I don’t think I would have ever had the privilege of seeing all of [...]]]> Whenever you PCS you should take advantage of what the area has to offer and make sure you “Take a Vacation on the Navy”! Seeing different parts of the county is one of the many benefits of a military career.

I don’t think I would have ever had the privilege of seeing all of the nation’s monuments in Washington D.C, or seeing the spot where the real “Cheers” bar is located, or walked the Freedom Trail if not for the Navy and the PCS we did to Groton, CT back in 2003.

Nor would I have ever learned about the Mojave Desert first hand and climbed in Joshua Tree National Park if not for the Navy and a PCS to Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twenty-nine Palms, CA.

I know I would never have watched the mountain race in Seward, AK on the 4^th of July or watched a real sled dog race or learned to fly fish for salmon on the Russian River if not for a PCS to Anchorage, AK! So make sure you find the tourist in you when you PCS to a new area!!

Here are just a few of my favorite day trips in the Puget Sound area. I know there are several more but this will get you started!!

The Series | Bremerton| Day Trips | Safeco Field

Moose Country? Yep, that is what I said! Mariner Moose Country!!! The Mariner Moose is the official mascot for the Seattle Mariner’s pro baseball team. Living in the area all my life I have come to see the many changes ofthe Mariners and the Moose. I remember the days of sitting in the Kingdome watching baseball on a warm sunny Seattle day – INSIDE!!

“Refuse to Lose”- I also remember the days of the greats, Ken Griffey, Jr., Edgar Martinez, Randy Johnson, Jay Buhner, Dave Valle, Alex Rodriguez and Edgar Martinez. Oops, did I say Edgar Martinez twice? I sure did! He is my all time Seattle Mariner favorite player. I personally feel he saved baseball in Seattle with “The Double” he hit during the 1995 game vs. the New York Yankees to win the game 6-5 and advance the Mariners for the first time to the American League Championship Series. I know that the tiles of the doomed Kingdome probably played a role, but it was that game on that day that grabbed all of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest and made us a “baseball town”!!!

The new stadium opened in 1999 and it was amazing. I probably attended 25 games that year!! I love to watch baseball.

When you relocate to the area Safeco Field “The House That Griffey Built” should be one of your “day trips”. You can tour Safeco Field individually or as a group.

Tour Schedule

April 1 – October 31| You may tour the stadium on days when there are now games at three different times. 10:30, 12:30 and 2:30. On days with 6 pm games there are only the first two tour times.

November 1 – March 31 | Tuesdays through Sundays at 12:30 and 2:30

Tours are approximately one hour long and cover a distance of one mile, so wear appropriate apparel.

Birthday Tours – How much fun would this be?!!

The Birthday Tour package includes the following.

• Personal guided tour for up to 20 people
• Time to play at the Children’s Hospital Playfield
• A suite overlooking the ballpark for presents and cake
• Party favors for each child
• A birthday message on the scoreboard
• Time on the field’s warning track and in the dugouts
• A present to the birthday child from the Mariners

See more tour ideas and all of the package information with costs and contact names and numbers here – SAFECO FIELD PACKAGE TOURS

The Series | Bremerton | Day Trips | Point Defiance Park

Never have I ever come across a park like Point Defiance Parkjust over the Narrow’s Bridge in Tacoma. Growing up in the area I have enjoyed this park many times, from the family picnics to the elementary school field trips. Point Defiance Park is a day trip you will revisit often. There is so much to do and see that you will probably need to divide the attractions up and visit on at least 5 occasions just see the minimum. Point Defiance Park is situated on approximately 702 acres that encompass natural forests and salt water beaches. The park offers several recreation and educational opportunities. You can have fun here, learn here and hang out with nature here!!

Gardens and Old Growth Forest

Acres of gardens | Dahlia, Fuchsia, Herb, Iris, Japanese, Native, Rhododendron and Rose. You can spend hours and hours just walking along the paths of these gardens. Several times I have just taken a book and sat in a garden and enjoyed the smells and the beauty.

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Even on a rainy Pacific Northwest day you can have a blast at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. There are covered viewing areas and indoor exhibits. I love aquariums and this one is one of my favorites. I guess the reason is because it was one of my firsts. I remember as a child going on field trips to this zoo.

Five Mile Drive

There have been times I have visited Point Defiance Park just to makethe “Five Mile Drive”. These five miles of asphalt wind thru some of the most gorgeous old growth forest in the area. Along the way there are viewpoint opportunities, areas to picnic and relax and several “Kodak moments”, including Puget Sound, the Cascade Mountains, the Olympic Mountains, the Narrows Bridge, Vashon Island and Gig Harbor.

Owen Beach

This is my favorite spot at Point Defiance Park. I love the beach! Any type of beach! From the Owen Beach you can see Vashon Island, watch the ferry boats and any other water traffic. Owen Beach is perfect for a family picnic with picnic shelters, grills, tables and a large restroom area. If you are adventurous you can rent kayaks here!

Fort Nisqually

I remember as a child going to Fort Nisqually with my entire family. Over the years it has grown and improved. Fort Nisqually was originally a Hudson’s Bay Company outpost built in 1833. This is where you can travel back in time and experience life in Washington during the fur trade era. Fort Nisqually was the first European settlement on Puget Sound.

Art in the Park

Around the park grounds you can find several different sculptures to include an authentic Native American totem pole.

So no matter how much time you have, an hour or several you can find something to do that is either free or a nominal fee at Point Defiance Park. Remember, even if the weather is cloudy and raining you can still enjoy several areas of the park.

The Series | Bremerton | Day Trips | Seattle Space Needle

There is nothing like having lunch at the Seattle Space Needle. One year while living in eastern Washington I decided that it was time to take a vacation and we choose to explore Seattle. I love to vacation local. I am amazed at how many people who live in Seattle and the surrounding area have never been to the Space Needle! I decided on lunch because my kids were elementary school age and the price is lower than dinner. Many say they would never eat at the Space Needle because of the price. Well, treat it like what it is a “treat” and have lunch. Over the years the rules have changed and there is a minimum charge of $25 per person for lunch. Lunch Menu

You also will be able to continue up the observation deck. Maker sure your lunch last an hour so you will have completed a full rotation of viewing. The Observation Deck is located 520′ above Seattle and features 360º full view of the Puget Sound.

The Space Needle was the huge attraction of the 1962 Worlds Fair. Now it is the “trademark” of Seattle.

General Location:
Space Needle
400 Broad Street
Seattle, WA 98109
Located near the Monorail and Seattle Center House at 5th Avenue North & Broad Street.
(206) 905-2100

Insects, Butterflies and Dinosaurs, Oh My

The Series | Bremerton | Day Trips | Pacific Science Center

When my kiddos were in elementary school we must have visited the Pacific Science Center at least 3 times a year. This is an amazing place unlike any other science center in the world. Of course the fun just isn’t for kids, all of the adults I saw each time seemed to be having just as much fun. Of course I did everything my kids did!! I even touched living saltwater tide pool creatures! Today there are even more exhibits to see, feel and play with. I always enjoyed the Body Works Exhibit and the Science Playground.

There are over 6 acres of hands on exhibits, two IMAX theaters, planetarium, motion simulator and laser light shows everyone of every age will find something of fascinating interest.

You will want to check the Pacific Science Center website for the schedule of special eventsand IMAX and laser light show times as well as to learn what is available to do prior to your trip. This way you will not miss a thing while there. I would never spend less than 4 hours on a visit. Doors open at 10am.

List of Exhibits

1. Dinosaurs: A Journey Through Time
2. Tropical Butterfly House
3. Insect Village
4. Puget Sound Model and Saltwater Tide Pool
5. Kids Works
6. Animal Exhibits
7. Body Works
8. Adventures in 3Dimensions
9. Science Playground
10. Technology Exhibits
11. Outdoor Exhibits

Another great place to have a youngster’s Birthday Party!!!

Pacific Science Center is located under the arches near the Space Needle. Daytime entrances are on Denny Way and the main entrance and Will Call are located facing Seattle Center to the north. This is also the only evening entrance.

All Aboard… Ferry Ride!!

The Series | Bremerton | Day Trips | Ferry Rides

Take a day and ride the Ferry. Several years ago I took a day trip with my kids on the Ferry. We left Seattle and headed over to Bainbridge Island. There is nothing like being out on Puget Sound!! Once on Bainbridge Island we took a little drive and had lunch, then back to the ferry for the ride back. Riding a ferry is a very relaxing and fun experience for all ages.

From Bremerton you could ride the ferry into Seattle and depending on the weather you could leave your car on this side and then walk on over to Pike Place Market. It isn’t that long of a walk and well worth it.

Make sure to check out the Official Washington State Ferries website for more information on times and charges. Right now with all the winds and waves there has been some “ferry drama” and you might want to wait until spring.

Ferries are just not for commuting they can be used for fun too. Did you know that the Washington Ferry System is the largest ferry system in the United States? People use the ferries for Birthday parties, weddings and memorial services. Just be sure to contact the proper department to schedule your special event.

The Mountain

The Series | Bremerton | Day Trips | Mount Rainier National Park

That is what we call it. When you relocate to the Pacific Northwest you will here people talk about “the mountain”. You will hear the phrase “the mountain is out today” and”have you seen the mountain today”. The mountain they are talking about is Mount Rainier. Mount Rainier dominates the skyline from the urban areas of Puget Sound to the eastern wine country of Washington State.

I have only been to Mt Rainier in the summer time. I have hiked a couple of the trails with my boys. Even if you aren’t into hiking you will enjoy this day trip because just getting to Mt Rainier is a treat in itself. Mount Rainer is 14,4100 feet in elevation with 26 major glaciers, breathtaking waterfalls, over 100 varieties of wildflowers and approximately 56 species of mammals including deer, elk, goats, black bears, cougars, red fox and others. The park encompasses 370 square miles and is the tallest of the Cascade Mountain Range volcanoes. Yes Mt. Rainier is a volcano.

The park also offers over 240 miles of trails. There are trails for all ages and abilities. You can “stroll” a trail of less than one mile or you can go on the 93- mile Wonderland Trail. I have “strolled” the easy trail with several older family members. It is amazing what you can see.

Sunrise Day Lodge & Visitor Center is on the northeast corner of the park. This is the highest peak you can reach by car and is 6400 feet. The center is open between June to mid-September. This side of the park is in Mt Rainier’s rain shadow and has a drier climate.

Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center is opened year round and is located at Paradise. Here you can view exhibits on geology, glaciers, flora and fauna.

There are also places where you can stay for a mini vacation. National Park Inn has 25 guest rooms and a restaurant. Paradise Inn will re-open this May after a renovation project.

This is a great day trip and can also be a very great several day vacation. Check out these websites for more information on lodging and rental equipment. http://www.mt-rainier.com/ and http://www.mount.rainier.national-park.com/

Things you can do on Mount Rainier

• Back packing
• Bicycling
• Bird watching
• Boating
• Camping
• Cross-country skiing
• Fusing
• Hiking
• Horseback riding
• Hot tubing
• Hunting
• Mountain climbing
• Picnic
• Snowmobile
• Snow shoeing
• Wildlife viewing

Hope you are enjoying all the articles so far. If you have missed any articles you can check out the article that introduced the Naval Base Kitsap Online Relocation Package by clicking on this link Naval Base Kitsap |Online Relocation Package | IT’S YOUR PCS which is updated after every new article.

HAVE A FINE NAVY DAY!!

Puget Sound Real Estate Today

The Art, Theater and Music scenes are alive and well in West Puget Sound. The area boasts the Bremerton Symphony at the Bremerton Performing Arts Center, the Admiral Theater with its classic and independent film series, Collective Visions an art gallery with a concert series, concerts in the park, concerts on the Boardwalk, [...]]]>

The Art, Theater and Music scenes are alive and well in West Puget Sound. The area boasts the Bremerton Symphony at the Bremerton Performing Arts Center, the Admiral Theater with its classic and independent film series, Collective Visions an art gallery with a concert series, concerts in the park, concerts on the Boardwalk, The Bremerton Community Theatre, the list goes on and on and there is something for everyone whether you want to just observe or participate. Here is the link to the City of Bremerton’s Performing Arts web page so that you can familiarize yourself with all of the local performing arts attractions, events and organizations.

City of Bremerton Performing Arts

Bremerton Art District

Bremerton may be called a “Navy Town” by some with a connotation it might lack certain, shall we say qualities, but did you know it also has a reputation for having one of the largest arts districts in the Northwest. Downtown at the intersection of 4^thand Pacific Avenue is located the City of Bremerton’s diverse fine arts district. Here in the heart of the City you will find museums, performing art stages, several art galleries along with some very unique shops.

Bremerton actually has two days set aside every month for the “Bremerton Art Walk”. Downtown it is called the “First Friday Art Walk” which is held, you guessed it on the first Friday between the hours of 5:00pm and 8:00pm. During this time you can stroll can stroll down the street of the Arts District at your leisure. The next First Friday Art Walk will be April 4^th.

The fourth Thursday of every month is the Bremerton Art Walk – Charleston District between the hours of noon and 8:00pm.

Download a copy of the City’s Arts District & Waterfront Walking Map here ==> Click

Silverdale Art District

Old Town Silverdale Art Walk
Come enjoy the talents of the local artists along with some good food, wine, flowers and entertainment on the second Friday of the Months of March, June, September and December between the hours of 6:00pm and 8:00pm. Participating are 6 businesses and 18 artists.

Located down on the waterfront the Friday in June should be amazing. You can watch the water, listen to the sounds of nature all while enjoying your friendly neighbors while getting to know your local artists. Have some wine, buy some flowers to take home, but most importantly just stroll leisurely and enjoy the beauty of our amazing area.

Young Artist Studio – Bremerton

If you have that “artist in you” just waiting to burst out you will want to check out the Young Artist’s Studio in Bremerton. Young artist’s of all ages; children, teen and adults are encourage to explore their creative expressions in a working art studio. See the link below for The Young Artist’s Studio flyer for class information. ==> Click Here

I find the Saturday series they are doing now a wonderful opportunity for those ages 3 – 8 to find their artistic abilities. The next “Saturday Studio” will be on Arpil 19th – Painting Poetry! How fun does that sound! The price is really reasonable and if you pay in advance you can save $2.00! Regular registration is $10.00.

Concerts on the Boardwalk

Beginning July 11^th there will be four Friday nights of concerts down on the Boardwalk for this years Free Summer Concert Series on the Waterfront!! Sponsored by the Main Stream Association and funded by sponsorships of local area businesses this is the place to be on a summer Friday night.

If you are getting off the ferry after a long day at work you should plan to stay and enjoy the sounds of the summer night!

I am sure the Mayor of Bremerton has requested for the skies to be bright, blue and dry on all of these Friday nights!! I know I have!!

This year the performers are Jr. Cadillac, Trombanga (Salsa/Latin Jazz), Craicmore (celtic) and Tiller’s Folly (acoustic roots music).

Hope you are enjoying all the articles so far. If you have missed any articles you can check out the article that introduced the Naval Base Kitsap Online Relocation Package by clicking on this link Naval Base Kitsap |Online Relocation Package | IT’S YOUR PCS which is updated after every new article.

HAVE A FINE NAVY DAY!!

The Bremerton Harborside District opened in August of 2004. I wasn’t here for the Grand-Opening ceremony but I was still so very excited. The Harborside District is a combination of past and present Boardwalk projects. Now being all tied together and called the Haborside District.

The Harborside District is one in which you can [...]]]> Bremerton Harborside District

The Bremerton Harborside District opened in August of 2004. I wasn’t here for the Grand-Opening ceremony but I was still so very excited. The Harborside District is a combination of past and present Boardwalk projects. Now being all tied together and called the Haborside District.

The Harborside District is one in which you can spend a couple hours to several hours. There are things “to do” such as touring the USS Turner Joy or you can just sit on a bench and watch the sailboats or ferries glide by. You can visit a “water-park” or browse thur a museum. The Harborside District is my favorite spot in Bremerton and with the continued revitalization of the downtown hub and the Boardwalk expansion project it will be one to enjoy for many years.

USS TURNER JOY

Whenever we transferred to a new location we turn into “tourists”. We call it our new “Navy” vacation. How many families get to live all over the country and “vacation” without leaving home? The first year at a new duty station we spend most of our free time searching out the local area attractions. However, that isn’t the case with the USS Turner Joy, a destroyer from the Vietnam Era; we visited the USS Turner Joy prior to leaving Bremerton the first time. In fact I think it was a “Saturday Date”. I had never been around the Navy and so I was very excited to be going on a “ship”. I hope you have the time to head down to the Bremerton Boardwalk some day and visit this very unique historical Navy “museum”. Self tours are always the best in my opinion and that is how they have designed the tour of the USS Turner Joy.

May 1^st to September 30^th
Open Daily 10:00-16:00
October 1^st to April 30^th
Open Friday thru Sunday
10:00 – 16:00

Call for the current admission prices.
360-792-2457

Admission
Adults: $8.00
Seniors 62+: $7.00
Children 5-12: $6.00
Under 5: Free
(Verified 10/28/07)

The USS Turner Joy is closed on Thanksgiving and the day after, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Bremerton Boardwalk

On quiet days you can sit on a bench and watch the ferries come and go, on others days you can participate in local activities such as the Blackberry Festival or the summer Concert series, either way it is a fun place to be. The Blackberry Festival is held over Labor Day weekend and the “Concerts on the Boardwalk” series are held on Fridays starting in July. My husband and I have spent the 4th of July there watching the fireworks.

Located at the Boardwalk is the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard Memorial Plaza commemorating 100 years (1891-1991) of service. The memorial consists of symbolic work by Washington artist Larry Anderson and there are thousands of personalized bricks which were purchased by the community for the celebration.

There are also “pillars” with special tiles inserted – it is always fun to read these. Onmy last trip I found a very interesting tile. it was for the USS Midway – put there by the Reunion Association located in Pennsylvania. It was of interest to me because I have been on the USS Midway on a visit to San Diego. The USS Midway is an Aircraft Carrier Museum.

Bremerton Boardwalk
2nd Street and Washington

2 acres
840 linear feet of shoreline
12 park benches
Restroom
Water fountains

Harborside Fountain Park

Bremerton’s newest park addition – and all I can say is WOW!!

I had read a little about the park which opened in May of 2007 but had yet to visit. Harborside Fountain Park is at the other side of the Boardwalk. I was able to walk up the stairs to the ferry terminal and cross over. I stood up above and looked down at this amazing park. The vegetation, the stone sculptures and the copper fountains – AMAZING!!

There are these five copper fountains that “burst” water into the air at different times and different intervals. I had no idea. I was watching the water fall down the sides when all of a sudden “burst” and with this loud swishing water sound out came this large stream of water. I was so caught off guard that I screamed!! I was the only one in the park so that made me laugh!!

I know this is a place that people can “play” in the fountains and I also had read that people are debating whether the copper fountains are designed after volcanoes or whale spouts. I guess either could be right since we are on a whale “run” and so close to a volcano. When the water isn’t “spurting” they remind me of submarine sails. Guess that is the Navy spouse in me. These fountains where designed by the same company that designed the fountains out front of the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas – so you can only imagine they are amazing!

I can hardly wait until spring when every plant comes alive!! I will be spending some time at this park – it is like I said – AMAZING!!

BREMERTON NAVAL MUSEUM

The oldest building located on the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard site was relocated by the US Navy to Harborside Fountain Park to become the new home of the Naval Memorial Museum of the Pacific. The new location along with the opening of the museum was dedicated this past August.

This majestic 100 year old building is the perfect place to showcase moments of the Navy and the history of the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. Attached to the museum is the Harborside Fountain Room which overlooks the fountain park with a full glass wall. This room can also be scheduled for weddings, parties and special events.

While I was there someone was inquiring about a naval commissioning event to take place in the social room. I started into the museum, first to the gift shop and chatted briefly with the salesperson. The museum is free and staffed solely by volunteers so please if you can drop a donation in the jar in the hall.

I decided I wanted to wait to view the museum with my husband when he comes home on leave so I left the museum and wondered around to the front of the building. Once the construction on the street is finished this will be an amazing attraction to drive by.

402 Pacific Avenue

Hope you are enjoying all the articles so far. If you have missed any articles you can check out the article that introduced the Naval Base Kitsap Online Relocation Package by clicking on this link Naval Base Kitsap |Online Relocation Package | IT’S YOUR PCS which is updated after every new article.

Later this week I will post an article about a couple of parks in the area that I enjoy that you can be at in minutes from your home.

UNTIL THEN….HAVE A FINE NAVY DAY!!