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Kids will really love this place because it has TWO big toys.  The older one, and one that was put in in the last few years.  During the summer when the pool is actually open, this is great park to bring the whole family.  On the other side of the park you can make it to the beach, if you want something other than chlorinated water.

There are also several trails for people who want to go on a run, and of course, the outdoor tennis courts.  By the tennis courts, you will notice this large old building that was the Hotel Hesperides and is now a community center.  If you check out some of the boards that are along the sidewalk, they will show you a timeline of all the things that have changed in the last several decades.  There are even pictures of old time Tacoma which I find especially fascinating.   

Address: 
8425 6th Ave.
Tacoma, WA
 

At the first look, The Bead Factory might look like it’s just a craft store.  They have more beads than I have ever seen, and looking through them definitely made me interested in learning how to make my own jewelery.  Luckily one of the employees gave me a tour and showed me the room where they hold parties for kids, teens and adults, to make their own pieces. 

Since I have a birthday coming up, I was definitely inspired by this option.  You can have a party of 10 for $200, and when you arrive they will have everything set up, even including a cake if requested.  Another great part about the store is a little kids room to keep them occupied while their parents look through all the beads.

If you’re not an art and craftsy kind of person, there is already made jewelry for sale, or you can pick up a book that better explains how to make things.  More about this shop can be found at their website: www.thebeadfactory.com  I am definitely going to frequent this store more often and hopefully I can figure out how to make my own jewelry masterpieces.

Address:
3019 6th Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98406
(253) 572-5529

There is a large building at the entrance of the center where you will find a gift shop, as well as exhibits.  They even hold classes in subjects like Zoology and Botany.  Near the building, I was happy to see a map of the trails, because since I had never been here before, I wasn’t really sure where I was going.

 The trails are good size, and when I went, I really didn’t see very many people around.  The one thing that was a distraction is that you can definitely hear a lot of road noise as part of the trail is next to a busy road.  However you can also hear the birds chirping, and as you cross the little bridge over the water, you will feel like you are more in the wilderness.  Had I had more energy, I could have taken the Hillside Loop, which goes up into the forest and looks like more of a challenge.

There are two bridges, one on the half mile loop and one on the one mile loop.   I really enjoyed standing on the bridge for a little while basking in the sun and watching the birds in the marsh.   Unfortunately you can’t bring your dogs here to walk them because I am sure dogs would love this place as much as I do.

Address:
1919 S Tyler St
Tacoma, WA 98405
(253) 591-6439

While Tower Lanes has classic bowling, it also has cosmic bowling on Friday and Saturday nights which is like a dance party while you’re bowling.  Lots of lights and music from 10pm to 2am makes it a great idea for a birthday party.  Once you’re tired of bowling, there is an awesome 18 hole indoor mini golf course.

Kids love this place!  Between the colorful lighting and fountains, it’s great fun trying to make a hole in one.  After all this strenuous activity, you might be a little hungry, and luckily enough there is a little diner attached to the complex. 

But anyway, back to our pool playing.  I always lose, but I still find it enjoyable.  And when I get super frustrated, I just jump over and play a round of Dance Dance Revolution.  That’s the beauty of this place, if you don’t like doing something, there is always something around the corner that might catch your interest instead.

Address:
6323 6th Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98406
253-564-8853

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.

The park also provides a covered picnic area, and plentiful parking.  On the other side of the lake you will find a large playground, baseball fields, and lots of bird feeding.  It’s really fun to watch all the geese, ducks and seagulls fight for the breadcrumbs.

I actually would feel pretty safe being at this park at all times of day, as the police station is right next to the parking lot.  Jogging the sometimes woodsy trails seemed quite secure.  And it’s definitely a lovely place to either walk, jog or run.  Hopefully the lake will be cleaned up soon so people can enjoy the water as well! 

 
Address:
6500 S Sheridan Ave.

There are two different sections of the restaurant, the actual diner and the bar.  Most often I meet up with my friends at the bar because they actually seem to stay open the latest in North Tacoma.  Also, beware the stiff drinks… your rum and Coke will most likely end up being all rum. 

At the bar are lots of pulltabs.  While we grab a round of drinks, my friends and I will request a basket of pulltabs as well.  We will designate someone to line up several songs on the jukebox and then enjoy a few hours chatting away with each other.

If you are looking for a laid back place, without super loud music, and a small crowd, then Knapps is a place for you.  It’s hard to find a place on a Friday night where you don’t have to scream across the table to be heard.  And of course they have the tvs going in the background so you can catch up on the sports scores.  There is also a great late night menu, make sure to try the delicious mushroom burger!

Address:
2707 N Proctor St
Tacoma, WA
(253) 759-9009

THE HARMON FROM PACIFIC STREET VIEW

I’ve got nothing against Budweiser or Coors. It’s just that I wanted my grandparents to expand their tour of Tacoma beyond sightseeing. I wanted them to ‘taste’ Tacoma. Also, I wanted a good excuse to expose him to some very good beer. Again, nothing against Bud. Being that my grandpa is a beer dedicate, I thought that I owe it to him taste Tacoma through local microbrews. So we brought my grandparents to The Harmon right in the heart of Tacoma.

He hadn’t had any other beer besides Budweiser for many, many, unmentionably many years. So his attempts to resort to his old faithful were immediately squashed; they only serve their own brews at the Harmon. I ordered him the sampler, even though they had several seasonal beers. It’s the best way to taste multiple brews and frankly it’s a very good deal. There are five tastes and each taste is five ounces. It’s such a trendy choice too, it comes served on a mini K2 ski with a directory describing each brew under its name

My friends and I have devoured a variety of entrées at the Harmon: steak, burgers, sandwiches, pastas, etc. But today was about the beer. They’ve got just about the best fish and chips in Tacoma. The fish is dipped in their own beer batter and it’s served with their garlic fries. Luckily, it worked out that I brought them here on a Sunday when you get free refills on the Fish and Chips.

The Harmon really was an excellent choice in the long run. You can buy their beers to take home with you after you decide which brew you like the best. So, this turned out to be a souvenir site as well. My uncle went home with 2 pints of Browns Point Pale Ale, he should’ve gotten more. And we bought some of the Point Defiance IPA as gifts for family. Of course we also took home memories; they’ve never been to anything like the Harmon and they’ll be telling everyone about it when they get back home and share their beer souvenirs.

Harmon Brewery Co & Restaurant
1938 Pacific Ave
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 383-2739

Mon-Thu 11am-11pm
Fri 11am-12am
Sat 8am-12am
Sun 8am-9:30pm

ESPRESSO ART IN MY DOUBLE TALL MOCHA

When we were leaving the main library in Tacoma, we nearly wanted to turn around back in from all the rain. The only thing holding us back was the prospect of finding good coffee and cocoa for the kids. 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.

 It is only blocks from the library on St. Helens Street. They’ve only got street parking and I felt incredibly lucky to have found a good spot since I had the little ones too. I ordered my mocha and it was divine. No wonder, the coffee is roasted locally here in Tacoma at Mandolin Café.

 While we waited for our drinks I slowly turned around and scoped the crowd. I impulsively felt intimidated and anxious because it seemed like everyone was a moody student, studying hard, or engaged in a deep intellectual conversation. But immediately I could see I was clearly irrational. Soon people were taking quick glances now and then to adore the little ones, who thank goodness were behaving adorably. Even our barista did not skimp out on the toddlers. I thought only us grown-ups would have our mochas made special, but no. The toddlers stared at their cocoas with espresso art, licking at the tops of the froth that resembled leaves. I didn’t want my art to disappear so I sipped carefully.

There was no better place to be out of the rain, sipping fine coffee with good company. I felt so satisfied that I came back later that night, alone, after I had done some shopping. This time I sat in the back without the babies, by myself yet not alone. There seems to be good company served with the excellent coffee at Black Water Café.

Black Water Cafe
747 Fawcett Ave # A
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 404-0000

Mon - Fri 6:30am - 9pm
Sat - Sun 8am - 8pm

There is a surprising assortment of songs you will hear, including rap, pop and country.  The guy that runs the karaoke machine is there every night, and it seems all his karaoke experience has paid off, because he’s quite a good singer.  My friends and I gather at The West End a few times a month because they have big tables, tons of sports on the tv, and we really enjoy watching our brave friends go up to the microphone.

If you have never done karaoke before, don’t worry, they put the words up on a big screen for you to follow.  Also don’t worry if you aren’t a very good singer, because you certainly won’t be the only one, it’s more about having fun!  Once you get tired of the karaoke, you can try out the pull tabs.  I sadly have never won anything, but it is still enjoyable ripping open those little pieces of paper hoping to get lucky.

This really is a huge bar, there is even a pool room in the back.  They also have one of those fancy jukeboxes where you can instantly download whatever song you are seeking from the internet.  So in all, if you are bored one night and aren’t sure exactly what you want to do, The West End is a perfect destination.

Address:
3840 6th Ave
Tacoma, WA 98406
(253) 759-2896