Michelle Roethle Your NorthWest "Real Estate Solution"

I didn't always used to take picture's everywhere I went, but lately the sites in my local area are one's that I don't ever want to forget and sharing them with everyone make me happy.

This photo was taken in Belfair near Twanoh Falls neighborhood. The shores of Hood Canal offer more than just recreation, but beautiful homes for full time living or vacation.

I would love to show you around town today. Visit my website at www.TheNorthWestLife.comand find out more about Kitsap and Olympic Peninsula.

I was out and about the other day. I was in the Gig Harbor, Wa area and I came up the hill and saw the beautiful site of Mt. Rainier. On a clear day it is as though you could reach out and touch it. I think that if I had the option for views I might even take the mountain over the water. But that the great thing, you could have both if you lived in the area of the Pacific Northwest.

When the weather gets like it is currently, Sunny but just to cold, I can't help but start to plan my garden for the year. This year I am especially eager since my new home has lots of neat garden spaces,red rock paths and a large covered deck. My mind is spinning with all of the ideas. There is even a bridge with an arbor that goes accross a drainage area.

Well lately I have seen primroses start to come out and I think that I must plant something. does anyone know if 28 degrees is too cold to plant them. The store is selling them so it must be OK right?

Tiberlakes is a great lake community located just outside of Shelton City limits. Private saltwater beach access and use of the two lakes are available when you own propery in this community. Timberlakes also offers two parks for people to enjoy. Many properties and homes are availble. Resale and new construction and lakefront lots. Call Dinah and Michelle today or visit us at www.TheNorthWestLife.com 360-649-1195

You can also visit www.timberlakecc.com for more info on the community

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

As the first destination on the Kitsap Peninsula after crossing the Narrows Bridge, this 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 The Waterfront Inn is also on Gig Harbor Bay.