Down Wednesdays (inc a Kids Loft Area)

• Mermaids and Mermen at Aquatic Center on Fridays

This is going to be a fun week! Support our wonderful Island by attending one or more of these events, starting with Dine and Discover at IslandWood on Thursday evening. The evening begins with a Docent-led Hike around the Trails, followed by a delicious dinner prepared by Chef Jim White, which is accompanied by beer and wine. Indulge your passion for art and adventure at two amazing events in support of Bainbridge Island Museum of Art - BIMA Bash! Silent and Live Auctions on Friday and Saturday Nights; pick your preferred event or night or attend both. On Saturday afternoon, get creative and have fun dressing up your dog(s). All proceeds from the admission and raffle support Bainbridge Boys & Girls Club.

Featured Events:

• Dine and Discover at IslandWood - Thursday, June 8

• BIMA Bash Auction - Friday & Saturday, June 9-10

• Dogs UnLeashed - A Dog Fashion Show - Saturday, June 9

Discover the best 10 indoor plants to add color and interest to every room with our easy-to-follow guide. Full of expert tips as to which house plants will survive best in your home, you can banish any worries of green fingered failures for good. Get expert tips from homesandgarden.com in this article.

The first of 2023’s Classic Car Cruise-In starts this week and runs until the end of August. Spend Tuesday evenings admiring classic cars (or showcasing your own!), while enjoying a hotdog and helping local kids by making a donation to Project BackPack. This weekend you have a pick of live performances for all ages. Bainbridge Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty is on both Saturday and Sunday (including a Saturday matinee); enjoy this shortened version performed by children of all ages. On Saturday evening dust off your dancing shoes for WEAVE’s last 2022-2023 season performance featuring Foleada, a Seattle-based high energy Brazilian band. Enjoy a drink at the bar before the performance and during the interval and support WEAVE’s non-profit community organization bringing great musicians to Bainbridge Island.

Featured Events:

• Classic Car Cruise-In - Tuesday, May 30

• Sleeping Beauty - Saturday & Sunday, June 3-4

• Foleada at WEAVE - Saturday, June 3

May so far has been full of evolution in my orbit. Kids are changing, career is evolving and growth abounds.

All of these recommendations this month found me by the bountiful people in my world. I am inspired daily by the greatness around me and am deeply grateful for the many teachers in my life. GAH - I am a lucky duck.

There is something for everyone this week. On Wednesday 24th book a date night with Dinner & A Duo at Heyday Farm - a great 3-course dinner accompanied by an intimate unplugged mini-concert with Ben Doerr and Lydia Ramsey of St. Paul de Vence. Get the kids prepared for Friday’s Bike to School Day on the 26th - make sure those bikes tires, gears and brakes are checked! And if you feel up to it, Squeaky Wheels are still looking for volunteer Bike Train chaperones! Summer must really now be here because The Pool at Pleasant Beach opens on Saturday. As well as the pool there is a fitness center, full bar and more - if you are not already a member get signed up now!

Featured Events:

• Dinner and a Duo - Wednesday, May 24

• Bike to School Day - Friday, May 26

• The Pool at Pleasant Beach Opens for Summer - Saturday, May 27

Exercise is essential for helping to prevent cardiovascular issues, both now and later in life. The American Heart Association lists exercise as one of Life’s Essential 8: the eight most important, healthy lifestyle strategies for keeping your ticker in optimal condition. Along with getting active, this list includes eating a balanced diet, logging adequate sleep, managing blood sugar, and kicking tobacco to the curb.

This week on Bainbridge Island we are encouraging you to embrace our ecosystems and preserve the environment. Start your weekend by discovering how species composition and diversity promotes healthy ecosystems at the Springbrook Creek Preserve, enjoying good food and live music while learning more about energy efficient vehicles at the Kitsap Electric Vehicle and Bike Expo, and reducing waste by buying yourself something new to wear at Refashion Bainbridge. It's time to give back to mother nature!

Featured Events:

• Birds and Blooms Walk at Springbrook Creek Preserve

• May 20 Kitsap Electric Vehicle and Bike Expo - May 20

• Refashion Bainbridge Show 2023 - May 21

This week is dedicated to all Mothers! Mother's Day is Sunday May 14 but why not celebrate Mothers all week? Venture out to the City with the whole family for Shrek 2 in Concert with Seattle Symphony at Benaroya Hall - choose from various times on Thursday, Friday or Saturday. Bainbridge Island celebrates "Wine on the Rock” so treat yourself or your mom to Wine & Cheese at four participating Wineries on Friday thru’ Sunday. For the finale, have Brunch on Mother’s Day at Islandwood after enjoying learning about Nature’s Nurturers: a Celebration of Mothers.

Featured Events:

• Shrek 2 in Concert with Seattle Symphony - May 11-13

• Wine on the Rock: Wines & Cheese - May 12-14

• Nature's Nurturers: A Celebration of Mothers - May 14, 10am-2pm

As summer approaches, the number of events is increasing and this week’s events highlight three that showcase the diversity of things to do on Bainbridge Island. Attend an award-winning play, dine in the woods for dinner (or stay the night and grab breakfast too!), and attend the final “First Sunday” concert series until September. You won’t want to miss any of these events – get the details below and block out your calendars!

Featured Events:

• The Humours of Bandon - May 5, 7.30pm-9.30pm

• Dinner in the Wood - May 6, 4.30pm-10pm

• Violin, Harpsichord & Cello - May 7, 4pm-5.30pm