Tacoma, WA

If I wanted to, I can walk all of Old Town in 30 minutes, maybe less. But despite being very small, there’s enough ‘stuff’ to keep me around for triple that time, or more. Little Old Town shares the view and access of Commencement Bay with Rustin Way, but you don’t even have to walk the block down there to make your visit complete. I come here on a lunch date and a walk with Baby because it bustling, but not busy. And it possesses a street of variety, but it’s not crammed. The impending 4th of July brings memories of the crowded sidewalks and blocked streets during the annual Freedom Fair. The stress of finding the best parking we can and of pushing past hordes of people with strollers and wagons makes me take in a deep breath and enjoy this very different lunch date.

First, I hit The Spar for lunch because I need energy before I walk. At night, this place is not super kid friendly. I remember my husband and me coming here years ago when we were childless for the beer, the food, the live band, and pool table. I would say it’s pretty hip, but not swanky, and neither the opposite. During the day it’s filled with business folks on break, and with me! I’m here for the fish and chips or burger depending on my mood. But no matter what, I always hit the little café attached to The Spar. If you are a coffee enthusiast from Western Washington and know about Batdorf and Bronson, this little place has got them as their espresso roast of choice.

After that our walk leads us to mini gardens, boutiques, window shopping, and sculptures. I just love this itty bitty town, everyone is so pleasant and friendly in every way. Rarely have I seen riff-raff, and never has a business professional snobbed me.

Me and Baby adore the modest-sized park adjacent to the little town’s Tully’s. It has the basic monkey bars/slide combo and lots of green grass for running around. It’s perfect for letting Baby run a little bit while I finish the last bits of my iced mocha.

The Old Town Park is also home to a historic piece called the Job Carr Cabin Museum. The cabin is open to the public Wednesday through Saturday, 1- 4 pm. For some reason, I have never made it within the public hours, but that’s probably best since Baby will probably run around and cause a ruckus. After this family day centered around baby, I look forward to coming back. But next time, I’ll get a babysitter, arrive around 8 pm-ish in my heels with my husband and head straight to the wine bar in Cafe Divino. Or maybe, you just might see us in The Spar at the billiards table!