A Vibrant Rose Garden for Everyone, Point Defiance, Tacoma
My grandparents were visiting us in June from out of town. I thought I’d end my usual ‘Tour de Tacoma’ with the 5 Mile Drive. I pointed out the Rose Gardens on our way out, and when they saw all the colors and blooms we did a loop and decided to make one last stop. Usually I would just point out the Rose Gardens from the car. But, where my grandparents are from, this amount of rose variety is kind of rare. They were in store for a real rose garden treat and it was worth pulling our lazy legs out of the car. Well, plus, we also needed a bathroom break!
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Being the owner of two energetic dogs, I have learned that no matter where I live, I should always know where the nearest off-leash dog park is. My dogs are never happier than when they are bounding across a wide-open space with boundaries bigger than my modest backyard. They can run to their hearts’ content; and, when we get back home, I can benefit from the peace and quiet in the house while they lie on the floor exhausted.
Today my family and I took a trip once again to Point Defiance Park, and we found the Camp 6 Logging Museum. This was a great place to take our oldest son, due to his deep love for trains and their uses in history. My personal favorite part of the whole day was the train ride we got to take. Also I found the history that the place was filled with to be very fun to learn, and is very educating for all ages. I also enjoyed learning that the place was run by volunteers. 
Today I wanted to try going somewhere different with my family so I decided to take them to the LeMay American Car Museum. I fell in love with these cars many years ago when Harold LeMay was still alive, and my father would take me to his car shows. Today I wanted to share with my little ones that same experience. My oldest son fell in love with what he called, “the pretty cars.” I myself found it to be enjoying as always to see the car I grew up looking at every year in my life. But my most favorite part was the American Muscle Cars. That’s right boys even us girlies like to hear the roaring of a great engine. I have decided to bring my youngest son back when he gets old enough to understand what he is looking at. I personally think everyone of all ages will enjoy a day here, like we did. While at our visit we also found that the museum will be moved into a bigger and permanent place when the funds are raised and plans set out. 
Freight House Square can be easy to miss sitting between the Tacoma Dome and the monstrous bus station. But you don’t want to pass up this collage of a little bit of everything. The appeal that sets Freight House Square separate from the common strip mall is the historic background and antique charm. When I come here, I’m not looking for the modern necessities, and definitely not trying to push past mall rats; I’m looking to step back in time for a simple and sophisticated time… and fat cinnamon rolls! 
Coffee and a movie or movie and then coffee, it’s the best of both worlds! If you are looking for more of a casual, laid back evening with a special someone or a buddy, I would suggest visiting the Merlino Arts Center. Located on the corner of 6th Street and Fawcett Avenue, this location is easy to get to and it provides all you need for a fun and casual night out. 
Among the many things you can do at OneThousandThingsToDo.com, one of them is to share these stories, events and other things to do with your family and friends. After all, what is life if it isn’t shared :). Starting a few months ago, we released a new feature we call “Email this ToDo”. Pretty clever huh? Believe it or not, we spent months and months coming up with that name, and we think it works pretty well.
If I wanted to, I can walk all of Old Town in 30 minutes, maybe less. But despite being very small, there’s enough ‘stuff’ to keep me around for triple that time, or more. Little Old Town shares the view and access of Commencement Bay with Rustin Way, but you don’t even have to walk the block down there to make your visit complete. I come here on a lunch date and a walk with Baby because it bustling, but not busy. And it possesses a street of variety, but it’s not crammed. The impending 4th of July brings memories of the crowded sidewalks and blocked streets during the annual 
This past weekend my other half and I decided that it was time to take our youngest son who is 1 years old to his first trip up to Mount Rainier National Park. Once we arrived at the park, we first stopped at Narada Falls where we sat and enjoyed a wonderful picnic lunch, while getting the chance to see some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Washington State. After lunch we continued up the mountain stopping at the many viewing areas along the way. Finally by mid day we made it to the top at Paradise. There we were able to go inside the great Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitors Center. From there we got to see all the peeks around Mount Rainier as well as learn some history of the area. 
Ever watched wistfully as athletic-looking people glided by on kayaks or canoes, feeling healthy and invigorated? Well, you can BE one of those people, without possessing special skills and equipment, for just an hour or two, if that’s all you have. Renting a boat is simple, inexpensive, and a great outing, in the uncrowded and safe Gig Harbor marina area. Located beneath and just beside Anthony’s restaurant, Gig Harbor Rent-A-Boat has free parking in the lot across the street. You can easily slip right into a kayak that’s tied up and waiting for you, for just $14 an hour. 
