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!

Living with Treasures

Living with Treasures

Come with me for an adventure beyond the heights of the moon, a journey where time and space captivate the airways of imagination. I can’t give a name or a specific place but the story is true. Come with me as I take … read more

Three-year-old plant
Spotlight on Independent Nurseries

Raft Island Roses in Gig Harbor

What started out as one man’s hobby has grown into a nursery with a reputation for quality plants with reasonable prices. Raft Island Roses had its beginning in 1997 when Frank Gatto, originally from Burien, retired from his first career and began selling … read more

Rosemary Collins

Unsung Hero — Rosemary Collins

Founder/President of Pony Up Rescue, Olalla, Washington

Rosemary Collins founded Pony Up Rescue for Equines in Olalla in 2006 because she saw a need for a rescue organization. In early 2007, Pony Up received 501(c)3 nonprofit status, and its mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome horses in need due … read more

Butler's Farm

Gig Harbor Apple Farm the Go-To Place for Hundreds of Unique Varieties

The small, hand-lettered sign on Peacock Hill Avenue near Gig Harbor says, simply, “Butler’s Farm. Apples. Self serve.” It’s the first hint that at the end of the dirt driveway, there’s a 7.5-acre orchard where more than 1,200 apple trees — with upward … read more

The Garden Room

On the Lookout for the ‘Wow Factor’ at The Garden Room

Brightly colored Adirondack chairs placed on the sidewalk outside raise the curiosity and beckon passersby to step inside The Garden Room, a seasonal home-décor shop nestled in Gig Harbor’s “Uptown” shopping village. Window displays and inside vignettes offer breathtaking possibilities for dressing one’s … read more

Phoenix Design South

The Art and Science of Phoenix Design South’s Etched Glass

Around Belfair, it’s still called Hippie Hill Community. Some old friends and the price of the land drew glass artist Randy Calm and his wife, Cathy, from Chicago to Hippie Hill nearly 47 years ago. Then, there were 13 homesteading families and no … read more

Inside the Pacific Planetarium

The Great American Eclipse

This is a banner year for rare, once-in-a-life-time astronomical events. In February, NASA announced the discovery of seven Earth-like planets orbiting their own sun, serious evidence that life may exist in outer space. Dec. 13 will bring the king of meteor displays — … read more

(Photo courtesy Harbor WildWatch)

Harbor WildWatch — Making Environmental Education Fun

Consider this: The Kitsap Peninsula has more than 370 miles of coastline with some of the most magnificent marine environments on the planet. That’s a lot of territory to learn about and explore. Harbor WildWatch makes it its mission to introduce people of … read more

Where Does Art Go?

Where Does Art Go?

Disposing of art is a sensitive subject. Having too much “stuff” can be quite a dilemma — but having too much art, unwanted art or art that doesn’t fit the décor is really a dilemma, because just the word “art” connotes a certain … read more

Pony Up Rescue for Equines
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