#BizintheGig: Date Night in Gig Harbor

#BizintheGig: Date Night in Gig Harbor

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. For those of you who have failed to make a plan, all is not lost! Chocolate, flowers, and wine are always a good idea, but if you are looking to score some extra points or simply think outside the (chocolate) box this year, I have gathered together a handful of ideas for you. Whether you want to stay local here in Gig Harbor or if you are looking to make this year special and want to sneak off for a romantic or adventurous weekend, I have got you covered.

JW Restaurant 4107 HARBORVIEW DRIVE, GIG HARBOR, WA 98332 | 253.858.3529

(Currently taking a wait list for Valentine’s Day)

Voted “Best Romantic Dinner” five years in a row by South Sound Magazine, this unassuming building in downtown houses a jewel of Gig Harbor. It is intimate fine dining without any of the pretension. With an upscale boutique feel, a rotating seasonal menu, great wine selection, and impeccable service, this is perfect spot to take your Valentine.

Brix 25° 7707 PIONEER WAY, GIG HARBOR, WA 98335 | 253.858.6626 I have two words for you: complimentary champagne. If that doesn’t grab you, the warm, inviting, intimate setting and the top notch service should. Brix 25° boasts an all night Happy Hour on Saturdays and every Wednesday is half price wine night. So whether you are celebrating Valentine’s Day on the weekend or on the day itself (it falls on a Wednesday this year), you can have the libations flowing and enjoy some award winning Northwest wines or seasonal hand crafted cocktails. As far as the menu, a word to first-timers, try the beef bourguignon.

Gig Harbor Gondola 3117 HARBORVIEW DRIVE, GIG HARBOR, WA 98335 | 253.432.0052 Anyone can grab a carriage ride, but only Gig Harbor boasts an authentic Venetian gondola. Transport yourself and your love to the romantic world of Italy this Valentine’s Day without going farther than the harbor. Gig Harbor Gondola offers a 60 minute and 90 minute option for two and also includes a small appetizer. Bring along your favorite bubbly, snuggle up under the blankets, and enjoy the glorious and inspiring views of the harbor and Mt. Rainier.

Willows Lodge 14580 NE 145TH STREET, WOODINVILLE, WA 98072 | 425.424.3900

Rendezvous-la-la! For the ultimate romantic overnight or weekend stay, check out Willows Lodge located in the heart of Washington’s wine country in Woodinville, just over an hour from Gig Harbor. With wine, culinary, spa, and couples specials, the Willows Lodge will accommodate any personality. Local wineries, distilleries, and breweries are all within an easy distance (Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery is just across the street) and the highly acclaimed restaurant, The Barking Frog, is located within the lodge making your wine and dine experience here complete. Every room comes with a fireplace and a soaking tub. Hang the Do Not Disturb sign on the door and get your romance on!

Leavenworth LEAVENWORTH, WA

From your everyday life in Gig Harbor to the “Alps of Washington” in under three hours, this magical escape is worth the drive. Take along your favorite audible book and enjoy the mountain passes with your sweetheart. Once you are in Leavenworth, you will be transported to a picturesque Bavarian wonderland with its eclectic array of restaurants, boutiques, and shops. With all its Valentine’s themed offerings, Leavenworth is your personal Choose Your Own Adventure this February. February 10-18 is Wine and Chocolate week with events happening at local wineries and wine tasting rooms. Romance packages are offered at several of the local resorts (check the Leavenworth website for details and availability: http://leavenworth.org). Valentine’s Day dinners specials can be found at Mountain Springs Lodge, Obertal Inn, JJ Hills, and Mana, and Gustav’s has a dessert special. If you want a hands-on experience, try the Sip and Paint classes at Bavarian Bistro, Broken Barrel, Sleeping Lady, or Icicle Creek Winery. And if you just want to relax, the Alpine Spa offers luxury spa services this month including a chocolate truffle body wrap – yum! The options are endless, the adventure is yours.

If you don’t make it out this Valentine’s Day, get your reservations slated for a weekly date night out in our friendly, small town…below I take you from Downtown Gig Harbor to Uptown to explore great eats and local shops to snag your love something special anytime of the year. 

Gertie & The Giant Octopus, Green House, Morso, Anthony’s, Marketplace Grille, Moctezumas, Galaxy Theaters, Canterwood Golf & Country Club, Heritage Distilling Tasting Room and so many more!