People & Places

West Sound has an incredible number of talented artists, interesting people, fascinating places and popular destinations. We love to share their stories with our readers. These articles are only a sample of what we have in WestSound Magazine each issue — subscribe to the print version to see all of what we have to offer!

Pullman, Washington
Travel Bug

The Great American Road Trip

Ideas on Road Tripping in 2021

Finding your travel comfort zone is different for each person, as everyone navigates a new, partially vaccinated country still reeling from the pandemic. As in 2020, close-to-home staycations continue to dominate, but some people are venturing farther, even internationally, in this brave new … read more

iPhone Photography

5 Tips for Better iPhone Photography

1. Find the right light. Photography is all about light but not all light is created equal. Catch the magic light a couple of hours after sunrise or before sunset, or shoot when some clouds are out to filter the sunlight. Avoid direct … read more

Gig Harbor

Historic Downtown Gig Harbor

Any discussion of downtowns on the Kitsap Peninsula has to include the Gig Harbor historic downtown waterfront district. Centered around the famous Harborside Avenue, Gig Harbor’s downtown has many shops and restaurants, along with stunning views of Puget Sound and Mount Rainier. On … read more

Dude's Donuts

Local Donut Business Creates Devoted Fans

Located in Port Orchard, family business Dude’s Donuts has people traveling from all over the state to devour simply amazing, gluten-free and vegan donuts. The husband-and-wife team of Easton and Amanda Shepard opened Dude’s Donuts shortly after deciding they were going to start … read more

Harriette Bryant

Unsung Hero — Harriette Bryant

Founder, mentor and board president of OurGEMS and...

Harriette Bryant founded OurGEMS (Girls Empowered through Mentoring and Service) in 2008 while mentoring nine eight-grade girls at Ridgetop Junior High School. They asked her if they could continue the next year, which lead to mentoring through their senior graduation. “I feel it … read more

Young Entrepreneur Naya Patterson
Young Entrepreneurs

Naya Patterson — Young Designer with a Mature Attitude

Young Naya Patterson created her company, Make Believe Photography, in 2014. She got the idea for the name from her previous competition horse, “Make Believe,” as the equestrian world is full of photographers who are constantly needed for sales, competitions and barn photos. … read more

Sharon Feeney

Sculptor Turns Stone into Art that Calls to Be Touched

When you first see Sharon Feeney’s stone sculptures, you might think she’s been making art most of her life. But, in fact, she began sculpting in stone a mere 14 years ago. How it all began “is actually sort of a woo-woo story,” … read more

The Artful Ewe II

The Artful Ewe

A wonderland for fiber artists of all skills...

Port Gamble is a community of transformations. The two jade-green water towers, historically the source of the company town’s water supply, currently serve as its greeting sentinels. The old meat and vegetable market adjacent to those structures now houses The Artful Ewe, modern-day … read more

La Perouse Bay, South Maui
Travel Bug

Maui Now: What to Know Before Visiting Maui During the Pandemic

Everyone could use a little Aloha right now. Living day to day during the pandemic has created stress in people’s lives. Jobs, families, health and economic futures hang in peril, while lockdown challenges sanity. Are you dreaming of some island time to shake … read more

Pony Up Rescue for Equines
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