Tacoma, WA

I haven’t been to very many sporting events in my life, however this summer I discovered what fun going to the local baseball stadium can be.  Last Thursday I went to $3 beer night at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma to see the Tacoma Rainiers play the Sacramento Rivercats. Although it was a little rainy, I still enjoyed the [...]

Have you been interacting with OneThousandThingsTo-Do.com? Did you know that you can? OneThousandThingsTo-Do.com IS a community built by members of your community and is just waiting for you to join in on the fun!
In the last year and a half, OneThousandThingsTo-Do.com and its city sites have grown into a community of more [...]

For a region renowned for its coffee, it’s surprising to come across an enterprise completely dedicated to tea. Mad Hat Tea Company in downtown Tacoma is such an enterprise, combining teahouse, lounge, and art gallery. From the incredibly friendly owners, to the intoxicating smells of fresh organic teas, this is sure to be one of your favorite destinations after your first visit. As an inexperienced tea drinker, this little shop now has me wanting to learn more.

The Ocean Institute celebrated it’s 24th year hosting the Toshiba Tall Ships Festival, the largest annual gathering of tall ships on the West Coast. The festival featured a spectacular array of family-fun activities including live music, art, craft shows, exciting living-history demonstrations and a variety of tasty food. The chance to enjoy maritime displays and presentations, Polynesian dancers, sea-chantey concerts, an interactive pirate encampment and dramatic sunset cannon battles. Additionally, we explored the historic tall ships and listened to the crew share tales of adventure and life at sea. Last but not least, we got to explore the Ocean Institute and explore our local ocean life, participate in live parrot shows, play pirate games and joined in on special interactive presentations.

Held at the corner of 6th Avenue and North Pine Street in North Tacoma, the market has an amazing location next to some of the most popular bars and restaurants in the area.
While smaller than the market downtown, I was still impressed with the selection. There were several kiosks with organic fruit and vegetables, art and lots of delicious already made dinner options. Because they have just gotten started, I wouldn’t be surprised to see this market continue to expand.

Woody’s on the Water sits right on Thea Foss Waterway, on Dock Street, ground-level of Thea’s Landing facing the water. You can park on Pacific Avenue and walk across the Bridge of Glass like we did afterward, or you can park in their shared parking under the Thea’s Landing building. The floor-to-ceiling windows, tiled pillars, water view, boardwalk- some of the very factors that kept my curiosity at bay while I have Baby with me. But I couldn’t have been more wrong. So hospitable! We would’ve been just fine with her. Usually when I’m asked if I’d like something to drink besides water, guilt and shame moves me to order an iced tea. I don’t want to be thought of as cheap! But my husband, the shameless penny pincher, proudly asserted, “Water is perfect, thank you.” Our server pleasantly replied with a most genuine smile, “Okay! Ice water, and I’ll keep it coming!” Lovely…

Who knew there would be a huge 11 acre lake hidden behind the treeline in such a dense metropolitan area, but there you will find a serene wilderness. There aren’t picnic tables, big toys or really any amenities to speak of at China Lake, but this makes this area all the more unique. You will be thrilled to discover the expansive trails in this park as an alternative to your daily treadmill run.

I take my visitors here, and recently took my new tenant to Poverty Bay, because I just can’t let anyone go anywhere else in Federal Way for good coffee and free WIFI before knowing this jewel exists here. Usually I don’t like to share my secrets, in case that too often I’ll come and someone is in ‘my seat’. But I guess the mocha and my barista’s smile is persuading me to be unselfish!