SHOP THE DAY AWAY IN GIG HARBOR

So June is the time when you have to buy a lot of stuff...graduation, fathers day, summer events, weddings etc. For me anyway, there is a long list of shopping "to-dos".



So I was thinking today about blogging to show, how super easy, inexpensive and convenient it is to buy everything you need in Gig Harbor. No need to pay the toll, cross the bridge, and pay higher sales tax in T-town when you have everything you need in Gig Harbor.



This past week I have;

• Purchased two new cool kayak lifejackets at Ship to Shore


• Bought new running shoes at Route 16 Running


• Special ordered and received the novel "Edward Sawtelle" from Mostly Books


• Picked up wine at Water to Wine


• Got a great new IPA for my husband (Ninkasi) at Harbor Greens


• Bought a graduation gift at Watersedge Gallery


• Another graduation gift at Clark's Jewelers


• A birthday gift at the WA Liquor Store


• A Fathers Day gift at the Tides


• Another Fathers Day gift at Ace Hardware


• Another birthday gift at the Gig Harbor Visitor Center


• Bought myself some white walking shorts at Ann Taylor (grabbed a coffee at Cutters too)


• Got a baby gift at Animal Crackers
• Another baby gift at Target

I'm still in the market for a MIX MASTER for a wedding gift, so if anybody knows where I can get this in Gig Harbor I will gladly purchase it here, rather than going to the mall!!

All this while supporting the community I live, work and play in. Putting my dollars back into jobs and taxes that in return pay for the things we need and we love about Gig Harbor.

Think about your purchases and support our local businesses. It's easy and it's also fun to shop in Gig Harbor!!

COMMUNITY GARDEN TO BE PLANTED ON SUNDAY

http://www.gigharborguide.com/

Healthy Communities of Pierce County has partnered with the City of Gig Harbor to create, plant and maintain a community garden at the historic Wilkinson Farm Park on Rosedale Street.

This coming Sunday, May 31st the community is invited to bring family, friends, garden gloves, tools and a garden full of enthusiasum to Wilkinson Farm Park at 9am. Planting of Gig Harbor's first evern community garden will begin at 9am and go as long as needed.

This community partnership will benefit the FISH Food bank of Gig Harbor.

Want to learn more? Contact coordinator Barbara Carr at 222-0538 or barbcarr@centurytel.net

Gig Harbor - WATCH US GROW!

SAFE IDEA FLOATS INTO GIG HARBOR

By Scott Turner, Gig Harbor Life www.gigharbor-life.com

While on vacation, a pair of Gig Harbor teachers ran into something cool they had to bring home with them.

A couple of years ago, Harbor Heights Elementary School teachers Marion Ekberg and mary Mancuso noticed a life jacket loaner station sitting on a dock in Friday Harbor.

They figured that having something similar sitting at Jerisich Dock would not only be something good for folks that frequent Gig harbor, but would be a seet project their students could dive into.

During last year's Maritime Gig Festival, their idea gained traction when one of their colleagues, Terry McCelland, approached Gig Harbor Fire and Medical One's Prevention Specialist Nanette Tatom.

The lifejackets are being offered at cost through the Gig Harbor West Marine Store. Ekberg said that students had to think of a job they can do to earn money for the project, that will culminate with them wearing the jackets in the upcoming Maritime Gig parade, and end by placing the jackets on the station at the dock.

"We don't just want mom and dad to reach into their wallets and give the kids $5, we want them to actually do somethign for it," Ekberg said

They've been walking dogs, doing dishes, cleaning, car washes and gardening for the green she added.

Public Works Superintendent Marco Malich, and his crew, designed and built the wooden structure.

If you take your child on the dock or on a boat, the floatation devices are going to be available for public use. The success of the project, Tatom added, will be based on an honor system, so (she hinted) return the jackets when you are done using them.

"It'll give people that don't have life jackets an opportunity to put one on and be safe. It's been very neat to work with the people who brought this project forward, and we are glad the city could help out," Malich said. "This is a perfect example of multiple organizations coming together for a common cause and making it happen and saving lives."

Ekberg is happy that students are learning that they are part of a bigger community.

"You've got the home community, school community, and where-you-live community. We always want the kids to understand that they all need to help each other. that's the way the world works."

MARITIME GIG RETURNS TO GIG HARBOR JUNE 6 & 7

Yo Ho Harbor is the theme for this years Maritime Gig, Gig Harbor's favorite summer festival.

Once again this year, the festival is full of fun, family activities for the young and young at heart. Welcoming to Gig Harbor for the first time, The Seattle Seafair Pirates! So get into the Pirates of the Peninsula Spirit and come down to historic downtown Gig Harbor for lots of fun.

Highlights include

• Grand Parade 10am on Saturday June 6th along Harborview


• Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast Saturday from 8am-11am in the QFC Parking Lot, Judson St


• Children's Fair, Saturday noon - 5pm


• Antique and Classic Yacht Festival both days at Jerisich Dock


• 5 & 10K Run on Sunday June 7th


• Croatian Dancers Sunday at 1:00pm


• Blessing of the Fleet, Sunday at 2:30pm

Through out the two day event, food, booths and fun will be available as well as a variety of great entertainment including;

• The High Rollers


• Michael O'Neill


• Kim Archer Band


• Juggler Roberto the Magnificent


• Magician Jeff Evans


• the Vela Luka Croatian Dancers

and much more.

See all the events and entertainment line up at http://www.maritimegig.com/

MAY 30TH IN GIG HARBOR - UPTOWN CLASSIC CAR SHOW

Show, Shine and show your support for Breast Cancer at the Uptown Car Show
Saturday May 30th at Gig Harbor Uptown Shopping Mall

On Saturday May 30, 2009, from 10am to 4pm, the Uptown Car Show
will be held in Gig Harbor, WA to benefit Susan G. Komen for The Cure for Breast Cancer.

The Uptown Car Show has over 100 cars currently registered, including the classic 1930 Model A, all the way to
the 2008 Honda S2000! Also many hot rods. There is still room for more vehicles of all makes and models.
Show your support for a worthy cause and have some great family fun! Register your car today for only $20.00
(100% tax deductible)! All registration goes to Susan G. Komen for The Cure of Breast Cancer. The show is
FREE for spectators. The event will include live entertainment, food and prizes.

Gig Harbor has great and affordable accommodations, check the Uptown Car Show website for special deals.
The Uptown Car Show is hosted by Dorothy Brinz, a registered participant for the 3 day, 60 mile journey walk
for breast cancer on September 11-13, 2009 in Seattle, WA.

If you’d like to register or need more information, please visit www.uptowncarshow.com
Email: uptowncarshow@live.com or phone Dorothy at (253) 534-9600.
Uptown Car Show – Uptown Gig Harbor, WA
4701 Point Fosdick Drive NW
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Saturday, May 30, 2009 - 10am to 4pm - Rain or Shine
###

Ending May with a bang in Gig Harbor

May will go out with a bang in Gig Harbor with a weekend full to the brim of events and activities for everyone. Get hooked in to some of these great things going on in Gig Harbor May 29-30th;

HARBOR HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY will celebrate its 55th birthday on Friday May 29th with Community members, current and former students, staff members and families are invited to celebrate. The celebration will be 4 to 5 p.m. May 29 in “Hefner Hall” at the school, 4002 36th St. N.W., Gig Harbor.

There will be a Harbor Heights’ memorabilia table to share photos, T-shirts and yearbooks.
For more information, contact school social worker Joan Storkman at the school 253-530-1800 or Kathy Claiborne at 253-851-3487.

UPTOWN CAR SHOW will be May 30th from 10am-4pm and will feature more than 100 classic cars, live music and food, games and prizes all to benefit the Susan G. Komen for a Cure. Learn more at www.UptownCarShow.com

SUMMER FASHION SHOW will take place on Saturday May 30th at the INN at Gig Harbor featuring fashions from Coldwater Creek. Join the fun from 2-7pm. Special room rates are available for only $99! Get your tickets ($20) at either the INN at Gig Harbor or at Coldwater Creek. www.innatgigharbor.com

SONICFLOOD will perform in Gig Harbor on May 30th and May 31st at 7pm at Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church, 7700 Skansie Avenue. Tickets are $35 and proceeds to Jaxon's Cure. Learn more at www.jaxonscure.org

What a great weekend to visit Gig Harbor. Find overnight accomodations, dining and more at www.gigharborguide.com

GIG HARBOR'S MARITIME INN OFFERS WINE DEAL THIS WEEK ONLY!!

This week, a special one night offering from the beautiful MARITIME INN in Historic Downtown Gig Harbor. Don't miss it!

May 21st only Wine and Dine in Gig Harbor. Enjoy 20% off a King Deluxe Room. This package includes a $50 gift certificate towards the special May 21st Brix 25 five course dinner featuring specials by Chef Lyman paired with wines from Mark Ryan Winery.Limited seating is available for this dinner, so book your room today to assure your spot!Additionally from 4-6pm that evening enjoy one on one complimentary tastings with Mary Ryan at Water to Wine.CALL TODAY TO RESERVE!!! (253) 858-1818

NEW HARBOR TOURS AVAILABLE IN GIG HARBOR

Lifelong Gig Harbor resident Captain Tom Drohan starts sightseeing tour company

The Puget Sound “up close and personal” is the mantra of Destiny Harbor Tours, a new marine tour company out of Gig Harbor, WA. Now offering tours and private charters from Gig Harbor and Tacoma, Destiny can seat up to 39 passengers for an adventure experience enjoying the beauty, wildlife and habitat of Puget Sound and Gig Harbor.

Tour season begins in May and runs through September. Tours from Gig Harbor leave from Rent-a-Boat at Anthony’s Restaurant. These one-hour or two-hour tours in the open air boat provide an interesting history and environmental education about Gig Harbor, Point Defiance and the Narrows. One hour tours are $17 for adults, 2 hour tours are $22 and discounts are available for seniors and children. Additional tours are available from Tacoma (learn more at http://www.destinymarine.com/).

Tour schedule varies, due to the many special event and charter events also offered by Destiny Marine. Upcoming special events include June 7th Maritime Gig & Blessing of the Fleet tour and June 21st Fathers Day Tour. Private charters can also be arranged.

Learn more about Destiny Harbor Tours at http://www.destinymarine.com/ or by calling 253-225-6306.
Learn more about visiting Gig Harbor at http://www.gigharborguide.com/. Gig Harbor, Washington’s Maritime Village.

2009 BEST OF GIG HARBOR AWARDS ANNOUNCED

Each year the City of Gig Harbor Marketing Office partners with the Peninsula Gateway on THE BEST OF GIG HARBOR. These awards mean a great deal to the local winners, because the awards are all decided by the people of Gig Harbor - the shoppers, diners and residents who make Gig Harbor their home.

The Gateway will run the list of winners in a special section to be published on May 20th. This pull-out section will also be used through out the summer at our Visitor Information Center to provide information to our out of town guests on what our residents think is THE BEST.

So here are the winners - both first and second place! Many of these were neck in neck, but somebody had to win right?

BEST FAMILY RESTAURANT 1. Kelly's 2. Tanglewood
BEST BURGER 1. Tides 2. Kelly's
BEST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT 1. Brix 25 2. Green Turtle
BEST RESTAURANT VIEW 1. Anthony's 2. Tides
BEST HAPPY HOUR 1. Anthony's 2. Tides
BEST SEAFOOD 1. Anthony's 2. Green Turtle
BEST ITALIAN 1. Spiros 2 Massimos and Fondi (tie)
BEST MEXICAN 1. El Pueblito 2. Puerto Vallarta and Moctezumas (tie)
BEST KARAOKE 1. El Pueblito 2. Hy Ui He He
BEST LIVE MUSIC 1. Forza/Harbor Greens
BEST SHOPPING DISTRICT 1. Uptown 2. Historic Downtown
BEST NEW RETAIL 1. Coldwater Creek 2. Adam and Eve
FRIENDLIEST DOWTOWN SHOP 1. Water to Wine, 2. Sharon's Consignment
BEST GARDEN STORE 1. Peninsula Gardens 2. Stroh's
BEST PIZZA 1. Fondi's 2. Spiros
BEST COFFEE 1. Cutters Point 2. Forza
BEST BAKERY 1. Suzanne's 2. Panera
BEST BAR FOOD 1. Tides 2. Tanglewood
BEST MARTINI 1. Anthony's 2. Tanglewood
BEST BREAKFAST 1. Kelly's 2. Heritage Restaurant at the Inn at Gig Harbor
BEST ICE CREAM 1. Kelly's 2. BEn and Jerry's
BEST BRUNCH 1. Inn at Gig Harbor
BEST HAIR SALON 1. Salon Vlasa 2. Jax
BEST NAIL SALON 1. Salon Vlasa 2. VIP
BEST SPA 1. Sharons Spa 2. Salon Vlasa
BEST WORKOUT PLACE 1. YMCA 2. Gig Harbor Fitness
BEST GOLF COURSE 1. Madrona 2. Canterwood
BEST AUTO REPAIR 1. Graffs 2. Parker
BEST GROCERY 1. Harbor Greens 2. QFC
BEST JEWELRY 1. Clark's 2. Kit Kuhn
BEST DRY CLEANER 1. Gig Harbor Cleaners 2. Hi Tech & Sun Cleaners (tie)
BEST FLORIST 1. Mustard Seed 2. Flowers to Go
MOST FRIENDLY CLERK 1. Ty Cline 2. Sharon Kresse
FRIENDLIEST BANK STAFF 1. Columbia Bank 2. Bank of America
BEST BARTENDER 1. Marty at Spiros 2. John MacDonald
BEST WAIT PERSON 1. Lauren at Kelly's 2. John MacDonald
BEST BARISTA 1. Laura at Cutters
BEST NEIGHBORHOOD 1. Canterwood
BEST NON PROFIT 1. Gig Harbor Historic Waterfront Association
BEST LOCAL LANDMARK 1. Tides
BEST PICNIC SPOT 1. Kopachuck
BEST FINE DINING 1. Brix 2. Anthony's
BEST ASIAN 1. Monsoon 2. Thai Hut
BEST SPRING EVENT 1. Maritime Gig
BEST SUMMER EVENT 1. Art Walk
BEST ANNUAL EVENT 1. Martime Gig
BEST HOTEL/INN 1. Inn at Gig Harbor 2. Maritime Inn
BEST BED AND BREAKFAST 1. Waterfront Inn and (tie) 1. Bear's Lair
BEST ART GALLERY 1. Watersedge Gallery
BEST ROMANTIC WALK 1. Historic Waterfront
BEST DAY HIKE 1. Cushman Trail
BEST PLACE TO DANCE 1. Salon Vlasa 2. El Pueblito
BEST BEACH WALK 1. Kopachuck
BEST PEOPLE WATCH 1. Historic Downtown
BEST DOG PARK 1. Donkey Creek
BEST STATE PARK 1. Kopachuck
BEST VIEW MT RAINIER 1. Anthony's
BEST PLACE FOR KIDS 1. YMCA
BEST BUFFETT 1. Heritage Restaurant at the INN at Gig Harbor
BEST GIFT SHOP 1. Water to Wine 2. Season's on the Bay
BEST PLACE TO BUY WINE 1. Water to Wine 2. Harbor Greens
BEST SHOE STORE 1. Famous Footwear 2. Comfort Shoes
BEST STORE FRONT 1. Water to Wine
BEST PLACE FOR ROMANTIC GIFT 1. Water to Wine
BEST FALL EVENT 1. Downtown Halloween
BEST WINTER EVENT 1. Lighted Boat Parade

Congratulations to all the winners!
SHOP LOCAL !

Wine Maker's Dinner Alert for Gig Harbor!

Thursday May 21st at 6:30pm don't miss this great opportunity to dine with "Rockstar" Washington wine maker, Mark Ryan McNeilly, of Mark Ryan Winery of Woodinville when he visits the beautiful BRIX 25 RESTAURANT in historic downtown Gig Harbor. Chef Thad Lyman's five course dinner will be paired with the renowned wines.

If you haven't heard, Mark Ryan winery is well on its way to becoming an icon of the Washington wine industry. Located out of Woodinville, Mark McNeilly is quickly reaching celebrity status with his superbly blended reds and luscious flavorful whites. Few Washington wine releases are more anticipated than the Mark Ryan Long Haul and Dead Horse, both Bordeaux blends from the famed Cie du Cheval Vineyard on Red Mountain.

Reserve your spot today for this wonderful evening May 21st at 6:30pm. Seating is extremely limited. Call today at (253) 858-6626.

Five course dinner with five matching wines $95 per person plus tax and gratuity.

Gig Harbor's KGHP-FM to Host State High School Radio Conference

The Peninsula School Districts fabulous radio broadcasting program will once again host the annual High School Radio Conference at Peninsula High School on May 14th. This great program is sending many of our talented high school kids on to broadcasting and journalism as well as marketing and public relations colleges and careers.

The conference brings to Gig Harbor such well known radio personalities and news reporters as Spike O'Neill of KZOK-FM, Travis Mayfield of KOMO-AM and Andy Harms of KNDD-FM. Other presenters include Geoff Corkum, Director of Media Development for the Tacoma Rainiers and Micha Anderson of Zoopa, Inc., the creative genious behind the current Taco Del Mar ad campaign.

Gig Harbor Garden Tour - Take a Peek

2009 As part of the Gig Harbor Garden Tour for Literacy, the second annual Adirondack Chair event/drawing will add color and fund raising potential to the Gig Harbor Garden Tour, June 27th and 28th. Enjoy a “Sneak Peek” of this years Adirondack Chairs, created by eight local Gig Harbor artists. “Sneak Peek” is open to the public from 5:00-6:30pm on the “Green” at the Gig Harbor Civic Center (in the lobby in case of inclement weather) on Thursday May 14th.

Tickets will be available at the Sneak Peek for the chair drawing. Drawing will take place on Sunday June 28th at the end of the two-day Garden Tour.

The Gig Harbor Garden Tour, now in its 12th year, raises annual funds for the Tacoma Community College, Gig Harbor Branch, Adult Literacy program. This year seven beautiful private home gardens will be opened to the public during the two day tour. The Adirondack Chairs will be featured at each garden.

Learn more at http://www.gigharborguide.com/ or call (253) 460-2355.

Stimulate That! Gig Harbor!

Lots of talk about stimulant deals...are you waiting for your stimulant deal? We got it in Gig Harbor. So much free stuff to keep you stimulated, and to stimulate our local businesses. Get into the deals right here in your hometown. Why wait for something to happen when you can be what's happening?

FREE Starting this Thursday May 7th new ART EVENING in downtown Gig Harbor, every Thursday until the end of September galleries and shops open until 8pm with special entertainment and activities

FREE May 13th two free lectures are being offered as part of HEALTHY HARBOR. Both lectures are at the Gig Harbor Civic Center at 6:30pm. Join Dr. Bruce Gruber for "100 Year Lifestyle" or Dr. Pat Hogan and Heidi Henson for "Tobacco Free Teens".

FREE Every Saturday, Gig Harbor Farmers Market on Kimball Drive includes live entertainment.

FREE Penrose Point State Park was named this month as one of Sunset Magazines top 50 Campgrounds. Pack a picnic and enjoy this beautiful State Park on the Key Peninsula.

FREE Gig Harbor Street Scramble is May 23rd and it is the only FREE STREET SCRAMBLE in the Puget Sound area. First 250 to pre-register get a FREE t-shirt. Pick up registration at the Gig Harbor YMCA, Visitor Information Center or at many other locations around Gig Harbor.

FREE History Walk - self-guided tour of historic downtown Gig Harbor includes interpretive signage through out town. Pick up a free History Walk brochure at locations all around town including the Gig Harbor Visitor Information Center located at 3125 Judson Street and open every day of the week except Tuesday.

FREE parks, parks parks - have you been to some of the unknown hidden gems we have in this community? Every been to Adam Tallman Park? Wilkinson Farm Park? Grandview Forest Park? Have you seen the beautiful new interpretive area at Crescent Creek Park (formerly called City Park)? Or the new Vollyball Court at Crescent Creek Park? Learn about all the parks in Gig Harbor at the new City of Gig Harbor website www.cityofgigharbor.net .

MORE FREE IDEAS CAN BE FOUND AT www.gigharborguide.com

FREE isn't hard to do in Gig Harbor...it's harder to not do it! Enjoy!