Heronswood Gardens in Kingston is springing back to life like the Phoenix rising from the ashes. In 2012, the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe purchased the former 15-acre Heronswood Garden and Nursery site in auction from W. Atlee Burpee. In November 2012 a small band of former Heronistas (the name for the much-loved employees of the […]
Life
Posted inFeatured, Food & Entertainment, People & Places
Luthier’s Ukuleles Built with Tradition
Although Zac Steimle is not a professional musician, he’s been intrigued by the dynamics between an instrument and its player. That natural curiosity, along with a deep appreciation for the art of making string instruments, led him on a journey to start his own business — Oceana Ukuleles. From his workshop in Port Orchard, Steimle […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
Flash Drive: 2013 KIA Sportage
By Bruce Caldwell Model Tested: 2013 KIA Sportage SX AWD Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, 260 hp, 269 lb/ft Transmission: 6-speed automatic, All Wheel Drive, Locking Center Differential EPA Ratings: 20-mpg city/25-mpg highway Base Price: $28,400 As Tested: $32,400 Performance: Comfort: Utility: WOW Factors: Whines: Bottom Line: The 2013 Kia Sportage SX is great fun to […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
Flash Drive: 2013 KIA Optima
By Bruce Caldwell Model Tested: 2013 KIA Optima SX Limited Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, 274 hp, 269 lb/ft Transmission: 6-speed automatic, Front Wheel Drive EPA Ratings: 22-mpg city/34-mpg highway Base Price: $26,800 As Tested: $35,470 Performance: Comfort: Utility: WOW Factors: Whines: Bottom Line: The 2013 Kia Optima SX is a great car period and an […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
Flash Drive: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT
By Bruce Caldwell Model Tested: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT 4-Door Hatchback Engine: 1.8-liter inline 4-cylinder, 148 hp, 131 lb/ft Transmission: 6-speed Automatic, Front Wheel Drive EPA Ratings: 27-mpg city/37-mpg highway Base Price: $19,395 As Tested: $23,015 Performance: Comfort: Utility: WOW Factors: Whines: Bottom Line: The 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT is a roomy sedan with the […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
Flash Drive — Honda Ridgeline
By Bruce Caldwell Model Tested: Honda Ridgeline RTL Engine: 3.5-liter SOHC V-6, 250 hp, 253 lb/ft Transmission: 5-speed automatic, all-wheel drive EPA Ratings: 15 city/21 highway Base Price: $37,180 As Tested: $37,990 Performance: Typically excellent Honda engine and drivetrain Smooth, car-like highway ride Automatic transmission has a tow mode Locking differential for severe 4×4 conditions […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
Flash Drive: 2013 Mazda CX-5
By Bruce Caldwell Model Tested: 2013 Mazda CX-5 Sport Engine: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, 155 hp, 150 lb/ft Transmission: 6-speed manual, Front Wheel Drive (AWD is optional) EPA Ratings: 26-mpg city/35-mpg highway Base Price: $20,695 As Tested: $21,490 Performance: Comfort: Utility: WOW Factors: Whines: Bottom Line: The all-new Mazda CX-5 Sport is a great addition to the […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
Flash Drive — 2013 Subaru Xv Crosstrek
By Bruce Caldwell Model Tested: 2013 Subaru Xv Crosstrek 4-Door Sedan Engine: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (boxer configuration), 148 hp, 145 lb/ft Transmission: 5-speed manual, All Wheel Drive EPA Ratings: 23-mpg city/30-mpg highway Base Price: $21,995 As Tested: $22,790 Performance: Very good fuel economy(our best was 33.6 mpg). Reasonably peppy if manual trans is used effectively. Engine […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2013 Infiniti G37 Coupe: sporty, stylish, and luxurious
By Bruce Caldwell The 2013 Infiniti G37 coupe is a sports car for people who desire performance and fun without attracting unnecessary attention. The G37 coupe (especially with the all-wheel-drive on our tester) has the wherewithal to stay with most competitors, but it’s more likely to fly under the radar than flashier cars. That stealthy […]