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Gig Harbor, Washington
—  City  —
Location of Gig Harbor, Washington
Coordinates: 47°19′37″N 122°35′11″W / 47.32694°N 122.58639°W / 47.32694; -122.58639Coordinates: 47°19′37″N 122°35′11″W / 47.32694°N 122.58639°W / 47.32694; -122.58639
Country	United States
State	Washington
County	Pierce
Area
- Total	4.4 sq mi (11.3 km2)
- Land	4.4 sq mi (11.3 km2)
- Water	0.0 sq mi (0.0 km2)
Elevation	36 ft (11 m)
Population (2000)
- Total	6,465
- Density	1,485.2/sq mi (573.4/km2)
Time zone	Pacific (PST) (UTC-8)
- Summer (DST)	PDT (UTC-7)
ZIP codes	98329, 98332, 98335
Area code(s)	253
FIPS code	53-26735[1]
GNIS feature ID	1512239[2]
Website	www.cityofgigharbor.net

Gig Harbor is the name of both a bay on Puget Sound and a city on its shore in Pierce County, Washington, United States. The population was 6,465 at the 2000 census.

Gig Harbor is known as the gateway to the Olympic Peninsula. Due to its close access to several state and city parks, and historic waterfront that includes boutiques and fine dining, it has become a popular tourist destination. Gig Harbor is located along State Route 16, about six miles (10 km) from its origin at Interstate 5, over the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. A 1.2 billion dollar project to add a second span to the bridge was recently completed.^[3] During off-peak traffic times, Tacoma can be reached in 20 minutes and Seattle in less than an hour.

Based on per capita income, Gig Harbor ranks 49th of 522 areas in the state of Washington to be ranked.

History

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.

1867 brought fisherman Samuel Jerisich to the Gig Harbor area, along with many other immigrants from Sweden, Norway, and Croatia.

Gig Harbor was officially incorporated on July 12, 1946. Commercial fishing, boat building, and logging dominated the economy until the construction of the first Tacoma Narrows Bridge in 1940. Until then, the primary method of transportation between Gig Harbor and the economic center of nearby Tacoma was by steamship. Starting in 1836 steamships started plying the waters of Puget Sound and quickly developed into what was eventually dubbed "The Mosquito Fleet." Gig Harbor, isolated from Tacoma and Seattle by Puget Sound and the Tacoma Narrows, could not be reached by automobile or horseback except via a very long and arduous trip south around Puget Sound and Hammersly Inlet. Unfortunately, the boom was to be short lived as the first bridge collapsed just months after it was completed. The resource demands of World War II prevented another bridge from being built until 1950. Between the time when the first bridge collapsed and when the second bridge was completed, a state run ferry service delivered drivers directly into downtown Gig Harbor. Remains of the ferry dock can still be seen just outside the mouth of the harbor at the Southeast end of Harborview Drive. The area has been turned into a small park where the public can see a panoramic view of the Cascade Mountains, Pt. Defiance, and Mt. Rainier. After the completion of the replacement bridge in 1950, Gig Harbor and the surrounding area quickly began to develop as a suburb of neighboring Tacoma. First the area saw substantial residential development as families retreated from Tacoma in favor of the tree-lined neighborhoods and waterfront lots available on the Gig Harbor Peninsula. What had once been summer cabins became primary residences for people who commuted daily over the bridge to Tacoma. Medium sized housing development sprang up across the peninsula. The 1980s and 1990's saw substantial retail development near State Route 16 to service the growing residential population, shifting the economic center of Gig Harbor out of downtown. For some time, city leaders were unsure how to handle the growth while maintaining the character of the city. Ultimately, the city decided to aggressively annex the surrounding rural areas and convert them into high-density commercial and housing districts, forever changing the rural character of the area but assuring that little new development happens in the historic downtown area, preserving its history and charm. By the 1970s, local merchants had begun actively promoting the downtown area for its historic value, and tourism became prominent on the list of economic engines in Gig Harbor. Today, downtown Gig Harbor is a very active place for tourists with shopping, dining, and recreation on every block. The last large swath of undeveloped waterfront property at the South end of downtown, was recently developed into the headquarters of the Russell Foundation, named for George Russell, founder of Russell Financial.

Today, despite a long history of boat building, very little manufacturing exists in Gig Harbor. The only remaining boatbuilder in Gig Harbor is Gig Harbor Boatworks, which builds rowing and sailing dinghies in classic style using modern materials. Until recently, Tiderunner Boats maintained a manufacturing facility at the North end of the bay. The historic Skansie boatyard is now primarily a maintenance facility for yachts and pleasure craft. The Glein/Eddon/Gig Harbor boatyard was recently purchased by the city after spending many years sitting idle. The city intends to use it as a working waterfront museum.

Commercial fishing is still of great cultural, if somewhat lesser economic, importance to Gig Harbor, and many commercial fishing boats make Gig Harbor their home port. Most, however, do not rely on Puget Sound to gather their catch, rather, finding it more profitable to venture north to Alaska to fish in the Summer. Gig Harbor's fishing fleet still gathers the first weekend in June (during the Maritime Gig Festival) in the center of the bay for the annual Blessing of the Fleet ceremony. In recent years, due to the dwindling number of remaining fishing boats, pleasure craft have been allowed to participate in the ceremony, somewhat lessening its authenticity, but increasing its visibility and participation.

A new Tacoma Narrows Bridge has been built alongside the existing bridge and opened July 2007, doubling past capacity. With it will come new economic challenges and benefits for the city of Gig Harbor and the surrounding community.

Tourism

There are a number of attractions for locals and tourists alike to enjoy in Gig Harbor.

As the first destination on the Key Peninsula after crossing the Narrows Bridge, this self-styled "quaint Maritime Village" is a favorite destination for people all over the world. This is a city that has preserved its history but also has many events that make this a vibrant community with incredible scenery, galleries, upscale shops, restaurants, beautiful gardens and many recreational activities.

A popular restaurant in Gig Harbor is The Tides Tavern. Located at the South end of downtown on Harborview Drive, this tavern has been around for decades. It stands on pilings built over the waters of Gig Harbor Bay and provides outdoor, as well as indoor seating for patrons. Enjoying a meal on the waterside deck is a great opportunity to watch boats enter and leave the harbor. On summer days, there is a non-stop parade of boats passing in front of the deck. The Tides Tavern also has its own private (but for public use) dock so that patrons may arrive by boat. In the summer, many boats will spend their entire day tied alongside the dock while their owners socialize with other boaters and bar patrons.

Immediately adjacent to the Tides Tavern is the Russell Foundation Building; one of Gig Harbor's most aesthetically pleasing projects in recent years. The building is built mostly below street level, so from the street you can walk directly onto its garden like public roof space which provides views of the harbor and educates visitors about Gig Harbor's history.

A couple blocks north on Harborview Drive is Jerisich Park. This park, combined with the adjacent Skansie Brothers Park, is a large, open, waterfront space with grass, decks, benches, and a covered Pavilion for community events. It is also home to the Fisherman Memorial, one of Gig Harbor's popular landmarks. This large bronze statue, which depicts a fisherman hauling in his catch, was commissioned in memory of Gig Harbor's fishermen, with special gratitude to those who lost their lives at sea. The parks often play host to fairs and events ranging from the annual Holiday tree lighting ceremony and Blessing of the Fleet, to musical concerts and art festivals. There is also a public use moorage dock where boaters can stay, free of charge, for a limited time.

At the mouth of the harbor a short sand spit is open to the public and is the site of a red navigational hazard light built into a miniature lighthouse model constructed to resemble the quaint lighthouses of yore. The beach is public, but access is difficult and parking is limited.

Gig Harbor City Park (aka Crescent Creek Park) offers a variety of activities, and is especially geared toward larger groups and families. A children's play area features modern equipment to climb and play on, as well as swings for infants. The park also offers a baseball diamond in the upper area of the park, a basketball court and tennis courts. GH City Park is adjacent to a stream as well and has teaching plaques on stream conservation. A field in the lower part of the park offers picnic benches and recreational area for informal games and sports. There is a large wooden picnic shelter with fresh water and wood stoves. The park is popular in the summer for family reunions, picnics, and group gatherings.

The City of Gig Harbor has numerous hotels and inns as well as bed and breakfasts. There are two moderate sized hotels in Gig Harbor. The INN at Gig Harbor, features 64 rooms, a full service restaurant, and over 4,000 square feet (400 m²) of meeting space. The Best Western Wesley Inn offers just over 70 rooms, with over 4,000 square feet (400 m²) of meeting space. The Maritime Inn is located on Harborview Drive in downtown Gig Harbor and

Geography

Entering Gig Harbor

Gig Harbor is located at 47°19′37″N 122°35′11″W / 47.327032°N 122.586426°W / 47.327032; -122.586426 (47.327032, -122.586426).^[4]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.4 square miles (11.3 km²), all of it land.

Education

The Peninsula School District is the district covering the city of Gig Harbor and the Peninsula.

High Schools
Gig Harbor High School
Peninsula High School
Henderson Bay Alternative High School

Middle Schools
Goodman Middle School
Kopachuck Middle School
Key Peninsula Middle School
Harbor Ridge Middle School

Elementary Schools
Artondale Elementary School
Discovery Elementary School
Evergreen Elementary School
Harbor Heights Elementary School
http://www.hhes.psd401.net/

Minter Creek Elementary School
Purdy Elementary School
Vaughn Elementary School
Voyager Elementary School

Demographics

As of the census of 2000,^[1] there were 6,465 people, 2,880 households, and 1,765 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,485.2 people per square mile (573.8/km²). There were 3,085 housing units at an average density of 708.7/sq mi (273.8/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 94.17% White, 1.11% African American, 0.63% Native American, 1.53% Asian, 0.22% Pacific Islander, 0.54% from other races, and 1.79% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.03% of the population.

There were 2,880 households out of which 25.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.0% were married couples living together, 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.7% were non-families. 33.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 16.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.16 and the average family size was 2.75.

In the city the population was spread out with 20.3% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 23.5% from 25 to 44, 25.7% from 45 to 64, and 23.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females there were 83.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $43,456, and the median income for a family was $57,587. Males had a median income of $46,250 versus $28,487 for females. The per capita income for the city was $28,318. About 3.5% of families and 5.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.8% of those under the age of 18 and 4.1% of those ages 65 or older.

Politics

At the state level, Gig Harbor is part of the 26th Legislative District - which runs from the Tacoma Narrows in the south to Bremerton in the north. It is represented in the Washington State Legislature by Senator Derek Kilmer (D - Gig Harbor), Representative Jan Angel (R - Port Orchard) and Representative Larry Seaquist (D - Gig Harbor).

At the congressional level, Gig Harbor is part of Washington's 6th Congressional District. It is represented by Congressman Norm Dicks and Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell.

Noteworthy residents

• Jay Faerber, comic book writer.^[5]
• Kenneth Pinyan, Renowned animal lover.

Media appearances

• Scenes from Enough, starring Jennifer Lopez, were filmed in various locations around Gig Harbor.^[6]

References

External links

• Official city website
• City of Gig Harbor's Official Visitor Website
• Gig Harbor - Peninsula Area Chamber of Commerce
• Gig Harbor - Kitsap Peninsula Visitor & Convention Bureau
• Gig Harbor, Washington at the Open Directory Project

Municipalities and communities of Pierce County, Washington County seat: Tacoma Cities Auburn‡ | Bonney Lake | Buckley | DuPont | Edgewood | Fife | Fircrest | Gig Harbor | Lakewood | Milton‡ | Orting | Pacific‡ | Puyallup | Roy | Sumner | Tacoma | University Place Towns Carbonado | Eatonville | Ruston | South Prairie | Steilacoom | Wilkeson CDPs Artondale | Ashford | Elbe | Elk Plain | Fort Lewis | Fox Island | Frederickson | Graham | Greenwater | McChord AFB | Midland | Parkland | Prairie Ridge | South Hill | Spanaway | Summit | Waller Unincorporated communities Browns Point | Burnett | Cascadia | Dash Point | Home | Kapowsin | Longbranch | McKenna | Paradise | Wauna Footnotes ‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties

The Mosquito Fleet of Puget Sound Sidewheelers Alaskan  • Beaver  • Eliza Anderson  • George E. Starr  • Idaho  • North Pacific  • Olympian  • T.J. Potter  • Wilson G. Hunt  • Yosemite ”They managed to keep their particular sort of jaunty, wind-swept beauty until the end.” – Newell, Gordon R., Ships of the Inland Sea Sternwheelers Bailey Gatzert  • City of Shelton  • Greyhound  • Hassalo (1880)  • Multnomah  • S.G. Simpson  • WT Preston Propellers Athlon  • Clallam  • M/V Coho  • Crystal  • Cy Peck  • Daily  • Daring  • Dart  • Dauntless  • Defiance  • Dix  • Dove  • Fleetwood  • Kingston  • Flyer (1891) • Hattie Hansen  • Island Princess  • Islander (1) • Mary D. Hume  • Mizpah  • Monticello (2) • Rosalie • Tacoma • Virginia V Steamboat lines Black Ball Line • Oregon Railway and Navigation Co. • Oregon Steam Navigation Co. • Puget Sound Navigation Co. • Hunt Bros. • McDowell Transportation Co. Steamboat captains William Ballard • Matthew McDowell Builders and shipyards John J. Holland • Robert Moran • King & Winge Steamboats in other areas of the Pacific Northwest Lake Washington • Columbia River • Oregon Coast • Willamette River • Yaquina Bay and river • Coquille River • Cowlitz River • Grays Harbor • Chehalis River • Hoquiam River • Willapa Bay • Columbia River (Wenatchee Reach) • Lake Crescent • Arrow Lakes • Upper Fraser River • Skeena River • Lake Okanagan • Thompson=Shuswap • Slocan Lake • Kootenay Lake and the lower Kootenai River • Columbia Lake and upper Kootenai River • Peace & Finaly Rivers • Stikine River

From Wikitravel

Gig Harbor [1] is located on the Kitsap Peninsula in the Puget Sound region of Washington state.

Gig Harbor, the southern gateway to the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas, lies just across the dramatic Tacoma Narrows Bridge from Tacoma. This tucked-away town sits on a scenic inlet framing a postcard-perfect view of Mount Rainier. Gig Harbor's strong Scandinavian and Croatian heritage has always influenced its nautical lifestyle and fishing-village character. Today specialty shops, creative boutiques, art galleries and waterfront restaurants add to its appeal and make it a wonderful get-away.

Get in

By car

A car is really quite requisite to see the Gig Harbor area as a whole. Gig Harbor is easy to get to by car from the rest of the Puget Sound area. From Interstate-5 take the Washington State Hwy. 16 west across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. The first four exits after the bridge are all Gig Harbor exits.

Get around

While there is public transportation provided by Pierce County Transit, Gig Harbor visitors will need to do most of their exploring by boat, car, or on foot.

The town name suggests that this is a harbor town. Boaters can moor in the harbor itself, a part of Puget Sound, and explore the many shops, cafes, and galleries downtown.

Those coming in on four wheels can struggle to find parking in downtown, but once they do, exploring the town by foot is well worth it.

See

Must-see areas in Gig Harbor include the maritime town center itself, Kopachuck State Park, Joemma State Park, the Tacoma Narrows Bridges and Horsehead Bay.

Buy

Gig Harbor has many locally owned and operated shops in its downtown area, ranging from dress shops to music stores and jewelery studios. There are quite a few art galleries and other stores that sell art of various types.

• The Tides Tavern. This Gig Harbor restaurant has been a local institution for many years. The smoke-free, 21 & over [it's a bar in the Washington State Liquor Control Board's eyes] environment is set on pilings over the harbor and is the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine or beer, a tasty meal from an extensive menu. Perfect for kicking back, while looking the Sound wildlife, boat traffic, and locals coming in and out of The Tides.

• Anthony's Restaurant. Part of a chain of Northwest-centric restaurants in the Puget Sound area and Gig Harbor's is one of the jewels in the chain's crown. Fairly upscale seafood fare shares the menu with traditional beef, chicken, and salad items. The restaurant's location is fantastic... at the head of the harbor with a drop-dead gorgeous view of the marinas, the homes clinging to the sides of the hill, and Mount Rainier. A bar downstairs features happy hour 1/2 price appetizer options and the same spectacular view.

• Brix 25°. A fairly new dining establishment in the Harbor, but has quickly become one of the favorites. While this eatery doesn't have a view of any sort or even a very nice structure to call home, the menu and presentation is fantastic. Meals are exquisitely prepared and feature daily specials. The fare is primarily continental with a Northwest twist. Expect halibut, salmon, some shellfish, along with a filet mignon, or a duck breast on the menu most nights. Their wine selection is impressive and has won several awards, most recently the 2008 Washington Wine Restaurant of the Year.
• Water to Wine, 9014 Peacock Hill Ave, Suite 103 (Located at the corner of Harborview Dr and Peacock Hill Ave), ☎ 253-853-9463, [2]. Tuesday - Friday 11 am - 7pm | Saturday 11 am - 6pm | Sunday Noon - 4pm. Gig Harbor’s pre-eminent wine shop, with the largest–and most diverse–selection of wines in the South Sound area. Our knowledgeable staff delights in finding the perfect wines for your every occasion. (47 °20.4 ' N,122° 35.4' W) edit

• The Wine Studio, 3123 56th st nw (In between the ProBuild lumberyard and the Inn at Gig harbor facing Highway 16. Look for Dream Design neon sign), ☎ +1 253-851-9463, [3]. Th-Sa 11-7 Su 12-5. The Wine Studio is a wine and beer speciality shop and tasting room. Snuggle up next to the fire while tasting  edit

Sleep

There are several lodging choices in Gig Harbor from hotels, to bed-and-breakfasts, to motels, to vacation rentals.

• The Inn at Gig Harbor. One of the newest and most well known choices. The Inn features upscale lodging close to the city center with many ammenities within the hotel. The construction is of a Northwest lodge style. One of the drawbacks to this lodging, though, is its location. It is a bit outside of the loop for exploring the area by foot and is set right against busy Highway 16.

• The Maritime Inn. A small hotel right in the center of town, an excellent location to enjoy the many restaurants, galleries, and and shops by foot. This is Gig Harbor's only major lodging choice right along the waterfront. Rooms have fireplaces and many enjoy views of the harbor.

• The Best Western Wesley Inn. Not your typical Best Western. This is quite a nice lodging choice perched above the center of the town, convenient to some restaurants and freeway access. Rooms are nicely appointed including some with fireplaces and bay windows.

• The Waterfront Inn. A small B&B right on the water in downtown. This is a perfect spot from which to explore this maritime village. The Inn was built in 1918 as a private residence and retains much of its exterior charm. There are three rooms in the waterfront area and three "Captain's Quarters" rooms that are not waterfront. Each room is outfitted with modern conveniences and is clean and uncluttered, unlike so many B&Bs.