Tacoma, WA

6th Avenue in Tacoma has tons of shops that look interesting from to outside. However I am always intrigued by the colorful front window of The Bead Factory. After a friend had told me about the fun activities they hold there, I had to check it out for myself. I was greeted by so many beads from all over the world, I didn’t even know where to start.

One of the jewels of Tacoma is the Tacoma Nature Center. Seventy acres of wilderness makes it a perfect getaway on a sunny day. There are several trails which can accommodate whatever energy level you have that day. When I arrived, I was just looking to take a short walk, so I took the half mile loop.

One of the best places in town to enjoy some karaoke or even participate in it yourself is The West End in the proctor district of Tacoma. Mostly a sports bar, in the evenings, the bar floor turns into a stage where the less inhibited belt out song after song.

I have lived in Tacoma for several years, and have always heard about how amazing Zoolights is every year during the holiday season.  This year I finally made a concerted effort to make it to the zoo, and luckily because of the horrible weather we have been having, I had an extra two weeks to [...]

When my husband and I had a chance to ourselves one Friday, we knew we needed something more than dinner and a movie to get us motivated. Frankly, we don’t mind cooking. And movies, well, I kind of got accustomed to watching a movie in my pajamas with all the cuddly comforts of home. Our goal was to be romantic and have fun. Winterfest at Seattle was the best choice engaging enough in order to avoid the pleasant silence between our completely content, married selves. The challenge was finding an activity that wasn’t bombarded by the cold and wet weather. So a couple weekends ago we headed out to the Seattle Center near the Space Needle for their annual Winterfest.

Like the Space Needle, the Pacific Science Center started in 1962, during the World’s Fair. In that year it became the first U.S museum founded as a science and technology center. Here soon in 2012 the Center will celebrate it’s 50th year. The Center teaches people the fundamental of science,, technology, and math through many different interactive exhibits and innovative programs that catch the eye of children and adults alike.

The Puyallup Fair in Septembers used to be a G-force ritual for me. I looked forward to waiting up to even 30 minutes in line for the Zipper or the Wild Cat. I remember when the Extreme Scream was brand new and I paid the $10 to ride that drop. Now that my husband and I have a toddler, I wondered what the fair is even going to be like without the good rides. What else could I do? Will it be fun, or will I experience it this year in all-about-Baby mode? Food and animals made my first two visits a Puyallup pleasure. That’s right, so far I’ve been twice and I’m eager to explain why the fair is more than just rides, and why you will run into me on the last day.

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 [...]

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.