We have some really great restaurants and stores here. A few of my favorites include Tides Tavern, IL Lucano, Devoted Kiss, Harbor Greens, and Costco. With that being said, I remember when Main & Vine left Gig Harbor and I was devastated. That was one of our favorite stores EVER. Their deli was amazing with their sushi, pizza, and salads and you could also grab a beer or a coffee and relax in their lofted area. I just loved their vibe and that was definitely our go-to grocery store.

Fast forward to today and Gig Harbor has nothing like Main & Vine anymore. In fact, the building where Main & Vine was located is sitting empty. Something has got to change- that is why I went ahead and compiled a "wish list" of stores, restaurants, or companies that I would love to see come in to Gig Harbor. This was really fun to think outside the box a little and really imagine what would be a great addition to our lovely community. So, here we go.

My Top 5 Wish List:

1. Central Market:  I mean come on, how awesome would that be if we had something like a Central Market? I am envisioning an amazing deli and sitting area where you can order a drink or a coffee after you just spent $200 grocery shopping. Did I mention that I miss Main and Vine? To my knowledge the closest thing like this to Gig Harbor is the Metropolitan Market off of Proctor in North Tacoma. This would be such a great store for Gig Harbor to have. I mean I do love my Costco, but it doesn't really radiate with the vibe of a Met Market. Am I right?

2. Trader Joe's: I know, I know Gig harbor doesn't qualify for a Trader Joe's because we don't have a dense enough population. But, one can wish right? I don't understand how we have a dense enough population for Costco, but not Trader Joe's? To my knowledge, we get a TON of shoppers from Port Orchard who come out this way to shop at Costco, so I am sure we could get enough shoppers at Trader Joes. Anyways, for now I guess we will continue to cross the bridge into University Place so that we can shop at their Trader Joes. We all know what Trader Joe's looks like so there is no need to add a picture.

3. Indoor Playground: As I am sitting here today writing this, it is currently 45 degrees out and raining cats and dogs. My son is sleeping and I am wondering what the heck am I going to do with him today? He is just over one years old and loves to run around but he isn’t quite ready to play at the YMCA yet. It would be so amazing for parents to be able to take our kids somewhere where their kids can run around for a couple hours indoors. I have seen these types of indoor playgrounds accommodate for all different age ranges. From what I have heard, these places are a babysitters dream because the kids absolutely have a blast and it wears them down. Take a peak for yourself and see how cool they look.

4. Awesome Sports Bar: Don't get me wrong, I love Tides. But, what I am envisioning is more of a state of the art type of sports bar on the downtown Gig Harbor waterfront. This bar/restaurant would have huge garage doors that open up to the outside seating which is a deck overlooking the water. The bar would be a huge wrap around with TV's in the center. Oh yeah, it would be open on Sunday's and Monday's until at least 11 o'clock each night. The food menu would be your traditional burgers, pulled pork, salads, etc. I am envisioning something like this sports bar but the deck overlooks the water...

5. Top Golf: Not just any top golf though, one that has an indoor simulator capabilities. I love golf and I feel like once winter hits there really is no option for golf near Gig Harbor. I hear that Kirkland will be getting a Top Golf that is a golf simulator. I have played on a golf simulator and it is the real deal and truly makes you feel like you are playing real golf! Anyways, if you haven't done Top Golf before you are really missing out. It is a great experience for all levels of players and they serve amazing drinks and food. It is so much fun as each bay is lined with super comfy couches and it makes for such a fun date night or group event. Maybe bringing a Top Golf to Gig Harbor is a little bit of a far reach but I don't see why we cant have a cool facility with golf simulators to play on. Take a look at this picture and tell me you wouldn't want to go here.

Ok guys, there you have it. What do you guys think? It is really fun to think about the possibilities that would enrich our community! Let me know what you would like to see in Gig Harbor.