Gig Harbor, Washington 98335

When we first moved out west, our location was in Salem/McMinnville, Oregon. Sure it was nice to see new places, but it wasn't for me. I stuck out like a sore thumb. We recently relocated to Gig Harbor, Washington. Scott, my wonderful husband, works just north of where we live in a city called Port Orchard.  We both love the area of Gig Harbor, but for different reasons....

For me, I like living here because I can drive 5 minutes east to Harborview which is where there are quaint, little shops and wonderful food. Five minutes south, I can be at the movie theatre, the spa, or Panera Bread. Travel five minutes north, I'll be at Target! I'm in the middle of everything, yet surrounded by trees. The weather here is beautiful! Even though our summer only lasts 2-3 months, it doesn't get hotter than 80˚F. Locals say that it's humid here, but it's nothing compared to the summer days in Chattanooga, TN.

Scott loves Gig Harbor because of the Puget Sound. I hope I spelled that right. In simple terms, he loves the water! He's been wanting to get sea kayaks, already and we haven't been here that long. Plus, this location is about four hours closer to the world renowned ski resort-Whistler. He's been nagging me about getting a passport so we can go this winter. He's been to Olympic National Park (our neighbor to the west) a few times already to hike. That man just can't sit still very long. Our house that we are renting has a basketball hoop in the back yard. If I can't find him inside, he's usually outside shooting hoops.

We've eaten at a few places in town. Our favorite joint is called "Kelly's". They have, hands down, the best food around (so far). When I get a craving for biscuits and gravy, that's where I go. It's not as good as my aunt Gail's, but I'm not in the south anymore either. "Tide's Tavern" is another place we have eaten. It's an over 21 kind of place that serves real american food. Their clam chowder was amazing, but my sandwich wasn't too great. We tried an upscale place next to Tide's Tavern next. That place had good lobster bisque and bread, but it made me sick.... "Red Rooster" is another restaurant off of Harborview. We went for brunch, and every seat was filled. I ordered french toast, and Scott ordered oatmeal. Both were good, but took a long time to make. I will definitely go back and try the biscuit and gravy sometime to see if it competes with Kelly's.

The houses on Harborview are very old and quaint. Most have been updated and look spectacular. We love walking the sidewalk fantasizing about owning one. Maybe someday, we will but not in Gig Harbor. The price of houses here are twice as much than in Chattanooga. We plan on moving back to the south after Scott has put in his time here. There's nothing quite like home. 

Here are some fun facts about Gig Harbor...

During a heavy storm in 1840, Captain Charles Wilkes brought the Captain's gig (small boat) into the harbor for protection. Later, with the publication of Wilkes 1841 Map of the Oregon Territory, he named the sheltered bay Gig Harbor.-wikipedia

Commercial fishing, boat building, and logging dominated the economy until the construction of the first Tacoma Narrows Bridge in 1940. Unfortunately, the first bridge collapsed just months after it was completed. Another bridge was built in 1950 to replace it. The underwater remains of the highway deck of the old suspension bridge act as a large artificial reef, and these are listed on the National Register of Historic Places with reference number 92001068.-wikipedia

Fortunately, no human lives were lost....

Gig Harbor
Climate chart (explanation)
J F M A M J J A S O N D 5.4 47 35 4.4 50 36 4.2 55 39 2.9 60 42 2 66 47 1.6 71 52 0.9 76 55 0.8 77 55 1.4 71 51 3.4 61 45 6.1 52 40 5.9 47 35 Average max. and min. temperatures in °F Precipitation totals in inches