Gig Harbor Living Local | SUMMER 2026 by Like Media

Gig Harbor: From Destination to Decision

When a vacation town becomes home &TOURISM REAL ESTATE ANCHORED IN GIG HARBOR: A Local Commitment to Community

Gary Parker: Built on People, Not Just Barbecue

WELLNESS FOR WOMEN BY WOMEN

with Shiane Filmer, ARNPPerimenopause & Menopause Specialist

Are you experiencing fatigue, mood swings, hot flashes or brain fog? Perimenopause and menopause affects every woman differently.

You are not alone, and you do not need to "push through", you do not need to suffer.

The team at Gig Harbor Aesthetics and Wellness is now offering personalized Women’s Hormone Therapy to help women manage symptoms. Our caring expert team will listen and work with you to restore balance and help you feel like yourself again, Energized, Clear, and Confident.

We help with

• Hot flashes or night sweats

• Sleep issues or low energy

• Mood swings or irritability

• Brain fog and memory problems

• Low libido and vaginal dryness

Let’s talk hormones and all the health benefits you get when supporting your body and brain with them.

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

More Than a Summer Destination

Summer has a way of reminding us why people fall in love with Gig Harbor in the first place.

The water gets busier. The sidewalks fill. The farmers market returns, boats move through the harbor, 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 that draws people in, asks them to stay a little longer, and for many, becomes home.

That connection is at the heart of this Summer issue. With a focus on real estate and tourism, we look at the way Gig Harbor continues to grow without losing the identity that made it special. The harbor, the netsheds, the trails, the shops, the restaurants, the parks, and the people behind them all work together to create 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 character, history, 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 Gig Harbor: in the artists who keep traditions alive, the small-business owners who build gathering places, 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 community worth caring for.

Welcome to the Summer issue of Gig Harbor Living Local.

The Summer 2026 edition of Gig Harbor Living Local features the team at Commencement Bank's Gig Harbor branch, photographed on the "Lisa Marie" on the waterfront. Three years in Gig Harbor, 20 years in business, and a team that lives where they work. Read their full story on page 47.

Cover Photo by In-Gear Media

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• Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy through Home Health

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• Oxygen and medication administration

• Diabetic and nutritional management

• Hospice and Respite

Living Local

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

OPERATIONS & MARKETING MANAGER

Kamy Jones marketing@like-media.com

EDITORIAL

EDITOR Taylor Shillam

CONTRIBUTORS

Paige Schulte, Commencement Bank, Jennifer Hawkins

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, 58,59, Samantha Elise Tillman pg. 16, 47, 54, 56, 76, 93, Eva Seelye | RAW Media pg. 48, Four Foot Photography pg. 49, Lauren Oliver Photography pg. 73

COURTESY PHOTOS

Hosanna Christian School, Summer Sounds at Skansie, Peninsula Art Leauge

gig harbor living local magazine is brought to you by Like-Media.com. If you would like to advertise with us, please call 253.363.8830 or email rebecca@like-media.com. To submit articles, photos, nominations and events, email us at info@like-media.com.

Agency

Living Local magazine is published seasonally and distributed freely throughout the Pacific Northwest and Inland Northwest: Gig Harbor, Edmonds, Bonners Ferry, Sandpoint, Dover Bay, Coeur d’Alene, Hayden, Rathdrum, and the Spokane Valley. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s opinions. Living Local magazine is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Living Local magazine is produced and published by Like Media, and no part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the publisher’s permission.

GIG HARBOR

Why Work with One Loan Officer

Loan Officer

Why Work with One Loan Officer

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

When You Can Have a Whole Team?

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 to closing day, having multiple experts supporting your loan means stronger communication, faster problem-solving, and a more seamless process

With nearly 20 years of experience, Mark Wambold and his team have helped South Sound families navigate every 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 nee

With nearly 20 years of experience, Mark Wambold and his team have helped South Sound families navigate every 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

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 refinancing, you will have a team ensuring nothing gets missed and everything moves forward smoothly

By partnering with trusted local real estate professionals, The Mark Wambold Group delivers thoughtful financin strategies designed around your goals Whether you are buying your first home, moving into your next, or refinancing, you will have a team ensuring nothing gets missed and everything moves forward smoothly VA, FHA, Conventional, Jumbo, or custom solutions: when you have a full team behind you, you are never navigating the process alone.

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Mark Wambold

Area Manager

NMLS248580

M: 253 225 3352

mark.wambold@ccm.com

markwambold.com

Olympic Dr

253 225 3352

Gig

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

RIGHT MOMENT. RIGHT MATCH. RIGHT THIS WAY.

When you sell matters just as much as how. From real buyer intelligence and targeted digital marketing to thoughtful matchmaking, we’ve got your back—so you can sell with confidence.

Since 1976, Gig Harbor Peninsula FISH Food Bank & Community Services has provided steady, practical support to neighbors across Gig Harbor, Fox Island, and the Key Peninsula. What began as a single phone line connecting volunteers to families in need has grown into a comprehensive, volunteer-led organization serving hundreds of households each month. In fiscal year 2025 alone, more than 618,000 meals were distributed, along with $332,000 in emergency financial assistance to help families remain housed and employed.

In 2022, FISH opened its 10,600-square-foot facility on Burnham Drive, allowing clients to self-shop for groceries, clothing, hygiene items, and household essentials in a dignified setting. Nearly 350 volunteers, including local high school students, keep operations running while 96 percent of the budget goes directly back into the community. As the organization approaches its 50th anniversary, the mission remains clear: meet rising needs with compassion, efficiency, and neighbor-to-neighbor care.

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

Like Media, producer of Gig Harbor Living Local, 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!

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.

Comprehensive business analysis paired with specialized marketing advice.

Gig Harbor Peninsula FISH Food Bank

IT’S TIME TO RECOGNIZE THE FINEST OF 2026!

IMPORTANT DATES

NOMINATIONS FOR TOP THREE: 09/04 - 09/20

VOTING FOR THE WINNERS: 10/02 - 10/18

EACH YEAR, Gig Harbor Living Local’s Finest honors the people, businesses, and organizations that make Gig Harbor a great place to live, work, and play, as voted by the community.

GET INVOLVED and show your support by becoming a sponsor. With Title, Platinum, Gold, Silver and Category sponsorship options, there is a level for every budget and a strong opportunity for local visibility.

WHY PARTICIPATE? It’s a chance to celebrate the people and businesses that make Gig Harbor shine, support our local economy, and gain valuable visibility through communitydriven promotion. Be part of a meaningful tradition that brings us all together.

250 years of freedom. One flag. One nation. One enduring promise.

40TH PENINSULA ART LEAGUE Summer Art Festival

What started as a gathering of artists in their street tents is now one of the most established summer events in Gig Harbor and the region. The Peninsula Art League (PAL) is now 240 members strong, and its Summer Art Festival has become both a showcase of regional talent and a direct investment in the next generation of artists.

Reaching the 40-year mark carries weight. “It’s a moment of immense pride for us and a tribute to all those artists before us,” says President Robin Avni. “We have grown from a small group of passionate artists in the early 1980s into the vibrant organization we are today.”

That growth has stayed true to purpose. Since its founding

in 1986 by local artists Mary Bessette and Donna Moen, the festival has served as the primary funding source for high school art scholarships. Every year, proceeds go back into the community, supporting students across Gig Harbor and Kitsap County who plan to pursue careers in creative fields.

This year’s festival returns July 18–19 at Sehmel Homestead Park and brings new additions again this year. More than 110 juried artist booths will fill the grounds, covering everything from painting and pottery to sculpture, photography, fiber art, glass art, metal art, mixed media and local authors. Visitors can meet the artists directly, hear how the work comes together, and watch live demonstrations throughout the weekend.

The juried process remains central to maintaining quality.

“There is great art, live music, great food, free shuttles and something for everyone."

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.”

Inside the Vern Pavilion, the Member Art Show expands the experience. It’s a juried exhibition in its own right, offering Peninsula Art League members the chance to present their work in a gallery setting while competing for awards, including the People’s Choice. For many attendees, it becomes a quieter counterpoint to the outdoor booths, but just as central to the experience.

Beyond the art, the festival is built around how the community shows up. Live music runs throughout the weekend, produced by Kimball Coffeehouse. Food vendors, family activities, and a growing list of community partners fill out the space. A new addition this year, Community Arts in the Field, brings regional organizations together in a dedicated area, expanding what the festival represents beyond individual artists.

Attendance reflects that shift. With an expected 7,000 visitors and a growing family presence, the event continues to expand its reach. The partnership with PenMet Parks helped the festival continue to grow and has extended visibility across the greater Gig Harbor region, connecting more residents to the creative work being produced locally.

None of it happens without scale behind the scenes. More than 100 volunteers produce and manage the event, supported by local groups like Boy Scout Troop 212. That structure has allowed the festival to grow without losing the local, handson feel that defined it early on.

“There is great art, live music, great food, free shuttles and something for everyone,” Avni says. “Prepare to stay awhile.”

After 40 years, the structure still holds. Support local artists, invest back into students, and give people a reason to come back year after year.

LOCAL &

Q A GARY PARKER:

BUILT ON PEOPLE, NOT JUST BARBECUE

Step inside BBQ2U and it doesn’t take long to understand what keeps people coming back. It’s not just the food. It’s the conversations, the familiar faces, and the steady rhythm of something always happening. What began as a post-retirement project has grown into a gathering place built on a simple idea: take care of people and give them a reason to walk through the door.

June 12 – August 23, 2026

Gig Harbor is a wonderful place to explore, especially in the summertime! Climb aboard the Connector (Route 101) and discover your new favorite places.

The Connector runs every thirty minutes!

• Fridays: 10:30 a.m. - 10:20 p.m.

• Saturdays: 10:30 a.m. - 10:20 p.m.

• Sundays: 10:30 a.m. - 7:20 p.m.

Scan to view an interactive map, timetables and other details

PierceTransit.org/connector

Q. How did BBQ2U start, and what were you hoping to build in the beginning?

A. I come from a pretty humble background. I got into tech young and spent most of my career with IBM and Intel. When I retired about seven years ago, I started BBQ2U because I love good barbecue. At first, it was just meant to be something I enjoyed doing, a small family business to keep me busy. But it didn’t stay small for long. It took on a life of its own as more people came through the doors and connected with what we were doing.

Q. At what point did you realize this had become more than just a restaurant?

A. It became clear pretty quickly that it wasn’t just about the food. People were coming in to spend time, to talk, and to see familiar faces. That’s when it shifted for me. It became a place where neighbors could stop in, settle in for a bit, and not feel rushed. That meant more than any business metric ever could.

Q. What does a typical week look like in terms of your involvement with the community?

A. Every week we’re doing something. We host fundraisers, we run free Tuesday bingo for seniors, and we give local authors a place to share their work. Some nights the place is packed, other times it’s a smaller group, but it’s consistent. People know they can stop in, grab a meal, and be around others without needing a special occasion. There’s a comfort in that routine.

" It became a place where neighbors could stop in, settle in for a bit, and not feel rushed."

Fun Facts:

Some of the awards Gary Parker and the BBQ2U team have received over the years include:

• Finest Person of the Year (2025): Awarded to Gary Parker by readers of Gig Harbor Living Local Magazine

• Business of the Year (2025): Honored by the Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce

• Best Barbecue Restaurant of Choice (2024 & 2025): Awarded by readers of South Sound Magazine

• South Sound Citizen of the Year (2024): Awarded to owner Gary Parker for his community service

• Best Barbecue in Pierce County (2023): Voted the top BBQ restaurant in a reader poll by The News Tribune

Q. You have a “Thank You” wall inside the restaurant. What does that mean to you?

A. If you walk in, you’ll see it right away. Cards, notes, pictures from people we’ve been able to help. I stop and look at it every day. It’s a reminder of the impact over time. For me, it’s never been about one single moment. It’s about all the small things that add up. That wall represents that.

Q. What drives you to keep showing up at this level week after week?

A. I care about people and their quality of life. Everyone is dealing with something, and if I can make someone’s day a little easier or give them a place to relax, that matters. It doesn’t have to be anything big. Sometimes it’s a good meal, a quick conversation, or a place to sit for a while and feel like they belong

Q. Can you share a specific moment or story where you saw the impact BBQ2U had on someone?

A. I see it during counter takeovers, when local schools and civic groups are raising money and people show up to support them. I see it in the authors’ area, where folks slow down and connect with local writers. I see it on the thank-you wall, when someone spots the event they were part of and the memory comes back. I see it at senior bingo, where it’s less about the game and more about not feeling alone that day.

There are a lot of these moments. When you step back, it’s not about one story. It’s about people feeling connected and part of something bigger than themselves.

Q. Looking back, what has shaped the direction BBQ2U has taken the most?

A. There was a point where I realized the business could be more than just a place to eat. We decided to lean into the community side and stay consistent with it. That changed everything. It showed me how strong a community can be when people look out for each other, and we’ve stayed committed to that ever since.

Q. What do you want BBQ2U to continue to be moving forward?

A. I want it to keep being a place where people feel welcome. A place where they can come in, have a meal, and feel like they’re part of something. We’ll keep finding ways to give back and stay involved, but at the end of the day it comes down to consistency. Showing up, taking care of people, and doing it the right way.

Gig Harbor FROM DESTINATION TO DECISION

When a vacation town becomes home

by LIKE MEDIA TEAM

There was a time when Gig Harbor was a place you visited. A weekend trip. A summer stop. A break from the pace on the other side of the Narrows Bridge. You came for the harbor, the netsheds, the way Mount Rainier appeared above the roofline on a clear day. You told yourself you’d come back.

Then you left.

That pattern is changing.

More people are no longer content to experience Gig Harbor occasionally. They are choosing to live here full-time, reshaping the local real estate market and redefining what it means to call this waterfront city home. What was once considered a destination is now, for many, the destination.

That shift is not happening by accident.

A Lifestyle That No Longer Feels Temporary

For years, vacation towns stood out for a clear distinction. They were places you escaped to, not places you built your routine around. Gig Harbor has steadily blurred that line.

Remote and flexible work removed the need to live near traditional job centers. The Tacoma Narrows Bridge still connects Gig Harbor to Tacoma and Seattle, but buyers who cross it twice a week instead of

Gig Harbor has steadily blurred the line between vacation town and home.

69%

GIG HARBOR’S POPULATION GREW 69% between 2010 and 2020, making it the secondfastest-growing city in the Puget Sound region

twice a day think about that distance differently. Proximity stopped being the primary filter. How people want to spend their time became the question.

Gig Harbor answers it directly.

Mornings can start with a run on the Cushman Trail, a kayak launch from the harbor, or coffee along the waterfront before the foot traffic picks up. Skansie Brothers Park sits right on the water, open and unhurried on a Tuesday, the same as on a Saturday. The Gig Harbor Farmers Market runs through the summer. The weekly concerts at the waterfront draw residents, not just visitors. These are not weekend amenities. They are the structure of everyday life. That shift in priorities has turned lifestyle into a primary driver of real estate

That shift in priorities has turned lifestyle into a primary driver of real estate decisions. Buyers are not asking where they need to live. They are asking where they want to spend their time.

What Buyers Are Actually Investing In

The homes in Gig Harbor are not defined only by square footage or finishes. They are defined by access.

Access to water. Access to views. Access to a city that still feels specific to itself.

Walkability to the harbor waterfront, proximity to the independent restaurants and shops along Harborview Drive and in Uptown, the ability to move through a week without urgency, these carry real value.

A buyer arriving from Bellevue or Sammamish quickly understands that what Gig Harbor offers at its price point is not available closer to

Seattle. Homes in Pierce County can run 50 to 60 percent less than comparable properties in King County, and what that price difference buys here often includes a water view, a larger lot, or a location within walking distance of the harbor.

Demand holds because buyers are making decisions based on longterm livability. Outdoor spaces, functional layouts, and environments that support daily life outside the house are no longer optional. They are expected. In this market, what you are buying is not just a property. It is a way of living that holds across seasons, including the gray ones.

The Role of Tourism in Long-Term Value

Tourism still plays a significant role in Gig Harbor, but its impact on real estate is often misread.

Seasonal visitors are the reason Netshed No. 9, Anthony’s at the Finholm

BUYERS ARE NOT ASKING WHERE THEY NEED TO LIVE. THEY ARE ASKING WHERE THEY WANT TO SPEND THEIR TIME.

What you are buying is not just a property. It is a way of living ...

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

Marketplace, and the shops along the waterfront stay viable year-round. That foot traffic supports businesses that residents rely on in January the same as in July. The economic base tourism helps build is part of what makes Gig Harbor function as a permanent home, not just a pleasant stop.

Visitors become repeat visitors. Repeat visitors start looking at listings. The Harbor History Museum, the Gig Harbor Gondola, Kopachuck State Park on the outer edge of the peninsula, these draw people in. Some of them never fully leave.

Short-term rentals and second homes are part of the market, but the more significant trend is conversion. Properties that were once used part-time are increasingly becoming primary residences. People come, spend enough time here to understand what daily life actually looks like, and decide the version they were living on vacation is the version they want to keep.

Homes Designed for How People Actually Live

As demand evolves, so does what buyers expect from the homes themselves.

Views are prioritized and the orientation is specific. A home positioned to face the harbor or catch the sight line toward Mount Rainier is valued differently than one that turns away from it. Covered outdoor spaces, decks built for yearround use, and strong connections between interior living and the outside environment are increasingly standard in new construction and in what buyers seek in existing homes.

Flexible rooms that function as offices or guest accommodations, low-maintenance materials that free up time for the water and the trails, layouts that support both work and hospitality, these have moved from preferences to expectations. The homes being built and renovated in Gig Harbor today are designed around the life that drew buyers here. Not around the life they left.

People come, spend enough time here to understand what daily life actually looks like, and decide the version they were living on vacation is the version they want to keep.

R E A L T O R®

S E E A L S O : J A M I E N E L S O N

B u y i n g o r s e l l i n g i n G i g H a r b o r r e q u i r e s m o r e t h a n a

s i g n i n t h e y a r d — i t t a k e s s t r a t e g y , p r e c i s i o n , a n d a

R e a l t o r ® w h o k n o w s t h i s m a r k e t i n s i d e a n d o u t . T h a n k Y o u !

Fo r v o t i n g m e a s F i n e s t R e a l t o r 2 y e a r s i n a r o w !

“

The goal is not to stop growth. It is to grow without flattening what drew people here.

Fox Island and the areas around Artondale attract buyers seeking larger parcels and greater separation. The walkable streets near the downtown waterfront draw buyers who want to reach the harbor on foot. Gig Harbor North offers new construction near Uptown shopping and the Peninsula School District, which consistently ranks among the strongest draws for families relocating from King County.

Growth Without Losing Identity

With increased demand comes a legitimate question. What happens to the character of a place when more people decide to stay?

Gig Harbor is navigating that in real time. New construction continues to expand housing options while the waterfront district, the netsheds, the working harbor, and the independent businesses along it hold the identity that made the city worth finding in the first place. The goal is not to stop growth. It is to grow without flattening what drew people here.

The seventeen historic netsheds still line the waterfront. The Harbor History

Photo by Julie Reed

The harbor is still the harbor. The water and the mountains don’t fluctuate...

IT IS STILL A DESTINATION. It always will be. But the people arriving now are not planning to leave.

Museum anchors the south end of the harbor walk. 7 Seas Brewing, Gig Harbor Brewing Company, and the distilleries and wine bars in the area reflect a community that supports local makers rather than replacing them with chains. Buyers entering this market are not purchasing into a generic waterfront town. They are stepping into something specific, and that specificity is among its most durable assets.

Why the Demand Holds

Markets fluctuate. Interest rates move. Inventory tightens and loosens. Those factors influence behavior, but they do not change what Gig Harbor actually is.

The harbor is still the harbor. The Olympic Mountains still appear across the water on a clear morning. The Cushman Trail still runs through the trees. The Waterfront Farmers Market still sets up at Skansie Brothers Park on Thursdays throughout the summer. The water and the mountains don’t.

From Destination to Decision

The most significant change in Gig Harbor’s real estate market is not pricing or inventory. It is a mindset.

The question is no longer whether Gig Harbor is worth visiting. That was settled a long time ago by everyone who crossed the bridge, who then started looking up listings on the drive home.

The question now is whether it is a place worth staying.

For a growing number of buyers, the answer is yes. They are making long-term commitments to a lifestyle that holds up beyond the weekend, beyond the summer, beyond the first gray November.

It is still a destination. It always will be.

But the people arriving now are not planning to leave.

Anchored in Gig Harbor:

Commencement Bank’s Commitment to Community

Built on relationships that show up every day

courtesy of COMMENCEMENT BANK

Seated in one of the South Sound’s most vibrant waterfront communities, Commencement Bank’s Gig Harbor branch may be their newest location, but their roots in this community run deep. This year, as they celebrate 20 years in business and their third year in Gig Harbor, they are proud to say that their presence is built on relationships that started long before their branch doors opened. Most of the branch team members live in Gig Harbor, and that local connection shows up in everything they do. “This isn’t just where we work, this is home,” said Allisha McVay, Commencement Bank’s Gig Harbor Vice President, Market Manager and Relationship Banking Officer.

From the beginning, Commencement Bank has believed that being a community bank means more than offering financial services. It means showing up, giving back, and staying actively involved in the places they serveand they work hard to ensure that philosophy comes to life every day. Whether it’s supporting the Gig Harbor Farmers Market Kids Corner, participating in the Maritime Festival, or partnering with organizations like the Gig Harbor BoatShop and the Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce, their team is committed to being part of what makes this community special. You can also catch them joining in the fun at the downtown Halloween bash, helping spread cheer with their stunning holiday light display, and supporting the next generation of leaders through Gig Harbor Young Professionals. Their partnerships with the Gig Harbor Waterfront Alliance and involvement in downtown events reflect their belief that a thriving local economy starts with an actively engaged community.

American Cancer Society, and the South Sound CARE Foundation. From the Ross Tello LEGO Drive and Lions Club Giving Tree to supporting the Homestead Community and Permission to Start Dreaming, they are inspired by the generous spirit of Gig Harbor.

The branch itself has also become a gathering place, which is something they are especially proud of. They have opened their parking lot and branch space for community use, hosting everything from a Downtown Waterfront Alliance beer garden to Cruise the Narrows car meetups. They have welcomed local board meetings, supported fundraising walks, and provided a place for neighbors to come together.

At Commencement Bank, they believe strong communities are built by connecting with the individuals and organizations who shape the heart of the community. That’s why they make it a priority to stay engaged with local businesses, support events that bring people downtown, and invest their time and resources into the people and organizations that make Gig Harbor thrive. At the end of the day, being a community bank means not just being part of the community, but being part of making it stronger.

7804 Pioneer Way Gig Harbor, WA 253.204.2569

CommencementBank.com

Commencement Bank doesn’t just show up; giving back is equally important to them. They are honored to support organizations that make a tangible difference, including Communities in Schools of Peninsula, the

Harrison Homes, LLC: Built on Trust

Quality homes. Lasting relationships.

LIKE MEDIA TEAM

Since 1989, Harrison Homes has been quietly transforming the landscape of the Pacific Northwest—one quality build at a time. What began with Dale and Judy Harrison purchasing two lots in Canterwood has grown into a trusted, multigenerational company known for excellence in custom homes, construction, and remodeling. Though the tools, trends, and team have evolved over the years, the mission remains the same: build with integrity, treat people with respect, and never compromise on quality.

The foundation of Harrison Homes was poured long before the business officially began. Dale Harrison, originally in finance, grew up with a carpenter father, and that early exposure to craftsmanship never left him. His passion for quality construction—paired with a growing demand in the Gig Harbor area—sparked the beginning of what would become one of the region’s most respected construction and remodeling companies.

Today, Harrison Homes is led by James Brewer, Titian Niosi, Margi Moore, and Matt Dean, and staffed by a team of more than 20 talented individuals. Together, they’ve built far more than houses—they’ve built a reputation for honesty, attention to detail, and personalized service that consistently earns repeat business and referrals.

“We’re not just building homes,” says the team. “We’re building relationships.” That sentiment is more than a motto. Their tagline, People Are Our Business, drives every interaction, from internal teamwork to client communication. Harrison Homes operates as a true family—owners, employees, clients, subcontractors, and suppliers all working together toward a common goal. Trust is the currency, and transparency is the process.

That transparency is one of the company’s key differentiators. Clients see exactly where every dollar goes, with no surprises and no shortcuts. It’s a system built on honesty—and one that has earned Harrison Homes a reputation as a builder you can count on.

Inside the company, the culture reflects that same integrity. Harrison Homes hires selectively, choosing people who want to make a real impact and take pride in their craft. “We look for team players who are talented, collaborative, and passionate about making a difference,” they share. The result is a team that works in sync, combining creative problem-solving with technical expertise to meet challenges head-on.

What truly sets Harrison Homes apart isn’t just the quality of the finished product—it’s how they get there. Their process is intentional, client-focused, and built on communication. From the first consultation to the final walkthrough, they listen, they educate, and they offer tailored solutions that reflect the client’s goals while meeting Harrison’s own high standards.

Their definition of success is simple: satisfied customers, lasting relationships, and doing the job right every single time. Whether it’s a small remodel or a multi-year custom build, every project receives the same level of care and commitment.

Looking ahead, Harrison Homes is poised for continued growth—but not at the expense of its values. “We stay grounded by focusing on what’s always mattered most: honesty, integrity, and quality,” they say. That focus keeps them anchored, even as their portfolio and reputation expand across the region.

For those considering a custom home, remodel, or construction project, Harrison Homes offers something increasingly rare: a trustworthy team that delivers not just beautiful results, but peace of mind throughout the process. It’s why so many of their clients become lifelong advocates.

There may be many builders in the Northwest, but Harrison Homes stands apart—for the way they work, the people they hire, and the values they never compromise.

5720 144th St. NW, Suite 104, Gig Harbor, WA

253.303.1720

HarrHomes.com

Facebook: @harrisonhomes

Instagram: @harrison_homes_llc

GigHarbor Summer: WHERE THE WATER IS THE POINT

The harbor, the trails, and everything between

by LIKE MEDIA TEAM

Summer in Gig Harbor is not an abstraction. It is specific. It is the farmers' market spread across Skansie Brothers Park on a Thursday afternoon, the smell of salt water and fresh bread competing for attention. It is a gondola cutting a slow line across the harbor at dusk. A kayak is easing past a seal near the marina. An outdoor concert carried across the waterfront on a Tuesday night.

Gig Harbor is a small city with geography that dictates how summer unfolds, and that geography is the harbor itself. Everything radiates out from the water. Visitors come for it. Residents organize their summers around it. Understanding that one fact goes a long way toward understanding what makes summer here different from summer anywhere else.

On the Water

The protected harbor that made Gig Harbor a fishing and boatbuilding hub for more than a century is the same reason it works so well for summer recreation. The bay's calm surface draws paddlers from across the South Sound. Gig Harbor

The gondoliers

KNOW THE HARBOR INTIMATELY, narrating the history and pointing out landmarks that most residents walk past without stopping to consider.

Watersports, located on the historic waterfront, rents kayaks and stand-up paddleboards by the hour or the day, and no prior experience is required. The route through the harbor, past working marinas and net sheds, and the wide mouth opening toward Puget Sound, is navigable at almost any skill level.

For something with more history and considerably more personality, Gig Harbor Gondola operates the only authentic Venetian gondola service in the Pacific Northwest. The gondoliers know the harbor intimately, narrating the history and pointing out landmarks that most residents walk past without stopping to consider. It runs morning, afternoon, and evening, and the sunset tours book up. Riviera Cruises and On Time Tours & Charters round out the boat charter options for groups who want to push out beyond the harbor toward the Tacoma Narrows and the open waters of Puget Sound.

Fly fishing is its own season within the season. The Gig Harbor Fly Shop, a fixture on the waterfront, books guided outings and offers casting instruction for anglers ready to get serious about what Puget Sound country puts within reach.

No single address concentrates more of Gig Harbor's summer than Skansie Brothers Park on Harborview Drive.

The Waterfront Farmers Market runs every Thursday from late May through late August, drawing produce vendors, bakers, local artisans, and live musicians to the park's sloped lawn. It is the kind of market where you can buy a bouquet of dahlias, a loaf of sourdough, and a jar of smoked salmon in the same loop.

Tuesday nights in July and August belong to Summer

Skansie Brothers Park

It is the kind of market where you can buy a bouquet of dahlias, a loaf of sourdough, and a jar of smoked salmon in the same loop.

Sounds at Skansie, the free outdoor concert series hosted by the Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce and Visit Gig Harbor. The 2026 lineup opened with the 133D Army Band in a nod to the nation's semiquincentennial. Subsequent weeks bring tribute acts, local favorites, and the ten-piece disco outfit Boogie Blvd. Crowds arrive early with blankets and takeout from the surrounding waterfront restaurants.

The Skansie Net Shed, the historic structure at the park's center, opens on summer weekends and tells the story of Gig Harbor's commercial fishing past in direct, unembellished terms.

On Land

The harbor waterfront is not the only place Gig Harbor earns its summer reputation. The Cushman Trail runs for miles through the peninsula, paved and well-maintained, drawing cyclists, runners, and walkers who want distance without the car. The route has hills. It rewards effort.

For those who want the waterfront history without getting wet, the Gig Harbor Downtown Waterfront Alliance runs three distinct guided walking tours throughout the season. Pints, Myths & Maritime Spirits is an evening tour covering Gig Harbor's maritime lore over a half-mile route, starting at Direction Apparel and ending at 7 Seas Brewing, local craft beverages included. Wonders of the Waterfront runs Saturday mornings and focuses on the natural history of the shoreline, led by Harbor WildWatch guides. Skiffs to Spirits takes a longer historical view, from the

LUXURY ROOTED IN COMMUNITY

Since 1946, Hawkins-Poe has helped shape the neighborhoods we proudly call home.

At Hawkins-Poe Real Estate, luxury isn’t just about exceptional homes — it’s about exceptional relationships. For generations, we’ve paired elevated marketing, expert representation, and refined service with something even more valuable: deep local roots.

From waterfront estates to historic neighborhoods and modern retreats, our brokers understand the communities they serve because they live here too. We don’t just sell homes — we help create locals.

For nearly 80 years, our name has stood for trust, sophistication, and a commitment to helping clients find where they truly belong.

working waterfront of the 1900s through Prohibition and into the present.

Harbor WildWatch itself occupies a small but serious space in Skansie Brothers Park. The Marine Life Center is open Wednesday through Sunday, free to enter, and packed with tanks, touch surfaces, microscopes, and rotating exhibits on the ecology of the Salish Sea. What people remember is the octopus feeding. The Harbor History Museum, a few minutes north on Harborview Drive, holds permanent and rotating galleries covering the peninsula's history, a restored 1893 schoolhouse, and the ongoing restoration of the historic fishing vessel Shenandoah. Admission is free.

The Gig Harbor Boatshop, housed at the historic Eddon Boatyard, runs boatbuilding workshops on weekends from April through September. The Family Boat Building Program is designed to bring people of all skill levels into hands-on work. It is the kind of experience that is hard to find anywhere else and easy to overlook.

What Visitors Often Miss

The Finholm View Climb, a staircase of 100 steps at the north end of the harbor, tops out at a viewing platform with an unobstructed line to Mount Rainier on clear days. Most people who know Gig Harbor know it. Most visitors do not. The old ferry landing, past Tides Tavern at the far end of Harborview Drive, has the same kind of out-of-the-way views without the climb.

Gig Harbor is set up for lingering. The waterfront dining, the brewpubs, the patio tables that face the marina, all of it is calibrated to people who want an afternoon to run long. That is not an accident. The harbor was built around boats that returned slowly, and something of that pace has held. Summer here works best when treated as a series of slow mornings and unhurried afternoons. The geography does the rest.

by LIKE MEDIA TEAM

JD Luxury Auto Expands Peninsula Subaru into Exotic and Specialty Vehicles

Built around the client, backed by 25 years of family ownership

JD Luxury Auto is not always the car on the lot. It is the car a client wants, sourced through auctions, dealer networks, and private sellers, then shipped anywhere in the country. The division is the exotic and specialty arm of Peninsula Subaru, extending the dealership beyond traditional inventory into luxury, exotic, and one-off vehicles.

Founder Jake Dionas leads the division after years of buying inventory for the family dealership. He started as a lot attendant and worked up. That experience shapes how he leads.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re the GM or a lot attendant, it takes everyone,” Jake says. “I trust our lot attendants with high-value cars. Giving people responsibility is how they grow, and that mindset builds a stronger culture across the board.”

The name JD Luxury Auto carries weight. The initials stand for Jake, his father John, and his late brother Joe. His dad has been his biggest mentor, and Joe was an early believer when others doubted. Jake also notes, with a lighter tone, that his brother Nick should have had a J name too.

That belief still drives how he builds the business.

“I wasn’t always the best in school, so it was easy for some people to doubt me, but never him,” Jake says. “A big part of what I’m building with JD Luxury Auto is driven by that. I want to build something he’d be proud of.”

Sourcing is active and specific. Some weeks follow auction data and market trends. Others start with a single client request. Once a vehicle comes in, it goes through a full inspection. John set the standard early: inspect a car like you’re giving it to your mother. From there, cars move to the detail shop for full detailing, paint protection film, and window tint before being listed for sale.

The experience separates the division from a typical dealership visit. Inventory is flexible. Transactions are transparent. Deals are structured around what the client is trying to accomplish, not what happens to be available.

Remote buyers get the same treatment as local ones. Detailed walkaround videos, inspection reports, and constant communication guide buyers through sourcing, paperwork, and nationwide shipping with full tracking. When a client wanted to see a car in person before committing, Jake flew out with him for the day to inspect it together. The client moved forward that day.

The division is part of a larger story. Peninsula Subaru has been built by the Dionas family over the last 25 years. JD Luxury Auto expands that foundation with a new level of inventory and a new type of client, while holding to the values the dealership was built on.

Early momentum has come from strong inventory and consistent daily work, sourcing cars, building relationships, and staying on every opportunity. Jake credits that consistency and says he feels truly blessed.

“We’re very intentional about the cars we bring in, making sure they’re the right spec, the right quality, and something that stands out,” he says.

What’s next is a sharper version of what already works: better inventory, stronger process, and a wider network. A JD Luxury cologne is in development. It will be included with every vehicle purchase and available separately. The brand is being built piece by piece, the same way the inventory is chosen, with intention. JD Luxury Auto |

A Nation That Should NotBe Here

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

By STEVE RUSSO

Four 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.

Washington had lost the Battle of Long Island. Nine thousand

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.

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

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.”

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.

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

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

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.

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:

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

America turns 250 this summer.

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 fireworks will go up over towns the Founders never saw. The grills will smoke. The flags will hang from porches across the South Sound.

Hosanna Christian School: More Than Four Decades of Faith and Learning in Gig Harbor

A Christ-centered education built on partnership with families

by LIKE MEDIA TEAM

Hosanna Christian School

3114 45th ST CT NW

Gig Harbor, WA

253.851.8952

HosannaChristianSchool.org

 @hosanna_christian_school

 Hosanna Christian School

Principal Carol King describes Hosanna as a family more than an institution. The school is independent, not tied to any single church or denomination, which gives it room to welcome students from across the Christian tradition. “We fully embrace the phrase ‘In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity,’” King says, quoting Augustine. Hosanna partners with families regardless of denomination to support the biblical, theological, and spiritual education of every child who enrolls.

Students consistently test ahead of state and national norms, and King credits that success to a combination of confidence and attention. Children are taught early and often that they are valued and deeply loved by their Creator. That belief gives them footing when subjects get hard. Small class sizes allow that care to become personal. With 12 to 18 students per room, every child receives individualized support, and classmates learn to treat one another like brothers and sisters rather than competitors for a teacher’s time.

A school day at Hosanna begins with a warm welcome at the front doors and Christian music playing through the halls. Mornings open

with Bible instruction, prayer, and a focus on Christ-centered character development. From there, students move through reading, writing, grammar, math, science, and history, with teachers connecting every lesson back to a biblical worldview. Recess is taken as a whole school, building friendships across grade levels. Chapel, physical education, hands-on learning, and service opportunities round out the week.

Faith and academics are not held in separate rooms at Hosanna. They are woven together. Whether the subject is literature, math, or science, teachers help students see God’s hand in creation, truth, wisdom, and human relationships. Students are encouraged to ask questions, think critically, and build a worldview that will hold up well beyond the classroom. The same Christ-centered approach shapes discipline, leadership, relationships, service, and daily decision-making.

The teachers carry that vision. To King, Hosanna’s faculty members are academically rigorous educators and spiritually minded shepherds: selfless, teachable, devoted to Jesus Christ, and Christlike in their interactions with students and parents. “Every teacher at Hosanna sees themselves as a missionary and their classroom as their mission field,”

King says. That sense of calling is part of why they stay, and part of what parents notice from the first conversation.

When students leave Hosanna, King hopes they leave with more than test scores and transcripts. The goal is character, integrity, compassion, and the confidence to stand firm in their faith. Students should understand that their identity and worth are found in Christ. Whether they go on to higher education, careers, ministry, or service, the prayer is that they lead with wisdom, humility, and Christ-like love.

For Gig Harbor families considering Hosanna for the 2026-2027 school year, King’s advice is simple: come see it. Tour the campus. Visit classrooms. Meet the staff. The close-knit community is hard to describe from the outside, but it becomes clear quickly once families step inside. Students across grade levels know and encourage one another, and parents find themselves part of a school community that genuinely invests in each child’s success and well-being.

More Than a Home: Why Gig Harbor Feels Different

by JENNIFER HAWKINS, KEY2SEE WITH HAWKINS POE

One of the things I hear most often from people considering a move to Gig Harbor is, “Everyone says it has a small-town feel.” And while that statement is certainly true, it rarely comes with an explanation of why it feels that way—or how newcomers can become part of it.

For many relocation buyers, the home itself isn't actually the biggest question. The bigger question is whether the community will feel like the right fit.

After helping families, professionals, and retirees make the move from places like Seattle and the greater Puget Sound region, I've found that what people are really searching for isn't just a property. They're searching for a lifestyle—and a sense of belonging.

Part of what makes Gig Harbor so special is that it isn't one single type of community. It's a collection of distinct areas, each offering its own personality and pace. Some people are drawn to waterfront living and the harbor lifestyle. Others prefer larger properties tucked among the trees, offering privacy and room to spread out. Some love being close to

downtown shops, restaurants, and community events, while others are looking for a quieter neighborhood setting.

What ties these different areas together is something that's becoming increasingly rare: genuine connection.

The "small-town feel" that Gig Harbor is known for isn't something that's manufactured. It comes from what I often describe as social overlap— the natural way people cross paths throughout their daily lives.

You see familiar faces at local coffee shops, youth sporting events, farmers' markets, waterfront concerts, community fundraisers, and neighborhood gatherings. Business owners know their customers. Parents connect through schools and activities. Relationships form naturally because people continue to run into one another in meaningful ways.

Over time, those small interactions create something larger: a sense of community.

Gig Harbor’s Market Stats

(Including Waterfront & Fox Island)

Highest Sales Price: $4,640,000

Average Sold Price: $1,059,899

Average Days on Market: 38

One of the biggest surprises for many people after they move here is how quickly they begin to feel connected. Not because they're trying to network or force relationships, but because the community creates opportunities for connection through everyday life. Whether it's volunteering, joining a local group, supporting community events, or simply spending time around town, people often find themselves becoming part of the fabric of Gig Harbor much faster than they expected.

In a world where many communities feel increasingly disconnected, Gig Harbor has managed to maintain a balance that many people are seeking. It offers privacy without isolation, growth without losing its character, and a lifestyle that feels both active and welcoming.

At Key2See, we believe finding the right home is only part of the process. Equally important is finding the neighborhood, community, and lifestyle that align with the life you want to live.

Because when you find the right fit, you're not just moving into a house— you’re becoming part of a community.

KEY 2 SEE TEAM

Local Guide

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.

FAMILY FIRST ADULT FAMILY HOMES

Family First Adult Family Homes has been a staple in the Gig Harbor community for the past 25 years. Here you can find 24-hour care with hands-on owners, experienced caregivers, in-home doctor visits, semi-private and private rooms, and a family atmosphere.

4700 Pt. Fosdick Dr. #312 | Gig Harbor 253.853.2033 Julie@familyfirstafh.com FamilyFirstAFH.com

CATNIP BED & BREAKFAST

Catnip Bed & Breakfast is a catsonly boarding retreat in Gig Harbor, owned and operated by Mel Perry, offering Fear Free Certified, all-inclusive stays in deluxe rooms with outdoor catio access, daily enrichment, medication administration, and special-diet preparation, all built around calm, familiar, one-on-one care.

Gig Harbor, WA

253.400.6258

CatnipBnB.com

GRETCHEN L. ALLEN, RE/MAX NORTHWEST REALTORS

GARRETTE CUSTOM HOMES

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.

253.802.7304

With 28+ years of experience as an expert Local Realtor/Managing Broker, Gretchen takes great pride in working with her Sellers and Buyers while exceeding your expectations. Her priority is attention, care, commitment, and strategy, coupled with strong negotiation skills, which produce the highest level of integrity in the industry. Success delivered!

Your Gig Harbor Realtor & Local Expert

253.620.0028

HomesByGretchen.com

Give Where You Live

R STORIE, Rachel Peirce

by PAIGE SCHULTE ENTREPRENEUR & REALTOR

If there’s a need in Gig Harbor, Rachel Peirce is often one of the first to step up. From supporting Ali’s Prom Project to contributing to The Career Closet, Raising Girls, and local schools, she consistently shows up in meaningful ways. Her commitment to giving back isn’t occasional—it’s built into who she is as a business owner and community member.

That same spirit carries into everything she creates.

A Gig Harbor native, Rachel started her career early, working at Nordstrom at just 14 years old. She stayed with the company through high school and college at Washington State University, eventually stepping into a successful full-time career. Over the years, she held leadership roles across buying, planning, and merchandising, and helped launch major brands like Madewell, Reformation, and Sézane.

After years in corporate retail, Rachel was ready to build something of her own—something that combined her expertise with her passion for connection and creativity.

In October 2022, she opened R STORIE in Gig Harbor North.

Today, R STORIE is a thoughtfully curated boutique offering on-trend, high-quality, and size-inclusive fashion. The store blends new collections with select resale and vintage pieces, giving it a unique edge. More than just a place to shop, it’s a space where women can explore their personal style, feel confident, and enjoy the experience of getting dressed.

Rachel has created more than a store—she’s built a community hub where fashion, connection, and purpose come together.

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

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.

253.266.1067

Lindsay@lindsayjackman.com

LindsayJackman.com

I&E KITCHEN & BATH

With 40 years of combined experience, I&E Kitchen & Bath is a family-owned and operated team specializing in custom kitchen and bathroom remodeling, including cabinetry, countertops, and full renovations, delivering functional design, quality craftsmanship, and lasting results.

Gig Harbor, WA | 253.888.1455 IEKitchenBath.com

CAROLYN WESTMORELAND

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.

7195 Wagner Way, Ste. 101 Gig Harbor | 253.961.5596

JACLYN HARKSON, WINDERMERE PROFESSIONAL PARTNERS

A Gig Harbor local, Jaclyn has a passion for serving others, is well-versed in the market and delights in sharing her Maritime City. A contractor’s wife, she uniquely understands all that new construction entails. Jaclyn seeks to come alongside you throughout the buying and selling process as a genuine friend with professionalism and the utmost care.

2727 Hollycroft St. Ste. 210 Gig Harbor 253.549.3332

HarksonHomes.com

HOMETOWN EXPERTS

NEW LEAF HYPNOSIS

At New Leaf Hypnosis Center, they help people reduce anxiety and stress, conquer fears and phobias, heal past painful experiences, quit unhealthy habits, stop unwanted behaviors, improve sleep and low mood — faster than you ever imagined! Book a free consultation to take the first step to feel better today!

2801 Hollycroft St. Ste. B | Gig Harbor 253.617.4818

NewLeafHypnosis.com

KONVEX WEALTH

Creating Clarity for Generations Ahead

Konvex Wealth helps families and small business owners navigate the unknowns of financial life with clarity and confidence.

Specializing in comprehensive financial planning, tax efficiency, and estate planning, they take a personalized approach built around each client's goals.

From retirement and investment strategy to legacy planning, Konvex Wealth works as a long-term partner, not just an advisor.

3220 Rosedale Street NW, Suite 200, Gig Harbor | 253.525.5400 KonvexWealth.com

IN-GEAR MEDIA

In-Gear Media specializes in professional photography and video production that captures authentic stories and elevates brands. From creative portraits to commercial campaigns, they deliver visually compelling content with a personalized touch, helping businesses and individuals stand out with quality and creativity.

6521 43rd Ave. Ct., Suite A+B Gig Harbor 253.242.2414 | In-GearMedia.com

HAWKINS POE KEY2SEE TEAM

The Key2See Team at Hawkins-Poe Real Estate Services, led by REALTOR® Jennifer Hawkins, offers expert guidance in buying and selling homes. Emphasizing integrity and professionalism, they provide clients with accurate information to make informed decisions. Serving the Puget Sound region since 1946, they are committed to creating lasting client relationships.

7620 Pioneer Way | Gig Harbor 253.229.1414

Key2See.com

PAIGE SCHULTE, REALTOR, SCHULTE & CO.

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.

253.313.4093

Paige@askpaigeschulte.com

| FRANKLIN | ROVANG

· INJURY LAWYERS

Steve Franklin of Becker Franklin Rovang is known for trusted personal injury advocacy across Port Orchard and Gig Harbor. Since 1984, his firm has recovered over $50 million in settlements and verdicts, helping families find justice after serious injuries. The team offers free consultations and fights tirelessly for fair compensation.

Port Orchard | Gig Harbor Surrounding Areas

360.800.3009

BFRInjuryLaw.com

CS FLOORS

Looking to update your home with new flooring? From carpet, laminate and luxury vinyl to stone and hardwood ... ... let the team at CS Floors help you with all of your flooring needs. Locally owned and operated, with more than 60 years of experience, they also provide countertops and window coverings.

5117 89th St. | Gig Harbor

253.853.5833

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.

5403 Olympic Drive NW., Suite 100 Gig Harbor | Personal NMLS248580

253.444.0290

CCM.com/mark-wambold

LIKE MEDIA - REBECCA

Rebecca leads Like Media’s presence in the Greater Gig Harbor area, guiding strategy across Gig Harbor Living Local magazine and the digital platforms that support it. From brand positioning and feature storytelling to SEO, web design, email marketing, and automation, she ensures every effort works together. She helps local businesses stand out with clarity, credibility, and long-term impact.

253.363.8830 | rebecca@like-media.com Like-Media.com

SYNERGY ELECTRIC + TECHNOLOGY, INC.

Synergy electric + technology provides the most professional electrical, renewable energy, and technology services in the Gig Harbor area. Born and raised in Gig Harbor, owner Matthew Molzan has more than 35 years of experience in the industry. Whether it's a new construction, remodel, residential or commercial property, Synergy can install all electrical, solar systems, energy storage (batteries), generators, hot tubs, as well as Smarthome equipment and home automation systems. SynergyElectricTech.com 253.234.5311

HOSANNA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Hosanna Christian School provides a Christ-centered education for students from preschool through junior high in Gig Harbor. Rooted in biblical foundation and academic excellence, Hosanna offers small class sizes, personal attention, and a loving Christian environment where students are nurtured spiritually, intellectually, creatively, and physically.

3114 45th St. Ct. NW. Gig Harbor 253.851.8952 HosannaChristianSchool.org

HARBOR FAMILY LAW

When it comes to family law, Harbor Family Law’s team of attorneys has 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 that deliver highly successful results.

2615 Jahn Ave. NW Ste. E7 Gig Harbor | 253.260.4147

Gertie’s Garage is your Euro and luxury auto service right here in Gig Harbor, offering premium service to discerning motorists, maintaining and enhancing their precision automobiles. Locally owned and operated and paired with decades of experience, Gertie’s Garage services BMW, Land Rover, Jaguar, Mercedes, Audi, Bentley, Maserati, Mini ... and More!

10421 Burnham Dr. NW Bldg. #3 Unit C Gig Harbor

253.649.5984

GertiesGarage.com

MARITIME JEWELERS

A trusted, locally owned jewelry store in Gig Harbor offering fine jewelry, custom design, expert repairs, and watch services. Known for personal attention and craftsmanship, their team helps clients celebrate milestones with timeless pieces, engagement rings, and meaningful gifts designed to last for generations.

COMMENCEMENT BANK

Commencement Bank offers personalized financial solutions with the expertise and sophistication of a larger institution and the accessibility of a true community bank. Dedicated to supporting local businesses, nonprofits, and residents, the Gig Harbor branch continues to invest in relationships and reinvest in the community it proudly serves.

7804 Pioneer Way | Gig Harbor 253.204.2569

CommencementBank.com

TIMOTHY LOPEZ, AGENT

AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE

Tim Lopez has been an insurance professional since 2007 and has much experience protecting customers’ dreams. American Family Insurance is an agency offering auto, home, life, business, farm/ranch, boat and umbrella policies tailored to fit your unique needs. You can count on this team to be honest and straightforward, and to put your best interests first.

7512 Stanich Lane, Suite 2 | Gig Harbor

253.858.7200

TLope1@amfam.com

The Finholm View Climb

and the View Most People Miss

ONE HUNDRED WOODEN STAIRS ABOVE THE HARBOR

Most people drive right past it. The Finholm View Climb sits behind a parking lot at the north end of Harborview Drive, across the street from Anthony's, and unless you know it's there, you'd never think to look.

One hundred wooden stairs connect Harborview Drive to the neighborhood above. From the platform at the top, you get the postcard view: the harbor below, the marinas, the working boats, and Mount Rainier on a clear day.

The climb is named for Johnny and Eddie Finholm, the brothers who ran Finholm's Market down on Harborview from 1935 onward. Johnny bought the original grocery for $3,000 during the Depression. The market still operates there today. The mural on the building shows the brothers with their first delivery truck. The view climb above it was dedicated by

STRATEGIC WEALTH ADVISORS

CHERI JOHNSON

At Strategic Wealth Advisors, Cheri Johnson and her team provide personalized financial planning and investment management tailored to each client’s goals. With a focus on trust, transparency, and long-term relationships, they help individuals and families navigate every stage of life with confidence and clarity, ensuring financial security and peace of mind.

4221 Harborview Drive NW., Suite 100 Gig Harbor

253.858.4411

cheri@StrategicWealthAdv.com StrategicWealthAdv.com

JULIA RUNYAN, REMAX - THE RUNYAN GROUP

Julia Runyan is a trusted real estate professional serving Gig Harbor and the surrounding areas. She provides personalized service, expert guidance, and a commitment to making every transaction smooth and stress-free.

Dedicated to helping clients find their dream homes, Julia ensures a positive and rewarding experience from start to finish.

7201 Pioneer Way | Gig Harbor

253.549.5110

jewels@juliarunyan.com

JuliaRunyan.com

the Gig Harbor Lions Club in 1999 and refurbished in 2017. What gives the climb its personality are the steps themselves. Each plank has a small donor plaque, some purchased in memory of loved ones, others honoring family members still here today. For longtime locals, the climb doubles as a walk through familiar names.

Landings break the climb into stretches, with benches if you want to catch your breath or stay awhile. There are public restrooms at the bottom. Finholm's sits next door for a deli sandwich or a coffee before or after.

Park on the street or in the small lot at the base, not in Anthony's lot. That one will get you towed.

The address is 8826 North Harborview Drive.

HARRISON HOMES

Harrison Homes, serving the greater Gig Harbor area since 1989, specializes in custom homes and remodeling projects. With a legacy of craftsmanship and integrity, they prioritize client relationships. Their mission is simple: “People Are Our Business,” ensuring every project reflects quality and trust.

253.303.1720

Honest craftsmanship in a tradition of quality, Kelley Home Services, a distinguished, awardwinning home construction and renovation company, has more than 20 years of experience in the industry of crafting homes that reflect your way of life, from craft and design to build, remodel and repair of the heart of your home.

PACIFIC LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION

Pacific Landscape Construction specializes in creating innovative outdoor spaces, including retaining walls, water features, irrigation systems, and lowvoltage lighting. With over 15 years of experience, they are dedicated to transforming your outdoor area into an exceptional experience.

253.380.7554 Gig Harbor

CATNIP

CATS-ONLY CARE IN GIG HARBOR

CELEBRATING 15 YEARS OF SUCCESS, GROWTH AND COMMUNITY

by LIKE MEDIA TEAM

At Catnip Bed & Breakfast, no cat shares a wall with a barking dog, no check-in is rushed, and enrichment is not treated like an upgrade. Owner Mel Perry built the Gig Harbor retreat around a simple belief: cats do better when their care is calm, familiar, and personal. Catnip is for cats only, allinclusive, intentionally small, and cared for entirely by Mel herself.

Mel grew up in Gig Harbor surrounded by animals. Her parents spent 50 years breeding and showing champion dogs, and their home also included boarding pets. Even as a child, Mel noticed when animals needed more attention than basic care provided, and she quietly gave it to them. That instinct never left.

Catnip is Mel’s third boarding facility, and each version has become smaller and more focused. Through experience, she has learned to separate what looks impressive from what actually helps a cat feel safe. Crystal chandeliers and themed rooms may photograph well, but natural light, special-diet preparation, enrichment, and familiar routines are the details she believes should be standard of care.

Catnip Bed & Breakfast Gig Harbor, WA 253.400.6258 | CatnipBnB.com

Mel is Fear Free Certified and completed the Cat Friendly Professional Program through the Feline Veterinary Medical Association. She says she does not know another cat boarder who has completed both. Her childhood friend Erin Hicks, DVM, owns Whisker Wellness Center, Gig Harbor’s only feline-focused veterinary practice. As children, the two planned to become veterinarians together. Erin followed that path. Mel earned a graduate degree in business and worked for companies including Amazon, Tesla, and Meta before returning to the kind of animal care that had mattered to her since childhood.

That training shows up in the details. Mel matches each cat’s litter brand at home. She does not schedule overlapping check-ins because she does not want to rush a cat or divide her attention. Her days begin early and include about six rounds of care, with two to three separate enrichment opportunities per cat. One may visit the outdoor catio. Another may prefer a quiet stroll through the cabin. Lights go out around 10 pm, and overnight monitoring continues by video.

The small scale is intentional. The cabin sits feet from Mel’s home, not in a warehouse monitored remotely. “Doing what I do is a lifestyle,” she says.

One couple had delayed travel for a decade because their two cats had complex medical needs. Their routine came with four pages of instructions and eight types of kibble in rotation. Mel sent updates throughout their trip to Japan. At pickup, she offered observations that helped them simplify the routine at home. Before they left, they booked Catnip again for a trip to Europe.

For Mel, stories like that reflect what she is trying to build: not a large facility, but a trusted place where cats receive careful, consistent, informed care. She was once licensed to board 25 cats, but she says she will never come close to that number again. The goal is not growth for growth’s sake. It is better care, refined over time.

A stay at Catnip is meant to feel a little like a stay at Grandma’s house. Not home, but familiar in its own way. Understood, special, well-loved. The kind of place a cat is ready to leave when their family returns, and happy to come back to next time.

Health Beauty&

Your Summer Skin Strategy

A SMARTER APPROACH TO SUN, HYDRATION, AND RECOVERY

by LIKE MEDIA TEAM

Summer 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.

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.

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 sulfate-free 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.

Barrier Care: What Summer Actually Requires

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.

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.

Recovery: The Step Most Routines Skip

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.

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.

JAX LUXURY SALON

JAX Luxury Salon in Gig Harbor offers upscale hair, beauty, and spa services in a stylish waterfront setting. Located on Harborview Drive, the salon specializes in expert cuts, color, extensions, facials, and massage. With top-tier products and personalized care, JAX delivers a luxury experience tailored to each guest.

3111 Harborview Dr., Ste. 100

Gig Harbor

253.851.5599

JAXSalonSpa.com

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 Health Connection.

601 S. Pine St. Ste. 201 Tacoma | 253.396.1000

GIG HARBOR AESTHETICS

Committed to a higher level of care and delivering results that elevate, rather than alter, your appearance. Specializing in full facial balancing with injectables and customized anti-aging and corrective treatments for your skin with state-of-the-art lasers and medicalgrade skin care.

3226 Rosedale St., Ste.100

Gig Harbor 253.514.6766

CATALYST MED SPA

Catalyst Med Spa offers innovative aesthetic and wellness treatments designed to help clients look and feel their best. Specializing in injectables, skin rejuvenation, and advanced therapies, they provide personalized care in a professional, welcoming environment focused on confidence and results.

3610 S 17th Street, Suite 150 Tacoma

253.449.5427

CatalystMedSpa.com

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.

Hydrate in layers. Apply a water-based serum while skin is still damp, then seal with a lightweight moisturizer. This two-step 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.

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.

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

CASCADE EYE AND SKIN CENTERS

They provide expert eye care and advanced dermatology services to enhance vision and skin health. With board-certified specialists, they offer personalized treatments, cosmetic procedures, and surgical solutions in a patient-focused environment designed for comfort and confidence.

4907 Point Fosdick Dr. NW, Ste. E700 Gig Harbor

253.848.3000

HAVEN PERMANENT COSMETICS AND AESTHETICS

Specializing in enhancing natural beauty through permanent makeup, skincare, and aesthetic treatments. Offering services like brows, eyeliner, lip blush, facials, and advanced skin therapies, they provide personalized care designed for confidence and renewal.

3519 56th St. Ste. 260 | Gig Harbor 253.857.0835

LOCAL FINDS, HARBOR STAYS, AND WATERFRONT FUN ALL SEASON LONG

Shop, Stay, Play&

by LIKE MEDIA TEAM

Summer on the waterfront means full parking lots, boats on the bay, and a calendar that stays busy through August. Whether you know Gig Harbor well or you're figuring it out for the first time, the list below covers where to shop, sleep, and spend the long evenings.

Shop

Tickled Pink on Harborview Drive, Tickled Pink carries scarves, hats, jewelry, handbags, and gifts in colors that don't hold back. Owner Michele Jaeger started the business in Port Townsend in 2005 and opened the Gig Harbor location in 2014. The store makes a point of carrying locally made apparel and supports Peninsula High School's music program and the Gig Harbor Peninsula Youth Sports Coalition. The prices stay reasonable, the selection changes regularly, and the pink doors are hard to miss. Good for gifts, good for your own wardrobe. 3102 Harborview Drive.

Frankie, located at Uptown Gig Harbor, is a locally owned women's clothing boutique that has been dressing Gig Harbor residents for over eleven years. Affordable, stylish, and stocked with clothing and accessories that work for people of all ages. The inventory moves often enough to make return visits worthwhile. 4621 Point Fosdick Drive NW.

The Nook Curated Home & Gifts, on the downtown waterfront at 3226 Harborview Drive, sits across from Jerisich Dock with a shop window view of the harbor. The inventory leans toward vintage and ethically made pieces, locally made goods, fair-trade items, accent furniture, jewelry, and home décor. The selection is intentional and turns over regularly. A consistent choice for gifts that don't look like they came from a chain store. Open Thursday through Sunday.

Dolly Mama Boutique has two Gig Harbor locations, one on Pioneer and one on Harborview, with clothing, accessories, Pacific Northwest gifts, and home goods at prices that make browsing and buying easy. A longtime waterfront staple with broad enough inventory to cover

1June in Gig Harbor ...

has a lot going for it, and Father's Day falls right in the middle of it. Whether Dad wants to be on the water, eat well, or just be outside without a plan, Gig Harbor delivers. Kopachuck State Park is five miles west of downtown and sits on 5,600 feet of saltwater shoreline with trails, picnic tables, and Olympic Mountain views. Kayakers can paddle the half mile out to Cutts Island, a small uninhabited butte where a teardrop-shaped beach appears at low tide. Seals and seabirds are regulars out there. A Discover Pass is required for parking. For something more low-key, the downtown waterfront has plenty of spots for a long lunch with a harbor view. Either way, it's a good excuse to cross the Narrows Bridge and spend the day on the peninsula.

ESCAPE HOUR GIG HARBOR

Escape Hour Gig Harbor presents an epic adventure beyond the realms of traditional escape rooms through masterfully crafted experiences offering unparalleled levels of immersion, engagement, and awe-inspiring moments that will test your wit and skill.

3212 50th St. Ct. Ste. 104 | Gig Harbor 253.313.0107

GALAXY THEATRE

Privately owned, Galaxy Theatres, LLC is a fully integrated movie theatre company, with one theatre located right here in Uptown Gig Harbor. Playing new release movies, you can now give the gift of Galaxy with a Galaxy Theatre gift card.

4649 Pt. Fosdick Dr. NW | Gig Harbor

888.407.9874

souvenirs, wearables, and something for the house. A third location is opening on Bainbridge Island.

Stay

BEST WESTERN WESLEY INN & SUITES

At this charming family run hotel, the team ensures each guest a memorable stay. Cozy with stylish design, guest rooms and suites are designed to fit each traveler’s needs. Pet friendly, amenities include outdoor heated pool and hot tub, patio with firepit, and fitness center.

6575 Kimball Dr. | Gig Harbor 253.858.9690

Fun Fact

Waterfront Inn: The only lodging directly on Gig Harbor Bay. Six remodeled rooms, three with direct water views, all with king beds, gas fireplaces, and private bathrooms. A 150-foot dock and complimentary kayaks are part of every stay. Walk to dinner from here. Summer books fast. WaterfrontInnGH.com

The Maritime Inn is the only hotel in downtown Gig Harbor, steps from the waterfront and an easy walk to restaurants, galleries, and Skansie Brothers Park. Rooms face the harbor. Staff earns consistent praise. A reliable choice for anyone who wants to be in the middle of it. MaritimeInn.com

The Inn at Gig Harbor is just a short drive from downtown, with 64 rooms, free hot breakfast, and a seasonal trolley connecting guests to the downtown waterfront and Uptown. Pet-friendly and well-suited for families or longer stays. InnatGigHarbor.com

Play

Summer Sounds at Skansie Brothers Park Free concerts every Tuesday evening from July 7 through August 25, 6 to 8 pm at Skansie Brothers Park on the

A fun fact about Gig Harbor is that Kopachuck State Park takes its name from Chinook Jargon, the trade language used by Pacific coastal tribes. The word combines "kopa," meaning "at," and "chuck," meaning "water." The Puyallup and Nisqually tribes used the site as a seasonal fishing and clamming ground long before Washington State turned it into a park.

downtown waterfront. The 2026 season opens with the 133D Army Band in honor of America's 250th anniversary and continues through late August with tribute acts and original performers covering rock, country, and more. Bring a blanket or a chair. Arrive by land, boat, or kayak. No tickets, no cost.

Deadmans Island Kayak + SUP Kayak and paddleboard rentals with delivery, meaning they bring the gear to you, whether that's a waterfront home, a vacation rental, or one of the harbor's best paddling launch spots. Half-day self-guided tours cover islands, bridges, coves, and the kind of marine life, seals, herons, and the occasional porpoise, that make Gig Harbor worth getting out on the water for.

Destiny Harbor Tours offers private and group tours departing from the dock near Anthony's Restaurant, covering the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, Salmon Beach, and Point Defiance. Private charters fit up to 33 people. Bald eagles, harbor seals, and on a clear day, Mount Rainier, straight across the water.

Harbor History Museum: Free admission on Harborview Drive, open Wednesday through Saturday, 11 am to 4 pm. Seven thousand square feet of permanent galleries, a restored 1893 one-room schoolhouse, and a 65-foot fishing vessel being restored on the grounds. A good first stop for visitors and worth returning to for longtime residents.

Hunt for Salmon on Harborview Drive

Sixteen metal salmon sculptures line Harborview Drive, each designed by a different local artist.

They sit outside shops and galleries, easy to walk past without noticing. Some are painted, some are raw metal, and no two look alike.

Start at Skansie Brothers Park and head south. The walk is free, covers the best stretch of downtown, and kids get surprisingly competitive about spotting all sixteen.

HARBOR HISTORY MUSEUM

A visit to the Harbor History Museum is sure to inspire curiosity in those young and old about local history and cultural traditions through permanent and rotating exhibits, artifacts and resource room. There is also a gift shop. And admission is free!

4121 Harborview Dr. | Gig Harbor

UPTOWN GIG HARBOR

Over 35 shops, specialty stores and restaurants all located within walking distance in a charming outdoor shopping center, shoppers can choose from a mix of national retailers and local merchants and enjoy a bite, whether fine dining, takeout or cafe.

HARBOR WILDWATCH

Welcome to Harbor WildWatch. Aquariums, touch tanks, traveling exhibits and more can be found at the educational Marine Life Center, or join Harbor WildWatch for field activities like their Guided Walking Tours and Pier Into the Night. Facility and programs are free of charge.

3207 Harborview Dr. Gig Harbor

THE MARITIME INN

This award-winning boutique hotel is located in the heart of Gig Harbor’s downtown. Guests will enjoy a complimentary glass of wine upon arrival, complimentary continental breakfast, free parking and Wi-Fi, and easy access to all the shops and restaurants along the waterfront.

The Gig Harbor Staycation

Sometimes the best getaway is ten minutes from home. The Waterfront Inn is Gig Harbor's only waterfront lodging, with harbor-view rooms, gas fireplaces, and complimentary kayaks for guests. Arrive by boat and tie up at their private dock. Rooms at the Maritime Inn sit close to the waterfront trail, and Best Western Wesley Inn offers a pool and a free hot breakfast, a short drive inland. Summer weekends fill up quickly.

SUMMER food, fun & drinks

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.

Grilled Peach and Burrata Crostini

Ingredients (serves 6)

• 1 baguette, cut into ½-inch slices

• 3 ripe peaches, halved and pitted

• 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

Instructions

• 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.

Optional: Add a thin slice of prosciutto under the burrata for a more substantial bite. Nectarines work equally well if peaches aren't at peak.

MILLVILLE PIZZA

Millville Pizza serves handcrafted pizzas made with fresh ingredients and bold flavors in a welcoming atmosphere. Offering specialty pies, classic favorites, and familyfriendly dining, they’re dedicated to quality, taste, and creating a neighborhood spot where great food and community come together.

3409 Harborview Drive | Gig Harbor

253.514.8626

MillvillePizzaCo.com

DEVOTED KISS CAFE

A waterfront café in Gig Harbor, Devoted Kiss Cafe serves breakfast and lunch daily until 2 pm with no reservations. The menu features scratch-made cinnamon rolls, seasonal scones, burritos, waffles, French toast, sandwiches, soups, salads, and a full selection of coffee and beverages overlooking the harbor, served in a bright setting.

8809 North Harborview Drive #203 Gig Harbor

253.851.0055

NETSHED NO. 9

Serving up hearty breakfast and lunch, enjoy a delightful dining experience along the Gig Harbor waterfront. This charming restaurant features delicious meals paired with gorgeous views; it is a must-visit for locals and visitors alike.

3313 Harborview Dr. | Gig Harbor 253.858.7175

TIDES TAVERN

A delightful on-the-water dining experience. Offering the greatest in-house-made food paired with the finest beverages, the menu features many appetizers, salads and entrees featuring fresh fish and seafood. Must be 21 or older.

2925 Harborview Dr. | Gig Harbor 253.858.3982

GREENHOUSE RESTAURANT

You are invited to indulge in the extraordinary at the Greenhouse. 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. Visit their website or Facebook page to check out hours and menu offerings.

4793 Pt. Fosdick Dr. NW #400 Gig Harbor 253.514.6482

THE HUB AT GIG HARBOR

Located near the Tacoma Narrows Airport, The Hub serves hearty, homemade meals in a relaxed, familyfriendly setting. Enjoy hand-tossed pizzas, gourmet burgers, house-made soups and salads, Alaskan cod and chips, and their signature Cajun tots— all paired with local craft beers and a lively community atmosphere.

1208 26th Ave. NW | Gig Harbor 253.853.1585

TheHubGigHarbor.com

Surrounded by the scenic beauty of Olalla, Washington, this is the perfect place to relax and enjoy an incredible wine-tasting experience. Flights are just $15 per person. Or opt for the guided wine tasting with gourmet charcuterie (by appointment only, minimum party of six).

13176 Olalla Valley Rd. SE | Olalla 253.851.4949

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.

OLALLA VINEYARD & WINERY

TUESDAYS

Finest Drinks

Greenhouse Restaurant

4793 Point Fosdick Dr #400 GreenHouseGH.com

Tides Tavern

2925 Harborview Drive | TidesTavern.com

Wet Coast Brewing

6820 Kimball Dr. C | WetCoastBrewing.com

Finest

Cup of Coffee

Cutters Point Coffee

5500 Olympic Drive | CuttersPoint.com

Kimball Coffeehouse

6659 Kimball Drive | KimballCoffeehouse.com

Davenport Coffee Shop 5275 Olympic Dr. NW, Ste 101 | DavenportCoffeeShop.com

A LOCALfavorite

July 7

- Aug. 25

Summer Sounds at Skansie

The 2026 Summer Sounds at Skansie concert series returns every Tuesday from July 7 through August 25 at Skansie Brothers Park in Gig Harbor. Concerts run from 6 to 8 pm and are free to the public. This year's lineup opens with the 133D Army Band and closes with Non Jovi, a Bon Jovi tribute, with six more acts in between. Bring your chairs. For details, visit VisitGigHarbor.com/event.

NOTHING BETTER THAN SOME SWEET SOUNDS ON A SUMMER EVENING IN THE HARBOR ...

Sundown Strawberry Smash

Ingredients (Serves 2)

• 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.

YOUR LANDING SPOT For GREAT FOOD

The Hub Gig Harbor is your local spot for delicious, homemade meals all spring long. Soak up the season on our outdoor patio while enjoying hearty, hand-tossed pizzas, juicy burgers, housemade soups and salads, Alaskan cod and chips, and our fanfavorite Cajun Tots. Grab a seat outside, relax, and let us serve up something you’re going to love.

in-gear media WORD SEARCH

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Grilled Chicken Skewers with Herb Butter and Grilled Corn Salad

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE CHICKEN SKEWERS

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

1 small garlic clove, minced

Pinch of flaky sea salt

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.

This season, Hidden Harbor Wine Library invites you to sip, connect, and enjoy the best of summer on the waterfront.

Located in Gig Harbor’s historic Finholm District, we’re pouring curated Washington wines alongside a full calendar of weekly events — from Bingo and Canasta to Trivia Nights and Live Music Saturdays.

Whether you’re discovering a new favorite vintage, meeting friends for a relaxing evening, or simply unwinding by the water, there’s always something happening at Hidden Harbor.

Scan the QR code to explore upcoming events and tastings.

for generations, haven of rest has been helping families achieve peace of mind through pre-planning their funeral and cemetery needs. call today to plan for yourself or your loved one.

We want to thank our community for voting us as one of the best funeral homes in the Northwest.

SUMMER 2026

EVENT OF THE SEASON!

Saturday, August 15, 2026

Chalk the Harbor

Chalk the Harbor is back, and the 2025 event set a high bar. More than 700 people showed up to contribute to "Community Currents," a massive collaborative mural now permanently installed on Harborview Drive. The Gig Harbor Downtown Waterfront Alliance has expanded the event beyond street chalk, adding live art demonstrations, local artist showcases, and hands-on interactive elements alongside the signature sidewalk competition.

The 2026 event keeps the same free, all-ages format. Participants claim a stretch of Harborview Drive sidewalk and get to work. Beyond the chalking, expect live music, face painting, henna, a splatter booth, and an Art Walk Passport for exploring the district. Awards go across categories, including Kids, Family, High School, College Students, Adult, Group, and Best Maritime-Nautical. No experience required. Knee pads and a chair help. A maritime theme is encouraged but never required.

Chalk the Harbor is made possible in part by the City of Gig Harbor through the Creative Endeavor grant program. Free to participate. Details at GHDWA.org/chalk-the-harbor.

AUG 15

Peninsula Art League: 40 Years of Art in Gig Harbor

For 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.

“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.”

A milestone festival supporting artists and future creatives

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

Waterfront Farmers Market

WATERFRONTFARMERSMARKET.ORG

GIGHARBORCHAMBER.NET

Maritime Gig Festival 0528 0607

Fest4All: Summer Solstice Make Music Day Gig Harbor Film Festival Monday Movie Night 21 29 TOP PICKS THIS MONTH!

UPTOWNGIGHARBOR.COM

GIGHARBORFILM.ORG

Maritime Gig Festival

Gig Harbor's biggest summer weekend returns June 6-7 with the Grande Parade stepping off Saturday at 10 am along Harborview Drive under the theme "Stars and Stripes." The two-day festival draws up to 8,000 people each day to the downtown waterfront for live music across two stages, food vendors, a children's fair, and the Wheels on the Water Car Show on Sunday. The Blessing of the Fleet, a Knights of Columbus tradition honoring those lost at sea, closes out Sunday afternoon. Free shuttle service runs from Kimball Park & Ride both days. GigHarborChamber.net

6th

Annual Fest4All:

Summer

Solstice Make Music Day

Gig Harbor marks the longest day of the year with Fest4All, a free all-day celebration running from noon to 9 pm across multiple stages at Uptown Gig Harbor. Now in its sixth year, the event is organized by United by Music North America and brings musicians of all styles to open-air venues throughout the shopping center. One stage is dedicated to sound-sensory sensitivity performances at low volume. No tickets, no cover. Free on-site parking throughout the day. UptownGigHarbor.com 0607 21

G e t Y o u r F e e t W e t

t h i s s u m m e r w i t h

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G e t t h e f u l l s c h e d u l e a t :

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JULY2026

Gig Harbor Celebrates America’s 250th on the Fourth of July

GIGHARBORCHAMBER.NET

PenMet Parks Summer Concerts in the Park 04 08,15, 22, 29

40th Annual Peninsula Art League Summer Art Festival

PENINSULAARTLEAGUE.ORG

PENMETPARKS.ORG

TOP PICKS THIS MONTH!

ASIAPACIFICCULTURALCENTER.ORG

16th Annual Samoa Cultural Days 1819 2325

Gig Harbor Celebrates America’s 250th on the Fourth of July

Gig Harbor marks the nation's 250th birthday on July 4 with a community celebration in downtown Gig Harbor from 10 am to 2 pm. Organized by the Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Waterfront Alliance, the Kiwanis Club, and the city, the day includes a kids-and-pets parade, a flag-themed public art project, and pie-baking and pie-eating contests. It is the first organized Independence Day event Gig Harbor has hosted in decades, timed to the semiquincentennial of the Declaration of Independence. GigHarborChamber.net

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. AsiaPacificCulturalCenter.org 04 2325

Galloping Gertie Half Marathon / 10K / 5K

GALLOPING-GERTIE.COM

28th Annual Cruise the Narrows Car Show 01 01

GIGHARBORCRUISERS.COM

Summer Sounds at Skansie

VISITGIGHARBOR.COM

PenMet Parks Summer Concerts at the Rec Center 04 ,11, 18, 25 07, 14, 21

PENMETPARKS.ORG

TOP PICKS THIS MONTH!

Galloping Gertie Half Marathon / 10K / 5K

Three distances cross the Tacoma Narrows Bridge on August 1, starting at Tacoma Narrows Airport in Gig Harbor. The Half Marathon goes off at 8 am, the 10K at 8:15 am, and the 5K at 8:30 am. Runners cross the bridge span, with views of Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, and the Olympic Mountains. All finishers receive a custom medal, tech tee, and free downloadable race photos. Proceeds benefit local charities. Galloping-Gertie.com

Summer Sounds at Skansie

Summer Sounds fills Skansie Brothers Park every Tuesday evening in August at 6 pm, wrapping the concert series that kicked off July 7 with the 133D Army Band. The 2026 August lineup runs through August 25 with local and regional acts covering country, rock, R&B, and pop. Free and open to all ages. Chairs can be set up after 3 pm; no tents or canopies are permitted on the grounds. VisitGigHarbor.com

04 ,11, 18, 25

Elevated Luxury Waterfront

7926 Goodman Drive NW Gig Harbor, WA Architecturally

This stunning NW Contemporary waterfront retreat is perfectly positioned along the coveted shores of Gig Harbor Bay. Blending timeless design with effortless luxury, this exceptional 4-bedroom residence offers 50ft of low-bank waterfront & an unparalleled connection to the vibrant maritime lifestyle just beyond your patio. Boating enthusiasts will appreciate not one, but two docks—a deep water 44ft shared dock & a 34ft private dock—ideal for accommodating a yacht & sailboat.

View Listing

MLS #: 2492100

I’m Maria and I can’t wait to meet you!

Born and raised in this maritime community, I know Gig Harbor inside and out. I help buyers and sellers navigate everything from first homes to relocations to forever dream homes with confidence and care.

I specialize in new construction, waterfront and luxury homes, condos, modern properties, and investments throughout Gig Harbor and Pierce County. With strong marketing and negotiation skills, and a commitment to integrity, extensive industry knowledge, and attention to detail, I’m here to help you achieve your real estate goals.

For more than 35 years, Julia Runyan has buil t her real estate career on relationships and referrals—a testament to the trust she has earned and the la sting connecti ons she has bui lt as co-owner of the South Puget So u nd’s #1 RE/MAX o f f ice and one o f it s top agents.

Guided by her m antra, “Live Inspired, Secure Your Futu re , ” she leads w ith integrity, experience, and heart—helping cl ients navigate every move with exceptional care.

Connect with Julia to begin your next chapter in the South Sound.

Whether it’s a casual gathering with friends and family inside or on the patio, or a catered celebration on our newly expanded deck, Millville has you covered this spring and summer.

Reach out to learn more: WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED