http://www.gigharborguide.com/ghg-blog/ Latest blog entries from the GIg Harbor Guide en-us Tue, 21 May 2013 17:29:37 PDT Tue, 21 May 2013 17:29:37 PDT SiteCrafting, Inc. CMS http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/gateway-fitness-great-option-active/ Gig Harborites are very active, and we are lucky to have several options for places to work out – many people enjoy the beautiful YMCA, which is about to undergo an expansion.   But some people are looking for something a little different in a work out.  Yoga studios, Jazzercize, personal trainers and boot camps are also popular around Gig Harbor.  But one of Gig Harbor’s hidden secrets is Gateway Fitness located near the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.   Gateway Fitness offers a very different experience than the YMCA.  If you are looking for a club with all the equipment and classes, without lots of kids in the locker room or on the equipment, then Gateway Fitness might be for you.  For those who live in the South end of Gig Harbor or in Fox Island, Artondale, Point Fosdick, Eastbay or Reid Road, you might find Gateway a perfect fit for you too. ... Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:57:00 PDT http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/gig-harbor-dogs-ready-fun/ Everywhere we go in Gig Harbor there seems to be new development of both commercial and residential.  It’s easy to think we are paving paradise.   But look a little closer.  We have awesome parks – not just the ones you see from your car or attend events and festivals at.  We have some amazing hidden gems waiting for discovery.   Like the brand new 97 acre dog park – still waiting for a name.   PenMet Park’s newest park is located across the street from the 122 acre McCormick Forest Park, next door to Fire District 5 on Bujacich Road.   The site is being leased from the Peninsula School District and as is the newest addition to PenMet Parks variety of parks property around the area.   The parcel has had trails on it for a long time (and still does) but now also includes a fenced in off-leash dog park.  Parking is available at the Fire District (look for the signs) and a porta-potty was being installed the day I was there.   Rotary has been a big helper in getting this project done.  A little more work over the next few weeks to grade and seed the area that will be a meadow for Frisbee and doggie social time and then the park will be complete.    Dogs can be off leash inside the fenced area, and on leash on the trails.  Walkers and runner are encouraged to continue to use the trails, which now connect the 100 acre Sehmel Homestead Park through the dog park to McCormick Forest Park – a total of  320 acres! ... Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:48:00 PDT http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/savage-ancient-seas/ When I was a child not more than 7 or 8, my family camped at Lake Okanagan in British Columbia.  It was there that I was first introduced to “Ogopogo”, the Okanagan Lake Sea Monster.  Not unlike the more famous Lochness Monster “Nessie”, “Ogopogo” supporters believe this creature is a prehistoric sea monster, perhaps an aquatic dinosaur left over from the Ice Age of thousand s of years ago. You want to get a 7-year olds attention?  Give ‘em a monster story! Boy was I fascinated with this prospect and thrilled I might see the monster while on my camping trip. I’m still waiting, 46 years later, to encounter such a creature, despite numerous accounts even locally of similar sea serpents, colossal squid and giant octopi.   Just a very quick Google search brings up some great material of many sightings over the years of a sea creature near Des Moines,  “Willatuk”, (named by Native Americans) seen numerous times since 1736 in Lake Washington,  and gigantic squid captured in the Puget Sound from Alki to Lofall.  Reports of a giant squid that lives under the Tacoma Narrows Bridge come from scuba divers. Many people take this very seriously, and others do not.  But no matter your opinion, it is fact that giant dinosaur-like sea creatures lived in our oceans at one time – and you now have a fabulous opportunity to see them up close and personal at our own Harbor History Museum. Savage Ancient Seas is now open to the public for the first time in Pacific Northwest.  This incredible, blockbuster exhibit features more than 14 complete specimens of large visually stunning prehistoric marine creatures from Triebold Paleontology Inc., Colorado.  Many of these specimens are suspended from the ceiling with various specimens rounding out the exhibit which includes hand on and learning centers. Savage Ancient Seas looks at the aquatic world of the late Cretaceous period over 70 million years ago.  It is the world of huge carnivorous marine reptiles with double-hinged jaws and teeth in the middle of their palates, gigantic flesh-eating fish big enough to swallow an adult human whole.  Even if you believe you have seen “Nessie”, “Ogopogo” or ‘Willatuk” I can guarantee you still haven’t seen anything like Savage Ancient Seas before. These spectacular water creatures ruled the Western Interior Seaway when dinosaurs ruled the land.  Bring your 7 year old or your 70 year old because both will be thrilled to peer into the mouth of the largest aquatic reptile ever discovered – the 45-foot-long Tylosaurus , or gasp in awe at the 15-foot-wide sea turtle “Protostega”. What a great way to be inspired about science, history and the sea, all at our very own first-class museum right here in Gig Harbor.  Why are you still reading this?  Get up and go!! Savage Ancient Seas is at the Harbor History Museum through July 14, 2013.  Museum hours are Tuesday – Sunday 10am-5pm.  The Harbor History Museum is located at 4121 Harborview Drive.  To learn more visit www.harborhistorymuseum.org.     ... Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:43:00 PDT http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/gig-harbor-little-league-to/ Nearly 10,000 kids have passed through the Gig Harbor Little League program since it began in 1995.  That’s a lot of Gig Harbor kiddos.  I wonder how many parents the program has touched… certainly a lot. I’m one of those parents.  My two sons (now age 26 and 22) were involved in both the Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula Little League programs for years and years (and years, and years…).  How can you forget sitting at those fields wrapped up like an Eskimo on a chilly April night or rainy May Saturday? Despite those memories of chilly games, of course we also have great memories of sunshine, homeruns, celebrations and fun.  How many times was I the “team Mom”, snack leader, carpooler, backstop cheerleader?  Little League was a big part of my kids growing up years, and I’m sure they would agree the teams, coaches and other players helped build their character and leadership skills. ... Thu, 04 Apr 2013 11:41:00 PDT http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/vacation-rental-by-owner-gig/ Gig Harbor has a surprising number of vacation home rentals, hidden around the peninsula area. Some are on the water, some in the woods, some in quiet and peaceful neighborhoods. If a vacation home rental fits your needs, check out our listing of vacation homes at www.gigharborguide.com The newest addition to the line-up of vacation homes is “Harborview”, a historic 1927 property, formerly a bus garage, now a beautiful vacation home with a mid-century aesthetic. The home has been renovated over the past several months with all fresh paint and fabrics, kitchen tile and floors. The original hardwood floors that were covered with carpet have been refinished and a new deck was added where you have the most stunning view of Mount Rainier and the harbor. “Harborview” already has some bookings for the property which sleeps nine and has a full kitchen and two baths. Want to learn more? Visit http://www.vrbo.com/459846. ... Thu, 28 Mar 2013 11:18:00 PDT http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/feet-back-giant-leap-ahead/ Feeling sorry for yourself? Not Grant Korgan. He doesn’t know how to feel sorry for himself. In fact, he can give you a life lesson in positive thinking that you will never forget. On March 5, 2010, Grant ��" a whitewater kayaker, snowmobiler and nano scientist ��" suffered a spinal cord injury while shooting a snowmobile film in Tahoe backcountry. He was paralyzed from the bellybutton down. That day, in the emergency room, Grant’s wife of only five months, Shawna, held his face between her two hands and told him they would get through this together. Of course the doctors said he would never walk again. Grant’s initial prognosis was to never move his legs against gravity. The doctors told him the independence he once cherished would become a thing of the past. But of course I wouldn’t be writing this story if he had accepted those assumed truths as his forever fate. No, not Grant Korgan. “They gave me a gift by saying I would never move my legs” Korgan said. “I told them I respectfully disagree, and then set out to find my feet.” Grant Korgan walked with the help of two canes, into Java & Clay last week to be interviewed. “I have chosen to recover through activity based efforts. My body knows how to do these independent sports. My brain understands this modality and uses the movements required to find and retrain the sleeping parts of my body. I believe I will recover 120%.” ... Tue, 19 Mar 2013 15:51:00 PDT http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/netshed-no-9-newest-eatery-1/ Four years ago Chef Thad Layman and his wife Katie Doherty arrived in Gig Harbor after being in the restaurant biz in Napa California. They came to Gig Harbor with a goal. Bring good food and great service to the diners of Gig Harbor. For the past four years they have done that consistently with Brix 25, located on Pioneer Way. Shortly after opening Brix, when they were still feeling their way, the couple looked at an additional potential restaurant site on the waterfront of Gig Harbor. They were really close to moving ahead with that site, but their hesitation meant another restaurateur beat them to the punch. “It probably was just as well,” Katie told me in an interview last week. “We were still working on getting Brix just right.” Since then, they have brought two sous chef’s up from their former Napa team, and have built a very loyal clientele and consistently good menu at Brix 25 including an award winning wine list. When the same building became available again this past winter, they were ready to pull the trigger. Their latest venture (but likely not their last) is the new “breakfast and lunch all day” waterfront location called “Netshed No.9” opening March 23rd at 3313 Harborview Drive. The name is a throwback to the days when the fishermen counted the netsheds as they came into the harbor. This location, also known as the Novak Netshed, was No.9. “The name just felt right” Doherty said. Chef Thad believes the more quality restaurants and businesses we can have in this part of historic Gig Harbor the better it is for everyone. “We are doing something not like anything else in town, “he said. “I want a restaurant that is a destination.” And with the rustic maritime character and fantastic waterfront location, combined with a mouth watering and affordable menu, Netshed No. 9 should fit the bill. Guest can enjoy inside seating for 24 and an additional 24 seats on the seasonal deck while dining on such things as Thad’s version of Chicken and Waffles, Frittatas, Bisquits and Gravy or Sourdough Ricotta Pancakes. Don’t expect to see deep fried fish and chips or Burgers on the menu. Netshed No.9 has no deep fryer or grill. Dishes will be made using a griddle, oven and a Panini press. Rumor has it the Chef will also be resurrecting a special recipe from his California days ��" a Mexican dish called Chilaquiles. Wine, Beer, Beer Bloody Mary’s, Mimosas, Espresso drinks and the piece de’ resistance, Thad’s killer Hot Chocolate will all be added attractions to the menu. Netshed No. 9 will likely become a Gig Harbor favorite, without taking anything away from other local breakfast and lunch fav’s like The Tides, Kelly’s or Devoted Kiss. Everything about the place feels unique, not a copycat, but another quality dining option with a killer waterfront views. Opening March 23rd. Hours to start will be Wednesday ��" Sunday 8am-4pm. Hours may change as time goes along. Website coming soon . See you at the Shed. ... Mon, 18 Mar 2013 10:49:00 PDT http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/fishwife-salmon-fishy-business-gig/ Krista and Ryan Philbrick are making high quality salmon accessible and affordable right out of their Gig Harbor home. The Gig Harbor Couple has fish in their blood, not to mention a strong and innovative work ethic. Ryan grew up in Sun Valley but spent his summers in Alaska fishing with his father in Bristol Bay. Ryan’s family has several generations of boat-builders, and being on the water was very natural to him. His boat F/V Legend is based in Bristol Bay. Krista grew up in North Tacoma, and when they married and were ready to settle down, Gig Harbor seemed a perfect fit. Krista’s nickname “FishWife” spawned from her jokingly telling Ryan she had to go “darn his nets” in the off – season. It was only after the nickname stuck did she realize the true meaning of the term; “[ físh wif ] coarse and loud woman: an offensive term for a woman who is regarded as loud-voiced and lacking in manners.” ... Thu, 21 Feb 2013 12:11:00 PST http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/whos-funny-valentine/ My Funny Valentine ~ By Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart   My funny ValentineSweet comic ValentineYou make me smile with my heartYour looks are laughable, unphotographableYet you're my favorite work of artIs your figure less than Greek?Is your mouth a little weak?When you open it to speak, are you smart?But don't change a hair for meNot if you care for meStay little Valentine, stayEach day is Valentine's Day Hopefully you have your own funny valentine and have someone to spend the upcoming Valentine’s Day with.  We encourage you to consider local Gig Harbor businesses when shopping for gifts, or choosing dining or a weekend get-away. Check out our calendar of events for February, and particular for February 14th to see a great list of Valentine ideas for couples, kids, parents, friends – anyone you want to show how much you care. http://www.gigharborguide.com/ghg-events.php ... Tue, 05 Feb 2013 12:16:00 PST http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/gig-harbor-making-music-allstar/ Few things are more inspiring to me than a small locally grown business that finds it niche and becomes a great success.  One such business that knows its product and its customer is Gig Harbor’s  “Allstar Guitar and Music Academy”. Dan and May Wilson are well known in Gig Harbor by those in the music industry.  Since 1994 they have operated “Allstar Guitar”, for most of those years  in the Harbor Landing Plaza.  Over the years they have piecemealed the shop together using several small spaces at Harbor Landing Plaza.  But all that changed this month when Allstar doubled their space and moved to a fabulous 4000 sq foot location in the former Gig Harbor Gift Mall above Spiros.  This location, is also the historic former Gig Harbor Hotel, and the layout is perfect for Allstar Guitar and Music Academy. The Wilson’s dream of expanding the music academy can now be realized with the new enlarged space.  Although the bread and butter of the business is and has always been the service center, this fabulous location has opened up expanded academy space and Dan and May expect to go from 200 students to 400. ... Wed, 30 Jan 2013 09:12:00 PST http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/lets-noise-kghp/ In 1922 Thomas Edison said the radio craze will not last. Well Tom was generally ahead of his time on most things, but I think he got it wrong on radio.  And Spencer Abersold, General Manager of Gig Harbor’s community radio station KGHP agrees.  KGHP is a hidden gem in our community, one that is going strong today, thanks to a major remodel and equipment upgrade over the past few months.  What’s that you say?  You didn’t know we had a local radio station?  Well, KGHP has been broadcasting to our community and surrounding region for more than 25 years now.  If you live in Gig Harbor you can find it on your radio dial at 93.7 and if you are on the Key Peninsula you can check it out at 89.9.  And you will be surprised at what you find; unique and diverse and often breaking the rules – just like the community it represents.  “You can taste and smell and feel the community over our airwaves,” Abersold says. “It’s like a very good friend, someone you trust and can sit back with and allow yourself to be exposed to something special.” ... Thu, 24 Jan 2013 16:03:00 PST http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/local-women-create-childrens-book/ Coffee with Orange Sherbert?  Does that sound yummy to you or not?  Well it will sound yummy and heartwarming when you learn it is the name of a lovely little children’s book by two local women. Coffee with Orange Sherbert is the true story of a newspaper reporter and the cat she grew to love.  S.E. Shell is the author of Coffee with Orange Sherbert and Mary Elizabeth Smith is the illustrator for the book.  You can meet them both at a book signing at Mostly Books on Saturday February 2nd from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The book is a happy little tale (or tail?) and makes a wonderful bedtime story that children can relate to.  Orange Sherbert, an orange tabby cat, is a recognizable feline, in fact, he looks just like my own cat Atticus.  I’m sure he is like many cats in Gig Harbor ��" perhaps even yours. ... Thu, 17 Jan 2013 13:42:00 PST http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/building-permits-inspections-break-records/ The City of Gig Harbor had a most amazing year in our Building & Fire Safety Department.  Of note in 2012:   Applications for 137 Single Family Homes were received; Over 6,000 inspections were made (2,000 more than any other year in history); Most permit revenue brought in; Highest number of permit applications ever received by about 200;   Projects completed in 2012 include:   Heritage Distillery, GNC, Great Clips, Harbor Graphics, Memory Care @ the Lodge, Wilco, Uptown Eyes, 7 Seas Brewery, Marshal’s, Harbor Pediatrics, Sleep Train, Opus Bank, Menchie’s, Shear Madness Salon, Kohl’s, US Bank, Harbor Plastic Surgery, Harbor Country Estates (10 Apartment Buildings & Rec Center), Silver Soleil, Yo G’s, Blue Agave, MHS Orthopedic, Moctezumas, Cobalt Mortgage, British Connection, Sweet Melissa’s Bakery, Town Plaza, Bayview Building/Ship to Shore, 85 Single Family Homes and many, many others.   This next year promises to be a busy one as well with projects such as the Harbor Hill Apartments (18 buildings w/ 174 units), a new wing for the Lodge at Mallard’s Landing, hundreds of newly platted lots in the GH North area and lots of tenants moving into the new Point Fosdick Square buildings.   Gig Harbor's economic recovery is amazing, and one of the few in the region doing so well.  Congratulations to our Building & Fire Safety Department for the fine job they did and continue to do. ... Wed, 09 Jan 2013 09:28:00 PST http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/in-memory-nick-markovich/ This week Gig Harbor lost a local icon.  In his memory we repost this article written in April 2010 by Gig Harbor Life writer Charlee Glock-Jackson. To learn more about the fishing family history of Gig Harbor visit - http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/page.php?id=1039   "Nick Markovich is on of the elder statesmen of Gig Harbor's fishing fleet. Markovich, who was born and raised in Gig Harbor, comes from a long line of fishermen. "I'm connected to two pioneer families," the 82 -year old fisherman said, looking down at the harbor from his cozy dining room his wife, Phyllis at his side.  "My great grandfather was a Novak.  Lee Markovich, Sr. was my grandfather." Markovich began purse-seining for salmon with his dad at the tender age of 14. That was back in 1942. "When I first started fishing there were more than 40 seiners (boats) in Gig Harbor.  We had the most purse seiners of any port in the region - more than Seattle or Bellingham or Tacoma or anywhere," he said with a grin. When they weren't out fishing, the fisherman hung their nets and did repairs in netsheds all along the shore of the harbor. Back then, Markovich said, there were 23 docks with netshed on the water, plus three more netsheds in people's back yards. He listed them one-by-one starting at the mouth of the harbor: "First was Peter Skansie's shed, then Babich, Tarabochia and then Andrew Skansie's shed." That shed, which Andrew Skansie build and shared with his brother Vince, is 100 years old this year.  The city is planning a community celebration of the Skansie brother's netshed on May 1. Next along the shoreline was the Vlahovich shed.  "then John Skansie's Dortich's, the Ross brothers' shed, then my great grandfather John Novak's shed. The list went on and on with other familiar - mostly Croatian - names: Gilich, Stanich, Malich, Castellan/Jerkovich, Castellan/Markovich, Ancich, Ivanovich, Bujacich, Marin/Obervich, Naderlin/Skarponi, Shulich/Skrivanich, and Perovich. Three more net sheds were on land, Markovich said - Janovich, Nick Babich and Gerald Crosby had their sheds in their backyards. ... Tue, 11 Dec 2012 12:20:00 PST http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/holiday-traditions-build-local-memories/ 1.      During this time of year you hear the word “tradition” a lot.  According to Mr. Webster a tradition is defined as:  a long-established action or pattern of behavior in a community or group of people, often one that has been handed down from generation to generation.   Traditions, like anything else in our lives, are in constant evolution.  Traditions can be based on religion, ethnicity, geography – even climate.  What we think of as holiday traditions in the Pacific Northwest are likely very different from holiday traditions in Florida, Peru or South Africa.   Many of our holiday traditions that we identify with Christmas actually are pagan symbols such as the Christmas Tree.  And Santa Claus as we know him here in the United States has evolved from both a European and Middle Eastern character to the round and jolly fella who lives in the North Pole. ... Wed, 28 Nov 2012 11:23:00 PST http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/new-store-weathered-cottage-opens/ Just in time for the holidays, a new shabby – chic store has opened in downtown Gig Harbor.  Stacy Hannah’s motto for “The Weathered Cottage” is “Reclaim, Repurpose, Recycle”.  And it’s very easy to see that theme throughout the beautiful store located at 7700 Pioneer Way Suite 103, Gig Harbor. Stacy and her husband Bill have combined their talents to take old items and refinish them into beautiful pieces for your home.  The store opened officially the night of Girls Night Out on November 15th and about 100 people visited that evening.  During the winter the store is open Wednesday through Saturday.  For this coming holiday shopping weekend, “The Weathered Cottage” will be open on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Stop by and visit! At the Weathered Cottage you will find furniture, lamps, antiques, jewelry and much more all at surprisingly affordable prices.  In addition to the refurbished pieces you will find upholstered items including recovered lamp shades (beautiful), vases, pillows, aprons and handmade stockings.  Throughout the store you will find unique and small surprises such as authentic glass door knobs, wall art, and other vintage finds.  The team at the Weathered Cottage accepts consignment pieces and custom orders as well.  Consignment pieces must fit the theme of the store. Stacy says “This business is a perfect marriage for us.  Bill, who has no vision and me who has no talent” she laughed.  Together they make it work. Visit the Weathered Cottage soon at 7700 Pioneer Way, Suite 103, Gig Harbor.  Questions call (253) 530-0808.  Join their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/#!/weatheredcottage?fref=ts Shop local this season and support Gig Harbor!! ... Wed, 21 Nov 2012 10:15:00 PST http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/holiday-entertainment-guide-2012/ In today’s edition of the Peninsula Gateway you will find the annual pull-out of our Holiday Entertainment Guide.  This is the 13th year I have worked on the Holiday Entertainment Guide with the Gateway.  We try hard to provide an accurate and complete guide each year.  For events and entertainment that missed the deadline we also use our Community Calendar of Events at www.gigharborguide.com to promote the hundreds of activities taking place around the peninsula area in November and December.  If you “like” our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/#!/GigHarborGuide you will also find daily ideas and suggestions of fun events and activities to enjoy in the Gig, not only now, but throughout the year. If you are looking for free events you will find it here.  Family events, yep we have those too.  Musical events?  Of course.  Traditional options – plenty of those.  Shopping special?  Well in a word, duh!  No matter how you like to celebrate the season you will find something in Gig Harbor.  In addition, our local hotels and inns are offering specials for the holidays for yourself or your visiting guests and relatives.  And if you don’t want to cook, several options are available for dining out or purchasing traditional holiday items to set your own table at home. ... Wed, 14 Nov 2012 12:38:00 PST http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/turkey-trot-returns-to-gig/ Nine years ago Gig Harbor chiropractor Dr. Tim Holmes’ 25 year old son persuaded him to sign up for his first marathon.  Having never participated in an organized run before, he thought it would be a good idea to try one before the actual marathon. “I had heard of Turkey Trots” Dr. Holmes said, “but discovered there were no Turkey Trots locally, not even in Tacoma. So I decided to organize one in Gig Harbor.”    That first year 15 people showed up and they collected 30 cans of food for F.I.S.H.  Optimistic in year two, Dr. Holmes ordered 50 bib numbers. More than 200 people showed up.  Tim’s wife Heidi, manning the registration table, quickly ran out of bib numbers and was rationing the safety pins.  “I returned to the registration after marking the course to find participants walking to the starting line with a sheet of typing paper pinned to their chest and the number drawn on with ballpoint pen.  I just started laughing.”  Heidi, however, was not amused. ... Thu, 01 Nov 2012 12:40:00 PDT http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/south-sound-users-guide/ I use my smart phone as a guide any many ways, but I still like a good travel guide in the old fashioned book form.  Especially if it is laid out in an easy to use format and in a size that fits in my handbag.  And that’s what I have found in a great little book just released called The South Sound User’s Guide. When I opened the book I started to turn straight to the Gig Harbor section to see what they had to say about my favorite South Sound town, but was immediately sidetracked by great information about all kinds of different areas in the South Sound from Anderson Island to Yelm and everything in-between. The South Sound User’s Guide by Ken Miller, with fun and quirky artwork by Sean Alexander, is a small production book currently being carried at small book stores (none in Gig Harbor yet).  The best thing about the guide, is that it is laid out by neighborhood and region, rather than by attraction or restaurant.  So turn to any area you may be in or considering going to and learn accurate information about lodging, dining, shopping and sites.  I think I can see myself keeping this little guide book in my car.  It would be handy to grab when I am riding my bike and need a bite to eat, or looking for a park to have a picnic, or want a fun sandwich shop in a town I am not too familiar with.  The South Sound Users Guide just might inspire me to get out and enjoy my neighbors in the South Sound in a way I haven’t before.  It includes a section on both Gig Harbor and the Key Peninsula, rather than trying to lump the two together.  Bravo to Ken Miller for recognizing that, although related, Key Peninsula and Gig Harbor are two very distinct areas, each with much to offer. The South Sound User’s Guide would make a great little holiday gift or stocking stuffer too! Hopefully it will be available in Gig Harbor soon, but in the meantime you can pick it up at Kings Books, UPS Bookstore, Pacific Northwest Shop, Stadium Thriftway and Chirp & Co. Explore and enjoy the South Sound. ... Wed, 24 Oct 2012 15:52:00 PDT http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/we-eyes/ Eyeglasses.   It’s like jewelry for your face. And yet, some people give more thought to the fashion statement they make with their feet than with the glasses sitting right on the end of their nose.  Others spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on eyewear they think is “designer” label such as Gucci or Prada.  Gig Harbor’s newest store, “Uptown Eyes” wants to help you think differently about eyewear, no matter which of those categories you fall into. How is “Uptown Eyes” different?  Donna Jones asked me if I had seen a recent story on 60 Minutes about the company Luxottica.  By coincidence I had.  Luxottica, an Italian company, is the biggest eyewear company on the planet and has single handedly turned a medical device into a fashion statement.  Luxottica has a monopoly on eyewear around the world by designing and manufacturing eyewear under the high end designer labels to help you think you are actually getting eyewear designed by that brand.   Luxottica also owns multiple American eyewear retail stores such as Pearle Vision, Lens Crafters, SunGlass Hut, Sears Eyewear and Target Eyewear.  Luxottica also owns Ray Ban and Oakley, two companies most people think are American.   So Donna’s message is “why are you paying designer prices?  Are you really getting designer eyewear?” ... Wed, 24 Oct 2012 13:54:00 PDT http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/gig-harbor-personal-chef/ Have you seen it? CHRISTMAS ads on T.V. already? Holiday decorations in stores? Yep, you can’t deny it…the holidays are sneaking into our lives. Want to make the holiday hype a little easier this year? How about hiring a personal chef to help you navigate through? Whether you have in-home catering needs or need help just getting a healthy meal on the table for you and your family, Gig Harbor’s Personal Chef at “Always CookN” is ready to help you. You might be asking yourself, What is a personal chef? A personal chef works for multiple private employers and is responsible for preparing and cooking meals for them, their families, and their friends. Personal chefs also organize dinner parties, birthday celebrations, or events for their clients. Personal chefs may perform their duties in residential homes, guest homes, and private yachts. Our commitment is to provide you and your family with high quality, freshly prepared meals that you can enjoy at your leisure and in the comfort of your own home. No more of the frozen food section at the market or delivery pizza - yuck! Here is how it works: Chef Mitchell Sweeten will conduct a specific intake that includes dietary topics, requirements, and programs such as the following: Weight Watchers, Eat Clean, hyperglycemia, vegan, vegetarian, specific food allergies, cancer illnesses, and other special dietary needs. Mitchell will then take you through a complete list of food likes and dislikes. In addition, he will ask you what your specific goals are so that he can help you achieve them. Chef Sweeten can also help you with your in-home catering needs, during the holidays or any time of year. Check out this great new service in Gig Harbor by visiting www.alwayscookn.com. Give yourself permission to enjoy the holidays this year!! ... Mon, 22 Oct 2012 09:59:00 PDT