Top Small Towns in Washington: Gig Harbor

Yahoo for Friday! It's the last weekend of summer, I am soo sad to see it go. If you have read my blog for very long, you know how much I love cool rainy weather....ha not!  Anyway, I am still not done sharing posts from my trips around the sound the past few months. Up next: Gig Harbor.

 Experience the beauty of this west sound gem on an old fashioned trolley car ride!


Gig Harbor is a vibrant little city located on the west side of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.   It is known to some as the "Gateway to the Olympic Peninsula." There are so many beautiful towns and outdoor wonders to discover, on the peninsula.

This maritime city is considered one of the most picturesque small cities in America . A few sailor boys back in the 1840's arrived here with the Wilkes Expedition.  The 3 men came into the harbor on a longboat called a "Captain's Gig".

They were visiting from British Columbia( another breathtaking destination you must see- I was raised there!), and liked it so well they decided to stay. I wish I had that easy of an entry into the good ole USA, lotsa red tape!

I have been visiting Gig Harbor for many years,  it is definitely one of my favorite daytrip destinations. This is kind of crazy: I just found out this summer about the trolley ride! It runs back and forth through the city, from Uptown to Downtown.

It was so much fun to ride, and was a great way to see other parts of the city. The downside- the trolley only runs from June through early September.

Where else can you ride all over the city for one buck! The ticket is good all day and you can get on and off the train as you please.  There are 3 main stops on the route and one of them is close to the Cushman Trail.

 If you are up for a long hike, bike ride or jog winding along side highway 16- it is totally worth the effort!  The trail ends at the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and you will be in awe of the jaw dropping scenery.

This was another first for me- walking across the bridge. Actually there are twin bridges- walking across one was quite a trek! The second span was built 7 or so years ago to help ease traffic congestion.  Stay tuned - a post is coming soon featuring photography of the bridge.

Downtown:

The  downtown area on waterfront has beautiful sweeping views of the sound. Offered here are the usual fun water activities and sports of other coastal towns in the west sound. One of my favorite things to do is discover new and unique coffee shops.

The Java Clay Café is one to check out. This isn't your average coffee shop: it's  also a pottery studio.  They often  host ladies night out, and kid parties as well.  If you are a fan of lavender flavor, the lavender ice tea here is so yummy!

Uptown:

Uptown Gig Harbor is a premier shopping destination in the west sound.  This is a fabulous place to shop, dine, and hang out. Summer concerts, a farmers market and other community events are hosted here through out the year. If you are a fan of Mexican cuisine, then be sure to stop in at Blue Agave. The food is authentic and very reasonable in price. National chain retailers as well as local merchants offer the latest in chic fashion trends. 

It's getting late, so time to sign off.  Maybe you will experience the charm of this lovely city in the near future. Hopefully I have inspired you to explore your local area more- any big plans this weekend? Enjoy the last weekend of summer!

                                                                  XO Valerie

If you've never been to Gig Harbor, pin the post and save for later, thank you!