From specialty clothing and local art, to books and nautical-themed items, there’s much to explore in Gig Harbor
By Jillian Chandler
When out for a day (rain or shine) along the Gig Harbor Waterfront, you will want to take the time to enter the small, independent shops that line the streets. From clothing boutiques and art galleries, to bookshops, stores and shops with merchandise that pays tribute to this maritime city, there’s much to explore—whatever you’re in the mood for. The Weathered Cottage on Harborview Drive is the perfect destination to browse unique estate-style jewelry, along with home décor and unique items.
If you are looking to get your hands on a new book—or 10—No Dearth of Books is a specialty used bookstore featuring unique local interest books in categories like maritime fiction, boating, naval and aviation history, along with books highlighting the Pacific Northwest. Explore the shelves of Invitation Bookshop for the worlds that abound within the pages of their books. In addition to their vast selection of books, you can find puzzles and games, stationary, reading accessories and other bookish novelties. Stop in to the Gig Harbor Book Company, where your eyes will be delighted at the plethora of used books eagerly waiting to be read.
Dolly Mama Boutique on Pioneer Way offers a beautiful and thoughtful selection of women’s apparel, fashion accessories and jewelry, art, home décor and furniture, along with an assortment of men’s and baby gifts (a second location is available on Harborview Drive, as Dolly Mama Too). Find fun apparel and accessories, scarves and handbags at Tickled Pink. Additional clothing stores not to miss are Treasures 4 Humanity, Sharon's Retail Boutique, and Cougarwear for state team enthusiasts. Located in a historic sawmill, The Beach Basket Gift Shop offers a fabulous selection of gifts for women, children and men, as well as nautical-themed merchandise—and their year-round Christmas Shop features German-made nutcrackers and ornaments. In search of nautical gifts and antiques? Ship to Shore Marine is the answer. Other unique local shops to visit to find those thoughtful souvenirs for yourself or as a gift to a loved one include For the Love of Spice, Fox Island Trading Co. and Harbor General Store.
If it’s art or jewelry you’re hoping to find, Maritime Jewelers is ready to serve you with an expansive selection of stones and price points. And for art lovers, must-stops include Gallery Row, Birdsnest Gallery, and Waters Edge Gallery and Framing. Visit Ebbtide Gallery for local artists spanning from pottery, to watercolor paintings, to photography. Engage your senses as you walk into Williams Flower & Gift, a beautiful shop offering upscale flowers, plants and gifts. Newly launched FRILLS by TLB Design also delivers an exceptional experience as you shop their flowers, gifts and seasonal treats, and features some of the most inventive gift-wrapping in town.
When you’re ready to relax, take a seat (indoors or outside) at Heritage Distilling Co. for a sampling of their fine spirits, while enjoying the company of your travel mates and the street traffic in the center of it all. Be sure not to leave without perusing their one-of-a-kind merchandise.
Explore Uptown Gig Harbor, where you’ll find more than 35 shops, specialty stores and restaurants. Van der Veen Jewelers is sure to impress all who walk through their doors, and for those with kids or grandkids, Teaching Toys, Too is an inventive toy store focused on unique experiential toys. Contemporary women’s clothing store Bloom features collections from more than 40 designers, while the more casual Frankie is Uptown's newest women's clothing boutique.
Pop in and shop Gig Harbor’s locally owned businesses, and treat yourself with a few gifts to remember your visit to this beautiful harbor town.
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