Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge Island Living
On Bainbridge Island, we like downtown Seattle. In fact, most of us work there. And go to ball games there. And the symphony. Opera. Museums. Etc., etc.. We just don’t want to live there.
We prefer the rural life. Secure in the knowledge that we’re surrounded by a saltwater moat that keeps us safe. Oh sure, there’s a bridge at the north end of the island for trips to Costco, and we do keep two ferries in motion shuttling us to city life. But only when absolutely needed.
Time. Travel.
If you visit here (highly recommended) there are a couple of things you should know. First, there are no border checks and ID is not required. We trust you. Second, everything’s just a little slower. And friendlier. It has something to do with the ferry ride. We think of it as 35 minutes of attitude adjustment time.
This may have something to do with why we make great wine. We’re patient. No big-city-rushing-around-kinda-feeling over here. When the grapes are ready, they’re picked. When it’s time to load up the barrels, in it goes. And when the wine’s ready for bottling – often 2 years later – we bottle.
As mentioned, time moves a bit slower here. And that’s just fine.
Cliff Notes on Bainbridge Island
Here’s a thumbnail sketch: Population’s about 23,025 • Average age is 43 (though we look 39) • Island formed 15,000 years ago (though it only looks 10,000) • Size is about 10 miles long by 5 miles wide • About 58 parks • About 53 miles of coastline • Wineries, 7+
Main thing that’s good to know, is that we have a reciprocity agreement with downtown Seattle. That is, our Island career types are allowed to ferry into and out of downtown Seattle every day to make a living. In return, downtown Seattle career types are allowed to ferry into and out of Bainbridge Island, to taste and buy our wines.
Seems fair to us.
A Bit More
Oh, and if you need to know more about us, here are some non-wine related, but useful links:
Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce
Bainbridge Island Downtown Association
Bainbridge Island Historical Museum
Money Magazine’s Best Places to Live