Urban Safari: Gig Harbor

While Gig Harbor is known for its pristine waterfront and stunning views of Mount Rainier, this charming ’burb on the Kitsap Peninsula now beckons for another reason: Uptown, a walkable, village-like shopping development (about 10 minutes from the downtown waterfront) completed in fall of 2008. Though you’ll find national retailers here, the center is brimming with stylish independent boutiques for the home, the fashion maven, the kiddos and even the pets.

Indulge in a perfect pedicure to get toes summer-ready at the third outlet of Seattle-based nail salon Julep (4751 Point Fosdick Drive NW; 253.858.4472; myjulep.com), where the sleek, modern décor mimics that of the downtown Seattle location.


Browse the stylish offerings at luxe kids’ boutique Hush Baby (4729 Point Fosdick Drive NW, Suite 200; 253.858.4874; hushbaby.com), which stocks Hudson Jeans and Ben Sherman Oxford shirts for little ones in your life.


The Posh Paw (4793 Point Fosdick Drive NW; 253.851.3999; theposhpaw.com) stocks toys, treats and apparel—including lightweight raingear and colorful hemp and corduroy leashes—for fancy Fidos.  Beloved local boutique Bloom (4779 Point Fosdick Drive NW; 253.858.5554; bloomdenim.com) relocated from the Gig Harbor waterfront, but kept its fantastic selection of premium denim and chic hoodies and tees.  Eclectic home and garden décor and gifts galore have Elandan Gallery (4763 Point Fosdick Drive NW; 253.509.0413) bursting at the seams; find everything from rock garden accessories to specialty wrapping paper to vintage lamps. 


Soak up the sun at one of the sidewalk tables outside Fondi Pizzeria (4621 Point Fosdick Drive NW, Building 10, Suite 200; 253.851.6666; fondi.com) while you devour delicious Neapolitan pizza.  Calming colors and modern design make Tuscan Sanctuary Salon Spa (4779 Point Fosdick Drive NW, Building 6, Suite 200; 253.509.0628; tuscansanctuary.com) a soothing place for a haircut or massage to cap off your day.

Insider Tip:  Time your visit right and score high-end fashion labels, such as Nanette Lepore and Diane von Furstenberg, at to-die-for sale prices (40 percent off on a recent weekend) at sprawling boutique Adam & Eve (4729 Point Fosdick Drive NW, Suite 400; 253.857.2326).

For more local explorations, visit seattlemag.com and click on Neighborhoods