The Bainbridge Island Guide to Trick or Treating
Halloween conjures up so many wonderful images. For some it is the pinnacle of the season: a time of cooling weather, apple picking and the now ubiquitous pumpkin spiced, well, everything. For most, though, the holiday kindles the joys of youth. It is making plans with all of your friends about what you are going to wear and where you are going to go. It is coming up with and perfecting the ideal costume. And most importantly, it is the promise of LIMITLESS CANDY! No wonder so many look so fondly on the holiday and want to provide such joy for their own children. Hopefully this can provide some thoughts and ideas on how to organize your costume-filled evening.
Given its overall family-friendly attitude, it is not shocking that Bainbridge is a great place to go trick or treating for kids of all ages. Fortunately, the weather usually obliges and provides a wonderful evening of yums and boos and an opportunity for the kids to go out, see some friends and amass the biggest stash of treats that they can. But it can require a little planning in advance as many parts of the island are “lights off” on that night.
Trick or Treating: Downtown Winslow
As with much of life on the island, downtown remains the epicenter for trick or treating. Winslow Way is closed off to traffic and most (if not all) of the shops along it open their doors and hand out treats to all comers. There is often also live music as well as the Thriller flash mob put on by Island Fitness (I absolutely recommend contacting them to see if you can get involved). The activities usually run from 4 until 6 or 7. On the one hand it is extremely family friendly. In terms of bang for your candy buck, it is also the most efficient way for the kiddos to accrue their evening stash. That said, it is also very busy. Parking may be inconvenient and require a short walk. And boy do the kids (young and old) come out, requiring some active supervision lest your little Batman gets excited and runs off, only to get lost amongst the myriad other caped crusaders. Fortunately, the space is contained and BI’s finest are present in a pinch. Not that it has ever happened to our kids. Never. Ever.
Trick or Treating: Bainbridge Neighborhoods
In addition to Downtown Winslow, there is some great door-to-door trick or treating on the island. Given the larger plot sizes and overall pastoral nature in much of the island, the best options naturally cluster in certain neighborhoods. You may hit the occasional score scouring Toe Jam Hill, but you are going to have much happier children if you seek your fortunes in more populated locals. Most of them are centrally located, which is convenient if you are starting out in Winslow. Here is a brief, albeit non-comprehensive, list of great neighborhood options.
North Town Woods
Located across from Woodward Middle School, this is one of the most popular options for neighborhood Halloween fun. The houses are well spaced and the residents do a wonderful job of making it a fun event. Other benefits include being centrally located as well as proximity to Copper Top, in case you need a little snack. If you have older kids out enjoying the festivities, you can spend some time at the brewery while your kids are in the neighboring community getting the candy haul. When people think of trick or treating on Bainbridge this is often the top neighborhood of choice and is wall to wall with kids. It’s not as crowded as downtown but is by far the most trafficked neighborhood on island.
Commodore
Adjacent to the high school, this lovely and friendly community is a good place for more trick or treating and given its location is a very good addition to those already hitting North Town Woods. For younger families, this is an do-able agenda for the evening.
Village Circle
Slightly more spread out that Northtown Woods and likewise less trafficked, it is still a great option for those seeking door to door fun. The neighborhood is centrally located, just south of Owen’s (Rotary) Park, which makes it a convenient option for those seeking more fun after finishing up in Winslow.
Wing Point
Located east of Winslow, the Wing Point area provides multiple blocks or fertile Halloween neighborhood fun. This neighborhood has a mix of street lights and no street lights, so this is one that I would recommend escorting kids more closely.
Fort Ward
For those living on the South end, this area has a number of places with relatively well-spaced houses and good trick or treating. This neighborhood tends to have a younger demographic and many neighbors put on events in their garages and yards and it’s a welcoming and lovely way to spend the holiday and meet new people.
