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 you where color is a sparkling porcelain rabbit and small rooms accept […]
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 West Sound Magazine each issue — subscribe to the print version to see all of what we have to offer!
Posted inPeople & Places
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 roses at farmers markets. Over 20 years, the business has grown along […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Unsung Hero — Rosemary Collins
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 to neglect, abuse or abandonment. Collins serves as president and in addition […]
Posted inPeople & Places
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 of 500 varieties of apples — are growing and thriving. Steve and […]
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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 home in the latest florals, accessories and trinkets. Displays are constantly in […]
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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 electricity. The couple lived in a teepee while hand-building their house with […]
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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 — the massive Geminid meteor shower, which will make an appearance this year […]
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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 all ages to the wonders of Puget Sound. Based in Gig Harbor, […]
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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 reverence. The “Got Stuff” article in the last issue did not include […]