P RTS OF CALL
Gig Harbor, Washington By Evin Moore & Eva Seelye Hidden away in what midshipman Joseph Sandford described as a “pretty little bay that is concealed from the Sound” is the town of Gig Harbor, Washington. Sandford served aboard the U.S.S. Porpoise, part of a surveying expedition sent by the U.S. Navy in 1841 to explore Puget Sound. The crew discovered a small village inhabited by the Twa-Wal-Kut people, who were living the traditional way, catching and cooking salmon on the beach. It was more than 20 years later when three fishermen slipped past the sand pit into the bay, either looking for a place to spend the night, or blown in by a storm (accounts vary). They liked the harbor so much that they decided to stay. The three—Samuel Jerisich, Peter Goldsmith, and John Farrague—claimed land around Donkey Creek and started fishing the plentiful waters of Gig Harbor. The town grew with fishing, logging, and ship building as the main industries. Gig Harbor was hit hard during the Great Depression, but locals could always find plenty of fish to eat. By the 1950s, Gig Harbor was much like any small American town, the only exception being that boats were the transportation of choice. The local fishing industry declined through the 1970s, tourist attractions and B&Bs have since sprung up to fill the void. Today, Gig Harbor’s population numbers around 7,000 and spreads out much farther north and south than the original settlement. The historic waterfront is filled with restaurants and marinas, but locals have preserved 17 net sheds as a monument to Gig Harbor’s past. Not many towns on the water have had the foresight to so successfully utilize their historic waterfronts. Tourists wander the streets dining at any number of charming restaurants, shopping in small boutiques, or just pausing and imagining the little fishing village of a century ago. If you find yourself cruising by, check out all that Gig Harbor has to offer.
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90 NORTHWEST YACHTING || JUNE 2018
1. Get in the Spirit Heritage Distilling Co. (HDC) on the corner of Pioneer and Harborview is not to be missed. Going on five years as the most-awarded craft distillery in North America by the American Distillery Institute, HDC’s housemade spirits are more than deserving of a tasting flight or two. With 22 natural vodka flavors among other unique spirits, it’s easy to spend an entire day tasting HDC’s extensive selection. Make the perfect cocktail, purchase a growler, and learn the secrets behind their noteworthy creations just a few steps from Gig Harbor’s waterfront. Check out their membership programs to dive deeper into the distilling process. The Heritage Cask Club allows you to customize your own whiskey, gin, or vodka with your preferred flavor(s). For the full three-hour distilling experience, the flagship location a few miles away will guide you through the distilling process from beginning to end in their My Batch program (hailing a ride with your smart device is recommended if you came in by boat). At the end of the tour, visitors take home a small barrel of handmade spirit to age as you please! Program costs vary. See heritagedistilling.com for details.
2. Diving In “Learn. Have Fun.” is Harbor WildWatch’s motto, inspiring stewardship for Puget Sound is the goal. This marine and environmental education organization offers interactive and unique activities with the hopes of building enthusiasm about Gig Harbor and the greater Puget Sound’s marine resources. Operating out of Harbor WildWatch’s building is the Skansie Interpretive Center, which features hands-on activities and rotating exhibits. Or, you can get out in the field and feel the sand between your toes on a guided beach walk to learn the habits of marine animals as you encounter them. In the same current of family fun, explore the Harbor History Museum, which provides hands-on exhibits for a look into Gig Harbor’s heritage. Then, meander outside to explore the property’s fully-restored 1893 one-room school house and Shenandoah, the 65’ fishing vessel currently under restoration. It’s truly a sight to see! Learn more about the Harbor History Museum at harborhistorymuseum.org
3. A Green Escape A ferry once ushered passengers to and from Gig Harbor and Tacoma before the Narrows Bridge was built in 1940. After a few scrambling attempts to keep the ferry business alive, the landing was closed forever and completely collapsed in a windstorm shortly after. Today, venture south to the mouth of Gig Harbor Bay and the one-time site of the ferry dock for a 180-degree view overlooking the sandspit, Colvos Passage, and Mt. Rainier; the wood stump remnants of the former landing lie below. Located at 3211 Harborview Drive in Gig Harbor is the Jerisich Dock, providing moorage for $1.00/foot ($20 per night minimum) and easy access to restaurants and shops. Head up north to climb the 100 stairs of Finholm View Climb for the best view of the bay; catch a glimpse of Mt. Rainier on a clear day. Then, swing by Donkey Creek Park, comprised of a meadow and elaborately carved wood benches across the street from the Harbor History Museum. Those looking for a bike trail or a refreshing walk can jump onto the paved Cushman Trail. Dogs are welcome and there are many opportunities to spot wildlife.