Issuu

FALL 2026 | WELLNESS & BEAUTY

WELLNESS BEAUTY

Q&A

Nervous System Regulation, Explained

Beyond Fillers: The Rise of Regenerative Aesthetics

Brittany Erwin: More Than the Bagels

JAX LUXURY SALON EXPANDS IN GIG HARBOR Hair, skincare, and Japanese Head Spa in one destination Summer 2026 GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

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CONTENTS FALL

2026

42 22 26 30 42 8

Katie Robertson Leads The Anchor Gathering From a Gig Harbor net shed to 81 cities

Local Q&A

Brittany Erwin: More Than the Bagels

Nervous System Regulation, Explained

What the wellness buzzword actually means

JAX Luxury Salon Expands in Gig Harbor Hair, skincare, and Japanese Head Spa in one destination

44 50 52 56

Beyond Fillers: The Rise of Regenerative Aesthetics Treatments that rebuild instead of just fill

Kate Diaz Knows Gig Harbor

Local insight backed by smart real estate strategy

Let No One Go Hungry Away

He handed back the most powerful position on the continent and rode home for Christmas. What he did six Novembers later mattered even more.

Holiday Shopping Guide

Supporting the independent businesses that give the Gig Harbor community its character year-round

NEW AT

Gig Harbor Aesthetics

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Summer 2026 GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

FALL 2026 CONT.

CONTENTS 88

86 LOCA L G UIDE

62 68 70 76 10

Local Business

A guide to local businesses ready to serve you

Gig Harbor Home Crushes

A study in craft in Canterwood

Health & Beauty

What Sleep Actually Does for Your Skin

82 86 88

Shop, Stay & Play The Harbor List

Food, Fun, Drinks & More

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

Seasonal Recipe Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Maple-Dijon Glaze and Roasted Root Vegetables

Event Highlight

Shop the Harbor

Calendar of Events

Don’t miss out on the seasonal events happening this holiday season

BECAUSE WHAT YOU’VE WORKED BECAUSE WHAT YOU’VE WORKED FOR IS WORTH PROTECTING FOR IS WORTH PROTECTING

Operating a business is about more than facing today’s challenges — it’s being ready for whatever tomorrow brings. Youaknow, because youmore live itthan every day. At American Family— Insurance, we’ll work as hard astomorrow you do to Operating business about facing today’s Operating a business isis about more than facing today’s challenges challenges — it’s it’sbeing beingready readyfor forwhatever whatever tomorrow make sure your dream is well-protected, now and in the future. brings.You Youknow, know,because because you you live live it it every every day. day. At brings. At American American Family Family Insurance, Insurance,we’ll we’llwork workas ashard hardas asyou youdo dototo makeabout sure your your dream is well-protected, future. Let’s talk how business insurance now can protect your dream. make sure dream is well-protected, now and andin inthe the future.

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American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. & Its Operating Companies,6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 ©2016 011770-01 – Rev. 12/25 – 29619066 Summer 2026011770-01 GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. & Its Operating Companies,6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 ©2016 – Rev. 12/25 – 29619066 American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. & Its Operating Companies,6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 ©2016 011770-01 – Rev. 12/25 – 29619066

FA LL

2026

Publisher’s Picks 26

GIGHARBORLIVINGLOCAL.COM

LOCAL Q&A

Brittany Erwin: More Than the Bagels

NERVOUS SYSTEM REGULATION, EXPLAINED What the wellness buzzword actually means

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

CONNECT WITH US!

LET NO ONE GO HUNGRY AWAY

He handed back the most powerful position on the continent and rode home for Christmas. What he did six Novembers later mattered even more.

THE HOUSE DOESN’T SELL ITSELF.

Great photos help. So does staging. Pricing. Timing. Marketing. Negotiating. Knowing what buyers are looking for—and knowing what to do when they aren’t looking at all. There’s a lot that happens between “For Sale” and “Sold.” That’s where I come in.

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publisher’s note

s we close out another great year, there is plenty to celebrate—and even more ahead.

This issue is packed with powerful local stories, remarkable people, and the businesses that help define our community. We hope you explore every page and discover something new about our community. It will carry us through September, October, and November before returning with a special December cover for the Christmas season. Over the next few months, our community will also choose The Finest. The businesses, restaurants, services, and people who represent the very best of our town. Support your favorites. Cast your votes. The winners will be revealed in our January Finest issue.

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

FALL 2026 | WELLNESS & BEAUTY

January will also mark the relaunch of our magazine and digital platform. Expect more local stories, deeper community coverage, and stronger exposure for local businesses. Our goal is simple: to be the trusted local source and the true local voice in every community we serve. The new platform will help our stories and the businesses featured in them get discovered through traditional search, social media, and the rapidly growing world of AI. This is more than a new look. It is a stronger connection between our communities, our readers, and the businesses that serve them. Thank you for reading, supporting local businesses, and being part of another tremendous year. We hope this issue helps you connect with the people and stories that make our community feel like home. As Christmas approaches, may your home be filled with faith, peace, and time with the people you love most. “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” — Luke 2:11 From all of us, we wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a joyful, successful, and prosperous New Year.

WELLNESS BEAUTY

Q&A

Nervous System Regulation, Explained

Beyond Fillers: The Rise of Regenerative Aesthetics

Brittany Erwin: More Than the Bagels

JAX LUXURY SALON EXPANDS IN GIG HARBOR Hair, skincare, and Japanese Head Spa in one destination Summer 2026 GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

About the Cover This issue of Gig Harbor Living Local features JAX Luxury Salon, marking the salon's expansion into a new home at the Peninsula Shopping Center. The AVEDA Lifestyle Salon now brings hair, skincare, massage, nail services, and Japanese Head Spa treatments together in one destination. Read their full story on page 42. Photo by In-Gear Media

Family First offers compassionate, quality, 24-hour care in a comfortable home setting. Family First provides:

Specializing in:

• A caring and experienced medical team

• Memory/Dementia care and Alzheimer’s care

• A home physician and transportation to medical appointments

• Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy through Home Health

• Entertaining activities for residents

• Stroke care & Parkinson’s care

• A team who has served Gig Harbor and the surrounding community for 25 years

• Oxygen and medication administration • Diabetic and nutritional management • Hospice and Respite care

FamilyFirstAFH.com | 253.853.2033 | julie@familyfirstafh.com WINNER

2017 - 2022

R E L E N T L E S S A D VO C ACY F O R I N J U R Y S U R V I VO R S Your Recovery. Your Rights. Our Priority. After an accident, you shouldn’t have to fight for what’s fair. At BFR Injury Law, we stand up to insurance companies and protect you from being taken advantage of. Our team handles every detail—so you can focus on healing and getting back to your life—while we pursue the just compensation you deserve.

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gigharbor

Living Local

MARKETING MARKETING EXECUTIVE Rebecca Baczewski | 253.363.8830 rebecca@like-media.com DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Allyia Briggs | 208.620.5444 allyia@like-media.com OPERATIONS & MARKETING MANAGER Kamy Jones marketing@like-media.com

GIG

EDITORIAL EDITOR Taylor Shillam

HARBOR

CONTRIBUTORS Paige Schulte, Jennifer Hawkins EDITORIAL INQUIRIES editorial@like-media.com

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

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

PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHERS In-Gear Media pg. 1, 22-24, 76 Will Good (florals by Jordan Moll Events) pg. 69 Kara Mercer (styling by Teressa Johnson) pg. 69 Samantha Elise Tillman pg. 79 COURTESY PHOTOS GHYC Lighted Boat Parade, Gig Harbor Waterfront Alliance, Permission to Start Dreaming Foundation, Donkey Creek Chum Festival, Fox Island Trading Co., Gig Harbor Basket Brigade, Waterfront Inn, Dolly Mama Boutique, Hidden Harbor Wine Library, Local Whimsy

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.

Advertising 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.

GIGHARBORLIVINGLOCAL.COM

PUTTING YOU & YOUR FAMILY FIRST When it comes to family law matters, we are here to serve you. No matter what you are going through, our team of attorneys Chris Maharry, Nicole Pryor and Tony Zorich have the skill and experience to ensure you get the absolute best outcome possible.

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

THE SOUTH SOUND’S PREMIER FAMILY LAW FIRM Summer 2026 GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

YOUR LISTING

our leads

We market with real buyer insight and match with intention, positioning each home around the lifestyle buyers are searching for. Smarter strategy, stronger demand, serious win.

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non-profit

FEAT UR E

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!

The Anchor Gathering

rief built The Anchor Gathering. After her daughter Karina died at 19 from leukemia, Katie Robertson found comfort in a framed photograph of her at a Young Life camp, taken years earlier by Gig Harbor photographer Suzanne Lane, who had never met her. The first gathering met in a net shed at Arabella's Landing in March 2012, sixty women strong. The name came from an anchor pillow in her living room and Hebrews 6:19, hope as an anchor for the soul. What started in Gig Harbor has reached 81 cities, with more than 100 active leaders and monthly broadcasts drawing 800,000 views across 30 countries. Headquarters now sits near the Narrows Airport, with five regional hubs and a first Nashville gathering ahead. "The Lord met me in my darkest season and gave me hope when I thought I couldn't go on," Katie says. New episodes release monthly, October through June. Watch Party hosting details are at TheAnchorGathering.com under Get Involved.

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.

gigharbor

Living Local

20 20

253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE WINTE R 2024

IT’S TIME TO RECOGNIZE THE FINEST OF 2026!

IMPORTANT DATES NOMINATIONS FOR TOP THREE: 09/04 - 09/21 CROWNING 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.

Summer 2026 GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

local feature

KATIE ROBERTSON LEADS

T he Anchor Gathering

From a Gig Harbor net shed to 81 cities BY LIKE MEDIA TEAM

22 22 22

GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL Spring 2026 january/february2024

atie Robertson spent 30 years wanting to build something for women. Through MOPS, Bible Study Fellowship, and Young Life, she kept noticing the women who did not fit the existing options. Women who were not mothers. Women not ready for in-depth Bible study. Women simply curious about faith. What finally started The Anchor Gathering was grief. Katie's oldest daughter, Karina, died at 19 after a fiveyear battle with leukemia. That summer, Katie and her husband, Ron, were on summer staff at Young Life's

Malibu Club in British Columbia. She sat alone on a rock above the inlet and asked God to show her He was there. The next day, her younger daughter, Annika, found a framed photograph of Karina hanging in one of the camp buildings. They recognized the pink board shorts, the ponytail, the elbows. Gig Harbor photographer Suzanne Lane had taken the image during a week Karina attended camp years earlier, though Suzanne had never met her. Suzanne's husband, Dr. Rob Lane, is a retired oncologist and family friend who walked with the family through Karina's illness. Out of thousands of images, the camp framed that one. Summer 2026 GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

feature

LOCAL STORY

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." - HEBREWS 6:19

"The Lord met me in my darkest season and gave me hope when I thought I couldn't go on," Katie says. The first Anchor Gathering took place March 20, 2012, in the restored net shed at Arabella's Landing. Sixty women came. A net shed is where fishermen return to regroup, repair, and rest before heading back out. Katie took the name from an anchor pillow in her living room, then went looking for an anchor verse and found Hebrews 6:19: "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." Preparing that first message, Katie ran her usual four-mile loop along Forest Beach, praying for some visual illustration of the hope she wanted women to understand. About 100 yards ahead, chained around an evergreen, hung a huge tugboat anchor she had never noticed in 15 years on that route. Within a year, women in Bellevue, Edmonds, and Seattle were asking to start their own. By 2019, The Anchor had reached 12 cities across the Pacific Northwest. Then COVID closed everything just as the organization received nonprofit status. Katie became a producer and host, recording monthly broadcasts for YouTube. The channel has since passed 800,000 views across 30 countries, with watch parties in 81 cities and more than 100 active leaders. One woman came after several invitations, during a season when her career, her engagement, and her housing plans had fallen apart. She later told Katie, "I came to The Anchor for the wine and cheese and left with Jesus." Today, she is married, raising three children, and sharing her faith with her family. Headquarters sits near the Narrows Airport now. Ahead: five regional hubs across the country, a first gathering in Nashville, and more Watch Party leaders raised up in Gig Harbor. New episodes release monthly, October through June, on the Anchor Gathering YouTube channel. Watch Party hosting details are at TheAnchorGathering.com under Get Involved.

RETIREMENT

starts here Welcome to Gig Harbor’s premier 55+ retirement community, featuring craftsman-style apartment homes with attached garages. Adjacent to the popular Cushman Trail and walking distance to the waterfront. BRAND NEW cottages just released! Rosedale Village 4203 Rosedale St., #11 Gig Harbor, WA 98335 www.norpoint.com 253.530.3334

Compassionate Family Law Support

When It Matters Most With 30+ years serving families in Gig Harbor and Pierce County, Felicia Soleil offers constructive, out-of-court alternatives to divorce. Through family law and mediation services, she helps couples reduce conflict and navigate separation with clarity and support—so you can move on, not just move out.

Felicia A. Soleil

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

Summer 2026 GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

local feature

LOCAL

Q & A BRITTANY ERWIN: MORE THAN THE BAGELS BY LIKE MEDIA TEAM

26 26

Brittany Erwin leads B's Bagels & Butters, the Gig Harbor shop where weekend lines stretch down the block. What she has built reaches past the counter. She mentors other business owners, gives local makers a place to sell, and turns menu items into fundraisers. Ask around, and the bagels come up second. What people mention first is how she shows up.

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.

Fox & Dahlia Homes Referral Program Know someone building their dream custom home? Refer them to Fox & Dahlia and earn a Referral Partner gift up to 1% of the project.

Visit our website to learn more. 253.222.9291 | info@foxanddahlia.com FoxAndDahlia.com | @foxanddahliahomes Summer 2026 GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

feature

LOCAL Q&A

Q. Before opening B's, you cooked for combat veterans and first responders through the Permission To Start Dreaming (PTSD) Foundation. How did that experience shape the way you lead B's today?

A. My work with the PTSD Foundation was deeply personal. In 2019, an amazing friend lost his battle with PTSD. Jared started as an employee of mine at Cooks' Tavern and became a huge part of my life. He taught me so much about being a leader, about meeting people where they are, through advice he had given as a sergeant in the Army. Losing him pushed me to leave a toxic industry. I left with no direction and focused on therapy for my own PTSD. An old friend then asked me to help the Foundation with my experience as a chef and my law enforcement ties. It felt like fate, and a way to honor Jared. I worked with them for 14 programs, and every group of students broke and healed my heart all over again. That time introduced me to my would-be landlords, and B's would not exist without it.

"The foo d I serve is a part of me , an d celebrati ng along side so many families i s heartwar ming ."

Q. When did you first realize B's had become more than a place to grab a meal? Was there a particular moment that made it clear?

A. This may sound silly, but it really hit me around year one, when people returned for the holidays. We had become more than food. We had become tradition. Knowing the bagels I made would be on their Easter, Christmas, Bar Mitzvah, or wedding table meant so much to me. The food I serve is a part of me, and celebrating alongside so many families is heartwarming.

nte u o C e h yond t

• B's donated $1 from every Honeyball Shaken Espresso sold and matched it in-house, giving $250 to Mary Bridge Children's Hospital for childhood cancer programs. • Local makers sell on B's retail shelves through consignment agreements. • B's offers a discount to military members and first responders. • Bigger things are ahead. B's is moving to a larger Gig Harbor space with a new look, with more to come. 28

Q. Walk us through how the retail section works, from the local makers on the shelves to the artists you give wall space to.

A. The retail section started from my love of travel. It frustrated me to find souvenirs mass-produced and shipped around the world. No gift is more special than something made by hand. I imagined how hard it must be for makers to base their livelihoods on one market each week. We sign consignment agreements with artists, so they can sell without us fronting the cost. It supports them and gives travelers to Gig Harbor a real souvenir. Q. How did the Honeyball Shaken Espresso partnership for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month come together?

A. Brady Lucas reached out to me last year about his journey and his book. We started by displaying his book on our retail shelves. When he shared his plans to raise money for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we were happy to partner with him. I wanted to create not only a yummy drink but also something meaningful, so I designed it after the Honeyball game from his book. We love helping causes here, and it means even more when it's collaborative. Q. When another Gig Harbor business owner needs a hand, what does that actually look like coming from you?

A. I try hard to support other businesses in Gig Harbor. I love being part of the waterfront alliance, having regular conversations with other owners about how we can support each other. What I enjoy most is mentoring people starting out. April at Ties That Bind gift shop came to me wanting to run a giveaway. She left with a full marketing lesson, new social media pages, and a new friendship. Q. What inspired the discount you offer military members and first responders?

A. My husband is a first responder, and I have a personal connection to people in the military. I believe people who choose such selfless careers should be recognized for it. Q. Gig Harbor embraced B's early on. How do you hope to keep showing up for Gig Harbor?

A. Gig Harbor has welcomed me and B's beyond anything I imagined. Small businesses are constantly asked for financial help, and it is hard not to say yes to everyone. We support the causes dear to us, especially those for our youth, and we will keep doing so wherever we can. We also look forward to staying a welcoming space where people spend time with friends and family.

Summer 2026 GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

feature 30

GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL Fall 2026

S U O V R NE tion, a l u g e r m e st sy

D E N I A EXPL

What the wellness buzzword actually means by LIKE MEDIA TEAM

“R

egulate your nervous system” is everywhere right now: on social feeds, in yoga classes, and across a growing number of wellness products. Rarely does anyone stop to say what it means.

Here is the short answer. Your nervous system constantly takes in information and adjusts how alert or settled your body needs to be. Regulation is the ability to respond to stress and return to a steadier baseline once the demand passes. Modern life leans hard on the stress setting. Deadlines, screens, noise, poor sleep, and a phone that buzzes through dinner can keep the stress response switched on even when no real danger is present. Stay there long enough, and the effects show. Sleep gets thin, digestion sours, and patience runs short. The point is not avoiding stress but getting the recovery process working again. WHAT “REGULATION” ACTUALLY MEANS Two branches of the autonomic nervous system manage these shifts. One speeds you up. The other calms you down. Summer 2026 GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

The sympathetic branch handles the fight-or-flight response. Heart rate climbs, muscles tense, and attention narrows. Useful in a real emergency, draining as a daily default. The parasympathetic branch supports rest-and-digest functions. It slows the heart, settles the gut, and creates the conditions that let the body recover. A regulated nervous system moves between activation and recovery as circumstances change. A dysregulated one has trouble settling after the stressor is gone. You know the signs. A racing mind at bedtime, shallow breathing, a tight chest, or a short fuse for small problems. Regulated looks ordinary. You hit a snag, your pulse jumps, and a few minutes later you settle. The aim is not constant calm, only a reliable way back. MEET THE VAGUS NERVE The vagus nerve is a major route within the parasympathetic system. It runs from the brainstem into the chest and abdomen, carrying signals between the brain and organs like the heart, lungs, and gut. Think of it as one line in a much larger system. Regulation also involves the brain, spinal cord, hormones, and other nerves. Heart rate variability, or HRV, is often discussed alongside vagal activity. It measures the tiny differences in time between heartbeats. Under steady conditions, the trend may indicate recovery.

More variation often accompanies greater adaptability, but a higher number is not automatically better. Sleep, exercise, illness, alcohol, medication, age, and timing can all move the result.

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BREATHING,

movement,

MEDITATION,

and connection

Watch your trend over several weeks, since a single night tells you little.

The phrase spread faster than the explanation, which is how a real physiological process ends up sounding like a slogan.

WHY THIS WENT MAINSTREAM

WHAT ACTUALLY WORKS

The ideas are not new. Breathing, movement, meditation, and connection have been used to manage stress for generations.

The methods are simpler than the marketing suggests. Some are supported by far more research than others:

What changed is the research and the packaging. Research has brought new attention to the nervous system, and wellness brands repackaged familiar practices under terms like neurowellness and vagal toning.

Slow breathing. The most accessible option, and it costs nothing. Many people use a pace of about six breaths per minute, with a gentle inhale and a longer exhale, though the comfortable rate varies from person to person. A few minutes can shift heart rate and HRV, and regular practice helps lower perceived stress.

Wearables did the rest. Once people could see sleep scores, recovery estimates, and HRV every morning, a private process turned into something they could track and discuss.

The physiological sigh. Two inhales through the nose, then one long exhale through the mouth. The second inhale is

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usually shorter than the first. In one randomized study, five minutes of daily cyclic sighing produced greater improvements in mood and respiratory rate than a mindfulness exercise over a one-month period. Cold exposure. Cold water on the face can shift heart rate through the body’s diving response. Evidence that cold showers create lasting change remains limited, and cold exposure does not suit everyone. Sound. Humming, singing, chanting, and laughter combine slow exhalation, vocal vibration, and focus. Many find them settling, though direct evidence is thin. Treat them as calming practices, not medical treatments. Movement. Regular exercise, gentle yoga, walking, and slow practices like tai chi support sleep, mood, and stress recovery. The point is regular, steady movement, not punishing exercise.

Issue 28

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RETURN to your day Sleep, social connection, and omega-3-rich foods support the same system in the background.

a baseline and a trend to watch. Each collects and calculates data differently, so numbers are not always comparable.

One rule ties it together. Consistency beats intensity. A few minutes spread across the day can do more than a single long session.

The data helps, up to a point. Watched too closely, a recovery score becomes one more thing to fall behind on. The number works best as a guide, not a verdict.

Some effects show up during a breathing session or walk. Broader changes usually take repeated practice, and there is no universal timeline.

A WORD OF CAUTION

WHERE TO START If all of this feels like a lot, start with a small first week: • One five-minute round of slow breathing in the morning. • A short walk after dinner. • A consistent bedtime and wake time. Two weeks of that beats a big plan you drop by Friday. THE WEARABLE QUESTION You do not need to measure any of this to benefit from better sleep, movement, or breathing. For some people, though, tracking makes patterns easier to see. Devices such as the Oura Ring, WHOOP, and Apple Watch now estimate HRV and other recovery measures, giving you 40

More is not better. Stacking intense methods, such as prolonged breathwork before an ice plunge, can leave you dizzy or faint, so the safer approach is to try one at a time and build up slowly. Cold exposure in particular does not suit people with heart conditions, fainting disorders, or pregnancy complications. For anyone carrying significant anxiety, panic symptoms, or a trauma history, these tools may help but rarely do the whole job, and support from a qualified professional matters. None of these strategies are a new project to fall behind on. Most nervous system regulation habits are the opposite of doing more. Stress is part of a functioning nervous system. Regulation is the ability to meet that stress, recover from it, and return to your day.

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41 41

cover feature

JAX LUXURY SALON EXPANDS IN GIG HARBOR

Hair, skincare, and Japanese Head Spa in one destination by LIKE MEDIA TEAM

its new home in the Peninsula Shopping Center, JAX Luxury Salon brings hair care, skincare, massage, nail services, and Japanese Head Spa treatments together in one place. The move brought private wellness suites, additional styling stations, and more room to slow the pace for every guest.

“We bring different perspectives, but we share the same values,” he says.

JAX has served Gig Harbor since 1982 and now operates as an AVEDA Lifestyle Salon. As guests began requesting wellness services alongside color and cuts, the salon outgrew its former location. Darren Swenson co-owns JAX with his son, Aidan, and the expansion gave them room to meet that demand, invest in the team, and build a destination designed to serve the community for years to come.

The months leading into the holidays are among the salon’s busiest, as guests prepare for gatherings, travel, and special events. Color, styling, and wellness appointments fill quickly, making early reservations important.

Darren’s 25-year career in medicine continues to shape his approach to wellness, guest care, and how JAX operates. “Medicine taught me that exceptional care begins with listening,” Darren says. Whether someone is a patient or a salon guest, the principle remains the same: people want to feel heard, respected, and genuinely cared for. The new space was designed around that idea. Natural materials, warm lighting, and calming colors give the salon a sophisticated but welcoming setting. Every area, from reception to the treatment rooms, encourages guests to disconnect and focus on themselves. The Japanese Head Spa has become one of JAX’s signature services. A session begins with a scalp consultation, followed by cleansing, customized AVEDA Scalp Solutions treatments, and a therapeutic massage designed to support scalp health and relieve tension. Guests often say they had not realized how much stress they were carrying until the treatment ended. JAX employs hairstylists, color specialists, estheticians, massage therapists, head spa specialists, and nail professionals, many of whom have cared for Gig Harbor families for years. Ongoing AVEDA education keeps their techniques current, while the team works across specialties to create a more connected guest experience. For Darren, working with Aidan has been one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.

That shared standard shapes a workplace centered on collaboration, respect, continuous learning, and longterm careers.

Seasonal offerings include the Head to Toe Experience, which begins with a Japanese Head Spa treatment, continues with a 50-minute massage, and concludes with a luxury pedicure. Gift packages and gift certificates are also available. Community involvement remains an important part of JAX. At the grand opening of the new location, JAX partnered with Food 4 All, formerly Backpacks 4 Kids, to support families facing food insecurity. Guests and community members raised $1,400, and the salon matched every dollar for a total contribution of $2,800. Darren sees the new location as the beginning of a broader plan to combine beauty, wellness, and hospitality. The team is exploring a JAX Wellness Membership that offers preferred pricing and exclusive experiences, designed to make self-care a regular part of guests’ lives rather than an occasional treat. “Our mission is simple,” Darren shares. “We want every guest to leave feeling better than when they arrived.”

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Summer 2026 GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

feature

BEYOND FILLERS: THE RISE OF REGENERATIVE AESTHETICS Treatments that rebuild instead of just fill by LIKE MEDIA TEAM

has carried the last decade of aesthetic care. Plump a lip, smooth Thea line,wordadd“filler” back the volume that time removes. That work still happens every day. The larger trend is moving in another direction. These treatments ask your skin to rebuild itself instead of borrowing structure from a syringe. Regenerative aesthetics is the umbrella term. Rather than filling a gap with gel, it prompts your body to make more of its own collagen, the protein that keeps skin firm. Most people start losing close to 1% of their collagen a year in their mid-twenties. By the time fine lines appear, the underlying structure has been thinning for years. The shift is also about taste. The overfilled look has fallen out of favor, and people now ask for skin that looks like skin, not a face that looks worked on.

Fill or Rebuild: The Real Difference

Many traditional fillers use hyaluronic acid, a gel that adds volume as soon as it is injected. The payoff is instant. It also fades, usually within six to eighteen months, and a provider can dissolve it if you change your mind. Biostimulators run on a slower clock. They add little at first, then signal your skin to produce fresh collagen over weeks and months, so the result builds in rather than is applied. Here is the short version:

44 44

•

Hyaluronic acid fillers add volume immediately, can usually be dissolved, and tend to fade sooner.

•

Biostimulators work gradually, tend to longer, and rely on your body to build new collagen.

last

Meet the Biostimulators

Two names lead this category. Both stimulate collagenproducing cells called fibroblasts, and each takes a different route.

Sculptra. The active ingredient is poly-L-lactic

acid, which your body slowly absorbs. Any fullness immediately after treatment is largely temporary. The lasting change develops over three to four months, usually across a short series of sessions, as the skin rebuilds structure that can last up to two years. Providers often use it on the cheeks, temples, and the soft hollows that open up with age.

Radiesse.

This one is made from calcium hydroxylapatite, a mineral also found in bones. It can provide an immediate lift, followed by a collagen response that continues beneath the surface for months. It suits a jawline or cheek that needs definition now and support later.

Treatments That Start With Your Own Blood

A few options use material drawn from your own body. PRP and PRF both begin with a small blood draw, which is then processed to concentrate components involved in healing and tissue repair. •

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) releases growth factors that support collagen production and cell renewal.

•

PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) forms a fibrin matrix that may release growth factors more gradually.

Because the material comes from your own blood, the risk of an allergic reaction is low, though it can still cause bruising, infection, or irritation. Providers may pair PRP with microneedling, applying it during or after treatment as the skin begins its repair response. People turn to them for dull tone, uneven texture, thin under-eye skin, and early hair thinning. Results build over weeks. Summer 2026 GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

What Patients Are Asking About The Names You Keep Hearing

A handful of treatments from Korean beauty and international aesthetic medicine have moved into wider conversation: •

Polynucleotides. Sometimes called “salmon DNA,” these use purified DNA fragments, promoted for hydration, repair, and skin quality without adding filler volume.

•

Exosomes. Tiny extracellular vesicles involved in cell-to-cell communication are being studied for their potential role in healing and skin renewal after procedures such as microneedling. Evidence is still developing, and there are currently no FDA-approved exosome products.

•

Microneedling. Fine controlled channels trigger a repair response on their own and can create a path for topical products applied afterward.

New does not always mean proven, and some are still building a track record.

Where Fillers Still Fit

None of this retires hyaluronic acid. When you want a specific lip shape or a defined cheek by the weekend, filler is still the fastest route. Many people combine the two, filler for immediate structure and biostimulators for the slow build.

46 46

Summer 2026 GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

The Last Thing to Keep in Mind Before You Book

The science here is real. So is the marketing wrapped around it. A few things keep results on the honest side of that line: •

These are medical treatments, and your provider’s training matters more than any brand on the label.

•

Progress is counted in weeks, so treat any overnight promise as a warning.

•

Most work as a plan rather than a single visit, so ask about the full course and upkeep.

•

Ask how the provider handles complications. Injectables can cause uncommon but serious problems if material enters or compresses a blood vessel.

•

Cooler months make a practical starting window, since healing skin does better with less sun exposure.

Regenerative care asks for patience, and it returns something quieter than a dramatic reveal. Skin that keeps doing its own work, a good while longer than it would have alone.

The Jones Team

Honesty. Integrity. Experience. GIG HARBOR & SOUTH SOUND

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business spotlight

Kate Diaz Knows

GIG HARBOR Local insight backed by smart real estate strategy by LIKE MEDIA TEAM

KATE DIAZ REAL ESTATE • 5801 Soundview Dr., #101, Gig Harbor, WA • 253.439.9616 • WithKateDiaz.com • @withkatediaz

ate Diaz grew up in a real estate family. For years, she was certain she’d end up somewhere else entirely. She wanted a career built around people, not paperwork, and didn’t expect to find that in real estate. She began to see that real estate could be less about transactions and more about helping people navigate decisions that would shape their lives for years. That was where she knew she could make a difference. One deal still sticks with her. A buyer was about to significantly overpay for a home they loved, and closing quickly would have been the easier path. “There were moments when it would have been easier to accept where things stood, but I knew my client deserved someone who was willing to keep fighting for them,” Kate says.

After days of strategic negotiation, the client saved more than $100,000. Kate will tell you the number is not what stayed with her. What stayed with her was what the savings meant: less financial stress, more room to make the home theirs, prepare for the future, and enjoy the next chapter instead of worrying over every dollar spent. That same instinct shows up when a listing stalls. One home sat unsold for months before Kate came on board. Instead of adjusting the price and hoping for a different result, she asked what she’d do differently if it were her own home. Kate and the sellers rebuilt the strategy from the ground up: pricing, photography, marketing, all of it. Her background in marketing and strategic communications shapes how she reads a listing.

“People don’t fall in love with houses. They fall in love with the life they imagine living inside them,” Kate says. Once the story around the home changed, so did buyer interest. The house sold. Waterfront brings its own complexity, and Kate walks clients through it before they fall for a view. Two homes can carry the same waterfront label and offer entirely different lifestyles. Deep-water moorage versus seasonal access. Low bank versus a bluff with hundreds of stairs. Tide levels, bulkheads, docks, shellfish rights, septic systems, flood insurance, and shoreline regulations all shape how a property lives day to day. Kate makes sure clients understand those details before closing, not after. Gig Harbor is not just her market. She grew up here, graduated from Gig Harbor High School, and built the reference points she

now uses to guide clients toward neighborhoods, not just houses. Weekly stops at Susanne’s Bakery, ideally with strawberry cake involved, and walks along the waterfront keep her close to the place that shaped her. A year after closing, Kate hopes clients remember feeling informed, supported, and certain they made the right decision. Her role is not to tell people what to do, but to give them the guidance and honest advice they need to move forward without second-guessing themselves. For Kate, handing over the keys carries particular meaning, an opportunity to welcome someone into the community that shaped her and help them begin a new chapter with confidence.

Summer 2026 GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

GOOD NEWS

FROM THE A NATION THAT SHOULD NOT BE HERE SERIES

Let No One Go

Hungry Away He handed back the most powerful position on the continent and rode home for Christmas. What he did six Novembers later mattered even more.

By STEVE RUSSO

noon on December 23, 1783, George Washington walked into the Maryland State House at Annapolis. Congress was waiting. They stayed seated. They kept their hats on. He bowed to them. They uncovered, but they did not bow.

Then he did something few victorious commanders in recorded history had done. He gave it back. He reached into his coat, drew out the commission that had made him commander in chief of the Continental Army, and handed it across the room. He had won the war. He had the army. He had the affection of an entire country. Every man in that chamber knew he could have kept all three. Caesar took the crown. Cromwell took the Protectorate. Washington had somewhere else to be. A witness writing on Christmas Day reported that the General bid every member farewell and rode off from the door, intent upon eating his Christmas dinner at home. He had promised Martha. He made it. He reached Mount Vernon on Christmas Eve. It was the first Christmas he had spent at home since 1774. That is the story history kept. The man who let go of the one thing he could have held onto. What he did with everything he still had is a quieter story. Go back to the first of the eight Christmases he missed: November 1775. Washington is camped outside Boston, several months into a command he never wanted, at the head of an army running out of everything. And he sits down to write a letter home. Most of it is household business. Wages. Hedging and ditching. What to do if the British come up the Potomac. Instructions for his cousin Lund, who is running Mount Vernon while he is gone. Then, in the middle of it, there is this.

“Let the Hospitality of the House, with respect to the poor, be kept up; Let no one go hungry away.” If any of them need corn, give it to them. Spend forty or fifty pounds a year of my money on charity whenever you judge it well spent. And in case his letter is misunderstood, he adds: “What I mean by having no objection is that it is my desire that it should be done.” Then he explains why it matters. “You are to consider that neither myself, or Wife are now in the way to do these good Offices.” He is not home. Martha is not home. Nobody is standing at the door when the poor of Fairfax County come up the lane. So he arranges it from a tent outside of Boston.

He is losing a war. He does not know whether he will live through it or whether there will be a country at the end of it. And he is making sure nobody leaves his house hungry. Fourteen years later, he was President of the United States. On October 3, 1789, at the request of both houses of Congress, Washington issued the first national proclamation of Thanksgiving under the new Constitution. Most Americans picture Thanksgiving as a celebration of abundance. Washington saw what was underneath it. “It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.” Notice the order. Blessing. Then responsibility. To Washington, gratitude was never a feeling you had. It was a debt you owed. He set the date. Thursday, November 26, 1789.

The day arrived, and the weather was awful. Washington got up early, powdered his hair, put on the black velvet suit, and made the short trip from the President’s house on Cherry Street to St. Paul’s Chapel on Broadway. He wrote in his diary that day, “though it was most inclement and stormy.” There were “but few people at Church.” The first national Thanksgiving under the new Constitution, and the President was standing in a nearly empty chapel in the rain. But before he walked in that door, he had already done something else. He had sent his own money to the New York City jail. Beer and food for the men held there for debt. Not soldiers. Not patriots. Not anyone with a claim on him. Just debtors. Men who owed money they could not repay, sitting in a cell while the country outside gave thanks for its blessings. He had been elected President unanimously. There was no office left to win. Eight weeks earlier he had told the nation it was the duty of all nations to obey God’s will. That morning, he went and obeyed it.

“It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.” Summer 2026 GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

He understood that nobody learns generosity from being told. They learn it from watching someone else do it.

A week later, those prisoners bought space in the New York Journal to publicly offer their grateful thanks for his very acceptable donation on ‘Thursday last.’ “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed.” — Proverbs 19:17 Every man in that cell was there because of a debt he could not repay. And the man who bought their dinner was, by Scripture’s accounting, quietly making a loan of his own. He gave this way throughout his life, mostly in silence. Schools. Churches. Orphans. Fire victims. Old soldiers who turned up at his door with nothing left. His biographer notes that he preferred to keep his giving anonymous. But on public holidays he sometimes let it be seen. Not for credit. He did it to set an example for the citizenry. He understood that nobody learns generosity from being told. They learn it from watching someone else do it and quietly thinking they could do it too. Two hundred and thirty-seven Decembers later, we are the ones with more than we can count. Warm houses. Full pantries. Packages stacked on the porch. A December where the hardest question most of us face is what to get for the person who already has everything.

Almost everything under that tree will be gone in a few years. Broken, outgrown, replaced, forgotten. And every December the pull is the same. Our own wants, made new again, sitting at the center of the one holiday that was never supposed to be about us. The child in that manger came for the people nobody was shopping for. Jesus said it plainly. “Sell your possessions and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches, and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will be your heart also.” — Luke 12:33-34 Washington counted his blessings the way most of us do this time of year. Then he did something most of us don’t. And he left the instruction in writing, in case anybody was wondering. “Let the Hospitality of the House, with respect to the poor, be kept up... What I mean, by having no objection, is, that it is my desire that it should be done.” “Let no one go hungry away.”

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T H E SO U T H SO U N D IS GETTING

BIGGER.

AND SO ARE THE OPPORTUNITIES TO BE SEEN. Something new is coming in 2027, built around the stories, businesses, and places that define this region. Gig Harbor is just the beginning.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? CONTACT ME TODAY. MARKETING EXECUTIVE Rebecca Baczewski rebecca@like-media.com 253.363.8830

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Living Local

Summer 2026 GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

LOCAL FAVORITES

holiday

Shopping Guide Holiday shopping in Gig Harbor means supporting the independent businesses that give this waterfront community its character year-round. Money spent locally supports area jobs, business owners, and the storefronts that make neighborhoods worth visiting. It also comes with personal service that is difficult to replicate online or at a national retailer. Owners and staff know what they carry, can answer questions, and take time to help shoppers make the right choice. This season, shopping nearby means each purchase supports both the recipient and the community it came from.

Fox Island Trading Co. Handcrafted on Fox Island with regionally sourced and eco-certified ingredients, the bath, body, skincare, and grooming products at Fox Island Trading Co. offer a local approach to everyday care. Andre and Kim Henson use honey, beeswax, and essential oils from their own apiary and distilling operations. Options for women, men, babies, and sensitive skin make the downtown shop useful for several people on one list, with products created nearby rather than shipped from a national brand. FoxIslandTradingCo.com

Dolly Mama Boutique Dolly Mama Boutique carries clothing, accessories, and jewelry for women and men, as well as baby items, furniture, home decor, and gifts, at its downtown Gig Harbor location. Personal service helps shoppers navigate the full selection, while gift wrapping, shipping, and customization add convenience for busy shoppers. Several names can come off a shopping list in one visit. The mix leaves room to choose for different ages, styles, and occasions, without stopping at several separate specialty stores. DollyMamaInc.com

MEDICARE AND INDIVIDUAL HEALTH INSURANCE OPEN ENROLLMENT MEDICARE: OCTOBER 15 - DECEMBER 7 INDIVIDUAL: NOVEMBER 1 - DECEMBER 15 This is the one time of the year where you can elect to change your health and Medicare and drug plans starting in January 2027. We are here to help you navigate enrollment. Whether you need to sign up or make a change to your plan, Sound Insurance Northwest will be by your side the whole way.

OUR ASSISTANCE IS OFFERED TO YOU AT NO EXPENSE

AUTO • HOME • BUSINESS • HEALTH • LIFE • MEDICARE

253.858.9988 | SoundInsuranceNW.com 3312 Rosedale Street #103 Gig Harbor, WA

Educating youth in a Christ-centered atmosphere. HosannaChristianSchool.org | 253.851.8952 3114 45th St. Ct. NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335

Your Next Step Starts Here Accepting students Pre-K through Junior High.

Summer 2026 GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

Hidden Harbor Wine Library Washington wine takes center stage at Hidden Harbor Wine Library in Gig Harbor’s Finholm District. From its waterfront location, the owners, Gary Butler and Kim Tran, offer bottles from producers across the state, along with tastings, club membership, and regular events. Shoppers can choose something for a holiday host or wine enthusiast, then stay to learn more about what they are giving. Harbor and mountain views add to a visit built around regional wine, conversation, and time spent together. HiddenHarbor.wine

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Lost Star Tabletop Gaming Outfitter For families who would rather gather around a table than another screen, Lost Star Tabletop Gaming Outfitter offers a range of options. The family-owned Gig Harbor shop welcomes experienced players, curious beginners, and anyone searching for a shared activity. Games span strategy, storytelling, collecting, and friendly competition, with staff available to answer questions before a purchase. Organized play and events continue beyond the holidays, giving customers a place to return and meet others who enjoy the same pastime. LostStarGaming.com

Local Whimsy Regional artists and small businesses fill the shelves at Local Whimsy, giving shoppers a chance to find work made closer to home. The downtown Gig Harbor store combines locally produced goods with home decor, plants, and other gifts, while its workshop calendar invites visitors to make something themselves. That mix offers ways to participate, from selecting a finished piece to sharing a creative experience with someone else, either during the season or later in the year. ShopLocalWhimsy.com

The Law Office of Timothy Acker

Providing Legal Service with Compassion and Care • Complete Estate Packages from $999.99 • Probate/Elder Law • Injury Cases 40 years of experience in law. We offer the attention and understanding that comes from someone older and experienced in life.

Free consultations

CARPET • LAMINATE • VINYL • TILE • STONE • HARDWOOD

GIG HARBOR

LIVING LOCAL’S

2024

WINNER

f www.facebook.com/CSFLOORS

CSFloors.net | 253.853.5833 5117 89th St., Gig Harbor, WA

Attorney at Law 4423 Point Fosdick Drive NW Ste. 210 Gig Harbor, WA 98335 253.851.0012 timothy@lawofficeoftimothyacker.com

Summer 2026 GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

EXPERT IN

REAL ESTATE

What If You Could

Take Your Mortgage Rate With You? by JENNIFER HAWKINS, KEY2SEE WITH HAWKINS POE

you bought or refinanced a home a few years ago and are sitting on a 3% mortgage rate, I’m willing to bet you’ve said some version of this:

“I’d love to move, but I’m never giving up this interest rate.” As a local Realtor, I hear it all the time. It’s one of the biggest challenges facing today’s real estate market. Homeowners have built equity and may want to downsize, move up, relocate, or simply find a home that better fits their lives—but trading a historically low mortgage rate for today’s higher rate can make moving difficult to justify. A newly introduced bill in Congress could potentially change that. The Making Ownership Viable for Everyone (MOVE) Act, introduced in August, proposes making portable mortgages more accessible. The concept is fairly simple: qualifying

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homeowners could potentially transfer the interest rate, remaining balance, and term of their existing mortgage to their next home. The legislation would require Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to begin purchasing portable mortgages. Think about what that could mean. Instead of your mortgage being permanently attached to your house, certain mortgage terms could essentially MOVE with you. For a market like Gig Harbor, that could be significant. We have homeowners who purchased years ago, have substantial equity, and would otherwise be natural sellers—but their mortgage rate has become the golden handcuff keeping them in place. More mobility could mean more homes coming to market, more choices for buyers and a healthier flow of inventory throughout our community.

KEY 2 SEE TEAM

Of course, there’s an important word here: could. The MOVE Act is proposed legislation, not current law. There are also plenty of details that would need to be worked out before portable mortgages became a practical reality. If you purchased a more expensive home, for example, additional financing would likely still be necessary. But I love that we’re talking about creative solutions to one of today’s biggest housing challenges. Real estate has never been one-size-fits-all. Families grow. Kids leave. Jobs change. People retire. Life moves—and ideally, our housing and financing options should allow us to move with it. I’ll certainly be watching this one closely. Look forward to seeing you around the Harbor!

Jennifer Hawkins

Local Realtor | Gig Harbor, Washington

What’s Your Home Worth? www.Key2See.com 253.229.1414 Summer 2026 GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

G l a uide c o L 2026

Indoor Air Gets Worse When Windows Close Clean Your Air Before Heating Season Hits When windows stay shut for the season, indoor air concentrates faster than most people realize. Dust, pet dander, chemicals from furniture and cleaning products, and combustion particles from heating systems all build up. The EPA estimates indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Upgrade the Filter: A MERV-11 or MERV-13 filter traps significantly smaller particles than standard options. Check it monthly during heating season.

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 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,

Add a HEPA Purifier: A standalone unit handles what central HVAC misses. Bedrooms and main living areas benefit most.

RE/MAX NORTHWEST REALTORS 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!

Control Humidity: Indoor humidity should stay between 40 and 60 percent. Below that, airways dry out. A basic hygrometer helps track it. Open When Possible: On days when the air outside is clear, a few minutes of cross-ventilation through open windows quickly resets it.

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

CATNIP BED & BREAKFAST

Your Gig Harbor Realtor & Local Expert 253.620.0028 HomesByGretchen.com

Two Islands, Two Unusual Names The stories behind Deadman's Island and Prison Island by LIKE MEDIA TEAM

rom the water, Cutts Island and McNeil Island appear to be pieces of the South Sound landscape. Both, however, are known for names connected to unusual chapters of regional history.

Cutts Island Marine State Park is a small, boat-access-only island in Carr Inlet near Kopachuck State Park. Many locals still call it Deadman's Island. The name comes from a longstanding belief that Indigenous people used the island as a burial ground, placing the deceased in canoes secured among the trees. Although canoe burials were practiced by some Northwest Coast communities, published accounts describe the connection to Cutts Island as a belief or local tradition rather than a confirmed archaeological finding. Today, the two-acre park is better known for its beaches, clay bluffs and sandbar revealed by the tide.

Farther south sits McNeil Island, often associated so closely with incarceration that some refer to it simply as Prison Island. A prison opened there in 1875, before Washington achieved statehood. It was operated by territorial and federal authorities before Washington state assumed control in 1981. The transfer did not mark a second opening. Instead, the prison continued under a new government. McNeil Island Corrections Center officially closed in April 2011 after 136 years of prison operations. Its isolated location made transportation, staffing, and maintenance costly. The island remains closed to general public access, and the state continues operating facilities there, including the Special Commitment Center. Together, the islands show how local names can preserve history, tradition and, at times, a little mystery.

FOX & DAHLIA HOMES

THE LINDSAY JACKMAN GROUP

I&E KITCHEN & BATH

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.

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.

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.

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

253.266.1067 Lindsay@lindsayjackman.com LindsayJackman.com

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.

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

7195 Wagner Way, Ste. 101 Gig Harbor | 253.961.5596 Summer 2026 GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

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BUSINESS

PAIGE SCHULTE, REALTOR, SCHULTE & CO.

CS FLOORS

HOSANNA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

MARITIME JEWELERS

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.

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.

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.

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.

253.313.4093 Paige@askpaigeschulte.com

5117 89th St. | Gig Harbor 253.853.5833

THE MARK WAMBOLD GROUP CROSSCOUNTRY MORTGAGE

BECKER | FRANKLIN | ROVANG PLLC · INJURY LAWYERS

COMMENCEMENT BANK

7804 Pioneer Way | Gig Harbor 253.204.2569 CommencementBank.com

HARBOR FAMILY LAW

5403 Olympic Drive NW., Suite 100 Gig Harbor | Personal NMLS248580 253.444.0290 CCM.com/mark-wambold

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

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

3116 Harborview Dr. Gig Harbor | 253.853.4579

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.

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.

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

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

GERTIE’S GARAGE 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

TIMOTHY LOPEZ, AGENT

REBECCA BACZEWSKI

AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE

LIKE MEDIA

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

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

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Summer 2026 GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

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BUSINESS BUSINESS

STRATEGIC WEALTH ADVISORS

JULIA RUNYAN,

CHERI JOHNSON

RE/MAX - THE RUNYAN GROUP

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.

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.

4221 Harborview Drive NW., Suite 100 Gig Harbor 253.858.4411 cheri@StrategicWealthAdv.com StrategicWealthAdv.com

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

Investment advisor representative of and securities offered through USA Financial Securities, Member FINRA, SIPC A registered investment advisor, 6020 E Fulton St., Ada, MI 49301. Strategic Wealth Advisors LLC is not affiliated with USA Financial Securities.

HARRISON HOMES

KELLEY HOME SERVICES

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.

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 throughout the heart of your home.

253.303.1720

5117 89th St. | Gig Harbor 253.858.5844 KelleyHomeServices.com

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

Extensive Extensive framing framing experience experience in in Beverly Beverly Hills Hills and and Gig Gig Harbor. Harbor.

Gig Harbor's #1 electrician since 1998! S ERV I C ES All electrical residential + commercial Solar + Energy storage

15% OFF Extensive framing 15% OFF all all unframed unframed non-consignment artwork experience in Beverly Hills non-consignment artwork and Gig Harbor. 15% OFF all unframed non-consignment artwork

Generator installs Home automation + Home Theaters + Audio + Video

We deliver solutions to best fit your needs and provide a positive and professional working relationship.

Dennis Dennis Arneson Arneson (owner) (owner)

253-234-5311 SynergyElectricTech.com

Dennis Arneson (owner)

253.380.7554

www.YardsByPacific.com Find us on Facebook!

II look look forward forward to to being being your personal framer.

253-858-7449

253-858-7449 I look forward to being 7808 Pioneer Way, 7808personal Pioneerframer. Way, your Gig Harbor, WA 98335 www.watersedgegallery.com 253-858-7449 7808 Pioneer Way, Summer Gig 2026 Harbor, GIG HARBOR WALIVING 98335LOCAL www.watersedgegallery.com

GIG HARBOR HOME CRUSHES

LUXURY REAL ESTATE

A study in craft in Canterwood by PAIGE SCHULTE

here’s a particular kind of house that doesn’t announce itself. No grand double staircase, no chandelier visible from the street. Its confidence lives in the details you only notice once you’re inside — the quiet hum of heated floors underfoot on a February morning. This summer, two such homes on the market at Canterwood Golf & Country Club offer a rare chance to see what happens when craftsmanship, not just square footage, becomes the organizing principle of a home. HOPPET HOME On Old Stump Drive, a three-quarter-acre lot does something almost unheard of inside Canterwood’s gates: it gives a house room to breathe. Mature trees ring the property; the landscaping has the settled, unhurried look that only comes with two decades of growth. Local builder David Hopkins of Hoppet Homes designed the 4,538-square-foot residence around that setting rather than against it, favoring a single-story footprint with the primary suite and two additional bedrooms all living on the main floor, and a guest suite downstairs with a speakeasy that creates the ultimate vibe.

Hoppet Homes trade at the highest level (the most recent Hoppet Home sold off-market in Canterwood at $2,700,000, making it the most expensive sale in the neighborhood). OSPREY DREAM HOME A short drive away on Osprey Drive, a different kind of privacy defines the setting. Built in 2006 by Sidney Allison Homes, JR Daley built this home for his own family. This 4,796-squarefoot estate backs directly to a permanent greenbelt — western exposure, a greenbelt view, and a stillness that no future development can touch. Where Old Stump Drive spreads out, Osprey Drive turns inward and up: three ensuite bedrooms, each finished with heated floors, arranged with a boutique hotel’s sense of scale. JR Daley homes are known for their bespoke finishes, intricate tilework, designer wall treatments, and a timeless, cohesive theme.

Step inside and the great room announces the home’s real intentions: vaulted ceilings framed by reclaimed Douglas fir beams, walls of windows bringing in western exposure and natural light, and floors of hardwood, slate, and stone. In the kitchen, an Italian-made sink sits beside a Sub-Zero refrigerator. Designer wallpaper elevates the space; the custom cabinetry, wine fridge, dumbwaiter, and rich trim work read as timeless, old-money. The best part: behind an unassuming bookshelf, a door to a hidden speakeasy theater waits. It is the kind of detail homeowners tend to save for last when giving a tour because it always gets a reaction.

Walls of west-facing glass pull the day’s last light straight into the great room. The kitchen leans into serious form: an oversized island, a full Viking suite, a cocktail ice maker, and inset cabinetry finished to a standard usually reserved for far smaller, far more precious rooms. The main-level primary suite functions almost as its own apartment, complete with a private laundry room tucked just off the walk-in closet.

Outside, the backyard reads like a small resort: a covered patio warmed by its own fireplace, a built-in grill, and a gas fire pit set against a dramatic water feature powered by a pool pump, all enclosed and private. It’s the sort of outdoor room built for the Pacific Northwest’s in-between seasons.

WORTH EVERY PENNY

Outdoors, the home makes its case for year-round living: a heated in-ground pool and spa, multiple heated patios, and a covered outdoor living room fitted with dual TVs and motorized screens.

Neither can be replicated easily. That, more than any single finish or fixture, is what makes them worth a second look — not just as real estate, but as evidence of what’s still possible to build and preserve in one of the Harbor’s most storied neighborhoods. 5618 Old Stump Dr. NW is currently for sale, and 12210 Osprey Dr. NW is currently pending. PAIGE SCHULTE

• Entrepreneur & REALTOR® • 253.313.4093 • paige@askpaigeschulte.com • askpaigeschulte.com

“We chose Commencement Bank for The Midway because they understand our community, our customers, and the unique advantages and challenges of running a business here. Working with them feels like working with a neighbor because we are both invested in the success of downtown.”

ALLISHA MCVAY, VP (Left) Market Manager &

Commencement Bank

TRISH HUFF (Right)

Owner of The Midway

- TRISH HUFF, Owner of the Midway

commencementbank.com

Summer 2026 GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

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

& What Sleep Actually Health

Beauty

Does for Your Skin

THE SCIENCE BEHIND NIGHTTIME SKIN REPAIR by LIKE MEDIA TEAM

Maritime Jewelers Estate & Consignment | Fine Jewelry | Custom Designs | Expert Repair Estate Diamonds | Rare Color Gems

Offering All- American Montana Sapphires & large estate diamonds • Up to 1/2 off other retailers • Featuring “Daughter By The Sea” gem -Larimar set in sterling silver designer jewelry • Maritime and sea life designer jewelry • Ancient Greek and Roman coin jewelry

Exceptional Collection. All at Estate Prices.

Master Jeweler and Graduate Gemologist Winner “Voted Finest Jeweler”

253.853.4579 • 866.346.GEMS | 3116 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, WA Open Tuesday - Saturday, 11am - 5pm Summer 2026 GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

leep is not passive downtime for your skin. The hours between lights-out and morning are when some of the most productive biological work of the day takes place. Skin cells divide faster. Collagen builds. Damage from the day gets processed and gradually cleared. What Happens Beneath the Surface In the first few hours of deep sleep, the pituitary gland releases growth hormone. That signal triggers cell regeneration throughout the body, including the skin. Cell division peaks during the late-night hours, and the skin takes advantage of that window to repair damage accumulated during the day. Skin cell turnover is roughly twice as fast at night as during daylight hours. Blood flow to the skin increases during sleep, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the dermal layers. Studies show that transepidermal water loss also decreases overnight, allowing skin to retain more moisture than it can during waking hours. Cortisol and the Aging Connection Cortisol drops significantly during sleep. This matters because cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, breaks down collagen and triggers inflammation when it stays elevated for extended periods. Chronic poor sleep keeps cortisol levels high, which accelerates visible signs of skin aging. Deeper lines, reduced elasticity, and persistent redness are among the most common signs. Research from University Hospitals Case Medical Center found that poor sleepers showed measurable signs of increased skin aging, including more fine lines, uneven pigmentation, and slower barrier recovery after UV exposure. The skin’s ability to defend and repair itself is directly tied to sleep quality. One restless season compounds faster than most people expect. Melatonin as an Overnight Antioxidant Melatonin, the hormone that signals sleep onset, is also a potent antioxidant. During sleep, melatonin helps neutralize free radicals, including those that cause oxidative damage from UV exposure during the day. Quality sleep is one of the most effective tools for limiting long-term sun damage, working alongside daytime SPF rather than separately from it. Most topical antioxidants applied at night work alongside melatonin rather than replacing it. Longer nights can better support the body’s natural melatonin rhythm. For skin, that seasonal shift is a real advantage.

Upgrade Your BODY CARE ROUTINE Moisture loss accelerates when indoor heat turns on When heating systems kick on and outdoor humidity drops, the summer body care routine starts to fall short. Four steps make the difference. 1. Dry brush before you shower. A natural-bristle brush on dry skin stimulates circulation and lifts dead surface cells. Two to three minutes, long strokes toward the heart. 2. Keep showers warm, not hot. Hot water strips the skin barrier faster than cool water. Drop the temperature slightly, and your skin holds more moisture afterward. 3. Apply body oil within two minutes of stepping out. Slightly damp skin absorbs oil and seals in moisture. Dry skin just lets it sit on the surface. 4. Layer over the oil. A lightweight lotion underneath, oil on top. Lotion hydrates first. Oil locks it in and holds moisture through heated indoor air.

Now across three locations including Gig Harbor

A trusted legacy of pet love and expert service since 1982.

A SAFE HARBOR FOR WOMEN TO GATHER. Whether in a living room or a large event, The Anchor invites women of all ages to connect, be encouraged, and grow in faith together.

Host a gathering. Join a watch party. Come be anchored in hope.

JOIN US TODAY!

Call (253) 857.2443 gigharborkennel.com 14520 Peacock Hill Ave. NW, Gig Harbor, WA

TheAnchorGathering.com

Summer 2026 GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

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

What Gets in the Way

What Supports It

Blue light from screens suppresses melatonin production, delaying sleep onset and shortening the window for overnight repair. Alcohol disrupts deep sleep stages including the slowwave and REM sleep, shortening the window for overnight repair. Inconsistent sleep schedules disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm, reducing the predictability of hormonal cycles that skin depends on.

The routine before bed affects what happens during it. Dimming lights and reducing screen exposure in the hour before sleep prompt the brain to begin producing melatonin earlier. A cool room temperature supports deeper sleep stages.

Sleep position contributes, too. Side and stomach sleeping compress the face against a pillow for hours at a time. Over years, that repetitive pressure creates crease lines distinct from expression wrinkles. Back sleeping eliminates the compression. Caffeine consumed after midday remains active in the bloodstream for 5 to 7 hours, continuing to affect sleep architecture well into the night.

Nighttime skincare has a role too. Retinol and peptide formulas are most effective when applied before sleep. Cell turnover is already elevated overnight, and these ingredients work with that process rather than against it. A barrier-supportive moisturizer applied to slightly damp skin reduces overnight moisture loss. At least seven hours remains the research-backed recommendation for most adults. Skin reflects the difference over months, not just days. The goal is to protect the conditions that make consistent sleep possible, not to force it through effort alone.

THE SKIN’S ABILITY TO DEFEND AND REPAIR ITSELF IS DIRECTLY TIED TO SLEEP QUALITY. ONE RESTLESS SEASON COMPOUNDS FASTER THAN MOST PEOPLE EXPECT.

JAX LUXURY SALON

GIG HARBOR AESTHETICS

JAX Luxury Salon in Gig Harbor offers hair, skincare, massage, nail services, and Japanese Head Spa treatments at its new home in the Peninsula Shopping Center. The salon specializes in expert cuts, color, extensions, facials, massage, and restorative wellness services.

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.

3114 Judson St. Gig Harbor 253.851.5599 JAXSalonSpa.com

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

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.

Strengthen Your Nails

Nails thin out when moisture and nutrition drop Nails reflect what is happening inside the body as much as on the surface. Fall is when brittleness and slower growth first appear, both tied to seasonal declines in hydration and nutrition. File in one direction only. Sawing back and forth splinters the nail edge and causes peeling before it grows out. A glass or crystal file does less damage than emery boards. Oil the cuticle at night. Dry cuticles crack, creating entry points for infection. Jojoba and vitamin E penetrate most effectively because their molecules are small enough to be absorbed rather than remain on the surface. Give nails a break from gel and dip. Both weaken the nail plate over repeated use. A few weeks of clear strengthening polish between appointments gives the nail bed time to recover and rebuild.

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

NUVO AESTHETIC & REGENERATIVE MEDICINE

Lip Care: Three Moves Before the Cold Hits Exfoliate First: A gentle lip scrub once a week removes dry, flaking skin so hydrating products actually reach the surface. Layer, Don't Just Gloss: Apply a balm with petrolatum or shea butter before lipstick. It seals moisture in rather than sitting on top. Go Fragrance-Free: Flavored and scented lip balms can irritate in drier conditions. An unflavored formula with ceramides or hyaluronic acid holds up better.

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.

guide

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

Shop, Stay, THE HARBOR LIST by LIKE MEDIA TEAM

GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL Fall 2026

Play

Discover the difference natural makes NATURAL | SUSTAINABLE | AFFORDABLE

Since 2014, we have been dedicated to serving and supporting our local community by offering a unique blend of apothecary services, pain management solutions, and skincare products, using locally and regionally sourced ingredients and goods.

FoxIslandTradingCo.com 253.244.3444 Customercare@foxislandtradingco.com

THE LITTLE GYM OF GIG HARBOR ADVENTURE CAMP School’s out, the fun’s on! Adventure Camp is the perfect solution for early release days, teacher workdays, and one-day school holidays like MLK Day. Kids ages 3 to 12 enjoy gymnastics, active games, social play, crafts, and study time in a safe, engaging environment. $50 per camp day, with 5, 10, and 15-day bundles available. READ, MOVE & GROOVE Storytime just got moving! Designed for our littlest members ages 6 to 36 months, this 45-minute class combines story time, gym obstacles, and free play. Free for members, just $5 for nonmembers.

NOT JUST FOR LITTLES We also offer grade school classes! Our new Boys Tumble class is a great bonding experience for active kids who love to move. Ages 5 to 12, gymnastics-based programming built for every stage.

TheLittleGym.com | 253.987.1889 | marketing@thelittlegym.com | @ thelittlegym

Follow the gym on Facebook and Instagram for exciting content and fun videos that the kids will love

Summer 2026 GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

guide

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

The Best Gifts Come From Here Shop

Fox Island Trading Co. brings its handcrafted bath, body, home, and gift goods to Harborview Drive in downtown Gig Harbor. The shop carries organic, handmade products rooted in its Fox Island heritage, along with gifts that feel local, useful, and easy to give. It is a good first stop for soaps, candles, self-care items, and small finds that feel more personal than mass-produced. Tickled Pink keeps its pink doors open on Harborview Drive with scarves, hats, handbags, and jewelry priced for everyday wear. Styles range from classic staples to trend-forward pieces, and the shop wraps and ships, so a gift bought one afternoon can be in someone's hands by the weekend. A second Tickled Pink operates in Port Townsend, but the Gig Harbor doors are the ones locals know best. For cards, small gifts, and the kind of thank-you note people actually keep, Paper Luxe Stationery & Gifts is an easy downtown stop. The shop carries cards, stationery, and small gifts built for the season's thank-yous and hostess presents. Handwritten notes still carry weight here, and the selection reflects that, with options that feel personal rather than generic.

Stay

The Waterfront Inn holds the distinction of Gig Harbor's only true waterfront lodging. Three of the six rooms sit directly over the water, and every guest has access to a 150-foot dock plus complimentary kayaks for paddling the bay before check-out. Westin Heavenly Bed mattresses and gas fireplaces round out rooms that book up fast on weekends, so guests planning a getaway should reserve early. Restaurants, including Morso Bistro and Anthony's, are within walking distance.

The holiday season has a way of turning gift-giving into a chore. It doesn't have to be. Gig Harbor's downtown waterfront and Uptown district are full of independent shops carrying things you won't find on Amazon — handmade goods, local art, specialty food items, and one-of-a-kind finds that actually mean something. Start early, shop small, and skip the mall. The people on your list will notice the difference.

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

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

The Maritime Inn sits in the historic waterfront district, steps from restaurants and galleries. Guests check in with a glass of Washington wine, then settle into one of 15 rooms, each named for a historic local vessel, with a photo of its namesake on the wall. Gas fireplaces, in-room bar fridges, and a continental breakfast round out the stay. The Inn at Gig Harbor offers 64 rooms near Uptown, making it a convenient home base for visitors who want easy access to shopping, restaurants, and the downtown waterfront. A free hot breakfast buffet, fitness center, shuttle service, EV charging stations, business center, and meeting space add the practical amenities families and business travelers tend to need. No Cabbages Bed & Breakfast sits on Sunrise Beach Drive, a short drive from downtown and surrounded by tall trees. A treehouse suite and private rooms come with breakfasts centered on fresh popovers, homemade jam, and whatever the host is cooking that morning, with the beach just down the road.

Play

Destiny Harbor Tours runs guided boat trips out of the Gig Harbor waterfront aboard two restored U.S. Navy vessels, each certified for dozens of passengers. Captains narrate the area's maritime history while

guests watch for seals, bald eagles, and, on a good day, orcas moving through the Sound. Groups can also book private charters. The Harbor History Museum is open Wednesday through Saturday, 11 am to 4 pm, with free admission on second Saturdays. Exhibits trace the Peninsula's Croatian and Scandinavian fishing roots, and the museum's ongoing restoration of the Shenandoah, a working purse seiner built in Gig Harbor in 1925, is worth a look on its own. A one-room schoolhouse and a rotating slate of author talks and community discussions round out the calendar. Rotary Bark Park on Bujacich Road gives dogs room to run in a fenced, off-leash setting designed for play and socializing. The park includes varied terrain, picnic areas, parking, and space for pet owners to settle in while their dogs burn off energy. It is open daily from 7 am to dusk, making it an easy stop for visitors traveling with four-legged family members. Tuladhara Yoga's Uptown studio runs a full class schedule for every level, from meditation-focused sessions to more physical flows, in a bright, highceilinged space with free parking steps from the door. New students can drop in without committing to a full membership, and the studio sits close enough to Uptown's restaurants for a meal afterward.

Give Back with the Thanksgiving Basket Brigade Each November, Gig Harbor rallies to provide complete Thanksgiving meals to families in need through the Gig Harbor Basket Brigade. What started small in 1994 now helps hundreds of households across the peninsula every year. Volunteer to pack or deliver baskets, or nominate a family who could use some support this season. Learn more at GigHarborFoundation.org/gig-harbor-basket-brigade.

Summer 2026 GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

FUN FACT Gig Harbor takes its name from the small rowing boats called gigs that a U.S. Navy survey crew used to explore the inlet in 1841. The crew was charting Puget Sound when they found the harbor, paddled in to take a closer look, and the name stuck.

HARBOR HISTORY MUSEUM

UPTOWN GIG HARBOR

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!

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.

4121 Harborview Dr. | Gig Harbor 253.858.6722

4701 Pt. Fosdick Dr. Gig Harbor 253.851.4557

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 253.514.0187

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.

3212 Harborview Dr. | Gig Harbor 253.858.1818

Watch the Salmon Run

Every November, chum salmon make their way back to Donkey Creek, and Donkey Creek Park at 8714 N. Harborview Drive puts you right at the water's edge to watch. A gravel trail follows the creek past the Harbor History Museum down to the bay. Crescent Creek Park on Vernhardson Street has three viewing platforms above the stream. Harbor WildWatch leads free guided tours at Donkey Creek each fall. Dates at HarborWildWatch.org.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE 2027 CHAFE 150

JUNE 19, 2027

PRESENTED BY

Sandpoint

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GOLD SPONSORS:

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SILVER SPONSORS:

• Sandpoint Living Local • Jason Duchow Photography • Aspire Institute • Alpine Shop • Keokee Marketing • Sandpoint Furniture • Selle Valley Construction • Visit Sandpoint • Ivano’s Catering • Interstate Concrete & Asphalt • Selkirk Glass and Cabinets • Washington Trust Bank • Columbia Bank • Sandpoint Furniture Carpet One • SOK Designs • Alliant Insurance Services • Winter Ridge • Edward Jones • Matchwood Brewing Company • The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce • Clif and Carol Warren • Pierce Smith • Steve and Julie Meyer

Summer 2026 GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

food, fun & drinks

FALL 2026 A Taste of the Season From fresh ingredients and comforting favorites to festive dishes and memorable drinks, this season offers plenty of reasons to gather around the table and enjoy something delicious. 82

x Smoked Queso with Chorizo Ingredients Ingredients (serves 8) MethodInstructions • 8 oz fresh Mexican chorizo, casing xremoved x • 1 lb white American cheese, cubed • 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chiles, drained • 1/2 cup whole milk • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo, minced, plus 1 teaspoon adobo sauce • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, pickled jalapeños, sour cream

• Cook chorizo in a medium saucepan over medium heat, breaking it up as it goes, until browned and cooked through, then drain excess fat and set aside. • Add cheese, drained tomatoes and chiles, milk, chipotle, adobo sauce, and smoked paprika to the pan and cook over low heat, stirring often, until fully melted and smooth. • Fold in the cooked chorizo, stir to combine, and transfer to a serving dish or small slow cooker set to warm.

NETSHED NO. 9

THE HUB AT GIG HARBOR

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.

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.

3313 Harborview Dr. | Gig Harbor 253.858.7175

TIDES TAVERN 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

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

OLALLA VINEYARD & WINERY

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

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

Game Day Done Right

For Every Kickoff 1. Set Up a Station: Arrange food and drinks at one spot so guests can graze without creating traffic. Less hosting, more watching. 2. Build the Board Early: Prep the spread an hour before kickoff, cover it, and refrigerate it. Pull it out when guests arrive. 3. Keep Drinks Cold and Separate: A dedicated cooler for beverages keeps the kitchen clear, and ice lasts longer when food isn't competing for the same lid.

Summer 2026 GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

guide

A LOCAL

FOOD, FUN & DRINKS

What’s

October 3

on tap?

favorite

Sip & Stroll

ip & Stroll sends guests along Gig Harbor's downtown waterfront on October 3, stopping into local shops, restaurants, and beverage partners for small bites and pours. Hosted by the Gig Harbor Downtown Waterfront Alliance, it's a self-guided Saturday with drinks, food, and the waterfront all on foot. Tickets and full details available at GHDWA.org/sip-stroll.

SIPS AND SMALL BITES FROM LOCAL RESTAURANTS AND BEVERAGE PARTNERS, ALL ALONG GIG HARBOR'S DOWNTOWN WATERFRONT.

Fireside Apple Cider 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

Ingredients (Serves 2) • • • • • • •

16 oz fresh apple cider 3 oz bourbon (omit for mocktail version) 2 tbsp honey 2 cinnamon sticks 4 whole cloves 1 star anise 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Optional: orange peel twist, cinnamon stick, or thin apple slice

Instructions

• Combine cider, honey, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. • Warm until steaming, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to dissolve the honey; do not let it boil. • Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and bourbon if using, then strain into two warmed mugs.

Optional: Top each mug with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon. To make a batch, multiply the recipe and keep it warm in a slow cooker on low.

Summer 2026 GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

recipe

Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Maple-Dijon Glaze and Roasted Root Vegetables INGREDIENTS

WARM, SAVORY, AND MADE FOR THE

season

PORK TENDERLOIN

2 pork tenderloins (about 1 lb each), silverskin removed 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp kosher salt 1/2 tsp black pepper 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp fresh thyme

MAPLE-DIJON GLAZE 3 tbsp pure maple syrup 2 tbsp whole grain mustard 1 tbsp Dijon mustard 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar 1 clove garlic, minced Pinch of kosher salt and black pepper

ROASTED ROOT VEGETABLES

2 medium parsnips, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes 2 tbsp olive oil 1/2 tsp kosher salt 1/4 tsp black pepper 1/2 tsp fresh thyme

INSTRUCTIONS • Preheat oven to 425°F and line a large sheet pan with parchment. Toss parsnips, carrots, and sweet potato with olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme, spread in a single layer, and roast for 20 minutes. • While vegetables roast, whisk together maple syrup, both mustards, vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and set aside. • Pat tenderloins dry and rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. Heat an oven safe skillet over medium high heat and sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned all over. • Brush tenderloins generously with half the glaze, transfer skillet to the oven alongside the vegetables, and roast for 12 to 15 minutes until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. • Rest pork for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with the roasted vegetables and drizzle the remaining glaze over the top.

86 86

YOUR LANDING SPOT For GREAT FOOD The Hub is your local spot for delicious, homemade meals all autumn long. Soak in the cozy season with a blanket on our heated patio, or come inside to embrace the warmth of the fireplace while enjoying hearty, hand-tossed pizzas, juicy burgers, house made soups and salads, Alaskan cod and chips, and our fan-favorite Cajun tots. Grab a seat, bring some friends, relax and let us serve up something you’re going to love.

TheHubGigHarbor.com 1208 26th Ave NW, Gig Harbor, WA

Summer 2026 GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

calendar of events

SEASONAL 2026

EVENT OF THE SEASON!

Shop the Harbor

hop the Harbor returns to Gig Harbor’s historic waterfront for its second year on Saturday, November 14, from noon to 8 pm. More than 50 participating businesses will offer exclusive promotions throughout the day, including local boutiques, galleries, bookstores, home décor shops, breweries, wineries, restaurants, cafés, wellness businesses and artisan makers. Guests can enjoy live holiday music, festive photo opportunities, complimentary snacks, cocoa and coffee stations, a Holiday Sweater Contest and shuttle service throughout the waterfront district. Each ticket also includes a printed Holiday Gift Guide featuring special offers and locally curated gift ideas. Attendees can vote for their favorite decorated storefront while exploring participating businesses and discovering new places to shop, dine and gather that day. Standard tickets are $40 and include the event guide, commemorative tote, festive accessory, contest entry, refreshments, entertainment and shuttle access. The $120 VIP Experience, available to guests 21 and older, includes all Standard ticket benefits plus a pre-event brunch with a mimosa bar, access to the VIP Lounge and Parcel Concierge, a private wine tasting and music hour, additional specials and a VIP care package. This year’s VIP experience is sponsored by Julia Runyan. Tickets go on sale October 17 at 9 am. GHDWA.org/shop-the-harbor

November

SELF STORAGE SIMPLIFIED.

STORAGE HIGHLIGHTS Climate Control Secure Facility & Gate Access Covered Loading Door On-Site Staff Elevators Moving Carts

Secure. Convenient. Local. Website:

Reviews:

Convenient Location 6AM - 10PM Access Sizes to Fit Your Needs Merchandise Available

253.254.5924 | 5116 89TH ST., GIG HARBOR, WA Locally Owned, Professionally Managed by LIVING CubeSmart Summer 2026 GIG HARBOR LOCAL 89

SEPT.

2026

HarborHounds.com

Harbor Hounds

2427

GigHarborFilm.org

Gig Harbor Film Festival

GigHarborOpenStudioTour.org

Open Studio Tour

CiderSwig.org

Cider Swig

1820

TOP PICKS THIS MONTH! GigHarborOpenStudioTour.org

Open Studio Tour

The Open Studio Tour returns to Gig Harbor September 18 through 20, inviting visitors inside the working spaces of local artists. The free, self-guided event features painters, potters, sculptors, and jewelers demonstrating their work and sharing their creative process. Studios are open from 10 am to 5 pm each day. Visitors can explore a range of mediums, from ceramics and sculpture to painting and jewelry, with maps available to help plan stops throughout the tour.

1820

CiderSwig.org

Cider Swig Cider Swig returns for its 13th year on September 26 from noon to 5 pm at LeMay America’s Car Museum. Hosted by the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation, the festival features more than 130 ciders from Northwest cidermakers, plus beer, mead, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic options. Live music, food trucks and the Battle of the Pies apple pie contest add to the day. Proceeds benefit local environmental education, conservation, and restoration projects through the Lu Winsor grants.

Peninsula Light Co.

Pier into the

Night

Take a peek into the underwater world of Gig Harbor Bay and learn about its unique sea life.

PROGRAM FEATURES Underwater live video SCUBA divers in action Large projection screen Biologist interpretation

MARITIME PIER 3003 Harborview DR Gig Harbor, WA 98335

October 3 - 7pm November 7 - 6pm *December 5 - 5pm

7 SEAS BREWING 2905 Harborview DR Gig Harbor, WA 98335

October 21 - 7pm November 11 - 6pm December 16 - 5pm

hip with

In partners

Summer 2026 GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

OCT.

2026

PTSDFoundation.org/pull-for-a-soldier

Pull for a Soldier

02 23

PenMetParks.org

Monster Mash Bash

PenMetParks.org

Scarecrow Festival

GHDWA.org/trick-or-treat

Trick or Treat the Harbor

03 31

TOP PICKS THIS MONTH! PTSDFoundation.org/pull-for-a-soldier

Pull for a Soldier

Pull for a Soldier returns to the Gig Harbor Sportsman Club on October 2 for a competitive trap shoot benefiting the Permission to Start Dreaming Foundation. Teams of five take to the range, with shells and clay included in registration. The event welcomes both first-time shooters and experienced participants for a day of friendly competition. Proceeds support programs serving first responders, military members, and veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress and combat trauma. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

GHDWA.org/trick-or-treat

Trick or Treat the Harbor Trick or Treat the Harbor takes over Gig Harbor’s downtown waterfront October 31 from 3 to 6 pm. Businesses along Harborview Drive and surrounding streets welcome trick-or-treaters with candy, decorated storefronts, and plenty of Halloween spirit. Families can walk the waterfront at their own pace, stopping at participating shops throughout the district. No registration is required. The Gig Harbor Downtown Waterfront Alliance organizes the free event as part of its seasonal programming for the downtown community.

NOV.

2026

GigHarborKiwanis.org/ veterans-day-celebration

Veterans Day Celebration

GigHarborTurkeyTrot.com

Turkey Trot

20Gig Harbor Basket Brigade 21 GigHarborFoundation.org/ gig-harbor-basket-brigade

PHS.PSD401.net

Peninsula High Winterfest

2829

TOP PICKS THIS MONTH! GigHarborKiwanis.org/veterans-day-celebration

Veterans Day Celebration

The Gig Harbor Kiwanis Club hosts its Veterans Day Celebration November 11 from 11:30 am to 2 pm at the Gig Harbor Vintage Aero Museum. The annual gathering brings veterans and community members together for lunch, guest speakers, interviews, and music, with an emphasis on firsthand stories and shared experiences. Veterans attend at no cost. Organized by the Gig Harbor Kiwanis Club, the event offers a community-centered way to recognize military service and those who have served.

GigHarborFoundation.org/gig-harbor-basket-brigade

Gig Harbor Basket Brigade

The Gig Harbor Basket Brigade begins November 20 with basket staging, followed by assembly and delivery on November 21. Volunteers with the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation prepare around 1,300 Thanksgiving baskets each year for families across Gig Harbor, the Key Peninsula, South Kitsap County, and nearby military communities. More than 450 volunteers participate in the two-day effort. Families may be nominated to receive a basket, and community members can also support the program through donations and volunteer participation.

11 2021

Summer 2026 GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

DEC.

2026

0506

TideFest.org

Tidefest

GigHarborYC.com

Lighted Boat Parade

GHDWA.org/holidays-in-the-harbor

Christmas Tree Lighting

GHDWA.org/holidays-in-the-harbor

Lighted Car Parade

TOP PICKS THIS MONTH! GHDWA.org/holidays-in-the-harbor

Christmas Tree Lighting Gig Harbor’s Christmas Tree Lighting returns December 5 at Skansie Brothers Park, marking the start of the holiday season along the downtown waterfront. Families gather for the first lighting of the community tree, with seasonal activities traditionally including live music, cookies, cocoa, and a visit from Santa. Part of the Downtown Waterfront Alliance’s Holidays in the Harbor programming, the event brings the community together at one of Gig Harbor’s most recognizable waterfront gathering places for a festive evening.

GigHarborYC.com

Lighted Boat Parade The Gig Harbor Yacht Club’s Lighted Boat Parade returns December 12, with decorated vessels circling the harbor twice after departing from Arabella’s Landing marina. Boaters of all kinds are invited to participate, with past parades featuring everything from kayaks to larger fishing vessels. Spectators can watch from Skansie Brothers Park, Gig Harbor Lighthouse Park, Jerisich Dock, and the Maritime Pier. Registration for participating boats is free and open to both members and nonmembers.

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EX PERIENCED TECHNICIANS | CO MPETITIVE PRI C I NG | QUA LIT Y PRO MI S E Summer 2026 GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

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Another Waterfront Win SOLD ON THE GIG HARBOR BAY!

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HELPING YOU FIND THE HOME YOU’ LL

Love

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.

MARIA KALAFATICH YOUR GIG HARBOR LUXURY REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST

253.376.5559 MariaKalafatich@Windermere.com MariaKalafatichRealEstate.com

Summer 2026 GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

Live Inspired,

secure your future

Where Local Legacy Meets Modern Real Estate. For more than 37 years, Julia Runyan has built her real estate career on relationships and referrals—a testament to the trust she has earned and the lasting connections she has built as co-owner of the South Puget Sound’s #1 RE/MAX office and one of its top agents. Guided by her mantra, “Live Inspired, Secure Your Future,” she leads with integrity, experience, and heart—helping clients navigate every move with exceptional care. Connect with Julia to begin your next chapter in the South Sound.

Julia Runyan The Runyan Group - RE/MAX Exclusive 7201 Pioneer Way, Suite A 101 Gig Harbor, Washington

253.549.5110 Jewels@juliarunyan.com JuliaRunyan.com

MILLVILLE MILLVILLE PIZZACO. CO. PIZZA

Signature pizzas, classic favorites, and thoughtfully curated wines to match

flavors, ingredients B Bold ol dfl avo rs, F Fresh resh ingred ients

WE’VEGOT GOT WE’VE YOUCOVERED COVERED YOU

(253) 514 - 8626

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

11:00am - 8:00pm questions@millvillepizzaco.com 3409 Harborview Dr, Gig Harbor, WA 98332

Reach out to learn more: Reach out to learn more: Summer 2026 GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

www.reallygreatsite.com

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