Julie Warrick Ammann

Julie Ammann is a freelance writer, photographer, and producer. Following her degree in architecture from the University of Washington, Julie discovered the power of storytelling. Her early career in national TV news (The Christian Science Monitor’s World Monitor TV, PBS NewsHour) and documentaries (PBS Frontline) would inform the journalist and creative storyteller she is today. Julie lives in Gig Harbor with her family, in a house of filmmakers and photographers. She doesn’t like scary movies, and she’s named after Julie Andrews (The Sound of Music). Her favorite film director and inspiration is Jane Campion.

Business Spotlight: One:11 is Gig Harbor’s new gentlemen’s den

Sep 25, 2023

Tall, dark, and handsome describes Gig Harbor’s latest new retailer One:11. Located on Harborview Drive, this “gentlemen’s den” offers customers a curated assortment of men’s clothing and accessories. With a distinct vintage-meets-contemporary vibe, it’s hard to miss the nods to bygone eras. Mounted on a hunter-green wall, a vintage car door hangs above an aged

Photo gallery: Re-launching the Thunderbird No. 1

Aug 29, 2023

The Gig Harbor BoatShop and the Harbor History Museum re-launched the restored sailboat Thunderbird No. 1 on Saturday, Aug. 26. Read our full story about the Thunderbird here, or click on any image below to see a gallery of images.  

Thunderbird No. 1 returns to its native waters

Aug 28, 2023

Hundreds showed up to the Gig Harbor BoatShop and historic Eddon Boat Park on Saturday, Aug. 26, to witness the relaunch of Thunderbird No. 1. The renowned 26-ft sailboat put Gig Harbor and the Eddon Boat Company (now the location of the nonprofit Gig Harbor BoatShop)  on the map when she launched in November 1958.

With bear sightings on the rise, locals learn to live with the wild

Aug 17, 2023

The vibration that shook a Gig Harbor house on a recent Wednesday evening was so intense, the people inside thought it might be an earthquake. Then a neighbor called, warning of a black bear in the neighborhood. The critter scaled the neighbor’s tall fence with surprising speed. Another tremor rattled the house. An enormous, fur-covered

Business Spotlight: Soullective Space brings the metaphysical to Gig Harbor

Aug 07, 2023

“It’s for the joy,” Emily Sabounchi, exclaims as she shares the driving force behind her decision to establish the Soullective Space— a  natural handmade goods boutique offering energy work and community events. The store, which opened in April, is quietly tucked away from the summer bustle of Harborview Drive. Situated behind and above Gallery Row,

Photo gallery: Blessing of the Fleet

Jun 05, 2023

The 2023 Maritime Gig Festival wrapped up Sunday, June 4, with the Blessing of the Fleet and the Wheels on the Water car show. Click below to see a gallery of images from Sunday’s festivities.

Business Spotlight: Harbor abuzz about bagels

Apr 17, 2023

There is a buzz in the air. You can hear it. You can smell it. And if you’re lucky, you can taste it. But you better arrive early if you want to see what all the fuss is about. The South Sound has gone bonkers for bagels, and customers are lining up sometimes for up

Photo gallery: Rabbit Haven

Apr 14, 2023

Click on any image below to see larger photos from Rabbit Haven, a non-profit rescue and shelter for rabbits in Gig Harbor’s Ray Nash Valley. Click here to read our story about Rabbit Haven.

Rabbit Haven hoping (or hopping?) you can help

Apr 14, 2023

Russell Wilson is calm and docile. His large ears pop upright atop his soft furry head as he  stretches out casually in an oversized pen at Rabbit Haven, a non-profit rescue and shelter for rabbits in Gig Harbor’s Ray Nash Valley. Russell and his pals at Rabbit Haven could use your help. Since rabbits go

Business Spotlight: Green Cottage Pets faces uncertain future

Apr 03, 2023

Green Cottage Pets, a holistic pet food and supply store that has been serving Gig Harbor’s furry four-legged friends and their humans for over two decades, is facing the possibility of shutting down by the end of April. Tucked away in a quiet courtyard behind the storefront buildings on Pioneer Way and Harborview Drive, the