I'm so glad you're here! Welcome to my little corner of the internet. Whether you found a new place to travel to, or a new recipe to try, I hope you leave feeling inspired, loved, and have a little more zest for life!
xo, Nicole
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[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]I love traveling to different countries and it’s on my bucket list to hit all 50 states (I’m at 29 right now!) but there’s something to be said about exploring and knowing about where you currently live.
One of the greatest parts about my job this year as Miss Washington is that I’ve been able to travel all over the state and visit different cities I might not have ever gone to.
Let me tell you, Washington is filled with some gems and I’m so lucky to be from the Pacific Northwest. One of the more recent gems I explored was the Kitsap Peninsula; specifically Silverdale, Poulsbo and Gig Harbor.
This area is GORGEOUS, full of views, life and good food. I could have EASILY spent a few days here. Luckily I booked an appearance there in May so I will be back. 😉
If you’re ever in the area, here are my top places you should check out!
Silverdale
Oak Table Cafe
As a foodie, I’m very careful when I give reviews because I’ve tried some pretty amazing food so I won’t give a stellar review, if it was just, eh. But I asked the waiter if I could move into the restaurant after my meal because it was that good.
I know I can be pretty dramatic, but I am not exaggerating when I say this might be one of my favorite restaurants in Washington. Everything from the adorable decor to the friendly staff made this place feel like home.
Not to mention the amount of amazing choices they offer on their menu. They’re known for their Apple Pancakes and bacon but their omelets, sandwiches and pancakes with lignin berries put up a tough competition.
They even have a dish named after me!! (You better believe that’s what I ordered) I’ve never had eggs benedict before and now I don’t think I’ll be able to because I’m pretty sure it won’t be as good as this was.
They scrambled some eggs with veggies and cheese and put it on top of half a croissant with Hollandaise sauce. Paired with 3 potato pancakes with applesauce and sour cream on the side. Are you drooling yet?? This favor combination was insane.
Purpose Boutique
If you’re looking for the latest trends, snacks and all the friendliest staff, Purpose is your place. I pretty much only shop here because of the incredible experience I have every time I go. The girls in the boutique will put outfits together for you, style you and make you feel like a queen.
And with every purchase you make, they give a portion to programs that help women escape slavery and get jobs. They are always giving back and I love that my shopping makes a difference when I shop at Purpose. They have 3 locations in Silverdale, Tacoma and Kirkland.
Poulsbo
Poulsbo is about 20 minutes away from Silverdale and is the CUTEST little town. There’s a ton of Scandinavian influence, so it’s also called Viking City or Little Norway.
The downtown area is lined with colorful buildings, wall murals, fun shops and restaurants.
We had the best time running around, taking pictures and eating ice cream.
While you’re here, check out the famous bakery, Sluys and get a dough boy!!
I wish you could smell this bakery through the screen. It was DIVINE.
Mora has GREAT ice cream. The Mexican Chocolate and Cheesecake with Raspberry Jam were my favorites.
The jewelry I’m wearing is from an amazing, woman run company in Seattle called Boma Life. They have the cutest pieces, that are fun, yet simple and I’ve been wearing them almost every day! (especially the rings in the ice cream pic.. obsessed)
What I love about them is they only use fine 925 sterling silver and 14K gold. No cheap, imitation jewelry or non precious metals. Silver is also naturally hypo-allergenic and anti-microbial so it won’t irritate your skin!
We were just passing through Gig Harbor on our way back home out of Silverdale so we didn’t have too much time to explore, but I had to let you know about this restaurant because it was a good find.
Thai Hut has amazing Curry and Pad Thai. It’s a cute little house on the side of the road with Christmas lights strung around it. The waiters were so nice and the food was delicious.
I had the Thai Hut Noodles.
While you’re in Washington, make sure to head up to the Kitsap Peninsula for a fun afternoon. With all the restaurants, shopping and walks down by the water, I know you won’t be disappointed.
Have you ever been to any of these cities? Where is your favorite city in Washington? Let me know in the comments below and don’t forget to subscribe for more fun! Thank you so much for reading today.
Thanks for the recommendations! I have some friends that lived in Silverdale so when they move back into town I will have to visit them and convince them to travel to Poulsbo together because those pastries and ice cream look fantastic and the quaint town looks neat. That’s a cool, old-school phone booth!
Hey, this is awkward (and off topic) since I only internet know you, but do you want to go to the Mariner game next Friday (4-13-18) at Safeco? A few friends and I are driving over for the game and we have 4 spare tickets if you and some friends are interested in going!
Thanks for the recommendations! I have some friends that lived in Silverdale so when they move back into town I will have to visit them and convince them to travel to Poulsbo together because those pastries and ice cream look fantastic and the quaint town looks neat. That’s a cool, old-school phone booth!
Yes!! Poulsbo is amazing! You would love that bakery. Thanks for reading! 🙂
Hey, this is awkward (and off topic) since I only internet know you, but do you want to go to the Mariner game next Friday (4-13-18) at Safeco? A few friends and I are driving over for the game and we have 4 spare tickets if you and some friends are interested in going!
Aw that’s so sweet of you to offer!! I’m actually going to be out of town though so I won’t be able to make it 🙁 have fun though!
I’m sure we will! Travel safely and you have a great weekend too!