Tacoma, WA

Titlow Park & Beach is not only unique because of its tucked away location by the water, but because of its interesting history. A full size outdoor swimming pool is also a draw to this lovely park. I decided to make a trip to Titlow however to play a quick game of tennis with a friend.

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.

Unfortunately, Wapato Lake has recently received some bad press because the lake is polluted. You still cannot swim or fish in the lake for health reasons. Somehow the lake still looks beautiful, and you can even walk onto the pier to take a closer look.

I had heard of Black Water Café before, I knew they used coffee from Valhalla Coffee Company, just like Mandolin Cafe. So I had hoped that we wouldn’t be disappointed because it would be so convenient that they were so close. We were far from disappointed! Black Water turned out to be this tremendously cool and delicious place to be.

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.

One of the most striking things about the park is a very tall totem pole. It was installed in 1903 and created by Alaskan Indians, and is also claimed to be the tallest in the world. At 82 feet tall, it’s hard to miss, and it amazingly detailed. Next to it is a gazebo, which might be a great place for warmer days where you can picnic since there are lots of restaurants nearby to get some takeout.

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.

Going to the Tacoma Children’s Museum is both easy and enjoyable. On weekdays, if you go from 3-5pm (closing) it is half priced for admissions. Our Passport Diners card got us a free admission with the price of one so it was only $3 for the both of us. While most may not have that card, $3 each for parent and child is a bargain, and two hours was plenty enough time for a good play. Bathrooms are onsite complete with changing tables. Parking may be something to consider since the Children’s Museum sits on Broadway and street parking is tight. I had to go around the block twice before finding a spot right outside but ultimately that wasn‘t an inconvenience. We wanted to go outdoors for fun, and thanks to the rain we found it within the doors of the Tacoma Children’s Museum.

Besides the playground, the park is gorgeous all together. The playground is actually at the very end of the park, a whole luscious green field separates us from the scanty parking lot and the playground. There’s a large walking path circling the path, perfect for Baby when she starts learning to ride bikes. A small basketball court, picnic areas, trash cans are basics that the park possesses, but no bathrooms. Your best bet for potty emergencies is Dash Point State Park down the street. Thankfully, we’ve never found this park to be overly crowded with kids, but always pockets of cute families to keep my only child company.