As we move from winter to spring this month, Port Gamble is ready to shine like never before with new businesses, exciting expansions and events that can be found only in this waterfront jewel of Western Washington.

Celebrating a special anniversary

One year ago, two Port Gamble businesses, WISH Mercantile and Rainy Day Antiques, joined forces and combined both shops to create a unique and special shopping experience.

WISH Mercantile is well-known around North Kitsap for its amazing selections of locally made items, from jewelry to yard art. Rainy Day Antiques specializes in antiques and custom, beautifully re-purposed vintage items.

Because the shops seemed to go hand-in-hand with each other, blending the businesses “was just a good fit,” according to owners Rhea Schneider and Cheri Spofforth. One room of the combined retail space boasts a full line of the popular Melissa & Doug children’s toys, anotherroom displays striking vintage items. “Our greeting cards are the best-sellers of the business, because they are different,” Schneider said. From hand knit items to a huge selection of one-of-a-kind items, their slogan “For Something Different” rings true throughout the entire business.

From hand-knit items to a huge selection of one-of-a-kind items, their slogan “For Something Different” rings true throughout the entire business and shopping experience.

WISH Mercantile and Rainy Day Antiques is located in the historic Drew House, built in 1870, at 32220 Rainier Ave. They are open seven days a week — from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday and Monday. For information, call 360-297-4114 or like them on Facebook.

‘Pygmalion’ opens   theater season

The Port Gamble Theater Company kicks off its exciting 2014 season with the production “Pygmalion,” every weekend from March 28 through April 13. Show times are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. For tickets and information, please visit www.portgambletheater.com.

Consider off-season wedding pricing

Did you or someone you know get engaged over the holiday season? Why not consider Port Gamble, one of the Puget Sound region’s 10 best wedding venues, for that special day?

Port Gamble Weddings offers great off-season pricing November through April on our beautiful and unique venues for weddings and reception. Port Gamble Weddings also has some great summer dates available for 2014 and 2015.

For information, call 360-297-8074 and learn why Port Gamble Weddings was voted Top 10 for wedding/reception venues in Evening Magazine’s Best of Western Washington 2013 Contest. You also can visit www.portgambleweddings.com or tune in to Port Gamble Weddings to learn more.

2014 paranormal event dates scheduled

The fifth annual, award-winning Port Gamble Ghost Conference is scheduled for Oct. 24-25. Enjoy two days of guest speakers, panel discussions, paranormal investigations, tours and much more at the Pacific Northwest’s largest paranormal event of its kind. Registration opens April 1 at www.portgamble.com.

Port Gamble promises to be as spooky as ever in 2014. Space is available for the popular Ghost Walks on March 15. And plenty of dates are available in October, November and December. For reservations, 360-297-8074.

Door to the spiritual world in Port Gamble

Is something not working in your life? Are you looking for a spiritual mentor and a safe place to nurture your unique self? Do you want to have an opportunity to communicate with your loved ones who have passed into the spirit world? Professional psychic medium, speaker and media personality Ankhasha Amenti can assist you with all of your spiritual needs from her new office in Port Gamble.

“When I first visited Port Gamble, I was immediately drawn to the rich history of the town, as well as the profound sacred and spiritual significance of the land,” Amenti said. “There is something very special about this area and I knew I wanted to have a deeper involvement in this community.”

For more than 30 years, Amenti has brought healing and comfort to people worldwide by connecting them with their loved ones through her gift of medium-ship. Clients also seek out Amenti for spiritual development, personal growth, psychic development, or to just get assistance on life’s problems or questions.

Visit her at Suite G in the Port Gamble Community Center/Post Office, 4839 NE View Drive or call 425-281-3667 for office hours and bookings.

Business updates

Mike’s Four Star BBQ, Port Gamble’s award-winning BBQ restaurant, re-opened its doors in early February after a brief winter hiatus. Mike’s is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Port Gamble General Store & Café, recently recognized as having the best breakfast in north Kitsap County, reopened its doors in mid-February after an extensive remodel and expansion. The store opens at 9 a.m. Monday–Thursday and 8 a.m. Friday–Sunday.

Be sure to stop in for breakfast or lunch Wednesday–Saturday at the Tea Room at Port Gamble and come by for dinner Thursday–Saturday at Bistro by Night.

Port Gamble’s 2014 event calendar

Stay up to date on all Port Gamble activities in 2014 by subscribing to our monthly e-newsletter, call 360-297-8074, or email at portgamble@orminc.com.

— Shana Smith is general manager of Port Gamble.