Gig Harbor Lighthouse: Did you know?
By Maria Kalafatich |
GIG HARBOR LIGHTHOUSE Located at the entrance to the harbor and standing 15 feet tall, the lighthouse was ...
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NOTABLE CELEBRITIES WHO HAVE MADE GIG HARBOR THEIR HOME
Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Washington State, Gig Harbor is more than just a quaint coastal town—it's a place woven with a tapestry of notable figures, memorable moments, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. From Hollywood actors to Olympic champions, Gig Harbor's story is as diverse as its stunning vistas.
Kevin Johnson: Brewing Success at Starbucks
When you think of Starbucks, the first name that comes to mind might be Howard Schultz, the iconic founder. However, since 2017, the reins have been in the capable hands of Kevin Johnson. As CEO, Johnson has continued Starbucks' legacy of coffee innovation and community engagement, ensuring that the company remains a global leader in the coffee industry.
Casey Kasem: The Voice of Radio
Though he may have lived in Gig Harbor until his passing in 2014, Casey Kasem's influence extended far beyond the tranquil shores of the harbor. Renowned for his work as a radio personality and voice actor, Kasem's distinctive voice graced the airwaves for decades, leaving an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.
Josh Lucas: Hollywood's Leading Man
With a string of memorable roles in both film and television, Josh Lucas has solidified his place as one of Hollywood's most versatile actors. From his captivating performances in "A Beautiful Mind" to the heartwarming charm of "Sweet Home Alabama," Lucas's talent knows no bounds. His portrayal of characters ranging from heroic to villainous has captivated audiences around the globe.
Gig Harbor on the Silver Screen
Gig Harbor has not only been home to notable individuals but has also served as the backdrop for various film and television productions. From Jennifer Lopez's dramatic thriller "Enough" to the gripping crime drama of the CSI episode "Tressed To Kill," Gig Harbor's scenic beauty has lent itself to captivating storytelling, captivating audiences worldwide.
Musical Roots and Sporting Legends
Beyond the realm of entertainment, Gig Harbor boasts a rich tapestry of musical and sporting talent. From David Krusen, the first drummer of Pearl Jam, to Olympic gold medalist swimmer Amanda Beard, the town has produced its fair share of stars. Not to be overlooked are sports icons like NFL player Paul Skansi and professional golfer Kyle Stanley, who have showcased their skills on the world stage.
Controversy and Connections
No town's story is complete without a hint of controversy, and Gig Harbor is no exception. Mark Fuhrman, a former Los Angeles detective, known for his role in the infamous O.J. Simpson trial, once called Gig Harbor home.
A Love Story in Gig Harbor
And then there's Melissa Griffey, whose connection to Gig Harbor is deeply personal. A graduate of Peninsula High School, Melissa captured the heart of baseball legend Ken Griffey Jr., adding a touch of romance to Gig Harbor's storied past.
In conclusion, Gig Harbor is more than just a dot on the map—it's a vibrant community bursting with talent, history, and untold stories. From its star-studded residents to its scenic vistas and intriguing past, Gig Harbor invites visitors to explore its many facets and discover the magic that lies within. Whether you're a fan of Hollywood glamour, sports legends, or simply seeking a tranquil escape, Gig Harbor has something for everyone.
WHAT ARE RATES GOING TO DO IN 2024?
"This is the question everyone is asking. By all measures the economy should be slowing down and thus the federal reserve should be dropping rates. Why isn't this happening??? I have stayed consistent that in an election year things could get weird. There is incentive to show the economy is doing better than it is. Recent surveys to consumers and small business owners revealed that these groups are not optimistic about the state of the economy. However, reports would indicate it's one of the strongest economies in history. You tell me what you see and think? I think it's being prompted up and it's not doing that great. So how does this play into rates??? Rates will drop over the Fed's start dropping rates. Feds won't drop rates until the economic indicators show the economy slowing. Good bet is that rates will bounce up and down the rest of this year and after the elections we should see rates drop as I believe economic indicators will have less incentive to be manipulated.
At Nova bank we are buying forward commitments to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. We take on risk in doing this, but it produces lower rates for us to sell. At present we are looking to purchase another pool soon, which will give our clients an opportunity to get around the high interest environment! These pools of funds get allocated quickly so if you are interested, please reach out. We'd be happy to set up with this opportunity soon!!"
Joe Raquiza
Nova Home Loans
joe.raquiza@novahomeloans.com
(253) 315-0020
TRAVEL & LEISURE
Embarking on a journey across the United States unveils a tapestry of unparalleled hospitality, where each region boasts its own unique charm and allure. In this blog, you'll embark on a virtual tour of some of the finest establishments, each offering a blend of luxury, innovation, and a distinct sense of place. Whether you're seeking a tranquil retreat amidst Hawaii's natural splendor, the soulful rhythms of New Orleans' music-filled streets, or the cosmopolitan energy of New York City, these hotels promise an unforgettable stay that captures the essence of their surroundings.
READ OTHER ISSUES OF MARIA'S LUXURY NEWSLETTER
Neighborhood Spotlight : Downtown Gig Harbor Washington
By Maria Kalafatich |
NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT: DOWNTOWN GIG HARBOR Recognized for its quality of life by Coastal Living Magazine, this picturesque harbor ...
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Why is Gig Harbor a Great Place to Retire?
By Maria Kalafatich |
WHY GIG HARBOR IS A GREAT PLACE TO RETIRE Why is Gig Harbor, Washington such a delightful place ...
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What is Mosquito Fleet?
By Maria Kalafatich |
MOSQUITO FLEET Long before road systems were introduced in Western Washington, the only option for reaching Gig Harbor ...
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Narrows Bridge History
By Maria Kalafatich |
NARROWS BRIDGE HISTORY The Tacoma Narrows Bridge, also known as "Galloping Gertie," was an engineering marvel that spanned ...
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Why is Gig Harbor Called Gig Harbor?
By Maria Kalafatich |
WHY IS GIG HARBOR CALLED GIG HARBOR? Incorporated in 1946, Gig Harbor is one of the most picturesque ...
Read More NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT: KOPACHUCK, WA
The name "Kopachuck" originated from "Chinook Jargon", the trade language of the Pacific Coastal Indians and is a merging of two words - "Kopa" meaning "at" and "chuck" meaning "water". The Puyallup and Nisqually tribes used this area long ago for seasonal fishing and clamming.
The Kopachuck neighborhood is located about 12-15 minutes from downtown Gig Harbor. It is characterized by well-kept neighborhoods and homes in a clean and friendly environment, along with many views of the water. It is recognized for its good schools - Voyager Elementary and Kopachuck Middle School.
Kopachuck Park is a 280 acre day-use park with an amazing 5600 ft. of western exposure shoreline on Carr Inlet. It has scenic views of sunsets, panoramic views of the snow-capped Olympic Mountains and the sound along with the overwhelming beauty of the outdoors.
The most popular day-use area of the park is the sandy beach. Getting there requires a short 1/8-mile walk down the hill. During low tide, the sun warms the sand, which in turn warms the water brought in by the tide. You'll see families their kids splashing and swimming in the water in the summer, collecting sand dollars and other shellfish, building sand castles and exploring the marine habitat. There are oysters and some other shellfish on the beach, but there is no harvesting until next year (2025) because of the construction ongoing at the park.
This beautiful park has an upper wooded area with picnic shelters and tables and over two miles of hiking trails. There are changes happening right now in the works. The upper park plan will feature a welcome center and a lodge-like multipurpose building. Plans also call for a ADA-compliant picnic area, amphitheater, play area, parking and restrooms. Along the beach, plans include an ADA-compliant walkway, stairs, non-motorized boat launching and water trail camping.
Cutts Island, or "Deadman's Island" and many locals call it, is part of the park, just 1/2 mile away and accessible only by boat. In the summer, it is often a popular meeting-up place for boaters and has also hosted volleyball tournaments. It is also a great destination for kayaking, canoeing or boat tours, and is popular for diving, hiking & exploring the surrounding waters. This little 2-acre island has had many names throughout the years, including "Crow Island" for the large quantity of crows that Peter Puget, an explorer, discovered in 1792 and later "Scotts Island" in honor of Thomas Scott, quartermaster of the 1874 Wilkes expedition.
Nestled in the serene beauty of the Kopachuck area, on the enchanting Raft Island, lies a truly captivating waterfront home that recently found its fortunate owner. This exquisite property embodies the epitome of waterfront living, offering panoramic views of the shimmering Puget Sound that stretch as far as the eye can see.
ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
Through vibrant imagery and insightful commentary, this blog inspires readers to reimagine their own aquatic spaces, blending organic elements with modern aesthetics to create truly enchanting retreats. Whether you're a design aficionado seeking inspiration or a nature lover yearning for a slice of paradise, this blog offers a curated collection of aquatic marvels that will leave you dreaming of your next dip in the most picturesque of settings.
LUXURY LISTINGS
Interested in the latest luxury listings? Take a peek at these exquisite residences and you might just uncover your ideal home today.
SHREDDING EVENT & FOOD DRIVE
Are you drowning in old paperwork? Need to clear out the clutter? Join us on May 18th at our Soundview office in Gig Harbor for our complimentary shredding event! Simply drive up to the shred truck, dump your papers, and be on your way. We will also be collecting non-perishable food donations for the Gig Harbor Fish Food Bank, so while you're shredding, why not clean out your pantry and bring along a few items to help those in need?
Join us for a day of community, convenience, and charity. Hope to see you there!
For additional information or any questions with regard to the current market or if you are interested in a no obligation valuation of your home, please feel free to contact me anytime and as always, I appreciate your referrals!
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