Appreciation for riesling wines has never been as enthusiastic as one would expect. Its lack of popularity has confounded its winemakers as much as its history. The riesling vine is said to be traced back to Germany and the year 1435. Throughout the history of riesling, there are numerous writings about this grape, mostly coming […]
northwest
Posted inPeople & Places
Gig Harbor Summer Art Festival — Growing into a Regional Destination
The strains of music waft on the gentle breeze in mid-July as thousands of visitors stroll down Judson Street in Gig Harbor to peruse the high-quality offerings of professional artists and artisans who participate in the Gig Harbor Summer Art Festival. Now in its 32nd year, the festival has become one of the largest and […]
Posted inAround West Sound
Things to do this Weekend: Geoduck Fest and Allyn Days
The Allyn Community Association’s 34th Annual Allyn Days/6th Annual Geoduck Festival is a must-go-to event happening in the quaint town of Allyn July 15-17. Festival Kick-Off Friday, July 15, starting at 5:30 p.m. Professional singer/songwriters, Mick and Laura McCartney of Rhythm & Sass, will host the first-ever Open Mic, with Gordon Sound running the sound […]
Posted inHome
Sounds of Silence
Stand on the deck and listen. It’s not exactly silent; there’s plenty to hear. There’s the chirp of birds and the rustle of the breeze in the trees. Crows bicker and an occasional heron squawks as it glides by. Underlying it all is the faint sound of waves from the beach far below. It is, […]
Posted inGarden
For the Love of Lavender
In the middle of summer, the essence of lavender wafts through the air with such heady fragrance, an address would not be necessary to find the Blue Willow Lavender Farm. Lush, gray-green plants trimmed into neat rounds form the foundation for the thousands of long stems tipped with lavender-blue heads. The farm sits so serenely […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
Protecting Your Harvest from Wildlife in Your Backyard
Gardening for wildlife is a satisfying focus for a gardener, knowing that your efforts benefit not only the human caretakers of a landscape, but provide habitat and nourishment for many creatures. What is better than seeing a hummingbird pushing upward on every fuchsia flower while you are hidden beneath a shrub, weeding? Or noticing that […]
Posted inAt Home
Outdoor Kitchens, from Simple to Sublime
Requests for outdoor kitchens are on the rise, from pretty basic to really crazy. While most outdoor kitchens are considered a luxury, there are ways to add them to your space in all budget ranges. First consider how you will use your outdoor space and what you really need. What type of cooking do you […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Grass-Roots Community Efforts Make Sure No Child Goes Hungry
Every week during the school year, dozens of volunteers are working in small teams to sort, pack and make food deliveries throughout West Sound. They do it on different days and as part of different organizations, but these small volunteer armies have one goal: to make sure that kids from Gig Harbor to Belfair to […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
20 Ways to Enjoy Nature Around West Sound with Kids
School is out — which means kids will be looking for things to do. A great thing about living in West Sound is that there are a number of ways to enjoy summer vacation close to home, and most of them are free. So, as you make your plans for this summer, use this list […]