What to do in Bremerton for the 2018 Holiday Season
It’s the time of year when snow falls, chestnuts are roasted, and a festive feeling fills the air. The holiday season is also marked by a slew of events that help bring family and friends closer together. Read on to find out what to do in Bremerton and its surrounding areas this holiday season.
Jingle Fest Holiday Craft & Gift Show (Nov. 24-25)
This family-friendly event offers visitors a chance to browse unique exhibitors and vendors with the proceeds benefiting Meals on Wheels Kitsap. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on site along so bring your kids and a camera.
The event starts at 10 a.m. and concludes at 5 p.m. on both days. Admission and parking are free but voluntary donations of warm clothing are being accepted at the door.
Image Source: cityofportorchard.us
Festival of Chimes & Lights (Dec. 1)
Location: Downtown Port Orchard
The 20th Anniversary of the Festival of Chimes & Light will once again bring holiday cheer to Downtown Port Orchard. A diverse array of activities such as kids crafts, lighted boat parade, tree lighting, and a marching band highlight the event.
Did we mention that there’s free chili, hot cocoa, cider, and popcorn? See you there.
Image Source: kitsapsun.com
Bremerton Winterfest (Dec. 8)
Location: Downtown Bremerton
Bremerton will be lit up for the holidays. It’s the perfect time to bring the family and experience what downtown has to offer. Santa will be making a visit along with the Bremerton High School marching band.
Want to know what to do in Bremerton? Take a ride in horse-drawn carriages between 5-8 p.m. and witness a spectacular tree lighting that’s set to take place at 6 p.m.
One of the areas most popular holiday events in Bloedel is perhaps the simplest. It entails taking a candlelit walk through the serene Bloedel Reserve. You can choose to partake on a family-friendly stroll or a silent walk if you really want to immerse yourself in your surroundings.
Doors open at 4:30 p.m. with walks commencing at 5:30 p.m. The family-friendly events are on Dec. 21 and Dec. 22 while the silent trips take place on Dec. 22 and Dec. 23. Prices for adults are $17, for children 6 to 16 it will cost $5, and anyone $5 walks for free!
What better way to bring in the New Year than laughing with those you love? Comics Gabriel Rutledge, Mo Mandel, and Tyler Boeh of Seattle Comedy Underground will be bringing loads of laughs to Admiral Theatre.
Tickets will run you anywhere from $23 to $46. Dinner is also offered but it’s a bit pricey so we recommend stuffing yourself before you attend.
Not in the holiday spirit? We may be able to fix that. Come and visit us at our Bremerton location. Our expert staff is more than happy to assist you in finding a product that’s right for you. You can also check out our menu online to see what we have in stock.
Stoner Guide 101: Fun Things to Do In Bremerton When You’re High
You love cannabis -- and we do too! When you visit Clear Choice, our humble little -- well, big! -- recreational Bremerton dispensary, we want you to have a rocking time. That’s why we created this handy guide, the Stoner Guide 101 - Fun Things to Do In Bremerton When You’re High, to make sure you have an unforgettable experience. In the guide below, we’ll give you the 411 on everything you need to know to enjoy cannabis safely and responsibly in Bremerton.
Enjoy!
Stoner Guide 101: Cannabis Legality in Bremerton
First, here are the basics on cannabis and its legality in Bremerton.
Age requirements: You need to be at least 21 years old for adult-use recreational in Bremerton and the state of Washington. For medical use, you must be at least 18 with a recommendation.
Acceptable ID: Like alcohol, you’ll need a valid ID to purchase cannabis products. Here’s what’s acceptable:
Driver’s license or state-issued ID (from any state), Canadian province, Washington, D.C., or U.S. territory
Washington State issued IDenticard
U.S. Armed Forces ID or Merchant Marine ID
Washington state or federally-issued Indian Tribal ID card
Possession: Laws in Washington and Bremerton are similar to other states like California, Oregon, Colorado, and Nevada. You may carry:
No more than seven grams of extract for inhalation
Maximum of 16 ounces of infused product in solid form
Up to 72 oz. in beverage form (for both edibles and topicals).
Consumption: Public consumption is still forbidden in Washington and any use on federal land is illegal.
Stoner Guide 101 Planning: How to Prepare Before You Get High
Failing to plan is planning to fail. Before you go on your expedition, make sure to create a plan and gather your necessary supplies.
1. Create a Plan
Plan your excursion. Where do you plan to go? Create an itinerary.
Make transportation arrangements. Do NOT drive high! Even if you think you’re good, you’re probably not. Use public transportation (buses, ferries, light rail) Lyft or Uber, bike, or designated driver.
Buy your cannabis.
2. Gather All Your Necessary Gear
Cash
Lighter (if necessary)
Pipe or vape
Munchies
Water
Stoner Guide 101: Things to Do When High in Bremerton
Bremerton has no shortage of things to do when you’re high. Here are a few of our recommendations.
Have a Laugh: Go to a Comedy Club
Seattle has long been known as a hub of comedy on the West Coast. We have a wealth of comedy venues that are perfect for the cannabis-inclined. While this is far from an exhaustive list -- we have so many great venues! -- the list below should provide a good starting point to enjoy Seattle’s best (and specifically venues that are close to Bremerton)!
Laughs Comedy Club in Seattle is brought to you by Terry Taylor and husband and wife duo, Dave and Angela Dennison. Dave, himself a standup comedian, attended UCLA and California Polytechnic, and later managed restaurants and comedy clubs in Utah and California. He uses his extensive Rolodex to book some of the best headliners to the stage. Dave and Angela regularly scout rising stars as far as Montreal, Quebec, and never fail to disappoint. Angela, was in fact, named one of the “Eastside Women Entrepreneurs Leading Ladies” by 425 Magazine.
Laughs Comedy Club Seattle is open from Wednesday to Sunday, hosting one to two shows nightly.
Make sure to show up Wednesdays, which is “Open Mic Night,” allowing up-and-comers to try out new material. Best of all: There’s no cover charge! Headliners on Friday and Saturday night shows cost $15 to $20, with a two-item minimum.
There’s plenty of seating in the Rendezvous basement where you’ll find a welcoming environment for just $5 a ticket. Haters (and hecklers) need not apply! The Comedy Nest is especially welcoming of female comics, which is refreshing in a field that has historically been male-dominated. You’ll enjoy a wide variety of diverse material that you probably won’t find elsewhere.
Hey, do you have the itch for stand-up? Why not give the open mic a try? You might surprise yourself!
Improv is a little different than standup, and the Unexpected Productions Improv does NOT disappoint! With an amazing venue, incredible staff, and hilarious performances, there’s little doubt that you’ll soon become a regular!
What’s great about the “Unexpected” is that they involve the audience. So if you’re planning to “get high,” maybe opt for a peppy Sativa instead of a couchlock-inducing Indica.
The venue has a quaint little bar with drinks that won’t break the bank and the whole experience is both incredibly fun and affordable!
Bremerton is home to the historic Admiral Theatre, a performing arts establishment that has been around since 1942 and which underwent a complete renovation in 1997. After the renovation, it became the premiere live entertainment and events venue in Bremerton and the surrounding area. Admiral Theatre focuses on enriching the lives of the local community through “arts, cultural education, and entertainment.” The theatre hosts 50,000+ patrons per year for 110 diverse performances and local community events -- that includes everything from music to comedy and everything in between!
In 1956, a passionate group of actors and artists came together to found the Bainbridge Performing Arts, a venerable institution that continues to thrive today. One of the best regional community theatres in the Pacific Northwest (and perhaps the country), it serves as the artistic hub of Bainbridge, where actors, dancers, designers, musicians, poets, singers, writers, collaborate to entertain and enrich the local community. BPA's Amadeus production won bigly in the Broadway World Seattle 2016 Awards. BPA's actors, directors, shows, and technical staff were prominently recognized in 2016's Kitsap Sun's accolades.
Get Patriotic: Go to a Naval or Veterans Museum!
If you’re a vet (or a patriot), Bremerton is a cannabis lover’s utopia. There are numerous museums that you can visit that will excite and educate you about Bremerton’s rich history!
The USS Turner Joy Museum Ship provides a self-guided tour. The cost of admission is just $16 and provides a robust history on the ship with a ton of interesting things to do. The museum allows you to take pictures and even climb up and down most of the features within the USS Turner. You don’t want to miss this! Most importantly, you’ll experience and learn about the myriad sacrifices our military has made. You’ll want to bring comfortable clothing, as you’ll be traversing and climbing ladders and climbing into nooks and crannies.
This is a real Navy Destroyer from the Vietnam conflict that you actually get to experience and explore at your own pace. In fact, the crew and officers quarters are accessible to visitors. You can easily access from Seattle via the ferry. It’s adjacent to the Bremerton Ferry Terminal.
Enjoy the scenic fountains on display, including the main fountain conveniently located next to the Ferry Terminal. From the shipyard, you can walk to other fountains in the area, as well as the Boardwalk and hotels. Learn about the contributions of wartime workers, including the many women who contributed to the war effort (both during WWI and WWII). The park has an abundance of picnic tables and park benches, making it ideal for having a picnic. Truly one of Seattle’s gems! Oh, did we mention the sculptures?
The Puget Sound Navy Museum is simply awesome! Truly an interactive experience, there’s no doubt you’ll enjoy the picture displays. Parking isn't great, but it’s still well worth it. The museum provides amazing exhibits on military life -- for example, MLB players in the Armed Forces and what they did -- that have been curated at a world-class level. There’s something for everyone to see here. The gift shop ain’t too bad, either. You’ll no doubt find some choice pieces you’ll want to take home as mementos.
Moreover, there are so many areas that provide an educational experience, and the volunteers (docents) are there to guide and educate you. You’ll get an authentic feel of a sailor’s life! The surrounding area has a memorial for the USS Parche, which is also beautiful.
Best part? It’s free! Though donations are accepted.
If you like military history (or if you’re a veteran or have a family member who is), you’ll love the Veterans Living History Museum. It’s a small space, but it’s loaded with incredible memorabilia. The guides are incredibly knowledgeable -- and have a wealth of historic stories -- ensuring your visit will be worthwhile. Visitors describe the museum as being quaint, yet rich in history, with original relics of our nation’s military past. Whether you’re a history buff or stoner who loves the History Channel, this place is for you!
Bremerton Historic Ships Association
300 Washington Beach Ave,
Bremerton, WA 98337-5668 Get Directions
Supposedly, the USS Turner, which is docked on the Bremerton Public Pier, is the ship that started the Vietnam Conflict. Now if that ain’t a piece of history, what is? The ship was involved in the 1964 Gulf of Tonkin Incident that many people claim started the Vietnam war. You can actually walk through nearly 90 percent of the ship on a tour (or by yourself.) To tour, set aside at least an hour to see the restored ship. You’ll be able to see how sailors lived, worked, and fought.
The Bremerton Boardwalk is a great place to soak up the views. With plenty of grass, beautiful flowers, shops for boaters, the Navy Boat Museum, and a ferry with access to Seattle, the Bremerton Boardwalk is a great place to spend a stoney afternoon.
You’ll frequently find festivals or concerts during the summer. It’s also close to the convention center. Because the area is most often used for ferry travel, it’s frequently overlooked -- almost a hidden gem! Don’t miss the Bremerton Blackberry Festival which usually takes place at the end of February.
Stoner Guide 101 Cheap Eats: Get Your Munch On!
Like pretty much all of Seattle, Bremerton has no shortage of tasty grub -- yes, munchies! -- to help you refuel after imbibing in some of the Pacific Northwest’s legendary cannabis. Bremerton has a lot of great cheap eats, particularly if you like Asian and Hawaiian-inspired cuisine!
Here are a few essential places to grub. There's no doubt why these places made the Stoner Guide 101:
American
Hi-Lo’s 15th St. Cafe U
Breakfast & Brunch
2720 15th St
Bremerton, WA 98312
(360) 373-7833 Get Directions
Manette Yacht Club Bar
Burgers, American (Traditional), Tapas Bars
120 Washington Beach Ave
Bremerton, WA 98337
(360) 479-9801 Get Directions
Bremerton is a great place to “get high” and soak up the local attractions, but common sense still applies. We hope our Stoner Guide 101 helps you plan an epic visit. Here are a few more things to keep in mind before you embark on a fun-filled cannabis-infused excursion.
Cultivation: At present, Washington does not allow you to grow your own weed. Seems stupid, but that’s the law.
Federal Property: Federal property is just that. Federal. That means state law does not apply. Do not consume (or carry on your person) when on federal property.
Public Consumption: You’re not allowed to consume in public. Police will cite you, so make sure to be discreet. No smoking! Edibles or vapes are your best bet.
Transporting: Airports abide by federal law, meaning you’re best off avoiding traveling with cannabis if you plan to fly. Even transporting from a cannabis-friendly state to another cannabis-friendly state is technically illegal. Just keep that in mind!
For the most up-to-date cannabis laws in Washington, visit the NORML website.
Bottom line: stay safe, follow the laws, and most importantly, have fun! And, if you're in the Tacoma area, be sure to check out our Guide to Visiting Tacoma Stoned.
Looking for the best cannabis in Bremerton? Check out the Clear Choice Bremerton Cannabis Menu for our current inventory.
Immerse Yourself in Nature at Illahee State Park in Bremerton
Clear Choice loves to highlight local attractions for cannabis enthusiasts to experience. This week, we’re highlighting Illahee State Park in Bremerton WA, one of Washington’s premier state parks. Illahee State Park in Bremerton has long been a destination for all varieties of outdoor adventurers, including boaters, fishermen, wildlife observers, campers and the like. Illahee State Park offers nearly everything that an outdoor enthusiast could desire, and on top of everything showcases the stunning beauty that can only be found among the pristine forests of Washington state.
Enjoy the Natural World at Illahee State Park in Bremerton WA
Illahee State Park is a great destination for animal lovers. Among the many animals present at Illahee State Park are seals, deer, foxes, bears, and otters. The bay is home to an enormous amount of life as well, and on some days you can spot sharks, octopuses, and whales living their life in the vast expanse of Port Orchard’s crystal-blue waters. Birdwatchers will have a field day at Illahee as the air hosts a myriad of bird species from eagles to herons. Hummingbirds, owls, and woodpeckers also fill the forest with vibrant energy and delight campers with their mystique.
The bay is known for its tradition of shellfish harvesting, dating back to the days of the first colonists in the area. In the summer, the waters are warm enough to swim and provide excellent conditions for divers and shellfish hunters as clams, mussels, crabs, and oysters of some of the highest quality in the world make themselves readily available for fishermen and amateurs alike.
Along with the wildlife, Illahee houses startling nature. Over a dozen species of trees inhabit the old-growth forests of Illahee State Park in Bremerton, WA, including the oldest Pacific yew in America. The yew, known as the “Chief of the Forest” according to local Native American tribes, is over 400 years old; other yews in the forest can clock in around 200 years, putting them well within the span of time to have been witnessed by the first American explorers to cross the continent. Lewis and Clark were said to have explored the verdant forests of the Puget Sound.
History of Illahee State Park in Bremerton WA
Illahee itself has a storied history within the state. The area that is now designated as the park was once inhabited by Native Americans and was formally acquired by the United States government as federal land between the 1930's and the early 1950's. Illahee means “earth” in the dialect of the local Native American people. However, this word as used by the Native Americans did not have a solid dictionary definition, instead defining the enormity of land itself, in all of its splendor – in this sense, the word “Illahee” refers to the entire ecosystem that breathes life into the park.
Other Activities at Illahee State Park in Bremerton WA
Even if you’re not into nature, Illahee still offers an incredible amount to do. Between softball, volleyball, water-skiing and horseshoe pits, Illahee State Park in Bremerton, is simply a fun destination for taking friends after a productive smoke session. Among the warm forest air, filled with the crisp scent of pine and hopefully s’mores or hotdogs on hand too, Illahee provides a great environment for forging strong memories with loved ones and close pals.
While early fall is an excellent time to toke up before heading out to a magnificent state park, camping is, unfortunately, off-limits due to sewer system issues. It could be a full year before the park is available for camping again, but you’re always free to drive up in your car for a night spent relaxing with a strain and the stars.
An Incredible Destination for Outdoorsy Cannabis Lovers: Manchester Park in Bremerton
Clear Choice prides itself on not only providing people with potent, quality marijuana products but also on supporting the Bremerton cannabis community with information about local events and Bremerton areas of interest that all types of cannabis enthusiasts can enjoy. This week, we’re taking a look at Manchester State Park in Bremerton, WA, one of the state’s most beautiful and storied oceanside campgrounds located on the banks of the Puget Sound.
Manchester State Park offers a massive variety of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, volleyball, and a horseshoe pit, as well as full access to the pristine waters of the Puget Sound. Kayaking, swimming, and diving are all available to the public, although divers must bring their own gear. Shellfish harvesting along the beach, a time-honored Washington tradition, is unfortunately off-limits at this time, while fishing in the Puget Sound is still a bustling endeavor.
But that’s only a small part of what Manchester State Park in Bremerton, WA, has to offer. Military history buffs are attracted from all over the country to the park to see the remains of what was once a harbor defense installation intended to protect the adjacent city of Bremerton. A hollowed-out torpedo silo now serves as a picnic shelter that provides picnicker with a useful shelter on rainy days. During World War II, the area now known as Manchester State Park served as a naval hub, acting as a depot for fuel and for firefighting capabilities. The torpedo hull for which the park has become famous has been converted multiple times throughout its existence, becoming a barracks for soldiers and then a cafeteria.
The name of the park comes from the close town of Manchester, so called for the high hopes of its inhabitants that it would one day become a port-city of the same stature as Manchester, England. While these high hopes never reached fruition, the name became attached to the town and the surrounding area, creating the Manchester State Park in Bremerton, WA, we know today.
For observers of wildlife, Manchester State Park is an amazing trove of natural wonder. From wild elk and deer grazing in the spring to frequent sightings of bears, foxes, and otters, animal lovers have a lot to experience within the bounds of the park. Manchester State Park is also a notable destination for bird-watchers of all varieties, and there are dozens of species of native Washington birds that call the trees surrounding the campgrounds their home. Eagles, ospreys, owls, and hawks liven the environment of the park with occasional displays of hunting prowess. The attentive bird-watcher may even catch a glimpse of an eagle diving for fish.
There are 35 tent spaces for campers in the park, available only by reservation in the summer. In the off-season from September to May, camping spaces can be acquired on a first-come, first-serve basis, although the off-season is often a cold and rainy period in Washington state. Camping gear and other amenities are available for purchase in the camp store, while the nearest town is Port Orchard – six miles out of the park.
Manchester State Park offers incredible natural beauty for the outdoorsy cannabis lover, and it’s a great place to head out with some friends to experience a dazzling sunset rippling off the Puget Sound. As most Washington cannabis consumers are well aware, nothing pairs better than a pleasant high in a beautiful environment which amplifies a deeper inner experience. For those experiences and more, Clear Choice always has you covered.
