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.

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 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 [...]

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.

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.

We were actually headed to spend the weekend in Discovery Bay with family. But while we were there I couldn’t resist taking Baby to the Olympic Game Farm in Sequim, it was just convenient. But after this remarkable and memorable visit, we will without hesitation make the hour trip out of Tacoma just to visit this sanctuary again. Baby and I love animals, there’s something very tender and heartfelt about animals. Driving through this game farm we were able to get up close and personal with many animals and feed them. Buffalo, zebras, llamas, reindeer, bears, lions, and a rare white rhinoceros just to name a few, lace this drive-thru trek. Feeding these typically wild animals in peace was so endearing; you just feel it’s supposed to be this way and you’ll never want to leave.

When we first moved to Proctor, we felt so privileged to be a part of a district that holds such esteem. But we soon realized that it was more; it was a quaint little community full of charisma and comfort. Proctor isn’t very big, the vicinity I consider the ‘main’ part is just a canvas of 6 blocks. But I can easily squander hours of enjoyment here. Proctor is really one of those districts that aren’t boring. You can walk the streets and be curious enough to walk into over half the stores. Proctor’s got it all: Restaurants, cafes, coffee houses, library, wine tasting, recreation, novelties, clothing boutiques, and more.

After getting a minor sugar high from her soy chocolate milk at Poverty Bay Café, I desperately needed a place where Baby could release some energy. As lazy as it sounds, I needed something she could do that didn’t require me getting up much. The last time I was here, I was making a weak attempt to take Baby on a jogging stroller expedition on the park’s B.P.A. Trail. But realistically, this day I needed a park to take her where I could just sit and watch her. Ta-da! Federal Way’s Celebration Park, 10 minutes away from Tacoma, was just one intersection away.

the Pacific Rim Bonsai Collection in Auburn, Washington with my Aunt and Uncle. My first thought was great I get to go look at tree, not much fun. But once we walked in the whole place was more then I thought it would be, and I instantly fell in love with the place. My youngest son who is only 1 was very excited to see what he calls, “Twees.” I really enjoyed seeing the 2 ton redwood root ring that was not only polished, but sculpted by J.M. Blunk. My husband would say that his favorite part was the 7×35 foot tapestry that was created by Mark Adams, in a mill in Avusson, France. This tapestry was inspired by a close up look at a monarch butterfly.