One of the new shops in Poulsbo Wa is the Good Looks Boutique. Anita opened the charming store about 6 months ago and has filled it with clothes, jewelry, vintage goods, and tea.

Anita has a collection of pearls that is quite appealing.

Her displays are beautiful, the shop is pleasantly organized, and the merchandise is varied and appealing to all ages.

Anita sells Tea Forte, which is a line of tea with wonderful exotic flavors and exquisite packaging. These teas make beautiful and enjoyable gifts for any tea lover.

While in Poulsbo drop in for a visit with Anita and enjoy her shop and wonderful collection of merchandise. Be sure and tell her you saw her shop on Kitsap Now!

Christmas is in full swing at Valley Nursery in Poulsbo Wa. They have a generous selection of trees that can also be planted after the Christmas holiday is over.

Beautiful wreaths abound, but the hanging evergreen arrangements were my favorite.

For those wanting a “hands on wreath making experience”, Valley Nursery provides all of the supplies for you to make and decorate your own.

The gift shop is chocked full of seasonal gifts and well as an abundant selection of gardening supplies and books.

While you are visiting and shopping, take a walk around to enjoy all of the plants and of course the beautiful water feature.

The American Legion Park of Poulsbo Wa is located just off Front Street.  It can also be accessed at the north end of the Boardwalk at the Liberty Bay Park  on the waterfront.

This is a shot of the boardwalk connecting the two parks.  It is a very safe boardwalk and perfectly maintained for accommodating baby strollers, toddlers, walkers of all ages, and even bicycles (except for the overcrowding factor).

This great boardwalk offers an enjoyable view of Liberty Bay.

This photo was taken exiting off the boardwalk into the park.

The biking trails are  especially good for younger riders practicing their skills.

There are several little private beach areas which are wonderful for children or intimate conversations.

Plus there are larger open areas, picnic tables, restroom  and a playground. Birds are abundant here so bird watching would be favorable.

Check out this great little park next time you are looking for something to do in Poulsbo or take a shopping break from the downtown, relax for awhile and have a picnic!

Indianola Wa pier and beach at low tide.  This is a public fishing pier, a dive spot to an underwater wreck,  and a great beach to walk children and dogs, plus it has a long history for being a desirable place to dock all kinds of boats.

The tide flats are prominent in this very minus tide.

Looking across Agate Pass Bridge with Bainbridge Island on the left.

Here are some fun stairs to the beach.  Imagine packing picnic supplies or beach toys up and down.  Whew!

Here is an old and very worn rope swing.  It is easy to imagine all the fun this worn out swing has seen in better days!

This house on the beach is so fascinating because it is RIGHT THERE on the beach.  No one is allowed to build like that anymore.  Can you imagine the thrill of being in this house during one of our winter storms?  It would truly be dramatic.

Looking out across the very long pier is rather amazing.  A great place to take kids and do a little fishing.

Looking back from the pier at the little town of Indianola.  The famous Indianola Country Store is just on the left after one exits off the pier. This little store is an active neighborhood hangout which serves sandwiches, snacks and carries an excellent array of merchandise to save residents a trip to a neighboring town such as Kingston or Poulsbo. The owners are friendly and offer great service.  Fun to get a coffee and walk the beach.

Fantastic fun play day for dogs on the beach.  Life doesn’t get much better than this!

Access to the Wilderness Park Trail  is across the street from North Kitsap High School on Caldart, or behind Viking Bank on Hwy. 305.  This incredibly lovely 11.56 acre park is right in the heart of Poulsbo,  but leaves behind concrete sidewalks and honking cars. It is a rugged dirt trail, a regular hiking trail, that makes good walking shoes or boots important.  At this time of year please keep in mind the “mud” factor, because it definitely is a little sloggy.

I personally like to park at St. Olaf’s Church and walk across the little bridge toward the east to access the trail head.  I believe I am just enchanted by this little bridge plus I enjoy the grassy walk before heading into the woods.

Immediately one is transported into a wonderful woods with the city left behind.

Dog Fish Creek flows alongside a lot of the trail and birds abound.

At several places small bridges have been placed over the creek..

This large tree was uprooted this winter in one of our wind storms.  It does not impede upon the trail however, just adding more texture to this rich environment.  Spring will be arriving soon and this park will burst forth with wild flowers and more birds, all for us to enjoy!

Usually I post about fun places to go, but this post is about a good place for your dogs and cats when they are in need of medical services.  This vet clinic seems a little like the “old time” vet offices, where help and service were paramount, instead of expensive decor or taking your wallet to the cleaners.

Voted first place in Best of North Kitsap in 2009 and Best veterinarian in 2008, Poulsbo Marina Veterinary Clinic has definitely earned it’s place in the local pet world.  They have a constant busy schedule and treat all types of animals, plus do a lot of humane work.

The office is unpretentious and efficient with a large, friendly considerate staff.  They are consistent with their hours and service.  With a staff of three experienced veterinarians they are able to provide just about any service you need or will refer you forward if necessary.

Give this office a try if you are needing services or looking to change your vets.  Most likely you will not regret the choice.

A visit to Valley Nursery on a rainy day with latte in hand is a good way to spend a rainy afternoon.  I love being greeted by the giant garden troll.  Wish he lived in my yard! Since this nursery is large (6 acres) I try to have a good amount of time but even a small visit is a refreshing break from the rainy weather.

I  enjoy looking at their ever changing displays and find inspiration for my own seasonal decorating.  But this day I was on a mission.  I needed to find some help with a diseased rhodie.  They have horticulturists on staff daily and they can answer any questions I have regarding my plants.  They are knowledgeable regarding care, pest control, and soil preparation.  I have discovered that my plants purchased from Valley Nursery almost always do quite well, probably because they stock varieties specific to our northwest environment and growing conditions.  I did have one blueberry bush that didn’t survive and they replaced it.  I can’t say if that always happens but they certainly seem to stand behind their plants.

Valley Nursery has wonderful garden decor for sale.  The biggest hurdle is to limit my choices because of space in my garden.

Then a walk through the greenhouses is always inspiring.  I have to admit I am almost out of control here in the spring and find myself with one of those big carts full of beautiful starts.

Since the fall rainy days are so dreary,  it is fun to see color and to take some plants home to cheer up my entry.  Have to say I do a lot of fall planting also to have some early blooms in the spring.  Inside their garden store they have gifts for all my gardener friends so it is nice to get a little Christmas  shopping out of the way.  In the past I have made some gorgeous (if I do say so) wreaths using their wreath machine.  I hope it is available this year as I am looking forward to using some of the evergreens I have saved.  Happy Gardening!!

Sluys Bakery in historic downtown Poulsbo WA and the home of the famous Poulsbo bread.

The window display is absolutely enticing and will draw you right in their front door, unless of course you do not indulge in sugar.  I allow myself a little treat occasionally so right through that door for me.  “Look at the size of those goodies” I am saying to myself!

The door knob, being a metal pretzel, is completely appropriate.

Once inside the selection is overwhelming. The pastries are large, oozing with frosting and fillings,  and decadent.  I selected one of my favorites, a bear claw as big as my hand.  I also purchased a cherry danish and some jalapeno crackers to take home.  I had to resist taking home cookies, cakes, and more pastries.  Of course, being reminscent of a slightly rustic European bakery, they also serve lefse and other Nordic sweets. During the holidays they always have seasonal desserts such as pies and fruitcakes.  To top it all off the service is excellent.  If you should have to wait,  just spend your time eyeing the scrumptious spread before you.  Try to decide exactly what you want before you get up there and ask for one of everything.  If you are from out of town and unable to come back, I suggest you load up, otherwise you will definitely wish you had later.

While enjoying some time in Raab Park stroll over and check out the P-Patch Community Garden. This is a wonderful little garden, but be sure and don’t pick any produce!  The little plots are rented out and tended by the community, and I have noticed some plots produce several seasons.  This is an especially good time to visit because so many flowers are blooming and their produce is maturing.

The Youth Garden is especially delightful and playful.  Looks like they have had fun gardening this summer.

While  summer reading time is officially over, a good way to spend a rainy day is inside the Kitsap Regional Library in Poulsbo Wa.  It is a well stocked delightful little library, plus the librarians are quite helpful.  I walked out with more than I expected to take home.  The books, cds, dvds, and magazines all have reasonable check out times and can be returned at any branch.  Although small, the library is part of the whole Kitsap Regional system thus thousands of books and other materials are available and can be ordered from their computer system.