Historic Downtown Poulsbo: Washington’s Little Norway
A relaxing way to spend a day is to simply explore a new area. Poulsbo, Washington has one of these areas and it is known as Front Street. The waterfront location of Front Street contains a multitude of stores, restaurants, and sites that are just fun and interesting to check out. Be sure to bring good walking shoes, though. It is easy to spend hours here just enjoying the surroundings.
Poulsbo is known as the “Little Norway on the Fjord”. Its Norwegian heritage started over 100 years ago when the landscape was likened by the settlers as similar to that found in their homeland of Norway – with its mountains and fjords. In fact, Norwegian was the only language spoke here for many years. Poulsbo is located between the Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges. The natural beauty here reigns supreme and is a must see.
To this day, the heritage is obvious and well kept. It is a pleasure to see and experience!
Here are some fun and interesting places to stop in while you are walking along Front Street and the surrounding area:
1. Poulsbo Marine Science Center
18743 Front Street NE
Poulsbo, WA 98370
360-779-5549
This is a cool and interesting place to check out the local marine life. There are tankfuls of live ones (otherwise known as a ‘touch tank’), and a whale skeleton that is just fascinating – amongst other offerings. The Center also offers a variety of classes.
I have found the staff knowledgeable and helpful. There is a nice gift shop with some pretty cool souvenirs and gifts in here, too. I find them rather pricey, but the cause is worth it. It is fun to browse in here.
Atmosphere is very clean and roomy. Another benefit of going in here, is the fact that they are community involved.
2. Kitchen Karousel
18846 Front St NE
Poulsbo, WA 98370
360-697-4006
For the kitchen lover in all of us! There is such a variety of cooking and baking items in here, I love checking things out and asking questions. The store is laid out well, and everything is well presented and labeled. Gourmet cooking items, grills, cedar baking planks, gadgets, baking supplies, gifts, – you name it. If it is kitchen related, it is probably here.
Associates are knowledgeable and fun to talk with. There is a passion for the kitchen in this place that is fun to be around.
Atmosphere is clean, but rather cramped. It still warrants a 3-star simply for its variety.
Prices are high, but that is to be expected in this area.
3. Caron’s
18833 Front St NE
Poulsbo, WA 98370
360-779-1717
This is such a nice and quaint store that is filled with seaside decor. I love their variety of shell-based gifts. There is a good variety of items here and it is just fun to stop and browse for a bit. For anyone interested in having a seaside life experience in their home, this is the place.
Prices are ok.
I love stopping and chatting with the owner for a bit. She is so upbeat.
4. Poulsbo Tea House and Art Gallery
19132 NE Jensen Way
Poulsbo, WA 98370
360-598-6100
Cup o’ tea, anyone? Step inside this appealing storefront and take a break from ‘walking the street’. Sit down, enjoy a cup of tea, and just relish in the moment for a bit. Take in this beautiful atmosphere and you will forget about everyday life. They offer a high tea and scones, and are also known for their quiche. It is a phenomenally relaxing and wonderful atmosphere with its linen tablecloths and pristine elegance! Even the menu is pleasant to look at!
Check out the local artistry, also. There is much talent in this area!
There is wide variety of bulk teas here in addition to a multitude of various gift items.
Words cannot describe this place. It transports me to another world – a simpler, quiet world.
5. Mills Music
19424 7th Ave NE # C
Poulsbo, WA 98370
360-779-1773
This music shop is a typical local music shop. It has a variety of instruments and musical paraphernalia available for purchase. Their sheet music assortment (for woodwinds) is not as good as I would want, but they had a nice assortment for guitar and piano. In fact, they sell pianos here. They also offer instrument repair and musical lessons here. It is a nice place to check out.
The staff is very knowledgeable about what they have and are a joy to talk with about music. Their passion is contagious.
6. Poulsbohemian Coffeehouse
19003 Front St NE
Poulsbo, WA 98370
360-779-9199
Besides having an eclectic atmosphere, this place has a variety of events to entertain people. They have Gamenights, Book Club, and Poetry Readings, and entertainment – to name a few. They encourage local talent here, and that is nice. The view of Liberty Bay is something to see. Delicious homemade soup here! Oh, and let us not forget about the baked goodies and espresso! It is a fun place to experience. People are very friendly here. Give it a shot!
7. Checkers
18881 Front St NE
Poulsbo, WA 98370
360-697-2559
The exterior is so appealing, colorful, and just draws one in. The interior atmosphere here is quaint and wood laden. It is pleasant, colorful, and rather cozy. Menu is typical diner (except they have espresso), but with a homemade flair. Owner is community oriented and loves conversing with customers. Service has been good when I have gone. Prices are a little high, but to be expected in the area. Plus, it is worth the experience.
They are involved with the local fine art community and support it heavily.
8. Things Northwest Art Gallery & Gifts
18937 Front St NE
Poulsbo, WA 98370
360-779-7181
Another quaint shop along the Front Street walk that is just fun to browse in. Nice gift shop with great variety of souvenir items available. I like the uniqueness of the items in here. There is a focus on local talent and it is nice to know your purchase goes to help them. Atmosphere is so comforting and service is friendly. I always smile when in here, since the items are so fun and informative.
9. Boehm’s Chocolates At Poulsbo
18864 Front St NE
Poulsbo, WA 98370
360-697-3318
A beautiful, quaint atmosphere and display cases full of hand dipped chocolates and peanut brittle. There also is a variety of sugarfree chocolates to choose from. Everything is presented very temptingly and pleasantly. I believe they could use some more lighting, though. Sometimes it is hard to see clearly once inside here. I love their truffles…so creamy! The price is a little high, but the indulgence is worth it. Plus, you can pick one (or ten) up and walk the rest of Front Street.
A drawback to this establishment is the fact that the service is so-so and not ‘with a smile’. There are no free samples offered here. I am confident they would do more business if they offered samples.
10. Sluy’s Bakery
18924 Front St.
Poulsbo, WA. 98370
360-779-2798
This is a must stop when walking along Front Street. It has a very long and strong reputation for excellence in this community and throughout the state, actually. Their Poulsbo Bread is located in grocery stores throughout the area. Inside this bakery, there are a variety of baked goods to choose from. Of course, all are baked onsite. The smell is luscious! I recommend their pecan sandies. Or, shortbreads. And, the oatmeal cookies are great, too. Hmm�It is just too easy to have a hard time deciding what to buy since everything looks so good.
If one is unsure about which cookie to choose, simply ask for a sample. Sample sizes are ample and will tempt you very seductively. Prices are good. Another benefit to this bakery is the fact that the staff are pretty knowledgeable about what they are selling. That is nice. I have found the staff friendly each time I have been in here.
11. Olympic Outdoors Center
18971 Front Street
Poulsbo, WA. 98370
360-697-6095
This is the place to go for anything related to kayaking. They offer kayak rentals so one can explore the surrounding Dyes Inlet, and the prices are great. This is a great area to try your hand at kayaking since the waters are usually smooth as glass. In fact, one can launch their rented kayak from the Center’s rental center located right on the water. It is really nice and convenient. Just beautiful! Before renting the kayak, one receives a short safety lesson. That helps. The retail store offers a variety of items, equipment, gear, you name it. The Center also holds classes, group trips, – from beginner to experienced.
I also know the owners to be community involved and a pleasure to deal with.
12. Waterfront Park
Anderson Parkway
Poulsbo, WA. 98370
This is the park located near the marina where one can take a break and check out the local scenery, watch the birds, and (maybe) catch a glimpse of the seals. There is no charge. A gazebo, boardwalk, and plenty of well maintained landscaped grass to walk on are here to enjoy. The view is simply fantastic!
13. Olympic Spa & Massage
18820 Front Street
Poulsbo, WA. 98370
360-697-3767
What a great location for a spa! Easily accessible, this place of serenity offers a variety of services to help soothe the weary body and spirit. Massages, herbal wraps, jacuzzi�list goes on and on of body care and skin treatments available here. They accept appointments.
They also offer gift certificates and packages. The service is ‘with a smile’ and there is a genuine sense of enjoying helping others found here. Prices are reasonable.
14. That’s A Some Italian Ristorante & Wine Shop
18881 Front St.
Poulsbo, WA. 98370
360-779-2266
What a wonderful atmosphere with all the wood floors, tables, counters, and chairs. Plus, the checkered tablecloths make for a ‘traditional Italian’ eatery. They offer a wide variety of wines and are known for the best Italian food in the County.
This is a great place for get togethers, too. Service is excellent and are very knowledgeable about menu items and wines. The wine shop is located next to the restaurant, to make room for their vast selection.
Food is superb, is served in ample portions, and well worth the cost. Prices are reasonable.
15. Golden Dragon
105 Anderson Parkway
Poulsbo, WA. 98370
360-779-7673
I love their egg drop soup! This local favorite has been around 20 years and offers a variety of Chinese, Mandarin, Szechwan, Cantonese, and ..of course�American cuisine. They also carry fat free and vegetarian dishes. In other words, they are very versatile!
The casual lounge overlooking the waterfront is simply the way to go, in my opinion. One can also sit in the larger dining area, though. This is a good place for get togethers.
Prices are reasonable. Atmosphere is typical Chinese restaurant, only with more room to maneuver. Service has been excellent each time I have been there. Food is tasty, of correct temperature, and no MSG is used. They have a full bar available.
16. Liberty Bay Books
18882 Front St
Poulsbo, WA 98370
360-779-5909
In the market for some good reading? Here is a quaint, quiet bookstore that is very comfortable and inviting. Service is great, they are a wealth of information about the book industry and can help you decide which choice to make. Plus they have you feeling welcome. One of the nicest things about this bookstore is the ‘cafÃ?© area’ where one can order an espresso drink and enjoy a baked goodie sold here.
I know this bookstore ownership to be involved in the community and to help out nonprofits. That is nice to see. Typical retail book prices.
17. Verksted Gallery
18937 Front Street
Poulsbo, WA. 98370
360-697-4470
This shop is a local artists’ cooperative. That means, a group of artists get together to sell their art and the proceeds are pooled together for the benefit of both the artists and gallery. Here, one can find fantastic values, quite original and appealing artwork, and also get a chance to meet the artist themselves. How nice is that? The media are well represented here – watercolors, jewelry, pottery, sculptures, etc.
The above are a sampling of the vast variety of shops and sites to see along the Front Street area. For the best results, simply come on down and enjoy the experience first hand.
18. Heirloom Quilts
18833 B Front Street
Poulsbo, WA. 98370
360-697-2222
For the sewer, quilter, and/or crafter in all of us! This quilting shop is known for having over 4,000 bolts of fabric! That is a lot of fabric! The fabrics are an assortment ranging from flannel to batiks. Actually, there is something in here for all crafters and sewers to see.
It is a fun place to browse for awhile. Service is very good and knowledgeable about their craft.
Prices are kind of high. Again, that is to be expected in this area.
19. Kitsap Transit
Kitsap County, WA.
800-501-RIDE
www.kitsaptransit.org
What would an article about a travel desination be without a local mode of transportation? Kitsap Transit offers inexpensive public transportation throughout the area. They pick up at the ferry docks, waterfront Poulsbo, and a multitude of other sites throughout the region.
I am recommending public transportation, since parking in the Front Street area can be tricky during busy season.
I know Kitsap Transit to be efficient, timely, and a joy to work with.
The above are but a sampling of the multitude of shops and sites to partake of in the Front Street area of Poulsbo. For a better feel of the atmosphere and impressive storefronts, come visit and enjoy the charm. It makes for a wonderful way to spend the day experiencing a new environment in western Washington.
