Explore Beautiful Gig Harbor Minutes Away from Your McCormick Home

Posted April 10, 2018

Explore Beautiful Gig Harbor Minutes Away from Your McCormick Home

Gig Harbor has been called a sleepy fishing village, but these days, what you’ll find is a bustling place where the maritime, small-town charm blends in with all the modern conveniences of city living. A beautiful setting, friendly merchants, an amazing number of restaurants, museums, festivals, parks  — it’s no wonder Smithsonian magazine named Gig Harbor one of the five best small towns in America a few years ago.

In McCormick, new homes await only 15 minutes from Gig Harbor. And there’s so many things to do, you’ll be taking staycations in Gig Harbor over and over.

Here are a few highlights of what you’ll find in this picturesque town that’s within a stone throw’s away from McCormick new golf course homes.

Shopping
Just a little over a decade ago, you would have had a tough time finding basic necessities like socks or pots and pans in Gig Harbor. Today, this community is home to numerous national retailers like Pier 1, Target, Costco, Kohl’s and HomeGoods. You can spend a good part of the day in Uptown Gig Harbor alone.

While opening doors to all the big stores, Gig Harbor continues to attract locally owned businesses, from clothing boutiques and quirky book shops, to high-quality kitchenware and toy shops. You’ll find many of these shops sprinkled throughout downtown, along with various art galleries showcasing local artists.

Dining
The most challenging part about dining in Gig Harbor is choosing among the incredible number of establishments. There are restaurants everywhere you look, from Purdy on to Gig Harbor North, downtown, West Side/Uptown and all the way to the Tacoma Narrows Airport.

Whatever cuisine your palate craves — Mexican, Indian, Northwest, Thai, Japanese, Vietnamese, Italian, and so on — you will find great food here, along with a welcoming atmosphere. And, of course, let’s not forget the many pizza and burger joinnts, including local or regional restaurants with a menu you won’t find anywhere else.

Nightlife and Entertainment
Gig Harbor holds its own for those who want to spend a night out on the town. Wine bars like Morso and the tasting rooms at the extremely popular local microbrewery 7 Seas Brewing and the one-of-a-kind Heritage Distilling are among the starting choices for those who enjoy some adult time.

Family Fun
For the family, Gig Harbor offers live theater plays, outdoor concerts and movies in the summer, plus laser tag and bowling at the just-opened Ocean5 state-of-the-art entertainment and dining center.

Don’t miss the state-of-the-art movie theater, Galaxy Theatre, which also has an IMAX theater. It’s an experience you’ll remember no matter your age — with oversized, cushy chairs that recline, you’ll feel the luxury of being in your own home, yet immersed by the dramatic sound and unobstructed view of the screen.

Outdoor Adventures
Whether you want to be on or near the water, or simply enjoy the outdoors, you’ll find numerous local and state parks; multipurpose, bicycle and running trails; beaches for fishing, beach combing or strolling; and water access for launching a boat, kayak or water kite. Bring your pooches, too — you can let them loose to play and meet new friends at the Rotary Bark Park.

For boaters, there’s a public marina at the City of Gig Harbor Maritime Pier, plus several private marinas. If you love to kayak or paddle, you’ll find several places to rent boats, kayaks and SUPs. Fishing enthusiasts will be glad to know that the Gig Harbor Fly Shop downtown not only supplies all the fishing gear they’ll need, but also rents fishing kayaks through its sister store, Gig Harbor Water Sports.

Historic Attractions
Gig Harbor honors its heritage, and not just by maintaining a working waterfront that’s home to many commercial fishing vessels. You can see the town’s historic roots at attractions such as the Skansie Brothers Netshed, the Gig Harbor Boat Shop and the Harbor History Museum. History buffs will also enjoy reading the historic markers throughout the greater Gig Harbor area.

Festivals and Events
Live music in intimate setting, outdoor concerts, car shows, several farmers markets, wine and food festivals, parades, art walks and studio tours, garden tours — you name it, Gig Harbor has it. Not to mention a film festival, a lighted boat parade and a festival just for pets. This “little” town certainly knows how to enjoy the Northwest lifestyle and community spirit.

If you’re looking for a new community where the small-town atmosphere is still appreciated — and celebrated — McCormick new homes near Gig Harbor are ready for you and your family. Several builders are offering new, high-quality homes for contemporary lifestyles, and only minutes away from this delightful destination town.