The Lakes community is a part of the larger Gig Harbor community, which has a great deal of local amenities available within a short driving distance.

Gig Harbor North is just 3 miles from the the Lakes. This is an area with lots of new shopping as well as a new hospital which will be opening in 2009. Here is a sampling of the stores and facilities at Gig Harbor North, all accessible to the Lakes without having to get on a freeway:

• Target
• Albertsons
• Home Depot
• Costco
• Starbucks
• Pier One
• Office Depot
• YMCA

The Downtown Gig Harbor Waterfront is just 4 miles from The Lakes. This picturesque fishing village is a perfect place to take a walk and enjoy the scenery. The waterfront is home to several marinas, many restaurants (including Anthony's and the Tides Tavern) and many small shops. Visit the downtown Gig Harbor waterfront website for a complete listing.

The rest of Gig Harbor offers a lot of amenities as well:

• Golfing
• Outdoor recreation and boating
• Several large grocery stores
• The new Uptown Gig Harbor Shopping Center
• 2 theater groups which present productions throughout the year
• Gig Harbor Symphony

For more info about the Gig Harbor area visit these informational websites:

• www.gigharborchamber.com
• www.gigharborguide.com

Just minutes away from the Lakes and across the Narrows bridge is Tacoma, which has a lot of big city amenities:

• Museums (Washington State Historical Museum, Glass Museum, Tacoma Art Museum, Lemay Car Museum)
• Performing Arts
• Shopping
• Dining and Nightlife
• Visit the Travel Tacoma website for complete information.