nadia wanders

Since my boyfriend moved up to Washington, I’ve looked for all kinds of excuses to explore the Pacific North West. We’ve driven up to Vancouver, Canada and explored the treetops at the Capilano Suspension Bridge. We walked out to the Dungeness Spit and looked for lavender farms in Sequim. We’ve eaten the best food, smoked the best pot, and saw the hippest strippers in Portland ☺.

That being said, one of the coziest, quaintest, totally #PNW neighborhoods is a 45 minute drive from my man’s house. If you know Grey’s Anatomy, you’ve heard of and seen Bainbridge Island. And apparently Vogue.com calls this place the Nantucket of the Pacific Northwest.

So much delicious seafood coming out of Harbour Public House on Bainbridge Island.

The trees during Spring on Bainbridge Island.

The town is teeny, it has some serious seafood, its homes are addddorable, and it makes for the perfect day trip. We first visited Bainbridge Island in the thick of Spring last year and it was beautiful outside. We took the ferry from Seattle, got some seafood from The Harbour Public House, and walked and shopped under the perennial blooms.

Heading out to Winslow Way on a beautiful fall day.

While my man had to work a weekend recently, his housemate and I, who I absolutely love, went on a wild Bainbridge autumn adventure. Matt and I were packin’ and brought along one of my favorite edibles, a mint chocolate dipped Korova cookie. With a latte, about 25mg THC entering our system, and a joint in our hands, we took Winslow Way by storm.

One of our first stops was Hattie Rose, a super feminine boutique that’s oozing French chateau and Bohemian boudoir vibes. Matt and I must have chatted with owner, Liz, for 30 minutes admiring her wares and collectively gasping at how warm and ethereal that October day was turning out to be.

Inside Hattie Rose on Bainbridge Island.

Sunkissed corners of Liz's adorable shop, Hattie Rose.

Matt and I puttered around a little more before stumbling into the Calico Toy Shoppe. There were so many things to get our paws on and it seriously felt like I was Tom Hanks in the movie Big. A few blocks down, the stunning hunks of amethyst and rose quartz at Gilbert Thomes nearly blinded me. For someone who loves having little crystals around and on her, this place was absolutely insane and I wanted to buy everything in sight.

One of the coolest finds of the day was the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA). Admission was free, our edibles were kicking in real nicely, and we got to spend some time admiring all kinds of photography, sculptures and paintings.

We definitely managed to goof off for a few hours while my man was away working. Bainbridge Island is so stinking close to Seattle, yet such a different scene. If you Seattlites are looking for a day trip, don't forget about Bainbridge!

Nadia Wanders was inspired by all kinds of people and events. I started incorporating cannabis-friendly things into the way I'd entertain myself and I've met the coolest people at my neighborhood lounge, dispensary, or weed-inspired event. One of these events was the 420 Games in Golden Gate Park. Simply put, the gang behind the 420 Games are producing cannabis-friendly athletic events to diminish the stigma that stoners are lazy couch bums.

The event was held in the Park and was based around a 4.20 mile fun run/skate/walk/bike ride with an after party. I picked up my bib a day early at Harvest, my old neighborhood dispensary, which was also hosting a pre-party. I chatted and smoked joints with fellow neighbors, vendors, and other people in the industry. I ended up chatting with Ezra Malmuth, owner of San Francisco-based Atlas Edibles.

When I'm having edibles, I try to stay mindful of how much sugar I'm eating. I tend to have my edibles at night so eating a super sugary edible before bedtime can really mess with my sleep. What I love about Atlas is that their ingredients are creative and dare I say artisanal. Their Ember sativa edible has ingredients like caramel, cayenne, cashews and apricot and Nimbus uses dark chocolate, hazelnut, pecans, dried currants and cinnamon.

The ingredients are high quality and they are actually deliciously healthy compared to the cookies, chocolate and candy you'll usually find. Ezra sent me home with some samples and I decided to micro dose the 10mg samples after the race.

Check out the awesome packaging artwork, designed by local artists.

The 4.20 mile stroll was lovely and I met up with one of the friends I made the night earlier, Jewli. I had my first dose after the stroll and it definitely carried me through the day. Jewli and I were sampling some of the pre-rolls and vape pens we were gifted earlier and the edibles definitely maintained my energy level throughout the afternoon. We did yoga, listened to speakers, made friends and chatted with all kinds of people in the industry. I had my second dose a few hours later and it made for the best way to enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening.

The high was mellow with small bursts of energy and it really made for a lovely day. I hadn't really microdosed before and this event really made for the best place to experience it for the first time.

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I'm really lucky to have started smoking weed for the first time while living in the Bay Area and I realize it all the time. I've only been smoking a year or so and the quality of flower and the cannabis-friendly environment up here has made life really freaking awesome. Make sure and check out the 420 Games the next time they come to your town and Atlas Edibles if you're looking for a tastier and healthier way to medicate.

A day trip to Bainbridge Island, WA

Microdosing at the 420 Games with Atlas Edibles