Three more reasons to celebrate Central Kitsap

Kudos to Silver City Restaurant & Brewery, their brewmaster Don Spencer and Clear Creek Trail volunteers for getting Central Kitsap put on the map with recognition from “Evening Magazine” viewers and the Best of Western Washington contest.

The people have spoken and have proven once again that Silverdale is more than just a small town across the water from Seattle. Not one, but three awards were bestowed upon Central Kitsap with votes coming in from all across the region. Silver City Restaurant & Brewery was honored with two awards, “Best Neighborhood Watering Hole” and “Best Brewmaster.” Clear Creek Trail earned acclaim as the “Best Hidden Hiking Trail,” thanks to the volunteers who work continuously to maintain the trail.

Silver City owners Scott and Steve Houmes were delighted by the honor and surprised to win.

“It was really neat to be recognized and get all those votes,” Scott said. “It’s great to see people on this side of the water support us.”

Although Silverdale is a vibrant and growing community, it’s definitely the underdog when going up against Seattle and its surrounding metropolitan areas. It’s obvious the efforts of the Houmes brothers, their staff and trail volunteers have not gone unnoticed.

The residents of Central Kitsap also should feel proud as no other community on the Kitsap Peninsula was awarded this year with a “Best of Western Washington” title.

Since 1993, when the Clear Creek Task Force was first established to maintain and preserve the Clear Creek Trail, this is the first time the trail has been recognized by “Evening Magazine” viewers. And it’s an honor many trails in the greater Seattle area will never receive.

“There had to be a heck of a lot of people in this area who voted. It’s just amazing,” said Clear Creek Task Force member Mary Earl.

Task Force members have worked for years to spread awareness about the trail. It’s great to see the volunteers receive the recognition they deserve. The trail is truly a hidden gem that brings nature right to the center of Silverdale’s urban sprawl.

If you haven’t checked out Silver City Restaurant & Brewery or walked the Clear Creek Trail, you are missing out. Find out for yourself exactly why these two entities earned the “Best of” title.

To check out “Evening Magazine’s” prime time special featuring all of the winners, tune to King 5 this evening at 8 p.m.

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