Gig Harbor Marina Guest Slips and Shops
Gig Harbor Marina & Boatyard is the ideal cruise destination on these warm days of autumn. The marina in historic downtown Gig Harbor is “at the heart of it all” in the charming waterfront town, with a variety of restaurants and shops within easy strolling distance from guest moorage and boatyard services.
Gig Harbor Marina Guest Slips and Shops
It’s an even shorter stroll to two wonderful ladies’ boutiques right at the marina. Emilie Gallery & Boutique and The Queen’s Cabinet are nestled in the sea-blue storefronts with crisp white trim at the top of Gig Harbor Marina & Boatyard property on Harborview Drive. Both stores have been marina tenants for years and enjoy their location at the active boatyard.
Gig Harbor Marina Guest Slips and Shops
“I have many nice customers who keep boats in the marina, ” said Gay Peraza, who has operated The Queen’s Cabinet at Gig Harbor Marina & Boatyard for about eight years. The attractive shop of ladies’ apparel, jewelry, handbags, scarves and gift items recently moved from farther back in the building to its easily accessible location on bustling Harborview Drive.
“I’ve always had good landlords at the marina, ” said Peraza as she greeted a young Tacoma couple who entered the store to leisurely browse on a baby-free “date day.” “All the people there are very nice. Plus, we have the park right next door with the farmers’ market and music.”
Gig Harbor Marina Guest Slips and Shops
When you come up from your boat — whether from a guest slip at Gig Harbor Marina & Boatyard, or after leaving your vessel for service and maintenance on the boatyard — be sure to stop by Emilie Gallery & Boutique next to The Queen’s Cabinet at the boatyard entrance. The ladies’ fashion boutique is full of beautiful clothing and accessories, including many original jewelry and art prints created by owner Emilie Meldahl. Emilie, with the help of her husband, Tim, has operated the store at 3133 Harborview Drive for 12 years.
Gig Harbor Marina Guest Slips and Shops
It’s a “great spot,” being next to Gig Harbor Marina & Boatyard, said Tim Meldahl on a day he was running the boutique for his wife. “It’s always good to be near water and we love being here.” He enjoys watching a common flow pattern as people stroll by the store and then return.
“They leave the guys at the Tides Tavern and the women come here,” said Meldahl, who is a pilot for Delta Airlines when he’s not minding the store. “It doesn’t get any better than this,” he added as he chatted comfortably with customers.
Gig Harbor Marina Guest Slips and Shops
Many of artist and owner Emilie’s watercolor prints, inspired by harbor scenes, and her handmade pieces of sparkling jewelry fill display racks at the gallery boutique. The store “becomes one of her palettes,” says Tim. “Everything’s got to look pleasing to the eye.” And it does.
Gig Harbor Marina & Boatyard is “at the heart of it all” in the historic downtown, says marina owner and general manager Ron Roark. Plan a fall cruise soon to Gig Harbor and be sure to call Gig Harbor Marina & Boatyard at 253-858-3535 to inquire about availability of guest slips for easy access to the historic waterfront area.