Tacoma, WA

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.

Since 1977 the Seattle Aquarium has given way to the understanding, and learning of many people on the many different things that are in our local waters. From listening to the sounds of orca whales to the touching of sea urchins it has been an educational hot spot for many of Washington’s people. From learning about the different dangers that are effecting our wildlife of the sea to learning the different colors that star fish can be, this underwater wonderland is a great place for the whole family to enjoy and learn together.

The Space Needle was built back in 1962, and was built as a symbol in honor of the World’s Fair. At that time it was the tallest structure west of the Mississippi. The Space Needle was first known as the Space Cage. Since then the Space Needle has become the main symbol that represents Seattle, and it is widely know throughout the world as a whole. In total the Space Needle stands at 605 feet tall, and was built to withstand wind speeds up to 105 miles per hour. At it’s top it hold a observation deck as well as a restraunt known as the Sky City.

The Sky City Restraunt at the top rotates at full 360 degrees. Lunch is served Monday thru Friday from 11:30am to 2pm. Dinner is served Sunday thur Thursday from 5pm to 8:45pm, and Friday & Saturday from 5pm to 9:45pm. Also On Saturday & Sunday brunch is served from 10am to 2:45pm. Sky City does however have a dress code which is casual attire, meaning that such things like tank tops and muscle shirt are not allowed.

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.

Tucked into an upscale neighborhood just south of Tacoma, Lakewood’s Lakewold Gardens is a 10 acre estate with amazing gardens and an interesting history. If you are looking for a fragrant, visually stunning stroll, these gardens should definitely be your destination.

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.

Set against the backdrop of Mt. Rainier, Emerald Downs provides the most interactive sporting experience in the Pacific Northwest. Emerald Downs offers exciting live Thoroughbred racing from April through September.

The sport of Thoroughbred racing is like no other. The pounding hooves and pounding hearts give the sport its own rhythm, its own intensity, even its own language. Emerald Downs opened in 1996 to large crowds. The track replaced Longacres, which closed in September 1992 after sixty seasons of racing. The Emerald Downs track consists of a one mile dirt oval. There is no turf course. The bid board is in the center of the oval track.

But the roses remain the main attraction. Rows and rows of colorful roses! My ritual is to smell as many species and find out of them the best and strongest smelling roses. Usually I find that you can’t go wrong with the purple and lavender ones. They always smell so good, whereas, sometimes I’d find a most vibrant colored blossom but it was scentless. With so many species, I wanted to see if I could find non-purpley ones that were equally aromatic. I did! I overheard a family visiting from Arizona thrilling over the smell of a certain species, so I had to sneak over to them. It’s called the Royal Sunset, and it’s a bush bursting with coral colored roses.