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Once a bustling city, Charleston was annexed into Bremerton almost 100 years ago. Step back in time as you wander this neighborhood, steeped in history and charm. Now, a new chapter is unfolding. In recent years, vibrant shops, cozy cafes, and innovative creative spaces have moved in next to longstanding businesses that have seen generations come and go. We were excited to learn more about this area and turned to Reama Bubblez, business owner and Charleston Business District board member, to answer our questions.
For folks who don’t know about the Charleston Business District, what is the one thing you’d want to tell them?
Charleston District is fun to visit because it is eclectic, diverse, and local. The businesses offer something for everyone! Art supplies, home decor, games, typewriters, vintage records, haircuts and barbers, auto repair, and more are available within just a few blocks.
Art is everywhere in Charleston. Murals cover the outside of many buildings, and inside, artists display their work on shop walls. Many stores offer supplies or classes for different creative outlets, like stained glass at Eastern Wind Glass or clay at Earth House Studio. Working artists fill spaces like Triple Crown Tattoo Studio, Rimbert Illustration, and George Stenberg Photography.
Many of the business owners live within a mile or two of the district, which brings a different vibe to the neighborhood. Business owners show up to do litter pick ups, host community events, and work together to improve the area with monthly meetings and events. They are invested in revitalizing this area and it shows. There’s a special magic about Charleston.
This Bremerton district has a rich history. What can you tell us about it?
Charleston District is a historic part of Bremerton and Kitsap. Charleston was an independent city, established before Bremerton and annexed about 25 years later in 1927. Some of the businesses have been here since the 1940s, like Kitsap Key and Bike and McGavin’s Bakery.
This was the place to be in the 40s and 50s. From pharmacies to fur shops to hardware stores to the world-famous pink champagne cake at McGavin’s, if someone was shopping, this is where they would stop. Neighbors came from all directions to stroll the streets of Charleston.
Many businesses have been here 20 years or longer, like Unique Experience, echo artworks, Suzy’s Kitchen, Discordia Games, La Poblanita, Abraham’s House, Smitty’s Tattoo, The Charleston, China Wok, and Amy’s Decadent Chocolates.
The latest crop of businesses kicked off in 2020 with Cafe Corvo. In the last several years, new businesses continue to roll in. Rimbert Illustration recently celebrated their fourth anniversary. Spread Supplies, Moments in Bremerton, Pop Culture Tattoo, People’s Exchange, Little Bee Home, Jasper Blue Photography, Typewriter Fever, Ridgeline Brewing, Tolitoz Motherland Restaurant, Beats N’ Cats, and Craft Hair Studio all opened, bringing a fresh vibe to the historic neighborhood.
2026 will be an exciting year for the district with Two Rivers Tavern and Centuries Past Tavern opening. There’s also rumor of a used book store, a new event space, and more offerings opening for our community.
We’ve heard that there are many different types of restaurants/cafes. What different cuisines can be found, and do any of them have cool backstories?
Charleston District has the most diverse dining options within a small radius in all of Kitsap County. Here you can find Kenyan food at Tolitoz Motherland Restaurant, Vietnamese food at Pho Tai, Chinese at China Wok, Greek at Gyro Star and Gyro’s Etc, Korean at Suzy’s Kitchen, Mexican at La Poblanita and Aceituno’s Mexican Food, and American at Big Joe’s Sandwich Shop. Just outside the district at Callow Ave and 15th Street you’ll find Japanese dishes at Zen Ramen and Sushi Burrito and baked goods from around the world at Los Encantos World Bakery. In addition to the sit down restaurants, there are two coffee shops, Cafe Corvo and Hot Java Drive Thru. The chocolatier Amy’s Decadent Chocolates sells award winning chocolate. They also serve ice cream, milk shakes, and hot cocoa! On Saturday mornings, Sweet Dahlia Counter opens their doors, offering baked goodies. China Wok has fed Kitsap for decades, and longtime residents remember visiting this restaurant in their younger years.
More dining options are coming in 2026 with the opening of two taverns and one restaurant bar.
We love to promote shopping local for the holidays, what types of unique offerings can be found?
Gift shopping is a breeze in Charleston District. There is something for everyone here! Find home goods and handmade body products at Little Bee Home. Dig through vintage records and CDs at Beats N’ Cats. Spread Supplies sells new and used art supplies for the creative on your shopping list. Eastern Wind Glass sells stained glass art and offers classes. Typewriter Fever has hundreds of vintage typewriters for sale. Rimbert Illustration showcases the work of local artists. Abraham’s House has antique treasures, and Unique Experience sells custom apparel items, which both make great gifts. Tiny Mushroom Sign Shop and George Stenberg Photography have art, stickers, and photography that showcase local beauty and favorite spots.
Charleston is developing signature events that are gaining popularity. What are some of the annual events people won’t want to miss?
Charleston District brings the community together through events that focus on connection. The annual event not to be missed is Calloween. The Saturday before Halloween, Callow Ave. turns into a haunted junk yard with vintage cars, live DJs, performances, and trick-or-treating at nearly 30 businesses. Here are some fun photos from this year’s event.
In December, Charleston District invites both Krampus and Saint Nick to the neighborhood for “Naughty or Nice: Krampus vs. Santa Callow Face Off.” What happens when they arrive can only be described as a very merry, festive street fight. Santa and his elves take on Krampus and his entourage to find out who has the most holiday spirit. Live music, hot drinks, an elf hunt, and small-town holiday magic fill the streets of Charleston.
Cars on Callow is coming back in the summer of 2026! Look out for the Cupid Crawl for Valentine’s Day, the Spring Fling with a free bike repair workshop, and other events that fill the district calendar.
Launching in 2026, Callow Nights will happen on the third Friday of each month. Businesses stay open late, showcasing live music and neighborly love.
What else do you want people to know about Bremerton’s Charleston Business District? How can people learn more or get involved?
Charleston District has everything needed for a perfect day for tourists and locals. Public art and grand murals are around every corner. Places to connect and tasty food make a visit to Charleston good for the heart and the belly.
This area is built up by a tight-knit group of business owners and neighbors dedicated to revitalizing the historic neighborhood. We meet on the third Tuesday of every month from 6:00 – 7:00 PM and welcome anyone to join us in talking about the future of the Charleston District. Follow Charleston District on social media for updates!
Reama Bubblez owns Spread Supplies, Kitsap County’s only new and used art supplies store. She opened the store in 2023, after feeling sticker shock over big-box art supplies prices and guilt over the amount of packaging that comes with buying things new. She’s given talks about the history of the Charleston District at the Kitsap History Museum, the Pacific Northwest Historians Guild annual conference at the Seattle Library, and community groups in Kitsap. An event producer, business owner, and community organizer, she weaves together her passions for art accessibility, waste reduction, and human connection.
