Island Life

Wearing a watch is more of a fashion statement than a necessity on Bainbridge Island, where schedules run according to ferry departures rather than the tick-tock of the second hand. With no parking meters, the island community of Winslow may be the quieter version of its taller neighbor across the Sound, but it's growing into a little city, complete with a new outcropping of boutiques to shop and places to nibble that have Seattle class but laid-back island style.

DINE:
An island favorite for homemade pastries and espresso, Bainbridge Bakers (140 Winslow Way W; 206.842.1822; bainbridgebakers.com) attracts tourists and locals to its family-friendly hideaway in the Winslow Green. Locally owned Mora Iced Creamery (139 Madrone Lane; 206.855.8822; moraicecream.com) serves up an Italian chocolate ice cream with cognac, walnuts and shaved chocolate that proves that ice cream isn't just for kids. Just blocks from the Sound, Shima (112 Madison Ave. N; 206.855.9400; shimasushi.com) creates seasonal, organic sushi masterpieces from the best of both land and sea. Chef/owner Kevin Warren's eclectic bistro, Cafe Nola (101 Winslow Way E; 206.842.3822; cafenola.com), won recent best brunch accolades from the Food Network with the help of his divine caramel pecan French toast. Seattle transplant Alvin Binuya brings a Pacific Rim influence to the relaxed and warm environment inside Madoka (241 Winslow Way W; 206.842.2448; madokaonbainbridge.com), which opened in October 2005. Chef Geraldine Ferraro brings her Italian flair to the ever-changing seasonal menu at Four Swallows Restaurant (481 Madison Ave. N; 206.842.3397; fourswallows.com), located in a farmhouse complete with outdoor patio for romantic sunset dining. Wine bar The Living Room (123 Bjune Drive SE, Unit 109; 206.855.0959; thelivingroombainbridge.com), which was opened in April by owner and island local Andrea Korican, complete with an international wine selection and shareable small plates prepared by chef Tad Mitsui (formerly of the Palace Kitchen).

SHOP:
A girl could get lost in Skookum (126 Winslow Way W; 206.842.0681), full of designer duds for women and children as well as handmade jewelry. Just a few doors away, Susan Pothoff and Deborah Echert, owners of recent addition Rancho Winslow (160 Winslow Way W; 206.842.5454; ranchowinslow.com), have combined local specialty products and designer apparel to accent their Western-inspired rustic-romantic boutique. Also new to the block in the last year, Ambrosia Beauty (108 Winslow Way W; 206.842.5370; ambrosiabeautyllc.com) carries the best Europe has to offer for the beauty-obsessed, such as London sensation Mama Mio. Find unique accents for the interior and exterior of your home at Port Madison Homes (240 Winslow Way E; 206.842.3410; portmadisonhome.com). Down the road, knitting aficionados should duck into Churchmouse Yarns & Tea (118 Madrone Lane; 206.780.2686; churchmouseyarns.com) for the yarn–and to taste the featured loose-leaf tea of the month. Indulgence Bed & Bath Boutique (400 Winslow Way E; 206.780.2218), which opened on the first floor of The Winslow complex last August, may be the definition of luxury with its collection of Barefoot Dreams robes, Bedhead pajamas and a wide array of bedding. The island's center for all things literary, Eagle Harbor Book Company (157 Winslow Way E; 206.842.5332; eagleharborbooks.com) features an inviting children's section and regular appearances by local authors. Lollipops Children's Boutique (278 Winslow Way E; 206.780.9012), a heralded children's boutique with clothing for tykes ages 0–14, recently moved to Winslow Way. Moving into its vacated space, Grace & Company Paperie (271 Madison Ave. S; 206.780.5498) took up residence last fall, carrying unique stationery and paper products from designers such as Wiley Valentine and Egg Press.

PLAY:
Corral some energy at the Kids Discovery Museum (305 Madison Ave. N, Suite C; 206.855.4650; kidimu.org), where wee ones can take art classes from local artists and explore one of the many revolving exhibits. Kids shouldn't have all the fun: The delectable Raspberry Wine at Bainbridge Island Vineyards & Winery (8989 Day Road E; 206.842.9463; bainbridgevineyards.com) is worth the short drive out of town for tastings and a tour of the vineyards. Bainbridge's local experts on kayaking and canoeing at Back of Beyond (195 Winslow Way; 206.842.9229; tothebackofbeyond.com) have recently moved to a larger location to house all the equipment needed to get out on the water.

(Photo by Matt Larson)