Tacoma, WA

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.

Located on 80 acres of peaceful forest and Mima mound prairie, Wolf Haven is the perfect setting for getting to know one of nature’s most elusive creatures. Since 1982, Wolf Haven has rescued more than 100 captive-born wolves from roadside zoos, animal collectors, private owners, research and other facilities. At Wolf Haven, these wolves (and a handful of wolf-dogs, coyotes and foxes) receive a lifetime of compassionate care and are treated with dignity and respect for their wild nature.

For over two decades Wolf Haven has been educating an average of 20,000 - 30,000 visitors each year on the wolf and its role in the wild. Our educational programs include a variety of guided tours, on and off-site presentations and community outreach efforts. Wolf Haven is proud to be one of only three US pre-release breeding facilities for a multi-agency effort to restore Mexican gray wolves to the Southwest. Wolf Haven is also a foster facility for housing red wolves that have been bred for red wolf recovery in North Carolina.

A few nights ago I was at Northwest Coffee House on Garfield Street in Parkland shooting the breeze, watching local artists cycle on and off stage during the open mic event. A couple girls approached me, which is always a good start to a story, and wondered if their friends could borrow my guitar and play a couple songs. Of course.
The men I was about to meet were from Zimbabwe. They came here to participate in a music festival to raise money for their families back in Africa.

Staycation - what is that? I vaguely remember that term when I was growing up, but not until recently have I heard it almost daily. Now that gas prices are astronomical, many families are changing their vacation plans and staying close to home, some say within a tank of gas. My family has done exactly that. Our trip to Yellowstone for August in our Suburban, has now been changed to a full week of discovering all that the Tacoma

I’ve lived in Tacoma for 18 or so years and I’ve never joined the rowdy crowds of Seattle for the 4th of July fireworks show, so I figured it’s high time. I called up a couple friends who go to college in Seattle and asked if they want to see some lights in the big [...]

There are many things to do here to from Weddings to Teas. The ladies of the house will serve tea in costume, in the English Bone China Teacup collection of the Meeker Mansion. The tea includes a tour of the Mansion. This is appropriate for weddings, baby showers, birthday parties, anniversaries and family get-togethers. Two-week advanced notice is required. (Subject to prior scheduling for 8 or more). The cost is $12.00 per person. Historic setting, manicured lawns, timeless elegance… The Mansion has it all. Hand painted ceilings, wood carved fireplaces in a priceless setting will greet your guests. Imagine the bygone era of hoop skirts, morning coats and croquet. The Mansion can accommodate groups up to 50 for your wedding. For a truly memorable experience, there is nothing like The Meeker Mansion.

The Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is located in Tacoma, Washington, USA on 28 acres (113,000 m²) in Point Defiance Park. It is one of the few to exhibit Beluga whales; it possessed two half-brothers, Beethoven and Turner, but as of September 7, 2006, Turner has died, leaving Beethoven the only Beluga on exhibit. Necropsy results revealed that he died of a liver infection. Now, Beethoven lives with another male beluga called Qannik who was born at Shedd Aquarium in 2000. It also housed the world’s oldest aardvark, who died on January 23, 2007. Most of its animals come from the Pacific and bordering continents, with few current species being from Africa or Europe. It possesses several Asian species, such as Sumatran tigers, siamangs, Asian Elephants, Lowland Anoas and Malayan Tapirs. It also possesses an aquarium with several species found in Puget Sound, and a large fish collection, including sharks and seahorses. The zoo also hosts a Wild Wonders Outdoor Theatre, where animals kept in a behind-the-scenes set of exhibits are presented in a show for the audience’s amusement and education. Among its more developed sections include the Rocky Shores exhibits and the Tundra exhibits, containing animals such as Polar Bears, Muskoxenes, Reindeer, Puffins, and Arctic Foxes. Point Defiance Zoo has 3 walruses: ET, Basilla, and Joan. Basilla and Joan, both female, came from the Brookfield Zoo in May 2006. Basilla and Joan are on extended breeding loan from the Brookfield Zoo. The zoo believes that ET may have begun the mating process. In a section on its own is the Red Wolf exhibit, which is part of a conservation program.