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Gig Harbor,

Hidden Jewel of the Pacific Northwest

We had been often to Seattle, Mt. Rainier, and even to the Olympic Peninsula and San Juan Islands, so I guess we had passed by the little entrance sign to Gig Harbor, on the Peninsula about eight miles from the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, just off Hwy 16. But this time, we turned in, and what a jewel we discovered! We wanted to go to the Art Walk, which is the first Saturday of each month in the galleries of historic downtown. This year salmon statuaries, created by various local artists, are placed in many locations to create SalmonChanted Harbor. The project, which began in the spring to raise money for environment and the arts in schools, will culminate with a black tie auction on November 5.

Gallery Row, Salmonchanted Harbor, WAshington, Gig Harbor

We found excellent art galleries filled with many fine works by local and regional artists. These ranged from glass, ceramics, jewelry, paintings, crafts, and much more. Each month different artists are featured, and you can see them at work and visit with them during the Art Walk, which is sponsored by 61 shops, restaurants, galleries, and lodgings of the downtown area. What a fabulous event! And you can find unique and wonderful pieces for yourself and for everyone on your gift lists. Besides the art galleries, there are numerous lovely, one-of-a-kind shops...SO much better than a mall!

Gig Harbor is also well-known among local area residents for its excellent restaurants. This is a gourmand's heaven! We chose Spiro's, the locally owned and operated Italian restaurant in the historic area, for lunch. The food is absolutely delicious, and as authentic as in Rome. They even have excellent low-carb specialities and great pizza! When a restaurant is the local favorite, you know it is good food! And this far surpassed our expectations! And no visit to Gig Harbor is complete without the fabulous seafood fare at Anthony's Restaurant on the waterfront of North Harborview Drive. Exquisite cuisine and views are their specialities, and we enjoyed a most memorably delicious dinner there with impeccable service.

We loved walking through the little town built on this exquisite natural hook in the land mass, which forms a perfect lake-like harbor just off Puget Sound. There are hundreds of boats of all kinds moored all around the harbor, and you can rent about any type you wish for an hour or a day or for parties at Gig Harbor Rent-a-Boat. (Take into account the tides when you plan to go out. You can get the tide schedule at most local stores.)

Gig Harbor's Rent-a-Boat, Washington, Puget sound

Just across the street we climbed the wooden platform staircases to see Finholm's View Climb. This is a lovely memorial staircase, which is dedicated to the memories of many people named on the bricks, and named in honor of brothers who were merchants here for many decades. On a clear day the climb is to the best view of Gig Harbor and of "the mountain"...Mt. Rainier. From Franklin Ave. there is a handicap ramp to the best view. The area is surrounded by gorgeous trees, for which the Pacific Northwest is famous.

We picked up the Gig Harbor Waterfront History Walk pamphlet at the Welcome Center (3302 Harborview Dr.) and spent a delightful afternoon strolling through the historic harbor area and enjoying the markers commemorating the events and places that built this town, and, of course, we took lots of photos. Jerisich Dock is the town center and has clean restrooms for tourists, whether you are on foot or arrive here by boat. Just a little way up the hill, still dock side, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Isa Mira Cheese Shop, where you can also buy the most delicious of cheeses, some locally made. And near the art galleries in town you'll find an excellent wine shop with many fine selections at The Keeping Room, where you can sample some of their wines from 1 - 4 on Fridays and Saturdays.

We appreciated the beautiful green spaces that have been left along the water, creating parks and picnic areas and great places for photographs and just appreciating the amazing natural beauty created by the harbor. Tourists and locals alike appreciate the free parking all along the little city streets also.

Whether you see Gig Harbor on a foggy day in winter or a sunny day in summer, this is a beautiful place! Gig Harbor was first discovered and named in 1841 by Captain Charles Wilkes who was chartering area waters and found harbor for his gig here during a storm. Croatian fishermen came later, and even today salmon caught by seins are the main catch here. The first white settler was Samuel Jerisch, who built his cabin on the East Harbor in 1867. Gig Harbor has worked to retain its quiet fishing village flavor and authentic historic harbor, and today new settlers are discovering it and moving here to enjoy the great quality of life and many amenities created by the enthusiastic long-time residents who love their heritage and home and pour themselves into keeping it the pristine jewel it is.

For tourists there are lovely places to stay. One of the most delightful is the very special Waterfront Inn, a bed and breakfast lovingly created by its owners, Janice and Steve Denton, in the 90-year-old home of a fishing family. They offer the most luxurious suites with fireplace, beautiful views, and private entrance. You can relax on the beautiful dock to enjoy watching boats, seals, birds, ducks in the cool breezes. You can also take out kayaks or go biking on nearby trails. The couple also own Amazing Grace, a new tall ship which can be chartered with crew for 6 - 8 people by the day or week. Its mooring by the dock also adds to the fascination of staying in the gorgeous bed and breakfast right in the historic downtown.

There are other bed and breakfasts in the area, including the very special Rosedale By the Bay which is a few miles out of Gig Harbor and also on an inlet of Puget Sound. It also features fireplaces and water views in the luxurious suites; and private docks. In this area you can also spend quite some time touring the lovely landscaped paths within the gardens of Rosedale Gardens, which is a living outdoor art gallery and nursery. Enjoy learning about many beautiful plants and take home some to grow yourself.

We were happy we chose to stay in Wesley Inn, a lovely Best Western Inn with more amenities and beautiful facilities than we have found at any other motel. In a quiet location, it offers an outdoor swimming pool, free Internet, and freshly baked cookies and coffee in afternoons, as well as a very good breakfast included. The large and attractive lobby with a fireplace is quite inviting for visiting, and suites are available.

Places to be sure to see in this area are the gorgeous Kopachuck State Park, with enormous old-growth evergreens and enchanting trails with the delicious smells of forest needles and the chittering of many birds. Aromas of campfires create a cozy feeling and camping here is exquisite. Closer to town and very near a modern shopping area is Gig Harbor RV Resort, (1-800-526-8311) rated AAA and with all the necessities for a clean RV park, although sites are quite close together. It is very conveniently located to anything you'd want to do. This area is just two hours from Mt. St. Helena and a little over an hour from Mt. Rainier for nice day trips, and just an hour from Seattle and Sea-tac Airport. Discover Gig Harbor, and it is no doubt you'll return again and again.

Gig Harbor, WAshington, Kopachuck State Park

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