Many of us have heard the saying, “Go take a hike.” At one time, this was a negative phrase, but now it could become our mantra for getting out and exploring all the abundant trails that surround us in West Sound, from the … read more

Most Pacific Northwest residents live for summertime. We survive the winters in hopes of spending every possible waking moment outside, soaking up the sunshine on the beach, in the parks, up in the mountains or on the water. Rosé is one of those … read more

The shiny, sleek black boats being piloted around Gig Harbor are authentic vessels imported from Venice, Italy. Gondoliers John “Cinque” Synco and business partner Greg Garite even order their “uniform” striped shirts and straw hats from Venice. The pair wish to pay homage … read more

When there’s a nest of flamingos at the head of the drive, you know there’s creativity down the road. At the Hood Canal home of Doug and Lynn Marshall, a flock of lawn flamingos, complete with chicks and bright plastic Easter eggs, introduces … read more

Joanne Peterson and her bernedoodle, Winne, stand in the welcoming front door of her Nantucket-style cottage: a simple, snug home with a shingled exterior built to withstand weather coming in off the inlet. Memories of quintessential waterside cottages flood in when stepping into … read more

“World’s Oldest European Hedgehog Found by Citizen Scientists,” trumpeted a recent Smithsonian Magazine headline. A 16-year-old male hedgehog dubbed Thorvald had outlived the lifespan of his species by 14 years, surviving habitat loss, pesticides and the No. 1 cause of hedgehog deaths — … read more

Therapeutic gardens, typically seen at healthcare facilities, are “designed for use as a component of a treatment, rehabilitation or vocational program… to meet the needs of a specific user or population…to accommodate participant’s goals and to facilitate people-plant interactions, according to the American … read more

Spring is here, which means it’s time to go on a journey around West Sound exploring our unique and wonderful garden nurseries — time to find the spring bloomers that lift the late-season garden. Let me take you on a hop-and-shop journey into … read more

In a world where products are predominately cookie-cutter and mass-produced in factories, creative individuals offer fresh perspective, artistic lenses and a sense of beauty. Gary Barber of Octopus Studios is one of those individuals. He uses his creativity in his stained glass work … read more