City rivalries are pretty silly if you ask me. I mean…WHY? It’s like two siblings fighting over who is best in mother’s eyes.
Take Seattleites’ disdain for Tacoma, for example. Not a trip to Seattle goes by where I don’t hear at least one local resident rip on Tacoma. I think Tacoma is a fine city. Just because it lives under the shadow of the great Emerald City does NOT mean it doesn’t have its fair share of cool things to do and places to go.
If you’re flying into Seattle, you will land at Sea-Tac Airport. Yep, you guessed is the Tac stands for Tacoma, and the airport lies smack dab in the middle of the two cities. A popular moniker you may hear is “The Aroma of Tacoma.” Sounds kind of insulting, doesn’t it?
What this refers to is the slight sulfur smell you may (or most likely not) pick up, that is present in the city’s tideflats. But that’s just part of the sea smell – Tacoma is a port city, after all, and the views all of the ships docked on the water is amazing!
I double-dog DARE you to visit Tacoma and not come away impressed. I’ve put together these fun and interesting activities so that you too will come away a fan…and be good and ready to contradict with vigor the next time you encounter someone who wants to throw some shade at Tacoma.
NOT a College Town
At first glance, Tacoma may seem just like a college town. But look past the University of Puget Sound and the University of Washington-Tacoma, and you will find a unique port town that has its own vitality. Just south of campus is the famed 6th Avenue. Full of restaurants, antiques, and yes, tattoo parlors. This is the Pacific Northwest after all, where you can toss a latte in any direction and be guaranteed to hit someone with a tattoo or ten.
But really, don’t throw anything at anyone – that’s just rude.
West of 6th Ave is Tower Lanes, where you can get your game on, any time of day or night. Whether it’s mini-golf, bowling, pool or arcade games, they got you covered. Yep, 24 hours a day.
Breakfast All Day
Just about everywhere I go, I keep my eyes peeled for an all-day breakfast joint, and in Tacoma, Shakabrah Java fits the bill. Need a serious carb fix? Have a pancake that’s bigger than the plate it’s presented on. Just know that if you’re here on the weekends, get there EARLY or be prepared to wait. It’s worth it.
Donuts
Legendary Donuts is Tacoma’s sweet answer to Voodoo Doughnuts. Yeah, I went there! My loyal readers know that I do not endorse Voodoo at all. Because well, this place is better. Nevertheless, Legendary Donuts has it shit going on, y’all. Come on down! I recommend the King Kong Doughnut. Wait, did I just say that?
Visit a Farmer’s Market
There’s a large farming community all around Tacoma, and they bring in their produce directly – no dealing with a middle man. So you know it’s fresh! Broadway Market offers not only fresh farmer’s goods, but there are hot food vendors and artisans selling their wares. Open on Thursday only, from May through October. Also check out Point Ruston on Commencement Bay, offering fresh produce, flowers, and food. Open Sundays only from June through mid-September.
Stadium District
This neighborhood has lots of parks, perfect for chilling out. A favorite is Wright Park, with a botanical garden, pond, BBQ area, a mile-long trail, and a playground. King’s Books is THE place to find that next great read. It’s attached to a comic book shop, and their prices are great. They even have lots of places to sit so you can ‘test-drive’ any book before buying.
Point Defiance Park
With 700 acres of places to play, including a beach, parks, a zoo, aquarium, gardens, and the Fort Nisqually Living History Museum. It’s a great place to bring the entire family and tire the kiddos out so you and your significant other can spend some quiet time together in the evening (insert wiggling eyebrows here.) Everything here is free, with the exception of the zoo and aquarium.
The Museum of Glass
Located on the waterfront, this futuristic-looking building features a 90-foot, stainless steel cone attached to the building. Watch artists at work create vases, plates, bowls and whole sculptures in the amphitheater. The glass blowing is cool. Be sure to plan ahead as the museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
LeMay Collections at Marymount
Harold LeMay held the Guinness Book of World Record for having the largest collection of vintage cars on the planet – 1,900 of them to be exact. Its location in Marymount is a site that was purchased by the Sisters of St. Dominic which included a farmhouse on 100 acres of land. The sisters later sold the land to LeMay because he was the only one who ensured that he would preserve the history of the location. Marymount is closed on Mondays.
Tacoma Art Museum
With more than 4,500 works of art originating from the American west, it is one of the most extensive displays of native art, jewelry, glass art, photographs, prints and outdoor sculptures in the Pacific Northwest. This museum is also closed on Mondays. (Hint: probably don’t go to Tacoma on a Monday). The Washington State History Museum is pretty cool, too.
Tacoma Nature Center
There is lots to do here to get the kinks and stresses of the day out of your system. Places such as Discovery Pond and Snake Lake will ensure you have a fun outdoor adventure. Go inside a treehouse, slide down a hollow log, challenge yourself with a boulder scramble and stroll past some waterfalls. Take a picnic lunch and make a day of it!
Check Out a Brewery
In true Pacific Northwest style, Tacoma would not be complete without its fair share of breweries. Odd Otter Brewing Company, Narrows Brewing, and 7 Seas Brewery & Taproom are just a few you should check out.
If you visit Tacoma and are NOT impressed, for crying out loud, LET ME KNOW. I have a morbid curiosity for weird people.
2 Comments
nice post. thanks for sharing use ful information with us.
You’re welcome!