253 Lifestyle Magazine | Summer2026

SUMMER 2026

REAL ESTATE & TOURISM

&

TOURISM REAL ESTATE South Sound Living Where Weekends Turn Into Home

SERVING BEYOND THE SALE

Q&A

Faaluaina “Lua” Pritchard: Building Community Across the South Sound SU M M E R 2 02 6 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE 1

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253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE SU M M E R 2026

Built with Intention.

Crafted to Endure.

At Fox & Dahlia, we believe building a home is far more than a project — it’s a milestone in your story. That’s why we place the greatest value on connection and collaboration, ensuring every detail reflects not just your vision, but your life.

With a spirit of craftsmanship and integrity, we walk with you from first sketch to final finish, weaving clarity, creativity, and care into every step. The result is more than a house — it’s a lasting work of art, built to hold your moments, your memories, and your dreams.

When you’re ready to imagine what home can truly be, we’re here to bring it to life.

Visit our website to learn more.

253.222.9291 | info@foxanddahlia.com FoxAndDahlia.com | @foxanddahliahomes SU M M E R 2 02 6 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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CONTENTS SUM M E R

2 02 6

38

20

38

36 16 20 24 4

26

Fifty Days That Changed Everything

From survival mode to community impact, the Lindleys give back to NICU families in Gig Harbor

Local Q&A

Faaluaina "Lua" Pritchard: Building Community Across the South Sound

Peninsula Art League: 40 Years of Art in Gig Harbor A milestone festival supporting artists and future creatives

South Sound Living Where Weekends Turn Into Home

Why buyers keep coming back 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE SU M M E R 2026 and eventually stay

36 38

The Lindsay Jackman Group: Serving Beyond the Sale

A real estate approach shaped by care, trust, and life’s transitions

A Nation That Should Not Be Here

Five improbable moments. One thread. And a question worth asking 250 years later.

LOCAL GUIDE

44

Local Businesses

A guide to local businesses ready to serve you

Gig Harbor Regional Model The Palisade: 3 Bed, 3.5 Bath, 4,190 Sq. Ft. 10420 65th Ave. Ct. NW

Our mission is to deliver an exceptional new home experience.

This is where you make your dream a reality. No long, drawn-out struggle or confusion — just clear information, straightforward choices, and a streamlined process that makes your homebuilding experience a pleasure instead of a pain. As a trusted home builder throughout the Puget Sound, with operations spanning SW Washington and Portland OR, Garrette Homes is your partner every step of the way, making the journey to your dream home easy and enjoyable.

GarretteHomes.com @GarretteHomes_PS

4802 Tacoma Mall Blvd.

Tacoma, WA 98409 253-352-3534

Do you already have land to build on? Or are you looking for the perfect community to bring your vision to life? We can help you take the next step with confidence and clarity. Contact us today to start your home building/home buying SUjourney.

M M E R 2 02 6 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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SUM MER CONT.

2026

CONTENTS 62

52

56 LOCAL GUIDE CONT.

48 52 56

Health & Beauty

Your Summer Skin Strategy

Shop, Stay, Play

Districts, destinations, and everyday experiences

61 62

Seasonal Recipe

Grilled Chicken Skewers with Herb Butter and Grilled Corn Salad

Calendar of Events

Don’t miss out on the seasonal events happening this summer

Food, Drinks + More

Enjoy the flavors of local restaurants, breweries and wineries ready to serve you

CONNECT WITH US!

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253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE SU M M E R 2026

PUTTING YOU & YOUR FAMILY FIRST When it comes to family law matters, we are here to serve you.

No matter what you are going through, our team of attorneys Chris Maharry, Nicole Pryor and Tony Zorich have the skill and experience to ensure you get the absolute best outcome possible.

253.260.4147 | HarborFamilyLawGroup.com 2615 Jahn Ave. NW, Suite E7 Gig Harbor, WA

THE SOUTH SOUND’S PREMIER FAMILY LAW FIRM

SU M M E R 2 02 6 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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SUMMER

2 02 6

CONNECT WITH US!

Publisher’s Picks 16

FIFTY DAYS THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING

26

SOUTH SOUND LIVING WHERE WEEKENDS TURN INTO HOME

From survival mode to community impact, the Lindleys give back to NICU families in Gig Harbor

Why buyers keep coming back and eventually stay

Would you like to receive this issue and future issues in your inbox? Visit 253LifestyleMagazine.com and sign up for our FREE Digital Edition.

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253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE SU M M E R 2026

38

A NATION THAT SHOULD NOT BE HERE

Five improbable moments. One thread. And a question worth asking 250 years later.

Nicholas Huntington

NMLS2748358 Nicholas

Huntington

Nicholas NMLS2748358 Huntington NMLS2748358 Nicholas Huntington NMLS2748358

Kristin Cantiberos NMLS222186 Kristin Cantiberos Kristin NMLS222186 Cantiberos NMLS222186 Kristin Cantiberos

Mark Wambold

Jamie Lindsey NMLS2436054 Jamie Lindsey Jamie

NMLS2436054 Lindsey

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Wambold

Mark NMLS248580 Wambold NMLS248580 Mark Wambold

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Why Work with One Loan Officer Why Work with One LoanOfficer Officer Why Work with One Loan Why Work Loan Officer When You with Can One Have a Whole Team?

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Team?

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Behind every smooth home loan journey is more than just one person, it’s a dedicated team working together to keep everything on track.

From your first question day, having multipleteam experts supporting your Behind smooth home loan journey more than to justclosing one dedicated working together to loan Behind everyevery smooth home loan journey is ismore than just oneperson, person,it’sit’sa a dedicated team working together to means stronger communication, faster problem-solving, and a more seamless process. keep everything on track. From your first isquestion to closing day, having experts supporting your loan everyon smooth journey more than just one person, it’s multiple a multiple dedicated team working together keep Behind everything track.home Fromloan your first question to closing day, having experts supporting yourtoloan means stronger communication, faster problem-solving, andday, a more seamless process. keep everything on track. From your first question to closing having multiple experts supporting your loan means stronger communication, faster problem-solving, and a more seamless process.

With nearly 20 years of experience, Wambold and andahis team have helped means stronger communication, faster Mark problem-solving, more seamless process.South Sound families navigate With nearly 20market years ofwith experience, MarkInstead Wambold his team South Soundyou families every type of confidence. of and relying on a have singlehelped point of contact, gainnavigate a group of With professionals nearly 20 years of experience, Mark Wambold and hisimportantly, team have helped South Sound families navigate everynearly type of market with confidence.

Instead relying on a single point of contact, gain a group ofwhen With 20focused years of experience, Mark Wambold and his team have helped South Sound families navigate on every detail of yourofloan, and someone isyou always available you nee everyevery type type of market with confidence.

Instead of relying on a single point of contact, you gain a group of professionals focused on every detail of your loan, and importantly, someone is always available when you need. of market with confidence. Instead of relying on a single point of contact, you gain a group of professionals focused every detail ofofestate your and importantly, someone is always available when you need. professionals focused on every detail yourloan, loan, and importantly, someone is always available when you need.

By partnering withon trusted local real professionals, The Mark Wambold Group delivers thoughtful financing By partnering with trusted local real estate professionals, The Mark Wambold Group delivers thoughtful financing

strategies designed around your goals. Whether you are buying your first home, moving into your next, or first home, moving into thoughtful yourthoughtful next, or strategies designed around your goals.

Whether you are The buying your By partnering with trusted local real estate professionals, Mark Wambold Group delivers financing By partnering with trusted local real estate professionals, The Mark Wambold Group delivers financing refinancing, you willhave have ateam team ensuring nothing gets missed and everything moves forward smoothly. refinancing, you will a ensuring nothing gets missed and everything moves forward smoothly. home, moving into into youryour next, next, or strategies designed around your goals.

Whetheryou you are are buying first home, moving or strategies designed around your goals.

Whether buyingyour yourfirst refinancing, you will have a team ensuringnothing nothing gets gets missed moves forward smoothly. refinancing, you will have a team ensuring missedand andeverything everything moves forward smoothly.

VA, Conventional, Jumbo, custom solutions: VA, FHA, FHA, Conventional, Jumbo, oror custom solutions: when you haveaafull fullteam team behind you, solutions: when youConventional, have behind you, VA, FHA, Jumbo, or custom VA, FHA, Conventional, Jumbo, or custom solutions: you are never navigating the process alone. you are never navigating the process when you have a full team behind you,alone. whenyou youare have a full team behind you, alone. never navigating the process you are never navigating the process alone.

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mark.wambold@ccm.com NMLS248580 5403 Olympic Dr NW, Ste 100, Gig Harbor, WA 98335 markwambold.com markwambold.com M: 253.225.3352 5403 Olympic Dr NW, Ste 100, Gig Harbor, WA 98335 Equal Housing Opportunity.

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R 2 02 6CrossCountry 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE Branch NMLS2534522 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). markwambold.com Branch NMLS2534522 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

5403 Olympic Dr NW, Ste 100, Gig Harbor, WA 98335

publisher’s note

More Than a Summer

Destination

S

ummer has a way of reminding us why people fall in love with the South Sound in the first place.

The waterfront gets busier. The parks fill. Markets return, patios open, boats move across the water, and visitors slow down long enough to notice what locals already know. This is not just a beautiful place to visit. It is a place with depth, character, and a rhythm all its own.

Meet Steve Russo E x e c ut i v e D i re c t or St e v e @ l i k e - m e d i a . c om

That connection is at the heart of this Summer issue. With a focus on real estate and tourism, we look at the way the 253 continues to grow while holding on to the identity that makes it special. From Tacoma’s waterfront and historic neighborhoods to local shops, restaurants, trails, parks, and small businesses across the South Sound, the 253 offers something that cannot be manufactured. Tourism supports local businesses. Local businesses strengthen the community. Real estate reflects the deeper decision people are making: to build a life in a place with history, beauty, and purpose.

This issue also arrives as America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday.

That milestone deserves more than fireworks. It deserves reflection. Our Good News feature looks back at moments in America’s story that point to Providence, resilience, and the remarkable endurance of a country that has weathered more than its share of uncertainty.

That same spirit, on a local scale, shows up throughout the 253: in the artists who keep traditions alive, the small-business owners who create places to gather, the families who choose community over convenience, and the neighbors who still believe that place matters.

This summer, may we enjoy the water, the sunshine, the celebrations, and the slower days. But may we also notice the gift of living in a region worth caring for.

Welcome to the Summer issue of 253 Lifestyle Magazine.

About the Cover 253 Lifestyle Magazine's Summer 2026 Real Estate & Tourism issue features The Lindsay Jackman Group, a Gig Harbor real estate practice built on care, trust, and the kind of support most agents won't offer.

See their full spotlight on page 34.

10 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE SU M M E R 2026

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Hello

MARKETING MARKETING EXECUTIVE Rebecca Baczewski | 253.363.8830 rebecca@like-media.com MARKETING EXECUTIVE Rachel Hayes | 253.525.2726 rachel.hayes@like-media.com DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Allyia Briggs | 208.620.5444 allyia@like-media.com

TA C O M A

OPERATIONS & MARKETING MANAGER Kamy Jones marketing@like-media.com

EDITORIAL EDITOR Taylor Shillam EDITORIAL INQUIRIES editorial@like-media.com

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR OF PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT Jackson Russo | jackson@like-media.com

DESIGN CREATIVE DIRECTOR | Maddie Horton DESIGN DIRECTOR | Darbey Russo SENIOR DESIGNER | Kennedy Pew SENIOR DESIGNER | Sam Stoke DIGITAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR | Whitney Lebsock

ADMINISTRATION CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER | Rachel Figgins EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | Steve Russo MANAGING PARTNER | Kim Russo

PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHERS In-Gear Media pg. 1, 34-35, Heather Lewis Photography pg. 16-18, Diane Fetzner pg. 44, 53, Maurgerite Cleveland pg. 50, 52 COURTESY PHOTOS Parks Tacoma, Peninsula Art League, Puyallup Main Street Association

253 lifestyle magazine is brought to you

by Like-Media.com. If you would like to advertise with us, please call 253.363.8830 or email allyia@like-media.com. To submit articles, photos, nominations and events, email us at info@like-media.com.

Advertising Agency

253 Lifestyle Magazine is published seasonally and distributed freely throughout the Pacific Northwest. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. 253 Lifestyle Magazine is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. 253 Lifestyle Magazine is produced and published by Like Media, and no part of this publication may be reproduced 12 or 253 LIFESTYLE M E R 2026 transmitted without MAGAZINE the permission ofSU theMpublisher.

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non-profit

FEAT UR E

Like Media’s Mission: Impact communities in a positive way.

Like Media, producer of 253 Lifestyle Magazine, recognizes non-profits’ invaluable contributions.

We amplify their voices, share inspiring stories, and engage with organizations to support their missions and inspire action.

Nominate your favorite local non-profit today!

Cancer Cartel

C

ancer Cartel exists for one reason: to make sure a cancer diagnosis doesn't also become a financial crisis. Founded by survivors Katy Tinney-Olson, Kerry Solmonsen, and Shelly Tinney-Miller, the organization was built from lived experience and a clear purpose. Every dollar raised goes directly to Warriors in need, covering essential expenses like rent, utilities, transportation, and groceries so families can focus on treatment and recovery instead of mounting bills.

The model works. Through luxury fashion resale, brand partnerships, and community-driven events, Cancer Cartel has supported more than 1,700 Warriors across 48 states. The organization's reach continues to grow, with plans for nationwide expansion already underway. What started as three survivors solving a problem they knew firsthand has become a national force for financial relief during one of life's hardest seasons.

What each non-profit receives ...

We sponsor local non-profits for a sixmonth campaign.

A three-month feature article in our print magazine.

A three-month feature article in our digital magazine.

Marketing advertisements in both print and digital formats.

An SEO-optimized blog post to boost Google search rankings.

Ongoing support and promotion across our social media platforms.

Promotional product design with strategic recommendations.

Fighting Cancer With Compassion

Learn more and get involved at CancerCartel.org.

14 253 14 M M E RR2026 253LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLEMAGAZINE MAGAZINESU WINTE 2024

Comprehensive business analysis paired with specialized marketing advice.

Do you know a local business making a real impact in our community? We want to lift them up and share their story.

Each year, 253 Lifestyle Magazine will select four local businesses to receive a fully donated feature in the magazine—spotlighting the work they’re doing and the difference they’re making right here at home.

NOMINATE THEM HERE

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local feature

FIFTY DAYS THAT

Changed Everything From survival mode to community impact, the Lindleys give back to NICU families in Gig Harbor

by LIKE MEDIA TEAM

16 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE SU M M E R 2026

F

or Tessa and Jack Lindley, the decision to give back began in a hospital corridor.

When their twins arrived eight weeks early, they stepped into a season they had known was possible but could never fully prepare for. Complications from a mono-di pregnancy meant the NICU had been part of conversations long before delivery. Even so, nothing outlined what it would feel like to watch their babies grow outside the womb.

“I would describe that time as true survival mode,” Tessa says.

“While the entire world kept spinning around us, our little world stood still.”

For 50 days, progress was measured in ounces gained, stabilized oxygen levels, and the first independent breaths. The twins learned to breathe and eat on their own. Milestones that most families experience at home became hard-earned accomplishments. At the same time, two older children needed consistency and reassurance.

Tessa and Jack rotated shifts in the hospital lobby, often seeing each other only briefly in passing.

“You kind of just trudge forward each day because you have no other choice but to show up for your babies and your family,” the Lindleys share.

Sleep was limited. FaceTime calls became routine. Medical terminology that they never wanted to master became part of everyday language. They were deeply grateful their babies were alive and defying odds, yet aware that their family was living divided for nearly two months.

During those weeks, they began to notice something else. In their NICU pod, they were often alone. Other parents were not consistently present. After bringing their twins home, the Lindleys reached out to the NICU team at St. Joseph Medical Center to ask how they could give back. The answer was practical.

“We were fortunate to be able to support our babies during their NICU journey, but not everyone is able to financially be there daily,” Tessa explains.

As they reflected on their time in the NICU, one reality stood out.

SU M M E R 2 02 6 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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feature

LOCAL STORY

“If we’ve learned anything from this experience, it truly takes a village.”

Some parents could not be there every day. Distance, work obligations, and mounting expenses created barriers that had nothing to do with love. At the recommendation of NICU staff, the Lindleys began collecting grocery gift cards and ORCA transportation cards to help relieve financial pressure so parents could remain present.

“We were also told how important it was for our babies' progress to have us there to hold them and how much our touch and love helped support them,” the couple explains. “But that can only happen if you are there and present each day.”

The experience permanently shifted their perspective. As parents and owners of Lindley Chiropractic Health Team in Gig Harbor, they understand how essential community is in moments of difficulty.

“If we’ve learned anything from this experience, it truly takes a village,” they reflect.

Their initial fundraising goal has been met, but the effort will continue. In August, on the twins’ one-year birthday, they plan to launch a second fundraising round, with the intention of making it an annual initiative. St. Joseph’s NICU reached a five-year high in patient volume this past year. The need remains.

Their hope is direct. “Even though you feel alone between those walls, there are people out there rooting for your babies’ success and health,” Tessa says.

For the Lindleys, the goal is simple: make it possible for families to show up consistently when their babies need them most.

Community members who would like to support NICU families or contribute to the upcoming August fundraiser can reach the Lindleys at: Lindley Chiropractic 7901 Skansie Ave, Suite 205 Gig Harbor, WA 253.358.6094 drjacklindley@gmail.com

18 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE SU M M E R 2026

style

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local feature

LOCAL

Q & A

FAALUAINA "LUA" PRITCHARD: BUILDING COMMUNITY ACROSS THE SOUTH SOUND

BY LIKE MEDIA TEAM

20 20 253 253LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLEMAGAZINE MAGAZINE SU SUM MM MEERR 2026 2026

Faaluaina "Lua" Pritchard's work in the South Sound spans decades, but the principle behind it has remained consistent: help the person in front of you. That principle carried her from a village in American Samoa to Pepperdine, to twelve years in education, to executive leadership of the Korean Women's Association, and now to the Asia Pacific Cultural Center’s permanent home on South Tacoma Way, a building she helped make possible for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community and the wider South Sound.

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Attorney at Law and Mediator 253.853.6940 | FamilyLawResolutions.com 6625 Wagner Way, Ste 260B, Gig Harbor, WA

SU M M E R 2 02 6 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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feature

LOCAL Q&A

Q. Can you share a bit about background and what shaped path into this work?

your your

A. I was born in a small village in American Samoa and came to the United States at age 10. I later earned a full scholarship to Pepperdine University, but at one point, I left everything to take my mother back home. That decision shaped a lot of my life. My husband and I worked in education there for 12 years before moving to Washington to help care for family.

I later joined the Korean Women's Association and eventually became Executive Director, where I helped expand services and programs across the state. That experience prepared me for the work I do today.

Q. You've spent years serving the community through your work. Where do you see that impact most clearly?

"My fait h is the fo undation of everyt hing I do . I am who I am because o f my strong fa ith in God and His teachings about ho w to live and how to love ot hers ."

A. The impact shows up in everyday situations. Helping families find housing, connecting people to healthcare, supporting students, and guiding people through difficult moments. There are many different needs, and every day brings new situations. The goal is to make sure people are not facing those challenges alone.

Q. What does the housing project community today?

new facility mean for

and the

A. The new facility is everything we prayed for as a community and as an organization. Asia Pacific Cultural Center (APCC) wanted the AANHPI community to have a safe cultural place to call home. Many people didn't think we could complete this dream, but we did. Now the AANHPI community is proud to have a place that reflects who we are. The project gave many people a renewed sense of confidence and belonging by creating a state-of-the-art cultural building called Our Home. And not just the AANHPI community. Everyone in the community at large is proud of it.

South Tacoma Way never looked so good.

: s t c a F Fun

A few things you may not know about Lua Pritchard: • Born in American Samoa: Moved to the United States at age 10 • Pepperdine Scholar: Earned a full scholarship before pausing her studies to bring her mother home • Education Background: Spent 12 years working in schools alongside her husband in American Samoa • Statewide Leadership: Former Executive Director of the Korean Women's Association • APCC Vision: Helped lead the creation of APCC's permanent South Tacoma Way home • 2025 Finest Person of the Year: Voted by 253 Lifestyle Magazine readers

22 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE SU M M E R 2026

Q. What are you most focused on right now at the Asia Pacific Cultural Center?

A. Sustainability of funding and quality of services. We are currently preparing for our upcoming Asia Pacific Night Market. We are also developing our Asia Pacific Culinary Program. We're working with Clover Park Technical College as part of that effort. The culinary program will lead into an entrepreneurial program that helps graduates start their own small businesses.

Q. What does being voted Finest Person of the Year mean to you?

A. I am shocked. I am humbled and feel very blessed by God in all ways. I love people, and I love helping people. Every day I want to help someone.

My father always taught us to help others. If you're not helping someone, what good are you?

Q. What continues to motivate you in your work today?

A. My faith is the foundation of everything I do. I am who I am because of my strong faith in God and His teachings about how to live and how to love others. I am also grateful for my family and the people I work with. I could not do this work alone, and I thank God every day for that.

SU M M E R 2 02 6 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

23

community SPOTLIGHT

by LIKE MEDIA TEAM

Peninsula Art League:

40 Years of Art in Gig Harbor A milestone festival supporting artists and future creatives

F

or 40 years, the Peninsula Art League (PAL) Summer Arts Festival has brought community to the artist and art to the community. The 40th festival takes place July 18 and 19, 2026, at Sehmel Homestead Park. Admission and parking are free. Saturday hours are 10 am–6 pm, and Sunday hours are 10 am–5 pm.

“Reaching this milestone is a moment of immense pride for us,” says PAL President Robin Avni. “We have grown and evolved from a small group of artists in the early 1980s into the organization we are today, now representing over 240 local artists and art lovers in Pierce and Kitsap counties.”

Over 100 juried artists will be on-site across both days, with work spanning ceramics, fiber arts, garden art, glass art, jewelry, metal art, mosaic, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and woodworking.

Artists travel from across the Pacific Northwest and beyond, and the selection is competitive.

This year, four experienced artists reviewed submissions across multiple disciplines and selected participants through a private, collaborative voting process. Alongside those established names, the Emerging Artist category continues to gain momentum, giving first-time exhibitors a professional platform to reach thousands of attendees.

“We are proud to encourage new talent at the festival,” Avni says. “The Emerging Artist booths offer a very special opportunity for festival attendees to discover and support new talent.”

24 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE SU M M E R 2026 24 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE SU M M E R 2026

Photo by Jeanette Hill

New this year is the Community Arts in the Field, a designated area on the festival grounds available at no cost to regional arts organizations. The Gig Harbor Film Festival, Visit Gig Harbor, Ghostlight Performing Arts, and the Gig Harbor and Bainbridge Island Studio Tours are among the 2026 participants.

Inside the Volunteer Vern Pavilion, the PAL Summer Member Show runs alongside the outdoor booths. Entries are selected through a juried process. This year’s juror is Christine Buchanan, a sculptor and Fine Arts Department Chair at Peninsula High School, where she has taught sculpture, pottery, glass, and printmaking for more than 30 years.

Buchanan will award Best of Show, First Place, Second Place, Third Place, and three Honorable Mentions. Festival visitors can also vote for the People’s Choice Award, one of the event’s most anticipated honors.

Since the festival began in 1986, its proceeds have funded the art league’s high school scholarship program every year. In 2026, the organization awarded thousands of dollars to nine students from four area high schools: Gig Harbor, Peninsula, Henderson Bay, and South Kitsap. Recipients plan to pursue studies in art, film, music, architecture, and digital arts.

Live music on the Kimball Coffeehouse Music Stage begins at noon both days. Food vendors BBQ2U, Iscreamery, Kai’s Shaved Ice, Fusion Donuts, Stack’s Burgers, Gather Gig Harbor, and Travelin’Tom’s Coffee will be stationed in the food court near the stage.

Kids’ activities will run throughout the weekend with PenMet Parks, Kiwanis, Snapology, and face painting by Masks and Mugs. A free continuous shuttle will connect the Gig Harbor High School parking lot to the festival entrance at Sehmel Homestead Park, with on-site parking also available at no charge.

Avni encourages first-time visitors to browse the full artist catalog at PeninsulaArtLeague.org before arriving, then leave enough time to explore both the outdoor booths and the Member Summer Show inside the Pavilion. Live demonstrations by PAL members take place just outside the Pavilion entrance, offering visitors a closer look at how the work is made.

Peninsula Art League: Bringing Community to the Artist and Art to the Community

Peninsula Art League PeninsulaArtLeague.org

f  @peninsulaartleague #peninsulaartleague

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feature

nds Turn Int e k e e W oH e r om e h e W

SOUTH SOUND

LIVING Why buyers keep coming back and eventually stay

by LIKE MEDIA TEAM

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I

t starts on a Saturday morning. Coffee from Anthem on Pacific Avenue, a walk down to the Foss Waterway, a slow loop past the Museum of Glass cone before the marina wakes up. Mount Rainier is out. You came down for the weekend. You’re already opening Zillow on your phone.

This is how the South Sound recruits. Not through billboards.

Through the slow accumulation of weekends. People come to Tacoma for a glassblowing demonstration. They head to Gig Harbor for a Saturday on the water. Point Defiance Park pulls them in because someone told them about Owen Beach. Somewhere between the second and fifth visits, the question reverses.

The Foss Waterway runs the length of Tacoma’s east edge, anchored at one end by the Museum of Glass and at the other by the Foss Waterway Seaport. Between them sits a marina, the Tacoma Art Museum, the Washington State History Museum, and a stretch of restaurants where tables face the water. Walk west, and the Stadium District holds its century-old houses on streets that climb toward Wright Park. Walk north along Ruston Way, and the city gives way to seven miles of paved waterfront trail running all the way to Point Defiance. The downtown has people in it on a Tuesday. The waterfront is used. The arts venues are full.

Drive twenty minutes, and the case keeps building. Gig Harbor sits across the Narrows Bridge with a working fishing fleet still tied up at the docks. The harbor is the size of a postcard, ringed

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7 MILES

RUSTON WAY'S WATERFRONT WALK A 7-mile round-trip route along Tacoma’s waterfront.

Visit.

Then stay. by netsheds, restaurants, and homes that have been there a hundred years.

Visitors come to the Tides Tavern for lunch and find themselves looking up at the houses on the hillside above the water. What they find surprises them.

More house. Better access. Still within reach.

University Place includes Chambers Bay, where the U.S. Open returned the South Sound to the national golf conversation, and where the surrounding regional park offers the public a coastal trail with views that resort guests pay for. Steilacoom is a small town built around a main street and a ferry to Anderson Island, twenty minutes from Tacoma, and still one of the quietest towns in the county. DuPont’s Sequalitchew Creek trail ends at a stretch of Puget Sound shoreline where orcas pass close enough to count. Puyallup has SU M M E R 2 02 6 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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the fairgrounds, the Friday markets, and an old downtown that knows what it is.

None of this requires invention.

The bones are already there.

For the buyer, the realization is that the things they came down to do as visitors are now baseline. The Saturday morning walk along the Waterwalk is no longer a vacation. It is just Saturday. The kayak rental at Dock Street Marina becomes the kayak in the garage. Summer concerts at the Dune Peninsula amphitheater. Wednesday dinner at Brix 25° in Gig Harbor. The slow drive home from a Foss Waterway tour. What they experienced is what they now live with.

Tacoma is usually what buyers underestimate first and understand

second. The city has its own restaurant culture, its own coffee culture, and its own neighborhoods with their own grocery-store loyalties. The North End has the Proctor District, where Saturday farmers' markets fill the street and the bakery line forms before nine. Sixth Avenue runs from the Stadium District west toward 6th and Pine with restaurants that have held their corner for decades.

The Hilltop has a food scene that pulls people across the bridge for dinner. The Tacoma Dome books the artists who used to skip the city entirely. The waterfront is not a downtown amenity. It is downtown.

Buyers from Seattle and the Eastside often arrive expecting to compromise. What they find is a different set of trades. A shorter commute if they can work hybrid. A longer one if they cannot. More house. More yard. Water access most weekends. Mountain views on clear days. A downtown small enough to know and large enough to

THE SOUTH SOUND RECRUITS NOT THROUGH BILLBOARDS, BUT THROUGH THE SLOW ACCUMULATION OF WEEKENDS.

They saw the place as visitors.

They came back as residents ...

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keep surprising you. Prices across Pierce County have moved with the rest of the region, and waterfront property in Gig Harbor or the North End is no longer what it was a decade ago. But a fourbedroom Craftsman in the Stadium District still costs less than a Capitol Hill condo, and that gap funds a different life.

The conversion usually happens slowly.

A second visit in October, when the leaves drop in Wright Park, and the city looks the way the buyer hoped it would.

A third in February, to see what winter actually does here. By the time they call an agent, they are not browsing. They are choosing a neighborhood.

Each one has its own logic. Proctor for buyers seeking a walkable village within the city. Old Town for the historic stock and the closest thing Tacoma has to a European pace. The North End for the schools and the proximity to Point Defiance. Stadium for the views over Commencement Bay and the climb up to St. Helens. Across the Narrows, Gig Harbor proper for the harbor itself. Fox Island for the quiet. Gig Harbor North for newer construction and Peninsula schools. South into University Place for Chambers Bay access and a slower pace.

The buyers who do the work figure out which one fits.

What they share is the morning. Coffee somewhere with a view. A walk that does not require getting in a car. Water within reach. The mountain when it is out. The version of Pacific Northwest life that

What they share is the morning. Coffee somewhere with a view.

A walk that does not require getting in a car.

Water within reach.

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The rules changed.

Savvy landlords pivot.

Tacoma's new Landlord Fairness Code adds significant compliance obligations for traditional landlords. Short-term furnished rentals operate under a different regulatory structure — offering responsive pricing, operational flexibility, and stronger revenue potential.

Concierge-style short-term property management.

The Concierge Collection — formerly Corporate Condo Collection — has been an industry pioneer since 2013. Today's market demands structure, operational depth, and performance-driven systems. Our model delivers elevated guest experiences and measurable financial performance, positioning each property to compete at a higher level.

Furnished Short-Term Rental Management | Cleaning & Turnovers | Design & Setup

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“

Most do not decide on the fiirst visit.

It happens on the third or fourth, when the trips start to feel less like visits and more like rehearsals.

brought people here in the first place is still available, and the people who notice it tend to keep noticing.

Most do not decide on the first visit. It happens on the third or fourth, when the trips start to feel less like visits and more like rehearsals.

Somewhere between a slow morning at Point Ruston and a sunset crossing the Narrows Bridge, the question reverses itself. Not why would we live there? Why aren’t we already?

A growing number of buyers are answering that question the same way.

They saw the place as visitors. They came back as residents. The South Sound has been ready for a long time.

34 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE SU M M E R 2026

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COVER FEATURE

by LIKE MEDIA TEAM

The Lindsay Jackman Group:

Serving Beyond the Sale A real estate approach shaped by care, trust, and life’s transitions

L

indsay Jackman started her career in senior care, providing in-home support to elderly clients across the Gig Harbor area. The work required earning trust quickly, often in moments of real vulnerability. She learned to read a room, hold space for hard conversations, and balance many moving parts at once while keeping every client’s dignity intact. Years later, those same instincts shape how she leads The Lindsay Jackman Group, her Gig Harbor real estate practice.

“As with senior care, in real estate, I balance a lot of moving parts to ensure everyone I work with feels seen, respected, appreciated, and cared for,” Lindsay says.

That orientation shows up in the kinds of clients she takes on. A growing share of her work involves Gig Harbor seniors downsizing after decades in the same home. The houses are not filled with stuff, she says. They are filled with love, memories, a lifetime of achievements, and sometimes grief. Her team helps sort, sell, donate, and clear what needs clearing. They refer out for larger projects and take on the work themselves when the moment calls for it. Most agents won’t touch this part of a sale. Lindsay built her business around it.

One transaction she returns to often involved a woman named Shelley, a former caregiver Lindsay had once supervised who later became her personal assistant. Shelley was modest, kind, and the first person to show up whenever Lindsay needed help. After Shelley passed away following a medical emergency, her daughter called to sell the property.

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“This was one of those scenarios that most agents would turn up their nose to,” Lindsay says. “But I saw this as an opportunity to serve.

Shelley had spent countless hours, days, and years serving the senior community, and now it was my turn to serve her and her family.”

Twelve years and more than 500 homes into her career, Lindsay has built a Gig Harbor network that handles much of the work behind a smooth transaction. Landscapers, painters, HVAC techs, electricians, inspectors, stagers, photographers. Most have worked with her for years. Her clients get priority service, trusted referrals, and the kind of vendor relationships that take a decade to earn. A full listing prep can include market positioning, vendor coordination, cleaning, staging, professional photography, and, in some cases, property improvements that her team will fund when a seller cannot.

Her in-house team handles the day-to-day execution. Nichol handles situations that need a steady hand and a clear perspective. Haley keeps operations organized. Josh is the in-house general contractor and, in Lindsay’s words, the reason she’s where she is today. The bench extends outward from there, all the way to Brian the window washer.

What Lindsay loves about Gig Harbor is the same thing her clients tend to love. Walking the harbor in the morning, almost everyone smiles and says hello. When someone needs help, neighbors line up to give it. It is a beautiful place to live, and the people are a big part of what makes it that way. For buyers considering a move to Gig Harbor, that sense of community tends to be the part that closes the deal.

Looking ahead, Lindsay plans to bring on one or two more agents so she can stay focused on the bigger questions her clients are asking. She wants to deepen her real estate education and expand her community involvement. The growth is intentional and measured.

For sellers wondering when to reach out, Lindsay’s answer is simple. It is never too early. The earliest conversations often shape the strongest outcomes, and she welcomes the chance to be part of a client’s plans OPEN from the start.

8711 92nd St NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332 $1,400,000 Lindsay Jackman - The Lindsay Jackman Group Gig Harbor, WA 253.266.1067 LindsayJackman.com f @gigharborbroker @gigharborbroker



3 BED | 3 BATH | 3,490 SQ FT

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GOOD NEWS 38 38

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A Nation That Should Not

Be Here

FIVE IMPROBABLE MOMENTS. ONE THREAD. AND A QUESTION WORTH ASKING 250 YEARS LATER.

F

By STEVE RUSSO

our bullets passed through his coat. Two horses died beneath him.

He walked off the field. He was twenty-three years old.

It was July 9, 1755. The British column had marched into an ambush near the Monongahela River, deep in what is now western Pennsylvania. The commanding general was dead. The officers around the young Virginia colonel were being cut down where they stood. The battle was a slaughter.

George Washington should have been one of the bodies.

He wasn't.

Days later, he wrote to his brother. He had no explanation that satisfied him.

So he reached for the only word that did. “By the all-powerful dispensations of Providence,” he wrote, “I have been protected beyond all human probability and expectation.”

He did not say lucky. He did not say skilled. He said something had kept him beyond human explanation. The all-powerful dispensations of Providence. In other words, the hand of God. That is the documented account. It is in Washington’s own hands. It needs nothing added to it.

But years later, the story took on another layer. A Native chief who had fought against the British that day reportedly sought Washington out. He said that during the battle, he had ordered his best warriors to single out the tall officer on the white horse. They fired again and again. Nothing touched him. The chief said he had finally stopped firing himself and ordered his men to do the same, convinced the “Great Spirit” was shielding the young man.

He had come, he said, to see the face of a man who could not be killed.

And he was not the only one. Somewhere in that same column, a young wagoner named Daniel Boone cut his horse loose and rode clear of the

slaughter. He was barely twenty. The frontier he would open, the road west through the Cumberland Gap, the settlement that would carry his name; all of it was still ahead of him. On that field, two men whose names the country would never forget came within a musket shot of dying as strangers. Both walked away.

Twenty-one years later, whatever had kept him during the battle at the Monongahela River would have to keep him again.

It was August 1776. The Declaration of Independence had been signed weeks earlier. The ink was barely dry. And the army carrying the new country on its back was about to be destroyed.

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Washington made a decision that should have worked. He n ot or d e r e d a n evacuation acro the rive r by night. ss I n o p e n b oats. I n silence.

With the enemy a mile away.

men were pinned against the East River with the British army closing in behind them. The Royal Navy was moving to seal the river. By morning, the war would be over. The country would be over. The signers would hang.

Washington made a decision that should not have worked. He ordered an evacuation across the river by night. In open boats. In silence. With the enemy a mile away.

The boats moved through the dark for hours. Men. Horses.

Cannon. Everything.

Dawn came too early.

The last boats were still on the wrong side of the river when the sun began to rise. The British would see them. The river was about to become a killing field.

And then the fog rolled in.

It came up from the river itself. Thick. It covered the Brooklyn side and 40 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE SU M M E R 2026

left the British side clear. It held until the last boat crossed. Then it lifted.

Benjamin Tallmadge, who was there, called it “a peculiar providential occurrence.”

The army lived. The country lived.

While Washington was being kept alive, the Continental Congress was on its knees.

On May 17, 1776, weeks before the Declaration was even written, Congress called the entire country to a day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer. Not a moment of silence. Not a vague appeal to the divine. A summons for a whole people to kneel. The Library of Congress describes the proclamation as setting May 17, 1776, as a “day of Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer” throughout the colonies.

They asked the people to confess their sins. They asked God for pardon.

And they named the One through whom that pardon would come.

“Through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ.”

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The two men most responsible for the Declaration of Independence. Political rivals, then friends, then the last living signers — died on the same day.

Those are not my words. They are the words of the Continental Congress of the United States of America, on the eve of independence.

The men who built this country asked for mercy by name.

Eleven years later, the country they had won was nearly lost again. This time, not on a battlefield, but in a room.

It was June 1787. The Constitutional Convention had been meeting for weeks in Philadelphia. The delegates could not agree. The arguments had grown sharp. The small states would not yield to the large.

The large would not yield to the small. The whole project was about to collapse.

Benjamin Franklin was eighty-one years old. He was the least orthodox man in the room. For most of his life, he had called himself a deist. He had questioned almost every doctrine Christianity holds.

He stood up.

“I have lived, Sir, a long time,” he said, “and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men.”

Then he asked the convention to stop and pray.

The deadlock broke. The Constitution was written.

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The least religious man in the room was the one who told them to look up.

Fifty years after the Declaration was signed, on July 4, 1826, John Adams lay dying in Massachusetts. He was ninety years old.

The day he had helped create was being celebrated in every town in America.

His last reported words were “Thomas Jefferson survives.”

He was wrong.

Six hundred miles away, in Virginia, Thomas Jefferson had died a few hours earlier. The two men most responsible for the Declaration of Independence. Political rivals, then friends, then the last living signers — died on the same day. Fifty years to the day from the document they had built together.

Two men. One day. Fifty years.

The odds are hard to dismiss.

Five moments stand out: Washington surviving a battlefield, an army escaping under fog, Congress calling the colonies to prayer, Franklin urging a convention to look up, and Adams and Jefferson dying on the same Fourth of July.

Two and a half centuries apart at the edges.

One thread running through them.

A young officer who should have died. An army that should have been destroyed. A

Congress that named the Mediator. A deist who told a convention to pray. Two founders who died on the same improbable day.

Jesus Christ — “through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ,” a sinful people might “obtain his pardon and forgiveness.”

You can call it all ‘coincidence.’ Some people do. But coincidence happens once. Maybe twice. It does not keep arriving at the exact moments a nation is about to be lost.

America turns 250 this summer.

But it did. Again and again. At the longest odds, in the narrowest moments, what Washington could only call “the all-powerful dispensations of Providence.”

And this is not the whole list. These are only the moments that fit on a page. The rest could fill books.

So the question is yours to answer.

What do you call it when the same hand keeps showing up?

The Founders had a word for it. They used it openly. They wrote it into proclamations, letters, and last addresses. They did not always agree on theology. Washington was not an evangelical. Jefferson was not orthodox. Franklin called himself a deist for most of his life.

But when their country was being saved, they did not credit themselves.

They looked up.

And in 1776, when Congress called the colonies to humiliation, fasting, and prayer, it did not speak only in vague terms of Providence. It wrote the name plainly:

The fireworks will go up over towns the Founders never saw. The grills will smoke. The flags will hang from porches across the South Sound. There will be parades from Gig Harbor to Tacoma to Seattle, and in thousands of small towns across the country.

And somewhere in the middle of all of it, it is worth stopping to ask the question history keeps asking.

What do you call it when the same hand keeps showing up?

A young man walked off a battlefield, where he had no business walking off. An army crossed a river under a fog that lifted at exactly the right moment. Congress put the name of Jesus Christ into the founding documents of a nation that did not yet exist. An old skeptic told a deadlocked convention to look up and pray. Two old men died on the same day, fifty years to the hour from the day they helped build.

Look at those five moments together. Then decide for yourself. If it was coincidence, it was the greatest chain of coincidences ever recorded.

But if it was “Providence,” then the hand that guided a nation through centuries can certainly guide one soul home.

Happy Birthday, America!

The grills will . w sa r e ev n rs de r towns the Foun ve o p u go ill w uth Sound. o S e th ss o cr a The fireworks s hang from porche ill w gs fla e Th . smoke

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G l a u c i d o e L SUMMER 2026

Get Your Deck Summer-Ready Scrub away moss, mildew, and winter grime with a deck cleaner rather than a pressure washer. High pressure frays wood fibers and worsens surface damage.

• Sprinkle water on the surface before resealing. If it beads up, the sealant is holding. If it soaks in fast, it is time to reseal. Never skip it.

• A penetrating stain holds up better in wet climates than a filmforming product. Film-forming finishes peel, require full stripping, and create more work down the road.

• Walk every board before furniture goes out. Loose fasteners, soft spots, and popped nails are worth fixing now. A solid deck is the one people actually use.

• A conversation area, a dining spot, and a drink station make even a mid-size deck feel organized and ready for summer.

GARRETTE CUSTOM HOMES

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Gig Harbor's premier acreage builder, Garrette Custom Homes, specializes in building brand new homes on your land, their land, or land you find together, making the most of that property to increase its value with a beautifully designed home that suits your lifestyle.

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AMERICA’S CREDIT UNION

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HARBOR FAMILY LAW When it comes to family law matters, Harbor Family Law’s team of attorneys, Chris Maharry, Nicole Pryor, and Tony Zorich have the skill and experience to ensure you get the absolute best outcome possible and are committed to ensuring that each client receives assertive, compassionate and personalized legal services.

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2615 Jahn Ave. NW Ste. E7 Gig Harbor 253.260.4147

253.376.7935

Based in Gig Harbor, WA, Julia Runyan has built a reputation as a trusted and knowledgeable real estate professional. With a deep commitment to her clients, Julia provides personalized service and expert guidance through every step of the buying and selling process. Serving Gig Harbor and the surrounding areas, she is dedicated to helping individuals and families find their dream homes while making the real estate experience smooth and stress-free.

7201 Pioneer Way | Gig Harbor 253.549.5110 jewels@juliarunyan.com JuliaRunyan.com

STOLZ & ASSOCIATES, P.S. Financial matters don’t have to be overwhelming. Stolz & Associates, PS offers trusted financial guidance with a personal touch. Whether you’re navigating a divorce or planning for retirement, their experienced financial advisors are here to help you make confident decisions. They help make sense of the numbers by learning about your goals and developing a plan to help you get there. With a long-standing reputation in the South Sound and as fiduciaries, they put their client’s needs first. Peace of mind starts with solid financial planning.

AMPRO BUILDERS Is your hard-earned money slipping away due to leaky roofs, drafty windows and tired siding? Stop the drain with Ampro Builders. Their expert team specializes in transforming homes and saving your finances. Your home remodeling experts specializing in roofing, windows, doors, siding, patio covers, sunrooms, decks, kitchens and room additions.

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THE MARK WAMBOLD GROUP CROSSCOUNTRY MORTGAGE The Mark Wambold Group with CrossCountry Mortgage in Gig Harbor offers personalized home financing solutions, focusing on guidance, trust, and local expertise. Offering a wide range of loan options, including purchase, refinance, and specialty programs, their team is committed to helping individuals and families achieve their homeownership goals with confidence and care.

BMW NORTHWEST Part of the Scharmach Automotive Group, this family owned company has been serving Tacoma since 1968.

If you need an ultimate driving machine in your life, you’ll find just that at BMW Northwest. Discover a brand new BMW or certified preowned car of your dreams, and they will deliver the quality of service you and your car deserve.

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guide

BUSINESS

NORPOINT COMMUNITIES Norpoint Communities in Washington is a leader in residential development, offering thoughtfully designed neighborhoods that blend comfort, style, and modern living. Committed to quality and community, they build vibrant, welcoming homes for families to thrive.

CURTIS UPHOLSTERY Curtis Upholstery in Tacoma, WA, offers designer-quality craftsmanship for furniture, antiques, commercial seating, boats, RVs, and custom upholstery projects. With a wide selection of fabrics, repair services, foam replacements, and in-home estimates available, Curtis Upholstery helps bring worn pieces back to life with expert care.

5234 South Tacoma Way Tacoma 253.564.0233 curtisupholstery.com

er Solutions for Clients WEATHERLY INN

Weatherly Inn in Tacoma, WA, is a leader in senior living, offering personalized care and comfort in a welcoming environment. With options from independent living to memory care, Weatherly Inn ensures residents feel supported and at home.

ence serving families in Gig Harbor and Pierce es more constructive alternatives to dissolving a oom.6016 InN. addition Highlands Pkwyto her family law practice, she Tacoma vices,253.300.9597 offering legal support, education and case to complex - for couplesCStransitioning throughFELICIA SOLEIL, FAMILY LAW RESOLUTIONS FLOORS With 30 years experience serving Looking to update your home with new eparation SYNERGY and ELECTRICdivorce. + families in Gig Harbor and Pierce flooring? From carpet, laminate and TECHNOLOGY, INC.

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County, Felicia provides constructive alternatives to dissolving a marriage outside of a courtroom. In addition to her family law practice, she also provides mediation services, offering legal support, education and case management for separation and divorce, parenting plans, child support and prenuptial agreements.

tion? Felicia focuses on reducing and resolving 89thmoving St. | Gig Harbor ansition by moving on, not5117 just out.

Synergy electric + technology provides the most professional electrical, renewable energy, and technology services in the Gig Harbor area. Owner Matthew Molzan has more than 35 years of experience in the industry. Synergy can install all electrical, solar systems, energy storage (batteries), generators, hot tubs, as well as Smarthome equipment and home automation systems.

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253.853.5833

THE LINDSAY JACKMAN GROUP Lindsay Jackman is an award-winning real estate Broker serving Gig Harbor.

Practicing real estate since 2014, she’s truly an expert in the Pacific Northwest. Whether buying or selling, she will be by your side from beginning to end and exceed your expectations.

t Law and Mediator

253.266.1067

• 6625 Wagner Way, Ste 260B, Gig Harbor, WA 46 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE SU M M E R 2026

6625 Wagner Way Ste. 260B Gig Harbor 253.853.6940 FamilyLawResolutions.com

KENSINGTON GARDENS This Personalized Care Resort Community is a progressive retirement community focused on wellness and well-being and that life should continue to get better with age. Their independent living model provides lifetime housing with care and assistance available as needed.

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PAIGE SCHULTE, REALTOR, SCHULTE & CO.

CAROLYN WESTMORELAND

Looking to buy or sell in Gig Harbor, Port Orchard or Bremerton? Look no further than Realtor Paige Schulte and her team of neighborhood experts.

Throughout your real estate journey, Paige will be by your side, even after the transaction is closed.

Specializing in luxury and waterfront properties, Westmoreland Properties offers unparalleled service to all clients in the South Sound real estate market. Whether you are considering buying a home, selling a home, or both, Carolyn and her team know the area inside and out.

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7195 Wagner Way Ste. 101 Gig Harbor 253.961.5596

RAINIER CONSTRUCTION At Rainier Construction, they believe that the foundation of their success is the relationships that they build with their clients. Specializing in custom homes, remodels, additions, and light commercial, you will find a team with experience, communication and teamwork.

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PACIFIC LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION Pacific Landscape Construction, established in 1999, specializes in creating innovative outdoor spaces, including retaining walls, water features, irrigation systems, and lowvoltage lighting. With over 25 years of experience, they are dedicated to transforming your outdoor area into an exceptional experience. Contact them today to enhance your outdoor living.

253.380.7554 | Gig Harbor

PENINSULA LIGHT CO. This member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative provides reliable power throughout Gig Harbor and the Key Peninsula and is dedicated to continually improving the quality through helping you conserve and use electricity more efficiently.

13315 Goodnough Dr. NW Gig Harbor 253.857.5950

IN-GEAR MEDIA

FOX & DAHLIA HOMES Custom Homes Designed for Your Lifestyle At Fox & Dahlia, building a home is a deeply personal journey. We blend craftsmanship, sustainability, and clear communication to create spaces as unique as you are.

Integrity and collaboration guide every step—ensuring your vision becomes a lasting masterpiece.

253.222.9291 info@foxanddahlia.com FoxandDahlia.com Instagram @foxanddahliahomes

In-Gear Media in Gig Harbor, WA, is a leader in digital marketing, offering branding, website design, and social media management. Their creative team helps businesses grow and engage target audiences with innovative marketing strategies.

6626 Wagner Way NW. #100 Gig Harbor 253.242.2414

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guide

H E A LT H & B E A U T Y

& Your Summer Health

Beauty

Skin Strategy

A SMARTER APPROACH TO SUN, HYDRATION, AND RECOVERY

by LIKE MEDIA TEAM 48 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE SU M M E R 2026 48 253

48 48 48 48

S

ummer changes everything your skin has to handle. UV exposure intensifies, sweat strips away moisture, chlorine and saltwater disrupt the barrier, and constant air conditioning leaves skin dehydrated from the inside out. Most people respond by doing less – simplifying their routine, switching to lighter products, applying SPF on their way out the door.

That's a good start, but healthy summer skin requires more than the bare minimum.

Dermatologists and wellness researchers in 2026 are reframing summer skincare entirely, moving away from damage control and toward what they’re calling skin longevity. The goal isn’t to survive summer. The goal is to finish it with skin that’s healthier than it was at the start of the season.

Why Summer Is Harder on Your Skin Than You Think UV radiation breaks down collagen and elastin over time.

That process, called photoaging, is responsible for deep wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and loss of skin elasticity.

It happens gradually, and the effects appear years after exposure. While one summer of insufficient protection won't look like much in September, the effects can add up.

Heat compounds the problem. When skin sweats and loses moisture, a process called transepidermal water loss accelerates. The skin’s outermost layer, the stratum corneum, becomes compromised. That's your barrier – when it’s weakened, irritants get in more easily, hydration escapes more quickly, and skin becomes reactive. The oiliness many people notice in summer isn’t a sign of hydration. It’s often the opposite.

Add chlorine, saltwater, and the drying effects of air conditioning, and the summer barrier challenge becomes clear. Most summer routines address none of this directly.

SPF: The Whole Story Sunscreen remains the single most impactful tool for preventing photoaging and skin cancer. Dermatologists recommend SPF 30 as a daily minimum, with SPF 50 offering stronger protection for long outdoor days. The SPF number matters, but what most people miss is reapplication.

Most people apply sunscreen once and consider the job done – but no formula, regardless of SPF, remains effective for more than two hours outdoors.

Summer Scalp Care

SPF mist, not body sunscreen. Your scalp is skin. UV rays reach it through your hair, burning the part line, weakening follicles, and speeding up thinning over time. Standard body SPF clogs follicles. Use a scalp-specific SPF mist or powder formula instead. Reapply every two hours outdoors, sooner after swimming or sweating.

Clarify weekly. Sweat and sebum build fast in summer heat. A sulfatefree clarifying shampoo, once or twice a week, lifts that residue without stripping the natural balance. Look for salicylic acid or apple cider vinegar in the formula. Either ingredient keeps the scalp microbiome intact while clearing buildup.

Cool rinse finish. After shampooing, a cool water rinse seals the cuticle and calms heat-related irritation. Skip the blow dryer when possible. Air-dry instead.

Style for airflow. Tight ponytails trap heat and moisture, creating conditions for irritation and inflammation. Loose buns, braids, and claw-clip styles let the scalp breathe. Small habit, real payoff.

Broad-spectrum protection is non-negotiable. SPF measures UVB protection only – the rays that cause burning. UVA rays, which drive long-term aging and penetrate clouds and glass year-round, require a broad-spectrum sunscreen. That distinction should be the first thing you check on the label.

Mineral sunscreens, formulated with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to physically reflect UV rays, naturally provide broad-spectrum protection. They're also an excellent option for sensitive skin. Newer mineral formulas have largely overcome the older concerns about white cast and heavy texture, with many now offering lightweight, fragrance-free wear suitable for everyday use. Wide-brimmed hats can add another layer of protection alongside SPF, and help reduce the need for constant reapplication when moving in and out of the sun.

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guide

H E A LT H & B E A U T Y

Barrier Care: What Summer Actually Requires

Recovery: The Step Most Routines Skip

The skin barrier needs consistent support in the summertime, not a stripped-down routine. Lightweight protection doesn't mean minimal. Hyaluronic acid serums draw moisture into the skin and help retain it. Niacinamide calms inflammation while supporting barrier health. Ceramides, whether in a serum or moisturizer, replenish the lipids your skin loses to heat and sweat. These aren’t extra steps; they’re essential.

Post-sun recovery matters as much as prevention. Aloe vera and cucumber-based mists cool skin immediately after time outdoors and lower surface temperature. Applied after coming inside, they give skin a chance to reset before layering anything else. At night, ceramides and hyaluronic acid restore what the day took away.

One thing to stop: aggressive exfoliation during peak summer months.

Harsh scrubs and high-concentration chemical exfoliants disrupt the barrier further when it’s already under seasonal stress. The principle is simple: consistency, not intensity, transforms skin, especially in a season when inflammation is already elevated.

Vitamin C serums applied in the morning provide antioxidant protection against UV-related free radical damage. They work alongside SPF, not instead of it. A vitamin C and SPF combination in the morning, followed by barrier-supportive hydration, covers the essential ground.

Hydrating the skin isn't always topical – what happens from the inside shows up on the surface. For example, electrolytes support hydration from the inside out in a way that plain water alone can't always achieve.

The Payoff Summer in the Pacific Northwest is short and worth being present for. The outdoor life here pulls people in every direction: water, trails, long evenings, and weekends that deserve full presence. Your skin can handle it all, with a routine built around protection, barrier care, and recovery that means you get to enjoy the season without paying for it later. That’s not a wellness trend. It’s taking care of your skin for the long run.

ONE THING TO STOP: AGGRESSIVE EXFOLIATION DURING PEAK SUMMER MONTHS. HARSH SCRUBS AND HIGH-CONCENTRATION CHEMICAL EXFOLIANTS DISRUPT THE BARRIER FURTHER WHEN IT’S ALREADY UNDER SEASONAL STRESS.

50 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE SU M M E R 2026

ARTISTIC PLASTIC SURGERY PLLC

SUMNER SMILES DENTISTRY

Dr. Dehghan and the entire staff at Artistic Plastic Surgery are committed to providing excellent “total patient care” in both clinical and individualized patient services.

You can feel confident choosing their office for your plastic, cosmetic, reconstructive or hand surgery needs.

Sumner Smiles Dentistry in Sumner, Washington, is known for highquality dental care with a personal touch. Their experienced team offers a range of services and is dedicated to creating healthy, beautiful smiles in a welcoming environment.

3515 S. 15th St. Ste. 101 Tacoma 253.756.0933

THE HEALTH CONNECTION With locations in Tacoma and Seattle, The Health Connection provides services including chiropractic, massage therapy, acupuncture and spinal decompression. Experience life better with The Health Connection.

601 S. Pine St. Ste. 201 Tacoma 253.396.1000

NORTHWEST MEDICAL ARTS A comprehensive skin health and rejuvenation center, Northwest Medical Arts specializes in highlighting their clients’ unique and natural beauty by combining medicine and art resulting in clients looking, feeling and being their best selves.

1211 Main St. Sumner 253.863.4400

NUVO AESTHETIC & REGENERATIVE MEDICINE NUVO Aesthetic & Regenerative Medicine is Gig Harbor’s destination for physician-led aesthetic and regenerative care. The clinic offers advanced stem cell injections, longevity and vitality support, and treatments focused on joint comfort, mobility, tissue health, healthy aging, vitality, and immune balance. All care is overseen by medical professionals and guided by evidence-informed protocols designed to support natural-looking results and whole-body wellness.

5125 Olympic Drive NW., Suite 108 Gig Harbor 253.358.3667 | nuvo-med.com

Summer Lymphatic Support Summer works against your lymphatic system. Heat dilates blood vessels, fluid pools in tissue, and less consistent movement stalls drainage. The lymphatic system has no pump of its own — it relies entirely on what you do.

Dry brush before you shower. Use a natural-bristle body brush on dry skin, moving in long strokes toward the heart for two to three minutes before stepping in.

End showers on cold. Thirty seconds of cold water at the finish creates a vascular push-pull effect that stimulates lymph flow and reduces morning puffiness.

Walk after sitting. Travel, long meals, and desk hours all stall drainage — ten minutes of walking restarts it.

Hydrate early. Lymph fluid is mostly water; even mild dehydration thickens it and slows the whole system down.

5350 Orchard St. W. Ste. 202 University Place 253.352.0882

Sun-Smart Recovery: Three Moves for Summer Skin Rinse first. Shower within an hour of outdoor exposure to remove salt, chlorine, and sunscreen residue before they deepen dryness.

SOUND VASCULAR & VEIN

VIE ATHLETICS

Sound Vascular & Vein is dedicated to providing expert care for vascular and vein conditions. Specializing in minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins, spider veins, and other vascular issues, their skilled team utilizes advanced technology to deliver personalized solutions. Their patient-centered approach ensures comfort and effective outcomes for all.

32014 32nd Ave., S. | Federal Way 253.874.7107 SoundVascular.com

Vie Athletics in Tacoma offers curated, class-based workouts designed specifically for women of all fitness levels. Located in the North End between Proctor and Point Ruston, the studio features knowledgeable coaches, energizing music, and a supportive community atmosphere.

4514 N. Pearl Street Tacoma support@vieathletics.com

Hydrate in layers. Apply a water-based serum while skin is still damp, then seal with a lightweight moisturizer. This twostep method delivers hydration faster than a single-product application.

Cool, don't scratch. A chilled aloe vera gel calms post-sun inflammation without disrupting the skin barrier. Avoid exfoliating for 48 hours after extended exposure.

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guide

S H O P, S TA Y & P L A Y

&

Shop, Stay,

DISTRICTS, DESTINATIONS, AND EVERYDAY EXPERIENCES

by LIKE MEDIA TEAM

52 52 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE SU M M E R 2026

Play

T

acoma, Washington, is a city defined by scale, variety, and distinct neighborhoods. Its size allows for a blend of urban districts, waterfront access, cultural institutions, and large natural spaces, giving visitors multiple ways to experience the city. From historic commercial corridors and walkable shopping areas to museums, theaters, and one of the region’s largest urban parks, Tacoma offers a well-rounded mix of places to shop, stay, and explore.

The Thursday Reset 1

A midweek loop through downtown Tacoma Start at the Broadway Farmers Market between 9th and 11th, open Thursdays from 10 am to 2 pm, with 40-plus vendors and live music.

Walk four blocks to Wright Park for the summer flower show at the W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory, donations only. Close at the Museum of Glass on the Foss Waterway. Free admission Thursdays, 5 pm to 8 pm. Three stops, walkable, no car needed.

Shop

Shopping in Tacoma is spread across established neighborhoods rather than concentrated in a single core, allowing each area to develop its own identity. Many of the city’s commercial areas have grown organically over decades, supporting independent retailers, specialty stores, and locally owned businesses.

Downtown Tacoma remains one of the city’s most recognizable shopping areas, anchored by historic brick buildings dating back to the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Within these restored structures, visitors will find boutiques, gift shops, thrift stores, and antique dealers. Stocklist Goods & Gifts operates out of a 1890-era building and offers a curated selection of locally made goods, stationery, jewelry, and Tacoma-inspired merchandise.

Along Broadway, several long-standing antique and vintage shops contribute to Tacoma’s reputation as a destination for collectible and secondhand finds. Stores such as Sanford & Son Antiques and Lily Pad Antiques offer furniture, decor, and unique pieces from a wide range of eras.

The Proctor District, centered around North 26th Street, combines neighborhood retail with specialty shops, bookstores, bakeries, and locally owned businesses. Known for its walkability and community feel, Proctor remains a commercial hub in Tacoma’s North End.

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guide

S H O P, S TA Y & P L A Y

EMERALD QUEEN CASINO & HOTEL Get ready for non-stop excitement, with 2,100 slot machines, 60 table games, and the PNW’s largest sportsbook. The hotel tower features 104 rooms and suites with stunning views of Mount Rainier and the Puget Sound. You’ll also find a fitness center, indoor pool, spa, and six restaurants.

2920 E. R St. | Tacoma 253.594.7777

HOTEL MURANO Centrally located in downtown Tacoma, Hotel Murano is poised within minutes of the city’s thriving Museum District and nearby waterfront, where picturesque views of the Puget Sound and waterfront dining give travelers a fresh taste of life and cuisine in the Pacific Northwest.

Stay

Tacoma’s lodging options reflect its role as both a cultural destination and a regional center for business, events, and tourism. Many hotels are located near downtown, providing convenient access to museums, theaters, and the waterfront.

Hotel Murano is a full-service hotel in downtown Tacoma, situated within walking distance of the city’s Museum District, performance venues, and dining options.

Marriott Tacoma Downtown is a modern highrise hotel along the waterfront, offering views of Commencement Bay and Mount Rainier, with direct access to Ruston Way and nearby downtown attractions.

Courtyard by Marriott Tacoma Downtown is located near the Theater District and convention facilities, making it a practical option for both business and leisure travelers.

Play

Tacoma offers a strong mix of cultural experiences and outdoor recreation, often within close proximity.

The city’s Museum District includes major institutions such as the Tacoma Art Museum, the Museum of Glass, and the Washington State History Museum. The Tacoma Art Museum focuses on American Western and Pacific 54 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE SU M M E R 2026

Northwest art, while the Museum of Glass highlights contemporary glass art and features a working hot shop where visitors can observe live glassblowing demonstrations. The Washington State History Museum presents interactive exhibits exploring the people, industries, and events that shaped Washington.

Tacoma’s Theater District features historic venues, including the Pantages Theater and The Rialto, both opened in 1918. These theaters continue to host concerts, touring productions, film screenings, and live performances.

Ruston Way Waterfront stretches along Commencement Bay and includes paved walking and biking paths, public parks, beaches, and waterfront dining. The area is widely used for recreation and offers expansive views of Puget Sound.

Point Defiance Park spans more than 700 acres within city limits and includes old-growth forest, gardens, beaches, scenic overlooks, and miles of trails. The park is also home to the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, making it one of Tacoma’s most significant natural and recreational assets.

With its established neighborhoods, cultural institutions, and access to both water and green space, Tacoma provides a diverse experience shaped by its size and history. The city offers a range of opportunities for visitors interested in shopping, the arts, or spending time outdoors.

1320 Broadway | Tacoma 253.238.0199

LEMAY - AMERICA’S CAR MUSEUM LeMay - America’s Car Museum is an international destination for families and auto enthusiasts to celebrate America’s love affair with the automobile and learn how it shaped our society. There’s something to delight all ages, including exhibits and Family Steam Days.

2702 E. D St. | Tacoma 253.779.8490 AmericasCarMuseum.org

Tacoma After Checkout

Three things to do before you leave the waterfront ✓ Walk the Chihuly Bridge of Glass from the Washington State History Museum to the Museum of Glass. Ten minutes, all outdoor installations. ✓ Drive Ruston Way north to Point Ruston for the slide hill, the pier, and lunch with a Commencement Bay view. ✓ Five Mile Drive at Point Defiance closes to cars on Saturdays and Sundays until 1 pm. Bring a bike or walking shoes.

PACIFIC ANTIQUES MALL

POINT DEFIANCE ZOO & AQUARIUM

The Northwest’s leading Antique Mall for more than three decades, the Pacific Antiques Mall features 81 unique shops and stores, providing rare vintage and antiques, furniture, artwork, paintings, jewelry, marble, comic books, baseball cards and more.

Featuring a variety of animals throughout their Pacific Seas Aquarium, Asian Forest Sanctuary, Arctic Tundra, Penguin Point, the new South Pacific Aquarium opening spring of 2024, and more, PDZA is a must-explore destination for those living in, or visiting, Tacoma.

10228 Pacific Ave. S. | Tacoma 253.539.0117

5400 N. Pearl St. | Tacoma 253.404.3800 PDZA.org

MCMENAMINS ELKS TEMPLE A vibrant gathering place, McMenamins features seven floors to be discovered, with the Old Hangout bar, Bottle Shop and Brewery Tasting Room, Spanish Bar and Ballroom, Doc’s game bar, McMenamins Pub, guestrooms for overnight stays, and much more!

565 Broadway | Tacoma 253.300.8777 McMenamins.com/elks-temple

TACOMA MALL The Puget Sound’s family favorite shopping and dining destination, Tacoma Mall houses 150 stores and restaurants, and visitors will find a variety of stores to include favorites like Nordstrom, Apple, Lululemon, Forever 21, and Build-A-Bear, along with special events throughout the year.

4502 S. Steele St. | Tacoma 253.475.4565

Free Summer in Tacoma Three picks that cost nothing

A Tacoma fact worth knowing: Point Defiance is 760 acres, one of the largest urban parks in the country. Owen Beach reopened in 2022 with a new pavilion and tidepool access at low tide. Tacoma Summer Blast lights up Ruston Way on July 4 with a 20-minute fireworks display fired from a barge offshore. Nine free spraygrounds across Tacoma parks run daily from 10 am to 8 pm through Labor Day weekend.

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food, fun & drinks

SUMMER A Taste of the Season From cool drinks and fresh flavors to patio favorites and easy seasonal bites, summer is made for slowing down, gathering around the table, and enjoying bright, simple flavors made for warm days ahead.

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R

x Grilled Peach and

Burrata Crostini

Ingredients (serves 6) MethodInstructions Ingredients • • • • • • • • •

1 baguette, cut into ½-inch slices x3 ripe peaches, halved and pitted x 8 oz burrata 3 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp honey 10 fresh basil leaves 1 tsp flaky sea salt ½ tsp black pepper, freshly cracked 1 tbsp balsamic glaze

• Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high.

• Brush the cut sides of the peaches with olive oil and grill cut-side down for 3 - 4 minutes, until char marks form and the fruit softens slightly.

• Brush the baguette slices with the remaining olive oil and grill for 1 - 2 minutes per side until golden and crisp.

• Let the grilled peaches cool slightly, then slice each half into thirds.

• Tear burrata over each crostini, then top with a slice of peach, a basil leaf, a drizzle of honey and balsamic glaze, a pinch of flaky sea salt, and a crack of black pepper.

RADNOR'S TACOMA

PARKWAY TAVERN

GREENHOUSE RESTAURANT

Tacoma's newest late-night burger joint, Radnor’s, serves up delicious, handcrafted burgers on South Tacoma Way until 1am. Known for fresh ingredients and bold flavors, it's the perfect spot for a late-night bite.

Parkway Tavern in Tacoma, WA, is a neighborhood pub known for its wide selection of craft beers and relaxed atmosphere. Its long history and laid-back vibe make it a favorite spot for locals and beer lovers.

5415 S. Tacoma Way Tacoma 253.321.4321

313 North I Street #1 Tacoma 253.383.8748​

Indulge in the extraordinary. From intimate dinners to celebratory gatherings, Greenhouse offers an ambiance of sophistication and joy. Their extensive wine list and handcrafted cocktails complement the menu, ensuring a truly elevated dining experience.

CUERNO BRAVO STEAKHOUSE

STACK 571 BURGER AND WHISKEY BAR

In Tacoma, WA, Cuerno Bravo Steakhouse is known for offering a premium dining experience with expertly crafted steaks and bold flavors. With a commitment to quality, it’s a top destination for steak lovers seeking an unforgettable meal.

616 St. Helens Ave. Tacoma 253.328.6688

LEGENDARY DOUGHNUTS Legendary Doughnuts is known for its delicious, handcrafted doughnuts made fresh daily. With a wide variety of creative flavors and quality ingredients, it’s a favorite spot for doughnut lovers in the area.

2602 6th Ave. Tacoma 253.327.1327

THE RED HOT The Red Hot in Tacoma, WA, is a local favorite for craft beers and gourmet hot dogs. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and inventive menu, it’s the perfect spot for enjoying great food and drinks with friends.

2914 6th Ave. | Tacoma 253.779.0229

Stack 571 Burger and Whiskey Bar offers an atmosphere perfect for those who appreciate living life to the fullest. Enjoy gourmet burgers and a hand-selected collection of fine whiskeys, creating a dining experience like no other in Tacoma.

4793 Pt. Fosdick Dr. NW Ste. 400 Gig Harbor 253.514.6482 GreenhouseGH.com

HAPPY BELLY EATERY & JUICE BAR

Happy Belly’s globally inspired food menu features all-day breakfast, wraps and sandwiches, soups and salads, grain bowls and more! Pair with a smoothie, fresh juice, Mad Hat Tea, Wellness Hot Latte, or Thomas Dodson’s Culture Shock kombucha.

1122 Market St. Tacoma 253.365.6706 HappyBellyTacoma.com

5061 Main Street at Point Ruston Tacoma 253.301.2962

THE WINDMILL BISTRO The Windmill Bistro in Sumner offers a warm and inviting dining experience with fresh, seasonal dishes. Known for its "come as guests, leave as friends" atmosphere, it’s a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.

16009 60th St. E. A Sumner 253.826.7897 WindmillBistro.com

Three Tips to Upgrade Your

Summer Spread

1. Start with the Cold: Pack a dedicated cooler just for drinks, separate from food, so the lid stays closed and ice lasts through the afternoon.

2. Get the Grill Ready: Oil grates before heating to prevent sticking, then preheat on high for ten minutes before adding anything.

3. Finish with Brightness: Squeeze fresh lemon or lime over grilled fish, corn, and stone fruit right before serving. It sharpens every flavor without adding heat.

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A LOCAL

What’s

favorite

July 9 - Aug. 27

on tap?

THURSDAYS

Free Concerts at Pioneer Park

P

ioneer Park in downtown Puyallup hosts free Thursday evening concerts from July 9 through August 27, 6:30 to 8 pm. The City of Puyallup series covers R&B, funk, classic rock, blues, country, and tribute acts. Night Market vendors and food trucks THE CITY OF PUYALLUP SERIES set up at 5 pm. A Tuesday NoonTunes program runs alongside the series for younger audiences.

COVERS R&B, FUNK, CLASSIC ROCK, Bring a blanket or lawn chair.

BLUES, COUNTRY, AND TRIBUTE ACTS. CityOfPuyallup.org/2379/Concerts-in-the-Park

Sundown Strawberry Smash Ingredients (Serves 2)

Finest Drinks Top of Tacoma Bar & Cafe Instagram.com/topoftacoma Copper & Salt Northwest Kitchen CopperandSaltNW.com 7 Seas Brewing 7SeasBrewing.com

Finest Cup of Coffee Common Ground Coffee CommonGroundTacoma.com Ebony and Ivory Coffee EbonyandIvoryCoffee.com 58 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE SU M M E R 2026

• • • • • • •

4 fresh strawberries, hulled and halved 6 fresh basil leaves 1 oz fresh lemon juice 3/4 oz simple syrup 1 1/2 oz vodka (omit for mocktail version) 3 oz sparkling water (increase to 5 oz for a mocktail) Ice, for shaking and serving

Optional: pinch of tajín or flaky salt for the rim

Instructions

• Muddle strawberries and basil in a cocktail shaker until broken down and fragrant.

• Add lemon juice, simple syrup, and vodka (or additional sparkling water for the mocktail), fill with ice, and shake hard for 15 seconds.

• Double-strain into two glasses over fresh ice, top each with sparkling water, and stir once.

Optional: Run a lemon wedge around the rim and dip lightly into tajín or flaky salt before pouring.

253’S

MARKETING ADVANTAGE Print gets people to notice you.

Digital helps them validate you.

AI DECIDES WHO SHOWS UP FIRST. We help connect all three. Contact us today!

MARKETING EXECUTIVE Rebecca Baczewski rebeccas@like-media.com 253.363.8830

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60 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE SU M M E R 2026

recipe

Grilled Chicken Skewers with Herb Butter and Grilled Corn Salad INGREDIENTS

BALANCED, BRIGHT, AND BUILT TO

satisfy

FOR THE CHICKEN SKEWERS

61

1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1½-inch chunks 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp lemon zest 1 tsp garlic powder ½ tsp onion powder ½ tsp kosher salt ¼ tsp black pepper 8 wooden or metal skewers

FOR THE HERB BUTTER 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped 1 tsp fresh lemon juice 1 small garlic clove, minced Pinch of flaky sea salt

FOR THE GRILLED CORN SALAD

4 ears of fresh corn, husked 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved ¼ cup red onion, finely diced ¼ cup fresh basil, torn 2 tbsp olive oil 1½ tbsp red wine vinegar ½ tsp kosher salt ¼ tsp black pepper

OPTIONAL TOPPINGS: LEMON WEDGES, EXTRA FRESH HERBS, CRUMBLED FETA

INSTRUCTIONS • If using wooden skewers, soak them in cold water for at least 20 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.

• Combine the olive oil, lemon zest, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Add the chicken chunks, and toss well to coat; set aside to marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes.

• Mix the softened butter with the parsley, chives, lemon juice, garlic, and flaky salt until fully combined, then roll into a log in plastic wrap and refrigerate until needed.

• Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F) and oil the grates thoroughly.

• Place the corn directly on the grill and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning every 2 minutes, until the kernels are charred in spots and tender; remove and let

cool slightly before cutting the kernels off the cob.

• Thread the marinated chicken evenly onto skewers, then grill for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until cooked through with no pink at the center and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Do not overcrowd the grill, or the chicken will steam instead of sear.

• Toss the corn kernels with the cherry tomatoes, red onion, basil, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.

• Plate the corn salad, lay the skewers across it, and finish with a slice of herb butter melted over the hot chicken.

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calendar of events

SUMMER 2026 EVENT OF THE SEASON!

Tacoma's 4th of July Summer Blast

T

acoma's largest free Fourth of July celebration returns to the Ruston Way Waterfront on Friday, July 4, running noon to 10:30 pm across two event footprints at Cummings Park and Dune Peninsula. Parks Tacoma hosts the day in partnership with the City of Tacoma, drawing more than 150 vendors, two stages of live music, food trucks, and craft markets stretched along the waterfront.

A Family Zone at Cummings Park anchors the kid-focused programming with a bounce house, inflatable obstacle course, basketball, karaoke booth, and makeand-take crafts including sand art and canvas painting. A separate toddler area features its own bounce house and slide. Three beer gardens operate for ages 21 and up: Dune Peninsula hosted by the Redefining You Foundation, Cummings Park hosted by the Lobster Shop, and Point Ruston hosted by Farrelli's Pizza.

The Emerald Queen Casino fireworks show launches from a barge roughly 3,000 feet offshore from Cummings Park around 10 pm, with a 20-minute display visible from Dune Peninsula Park north to Jack Hyde Park south. ADA viewing is available on the horseshoe pier at Cummings Park.

ParksTacoma.gov/event/summerblast

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JULY

4

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JUNE 2026 0607

GigHarborChamber.net/ maritime-gig-festival

Maritime Gig Festival

1921

KickItFW.com

Kickin' It Federal Way 2026

PuyallupMainStreet.com

87th Annual Meeker Days

TheFair.com/the-taste-nw

5th Annual The Taste NW

1214 2628

TOP PICKS THIS MONTH! PuyallupMainStreet.com

87th Annual Meeker Days Downtown Puyallup turns into a three-block celebration of pioneer heritage, live music, and community June 12 through 14 as Meeker Days returns for its 87th year. The Puyallup Main Street Association festival features more than 200 artisans, food vendors, three stages of free entertainment, a beer and wine garden, classic car show, and a dedicated kids area with a sandbox, spray park, and playground. Friday runs noon to 9 pm, Saturday 10 am to 9 pm, Sunday 10 am to 5 pm. Free admission.

TheFair.com/the-taste-nw

5th Annual The Taste NW The South Sound's summer food festival returns to the Washington State Fair Event Center June 26 through 28 for its fifth year, with $6 tastes, 150 plus food and marketplace vendors, live music, and outdoor beer gardens. The 2026 edition brings back the Puyallup Paddle Battle pickleball tournament, adds the first annual Corgi Races benefiting the Alzheimer's Association, and features a comedy stage presented by Tacoma Comedy Club. Sample everything from BBQ and tacos to craft beverages and margaritas.

Free admission.

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1214 2628

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JULY THURSDAYS!

2026

CityOfPuyallup.org/2379/ Concerts-in-the-Park

Concerts in the Park

09- Peninsula Art League's 1827 40th Summer Art Festival 19 PeninsulaArtLeague.org

AUG

2325

AsiaPacificCulturalCenter.org

16th Annual Samoa Cultural Days

LakewoldGardens.org/ summer-garden-gala

Lakewold Summer Garden Gala

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TOP PICKS THIS MONTH! PeninsulaArtLeague.org

Peninsula Art League's 40th Summer Art Festival Sehmel Homestead Park hosts the milestone 40th edition of the Peninsula Art League's juried outdoor festival July 18 and 19, drawing more than 8,000 visitors and 130 plus artists from the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

Mediums span ceramics, glass, metal, painting, photography, jewelry, fiber arts, and sculpture. The Greater Gig Harbor Literary Society hosts a Literary Corner, Kimball Coffeehouse sponsors the music stage, and proceeds fund scholarships for art students at four South Sound high schools. Saturday 10 am to 6 pm, Sunday 10 am to 5 pm.

AsiaPacificCulturalCenter.org

16th Annual Samoa Cultural Days The Asia Pacific Cultural Center's 16th Annual Samoa Cultural Days runs July 23-25, with three days rooted in Samoan heritage and the Pacific Islander community. A Community Banquet opens Thursday evening, Samoa Youth Gospel Night follows on Friday, and the weekend closes with the Tanoa Festival on Saturday, an outdoor celebration featuring live performances, cultural exhibitions, food vendors, and family activities. The event welcomes everyone, from those experiencing Samoan traditions for the first time to those returning to celebrate their heritage.

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AUGUST 2026 Facebook.com/ProctorArtsFest

01

39th Annual Proctor Arts Fest CityOfFederalWay.com

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Federal Way Community Festival

Galloping-Gertie.com

Galloping Gertie Half Marathon, 10K & 5K Nearcation.com/summerfest

Lakewood SummerFEST

01 15

TOP PICKS THIS MONTH! Facebook.com/ProctorArtsFest

39th Annual Proctor Arts Fest

The Proctor Business District Association's signature street fair returns to North 26th and Proctor Streets in Tacoma's Proctor District on Saturday, August 1 for its 39th year, drawing roughly 10,000 visitors and 160 art and craft vendors. Three stages of live music run throughout the day, including the Family Stage hosted by Tacoma Public Library. The Proctor Farmers Market, a kids area led by Metro Parks Tacoma, food trucks, and a merchant sidewalk sale round out the event. Hours run 10 am to 5 pm. Free admission.

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Nearcation.com/summerfest

Lakewood SummerFEST Fort Steilacoom Park hosts the City of Lakewood's signature summer festival on Saturday, August 15 from 11 am to 8:30 pm with food trucks, beer gardens, live music, fire dancers, a pop-up skate park, classic car show, and interactive sports and arts for all ages. International performances and global flavors fill the day, alongside the regulars who make this a Lakewood tradition. The festival is free and family-friendly. Address: 8714 87th Avenue SW, Lakewood.

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