http://www.gigharborguide.com/ghg-blog/ Latest blog entries from the GIg Harbor Guide en-us Sat, 04 Feb 2012 17:04:51 PST Sat, 04 Feb 2012 17:04:51 PST SiteCrafting, Inc. CMS http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/fun-new-reasons-to-enjoy/ Thai food is one of my favorites, and I often have lunch meetings at Gig Harbor’s Lele restaurant for both the food and the ambiance. Now Lele has something new to entice you even more for dinner on the weekends – live music every Friday and Saturday. Last weekend my husband and I enjoyed dinner at Lele. We had two of our favorite dishes – Spring Rolls and Chicken Larp – as well as two new dishes we have never tried – Saigon Crepe and Malaysian Noodles. As usual, the food was wonderful, authentic and service piping hot. Lele has a nice selection of wines and beers and an expanding selection of cocktails. The soft lighting combined with the warm color pallet is also lovely for a nice dinner any night of the week. Lele popped over to chat with us while we were enjoying our dinner and she shared with me that Phad Thai continues to be the best selling item on the menu, and she is looking at adding more vegan items to the menu and some new lunch specials. The kitchen is open until 11pm most nights and they offer take-out and catering as well as their party room is available for special events. ... Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:47:00 PST http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/toll-increase-coming/ Ready or not, there will be a toll increase on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. How much is the question. Thanks to our State legislative leadership and to the good citizens of the greater Gig Harbor area who voiced their opinion two years ago, we dodged the bullet in 2010. But a planned toll increase has been in the cards since the bridge opened (and long before) despite the difficulties we are all facing with the current economy. It’s time to mark your calendars for a very important upcoming meeting on February 8th when the Tacoma Narrows Bridge Citizen Advisory Committee will hear public comment regarding a proposal to likely raise the toll on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge to as high as $5, regardless if you have a Good to Go pass or not. This meeting and open house on the 8th is not a time to harass or belittle state employees, our elected officials or the Citizens Advisory Committee. Rather it is a time for us to come together once again as a community to learn, dialogue and be problem solvers with our leaders. ... Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:38:00 PST http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/sharing-blog-awob/ “Business suits and stock charts are boring. I’m on a mission to bring a little sparkle to the financial world.” Staci Dennett ~ Budgetista ExtraordinaireAfter years of budgeting, saving, bargain hunting and crunching numbers so that she would know down to the penny how to reach her money goals and pay off her student loans and helping friends and family do the same, Staci Dennett - Budgetista Extraordinaire, founded Penny Wise in 2011 with a mission to empower women financially by encouraging them and giving them the tools they need to take control of their financial destiny. Staci wholeheartedly believes that you should not feel trapped in a never ending cycle of money in, money out with nothing left over to fund your dreams and goals. You will meet other women business owners, share your challenges and experiences, and walk away with information that will take your business to the next level.Bring your business cards to enter drawings for prizes donated by members of AWOB. Bring a door prize from your business and have a few minutes to promote your company.This event is free to AWOB members and for first time guests. The charge for all others is $25, payable at the door. Join AWOB and attend all of the events for free! You can sign up at this meeting.Please join us for an after hours at a local restaurant, where we will enjoy drinks and food and continue our conversation and enjoy each others company.Looking Forward to seeing you there. ... Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:29:00 PST http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/dreaming-warm-summer-nights/ About now, we start to feel it.  Despite the past week's weather, you begin to notice the days are a tiny bit longer.  Is that a crocus peeking up in my yard?  Could it be possible that winter will end and we will, once again, bask in Gig Harbor's glory of summer. Yes.  I assure you it will happen.  So here is a little good news to throw into your daily water cooler conversations that lately have only been about snow, ice and traffic. Summer Sounds at Skansie and CinemaGig Outdoors are ready and waiting for the moment to arrive.  This year, with the help of sponsors St. Anthony Hospital and CenturyLink, the City of Gig Harbor celebrates the Tenth Anniversary of Summer Sounds at Skansie with the most outstanding line up yet.  Ten concerts will be perfromed each Tuesday, celebrating the best of the past ten years with a couple of surprises through in.  See the list here. ... Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:56:00 PST http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/chocolate-puts-things-right/ It's been several weeks since I wrote a blog. Between Christmas, New Years and this wild and crazy weather I have surely been neglectful of my blogging duties!! Today however I have been truly inspired by an inspirational topic - CHOCOLATE. I can't think of anything right now that would be as healing as a chocolate celebration after what we have been through this past week! Even if you have been really doing good with your New Year's Resolution to work out and eat well - a little chocolate (and maybe some wine with that) might be just the ticket to give us all the boost we need to make it through the rest of the winter. So, I don't know if that is a convincing enough argument (for me it doesn't take much convincing beyond the words chocolate and wine) but you should consider coming out on February 4th to celebrate THE ART OF CHOCOLATE in historic downtown Gig Harbor. Last year's event happened to fall on the most glorious and sunny winter day - so let's shoot for that again. But either way, THE ART OF CHOCOLATE is a wonderful event to eat chocolate, enjoy the Gig Harbor Art Walk, shop at our downtown merchants, pickup a gift for your valentine, have some wine, a latte and lunch and just be reminded of what is so awesome about Gig Harbor. So from 10am - 6pm, Saturday February 4th through out the historic downtown it's time to welcome February - the month of love - and love you some chocolate at the third annual Art of Chocolate in downtown Gig Harbor. See you there! ... Sun, 22 Jan 2012 15:37:00 PST http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/steppin-up-back/ Let children benefit from you “Kicking Up Your Heels”:  Come to Gig Harbor for the 6th Annual Steppin Up Women’s Conference   By Laureen Lund ... Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:21:00 PST http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/2012-gig-harbor-events-list/ The new year is here and Gig Harbor is ready with a full calendar of events each month.  Our small town offers big entertainment options with the wide variety of events, festivals, runs and performances throughout the year.  Below is a list of the main events for 2012.  Information on these events as well as many more events can be found by visiting Gig Harbor’s community website www.gigharborguide.com; ... Tue, 03 Jan 2012 10:24:00 PST http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/gig-harbor-area-residents-sail/ If you have visited area parks recently, you may have noticed a new additon. With thanks to the Peninsula Fall Prevention Coalition http://peninsulafallpreventioncoalition.com and to the City of Gig Harbor, three area parks now have S.A.I.L instructional signs installed along their walking trails. Staying Active and Independent for Life (S.A.I.L>), is a series of simple exercises designed to help reduce our risks of suffering a fall related injury by improved balance, muscle tone, and flexibility. The signs at Volunteer Park, Key Peninsula [pictured], were made possible by the generous financial contributions from Key Peninsula Firefighters' Union and Metro Parks. Signs at Kenneth Leo Marvin (KLM) Park in West Gig Harbor were donated by Merrill Gardens of Gig Harbor, and signs along the Cushman Trail at Hollycroft and Olympic Drive were made possible by Visiting Angels. ... Wed, 21 Dec 2011 08:47:00 PST http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/wilkinson-farm-gets-new-green/ Three Gig Harbor Rotary Clubs and the PHS and GHHS Interact Clubs are building a greenhouse as part of a community garden on the site of the City of Gig Harbor’s historic Helen Independence Wilkinson Farm Park. According to Wayne Barrett of Portland, Australia, Rotary District 9780, Community Gardens are recognized as a great way to model sustainability, meet local needs, grow food, improve your health, meet people, and cultivate vibrant communities. Wayne Barrett, a community garden advocate, visited the Gig Harbor community garden site on a Rotary exchange. The community garden program provides food to Gig Harbor’s Fish Food Bank. Barb Carr, the community garden coordinator, and community garden volunteers manage the site and grow produce on 4' x 25' plots. Participation in the garden is available to the public on a first come-first served basis. There is a waiting list. ... Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:51:00 PST http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/minute-shopping-easy-in-gig/ And then there were 10 shopping days …. I’m the first to admit I can be a bit of a maniac when it comes to deadlines and crossing things off the list. My husband on the other hand, loves to procrastinate. After thirty years we have found a common ground somewhere in the middle. My Christmas shopping is often done by Halloween. He has bought me gifts at 6pm on Christmas Eve. Which one are you? Do you shop throughout the year or begin your shopping late next week? Either way, I thought it would be fun to pull together some last minute ideas to share with you from some of our Gig Harbor merchants. This of course is not a complete list, but some ideas to get you thinking. There are enough great ideas here that I may start NEXT YEARS shopping! ... Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:02:00 PST http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/overnight-holiday-specials-in-gig/ We're getting down to the wire now...need a little jingle in your step?  Need a get-away, last minute gift idea or a last minute party planned?  Three of Gig Harbor's wonderful inns are offering up special reasons to say yes to Gig Harbor this holiday - THE INN AT GIG HARBOR "HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS" SPECIAL FRIENDS AND FAMILY rate of $109 (must call the hotel directly for reservations and mention this rate. (Not valid Dec. 24 or Dec. 31) www.innatgigharbor.com 253-858-1111 It's not too late to plan your holiday party! Let the elves at The INN at Gig Harbor do all of the work - we plan, setup, decorate (including festive holiday linens and complimentary holiday centerpieces!), and do the dishes, leaving you free to actually enjoy the party! Dates still available and The INN's award-winning food and beverage menus feature many holiday favorites.  Call Kati Wright at 253-858-1111 for details. THE WESLEY INN "TAKE A JINGLE BELL JOURNEY" SPECIAL - come enjoy a night away with the whole family and experience Gig Harbor during the holidays! Shop 'til you drop into a King Suite with our Jingle Bell special of 20%off the original price. Included: We will gift wrap up to three gifts you purchase at our local shops. Also receive a Gig Harbor Wesley Inn Keepsake Bell as a gift from our heart to your home. Expires 12/24/11 www.wesleyinn.com 253-858-9690 Give the special Gift of Time with your Mom, Sisters and Friends Register by December 20th for the 2012 Steppin Up and be entered to win an Extreme Makeover. Register today! Single Admission is $50 per person. Group Admission, buy 3 tickets get one free ($150) for 4 people). Admission includes all sessions and activities, continental breakfast and lunch on Saturday. Payment is due upon registration and is not refundable. Learn more www.steppinupconference.com ... Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:24:00 PST http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/december-great-month-to-gig/ December is a great time to get out and see some of our area’s natural hidden treasures. When you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the holidays, grab your Gortex, take a breather and check out some of these lesser known spots. Even if you’ve been there, these gems are worth another look during the winter months. My favorite hidden spots include; The estuary viewing platform at Crescent Creek Park (formerly City Park), Here you can see a great selection of birds and often salmon as well. Interpretive signage offers insight into both the environment and history of the site. Sehmel Homestead Loop Trail is where you can walk the perimeter of the Sehmel Homestead Park through the woods, over bridges and along the meadow at this beautiful community park. ... Tue, 06 Dec 2011 12:39:00 PST http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/improving-gig-harbors-business-climate-1/ As we approach the end of the year, now is a very important time for our local retail businesses. Your city is working hard all year long to promote economic developmen and support local business. We believe that the most important work the city can do, toward economic development, is to provide the infrastructure capacity and a safe environment necessary for our citizens to live, work and recreate. Over the past five years the city has invested over $50 million in infrastructure projects, all delivered on time and on budget.  As a result we have made great strides in expanding our roads, sewer, water and parks.  Past problems of the lack of sewer and water capacity are behind us for many years to come. We have maintained a strong, high quality police force and have improved our emergency preparedness and disaster response capabilities. ... Mon, 05 Dec 2011 09:41:00 PST http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/new-parking-lot-in-downtown/ 32 PUBLIC PARKING STALLS ADDED DOWNTOWN Just in time for the Christmas rush... A little more than a year ago, City Council approved the purchase of the commercial parcel adjacent to the Tides Tavern.  By combining it with the City's existing public right-of-way, 30 finished parking stalls and 2 new ADA accessible stalls are open to the public.  The added parking makes downtown shopping more convenient and is expected to bring a boost to the commercial district.    The Mayor's commitment to expand downtown parking includes his promise to finally construct a Fishermen's Pier for the Martitime City.  A state grant will fund construction of the Pier in 2012. ... Fri, 02 Dec 2011 11:23:00 PST http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/gig-harbor-safeway-takes-to/ I’m a grocery store junkie. There I said it. I love to shop for groceries. I love a store that has both the inexpensive little things I need like bobby pins as well as liver pate and fine wine. I love a store that I can get a great deal on bananas, while picking out a filet mignon. Oh I love to shop! And there is no one in Gig Harbor who is more excited than me about the brand new Gig Harbor Safeway. So when I found out that I got to take a tour of the not quit completed store this afternoon, I was really excited. Larry Olson who is the General Superintendent on the project from Tilton Pacific Construction took me through this 65,000 square foot store; and it is a wonder. ... Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:22:00 PST http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/so-ho-ho-so-little/ And so it begins - another holiday season in the harbor.  Everyone's favorites are back, and some new ones too!  What tickles your fancy this year?  Check out this list - and if you want to see even more, visit the community calendar at www.gigharborguide.com to stay up-to-date and in-the-know on the ever changing list of fun, family holiday ho ho in the harbor!! December 3rd, 10th, 17th Teaching Toys at Uptown Gig Harbor hosts Santa from 12pm – 4 pm.  www.uptowngigharbor.com 253-851-4557   November 25th – Dec 11th Paradise Theatre presents Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol Friday and Saturday at 7:30 and Sunday matinee at 3 pm. 9911 Burnham Drive. www.paradisetheatre.org 253-851-PLAY   November 26th – Dec 18th each Sat & Sun Olalla Valley Vineyards hosts wine tasting with a donation of food for Peninsula FISH requested.  Also at the Vineyard will be hand-picked perfect Christmas tree and wreath sales.  12pm – 6pm.  www.olallavalleyvineyard.com 253-851-4949   www.harborwildwatch.org   December at Rosedale Gardens “The Reindeer Games”  Join Rudolph who is busy rounding up his team!  It isn’t easy with them loose all over the Nursery!  A fun game with prizes!  All ages!  Also all month Rosedale Gardens will feature living Christmas Trees, Outdoor ornamentals, wreaths, poinsettias, Gift cards and certificates, free gift wrap, plus a new Create-a-Container area with free design services.  Enjoy FREE cider and cookies on the weekends! 7311 Rosedale St NW. www.rosedalegardens.com 253-851-7333 ... Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:54:00 PST http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/artists-eyes-holmaas-collection-historic/ The Harbor History Museum is opening their new exhibit "Through the Artist's Eye" on Friday December 9th.  This is the private collection of historic renderings belonging to John and Carole Holmaas.   Over the past four decades John and Carole have commissioned these works annually for their holiday cards.  "As lifetime Peninsula residents, and as early as our first years of married life we recognized we had a strong affinity both for the community and for the history of the area," John and Carole said.  "Originally we collected old photos ourselves, later relying on the Museum collection.  As real estate brokers we found we had Gig Harbor clients who were talented artists.  We asked them to recreate the scene in the photo through their eyes."   The Holmaas' enjoy their collection both at work and at home and now you will have the chance to enjoy it as well, on exhibit at the Harbor History Museum December 9- January 22nd.   (Image: "Hauling Net" by Lita Dawn Stanton) ... Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:04:00 PST http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/dont-want-to-cook/ Some times you just don't want to cook.  Boy do I know that feeling.  Maybe you have a small crowd this year or no crowd at all, but still want to taste those traditional holiday fixins? With the help of volunteers from the Gig Harbor Visitor Information Center we have come up with the following list of local Gig Harbor restaurants serving over the holidays; THANKSGIVING Tanglewood Restaurant The Green Turtle The Heritage Restaurant at the INN at Gig Harbor Brix 25 Reflections at the Airport CHRISTMAS EVE Tanglewood Restaurant Panera Kelly's Café and Espresso Anthony's JW Madrona The Green Turtle Il Lucano CHRISTMAS DAY Tanglewood Restaurant NEW YEARS DAY Tanglewood Restaurant Panera Kelly's Café and Espresso Anthony's Get contact information for all of these at www.gigharborguide.com.  Bon Apetit! ... Tue, 15 Nov 2011 11:30:00 PST http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/croatia-my-eyes-wide-open/ Recently I had an opportunity to travel to Croatia and Slovenia and experience the amazing culture, food, scenery and people of that region, still relatively unknown to American tourists. It was a remarkable experience that I savored with my eyes wide open. Admittedly I knew absolutely nothing about Croatia when I moved to Gig Harbor in 1992 but in my twenty years since I have learned about the Croatian heritage of our community and the undeniable contribution the Croatian immigrants have made to Gig Harbor. Back then, Croatia was just re-emerging from the former Yugoslavia, along with Slovenia, Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Yugoslavia had been the only country I knew in that region during my lifetime, and in my ignorance I was awakening to how much more there was to the area including its rich, but volatile history. For those of you as ignorant as I was, here is a scaled down time-line for you of the on-going struggles and border clashes of the region from ancient to present day, as well as the arrival of Croatians in Gig Harbor. Thanks to the Harbor History Museum for providing me this timeline; ... Thu, 03 Nov 2011 10:45:00 PDT http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/listen-to-me-wine/ Ahhh, remember the days when you grabbed a box of wine for $5 bucks and you were set for the party? Yes I thought boxed wine was a great invention. Cheap and easy - but good? No. I didn’t know what good wine was in those days. I have a very distinct memory of the moment I discovered why boxed wine was $5 and a fine bottle was, well, not $5. I went for the first time to Chateau St. Michelle in Woodinville in the mid- 1980’s. That day I had Cabernet Sauvignon for the first time; smooth, smokey, rich and crying out for the perfect cheese…I became a wine snob that day. As I have “matured” so has my palette and, to be quite frank, so has my pocketbook. Good wine is now a hobby and provides great entertainment while traveling for me and my husband. And on a couple of occasions, it has been the reason for traveling. Wine and the quest to try new varietals and wineries is a great draw for out of town visitors. And right here in Gig Harbor we have several options for visitors and locals alike. ... Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:40:00 PDT http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/blog/aloha-spirit-waiting-aloha-cab/ Something new has come to Gig Harbor. Now you can be entertained while getting safely to your destination with the new Aloha Cab. Aloha Cab is based out of Tacoma and is now offering cab service around Gig Harbor and to SeaTac with a fun and friendly Karaoke Cab. Owner Daniel is busting out of the traditional cab model with his colorful karaoke vans and ‘customer first” business model. Aloha Cab can get your where you need to be in Gig Harbor and also take you and your friends to SeaTac for a flat rate of $75, which saves $15-$20 off a regular cab that runs on a meter. And you can have fun, be entertained, and sing-along on the way to your destination. Aloha Cab currently has two vans in their fleet and loves their Gig Harbor clients. Book ahead if you know you will be needing a cab at (253) 428-9999 or www.alohacab.com Aloha! ... Wed, 19 Oct 2011 08:42:00 PDT