Curves
If you can spare 30 minutes, you can get a good workout at Curves. Designed for women, it's circuit training at its best. The music has a good beat, the people are friendly, the location is convenient and although the hours are limited, they stretch from early in the morning until evening. In particular, this branch of Curves goes to great lengths to try to make exercise fun with theme nights, games and competitions.
Big Lots
You can find lots of food items at discount prices at Big Lots, especially if you visit the store frequently. Snack items and boxed treats for school lunches are especially good. During the holidays, put this store on your list for gourmet food items -- there is usually a good assortment. Also, if you're looking for baby items and clothes, there is often a good selection. It's hard to know what you're going to find at Big Lots, as the merchandise is always changing.
Half Price Books
If you love to read, Half Price Books is the place to head for a wide selection of current titles at a fraction of the retail cost. On any given day, there may even be best-sellers in the store. For book clubs on a budget, this is a great place to find next month's choice. It's also a good place to shop for birthday and holiday gifts. This store is in a good location, behind the Red Robin and near Tacoma Mall.
PROS: Lots of book titles to choose from
CONS:
The Beach House At Purdy
Looking for a real live clambake? It's at The Beach House on Sunday nights. Ready for a really good meal somewhere on the water, but you don't want to drive to Seattle? It's at The Beach House. The menu is constantly changing with new and intriguing dishes -- and the desserts are divine. Plenty of parking! Located just off the Key bridge. This not a budget dining place, but it's an experience that is worthwhile.
PROS: Beautiful setting on the water
CONS:
Starbucks
Well, it's a Starbucks...so you know it's maintaining a certain standard level. But this particular Starbucks is a notch above most due to its very nice space seating space indoors. Bonus points for the wonderful outdoor patio, where one can sip a latte in the sunshine (when available) or just enjoy a cuppa with the dog nearby. Highly recommended as a meeting place!
PROS: Great floor plan
CONS:
Le Pichet
Wow...if you didn't know you were in downtown Seattle, you'd swear you were in France. Le Pichet is like the quaint little bistros you might discover on a Parisian side street. The food is outstanding, the atmosphere extremely chic and the staff is friendly. What more could you ask for? If you like your sandwich to be on a baguette, or want to taste REAL French onion soup, this is the place for you. Parking is limited.
PROS: Close to Pike's Market
CONS: Only street parking
Goodyear Auto Svc Ctr
It's really hard to find a good mechanic...but there are several at Goodyear in Port Orchard. The folks there are knowledgeable about most makes and models, honest about the time it will take to make repairs, and honor their estimates. Best of all, they take the time to explore cost-savings options, such as name brand parts versus generic. Highly recommended!
PROS: Frequently offers coupons for services
CONS:
Water to Wine
It's an experience to step into Water to Wine, a quaint wine shop near the Gig Harbor waterfront. The proprietor is very knowledgeable about wines in general, and really makes an effort to provide that extra touch of service. Need a wine that will pair well with a particular dish? Just ask. Need a recommendation for something unusual to serve guests? Just ask. And the best part of all -- Water to Wine usually has a nice selection that won't break your budget.
PROS: Good inventory at good prices
CONS:
Happy At The Bay Teriyaki
Great teriyaki, tempura, yakisoba and other dishes will tempt you at Happy by the Bay, located near the Starbucks and QFC in Gig Harbor. The restaurant offers a particularly good bento box at lunch time for $6.99 that includes teriyaki chicken, miso soup, salad, rice, California rolls and vegetable tempura -- enough for two people! Service is a little slow because it's a family run operation, but the food is worth the wait.
PROS: Good food at good prices
CONS: Lunch time service can be slow -- call ahead
Critter Clippers
Critter Clippers is an absolutely fabulous puppy parlor that specializes in small dogs. If your pooch needs pampering or just a bath, this is the place. The people are friendly, the dogs are happy and the price is very competitive -- approximately $40 for the works for a small dog. Best of all, you can usually get an appointment quickly. Convenient parking right at the door is available.
PROS: Great service at a good price
CONS: