Bainbridge Island Question
 

Without a car, will I be able to explore any of the island's shops, sights, etc. on foot? What places do you recommend that I check out? I was planning to take the ferry over, try to walk around for maybe a couple of hours, then take the ferry back to Seattle. Is this possible? If not, I plan to take the ferry over just for the views anyway.
Thanks!
Carol

I actually did the very thing you're suggesting a couple of years ago. It's an easy walk to reach the main street of shops and restaurants. Beyond that, I don't know. But I did pick up a pastry from a shop at the Pike Place Market and enjoy on the ferry ride over to the island!

There island's town is right at the dock, so you'll be able to walk around there. The best places to eat, both waterfront with decks, are Bainbridge Thai and Harbor Pub. You can walk to both from the ferry. The pub has a website-you might call them and ask for walking directions, which are shorter than the driving directions they have here:
http://www.harbourpub.com/Pub/Pages/Location.html
The island doesn't really have any sights beyond some waterfront parks and Bloedel Reserve (a very nice garden), but you won't be able to get there on foot. The ferry ride and waterfront meal make it worth the trip.

There's just not all that much to do, but yes you can walk around the main street, shops, have lunch, and head back. The ferry ride is really the best part.

I agree that the ferry ride is great. Beautiful scenery, relaxing. Great tip about picking up a snack to eat on the way over.

If you haven't read "Snow Falling on Cedars" you may want to read it before you go...or check the audiobook out of the library and listen to the story. It's set on Bainbridge Island - athough a differnt name is used in the novel.

We took a cab to the Bloedel Reserve when we went without a car. You have to make reservations for the Reserve if you want to go.

I thought "Snow Falling on Cedars" took place on San Juan Island, but that was just a guess. How do you know it was Bainbridge?

I'm not sure. Maybe when the author was on Oprah and talking about writing the book? I could be wrong. I'll check Amazon or B&N and see what they say.

Bainbridge. The author taught there, and the first Japanese interned in Manzanar came from Bainbridge.

The ferry goes to the little town of Winslow on Bainbridge Island. Within walking distance there is a little shopping district with some restaurants.

Argosy does several cruises. We prefer the one that goes through the locks. Half price tickets are often available at the ticket office located in the Pike Place Market (at 1st Avenue and Pike). This would be my choice for friends who have limited time.