Search Results

It's the last full month of summer in Tacoma and we've found some ways to spend it! Jump back in time to the good ol' drive-in movies and maybe jumps even further back as you cruise Antique Row for some classic sidewalk finds. Then, explore Tacoma's Downtown via scavenger hunt and later hunker down to virtually hear about Washington's part in the Women's Suffrage Movement while celebrating it's centennial. Don't miss the array of businesses to explore in our beloved Hilltop where you can eat, drink, and shop your way to some cool prizes as you collect stamps in your Hilltop Business Crawl Passport. Finally, we invite you to give back and maybe even save a life in the process. We'll see you around, Tacoma! Drive-in movies are BACK! Time to load up the family with some cozy blankets, a few snacks, and a couple masks (for whenever leaving your vehicle), and catch a classic flick on the REALLY big screen. Tacoma has TWO outdoor theaters operating at reduced capacity this August and we're here for it! LeMay America’s Car Museum: Drive-In Movies LeMay would like to bring some movie magic to the tailgate, front seat, or a couple chairs in front of (not alongside) your vehicle. Pre-register online for your “seat”, then it’s first come first serve for a spot. Don’t worry little sports car owners, vehicles will be lined up by height for optimal viewing. We’ve grabbed tickets for Raiders of the Lost Ark! Find the complete list below: August 1st: Frozen II August 8th: Bumblebee August 15th: Toy Story 4 August 22nd: Raiders of the Lost Ark STAR Center Cruise-In Cinema Metro Parks Star Center is also offering a movie series this August! While the event is technically free, they recommend a donation which will be matched by Safeway Nourishing Neighbors. All movie-goers must remain in their vehicles or tailgates for the duration of the film, unless getting snacks or using the restroom. Spots are available with pre-registration only and cars will be parked in every other stall for distancing. Audio for the film is transmitted by FM radio, so it's recommended to bring an FM radio (not a phone app) to avoid any dead car batteries by the end of the film. Find the line-up below: August 7th: Star Wars Episode IV August 14th: Hidden Figures August 21st: The Princess Bride August 28th FernGully August 5th – 12th Walk Tacoma Scavenger Hunt Downtown On The Go! has put together an adventurous scavenger hunt through Tacoma full of riddles and activities. Form a team or work alone as you compete with fellow Tacomans and explore some great Downtown locations. The hunt begins on August 5th and concludes on the 12th when you can submit your answers for excellent prizes. All ages are welcome to participate! Face coverings and social distancing is required as you visit local businesses. Registration deadline is August 3rd so sign up here. August 3rd – 7th & August 10th – 14th Tacoma Little Theater Summer Camp Tacoma Little Theater (TLT) is ready to serve your tiny thespians. Catch the final two weeks of Virtual Theater Camp where your kiddo can act, sing, and dance out all of their end of summer energy before the school year starts again. Week 7 features a performance of Alice in Wonderland, high school script writing, Disney Dance along to Lion King, and more. We’re sure it will be all “Hakuna Matata” for you! Weeks 8 includes a Robin Hood the Sequal performance, intro to set design, and A Murder Mystery. Don’t worry about good ol’ Shakespeare, he'll be at the Hamlet Club. All classes will be held over Zoom with TLT instructors and actors. Sign up now to guarantee a spot! August 15th & 16th Tacoma’s Antique Row: Summer Sidewalk Sale 2020 Hop through time as you hop through sales in Tacoma’s historic Antique Row. On Broadway between 7th and 9th, downtown Tacoma’s best antique shops will be spilling into the sidewalks to offer their fares. Satisfy the kiddo in you with some classic toys and comics from Lily Pad Antiques, explore Sanford and Son’s three floors including 20 Middle Floor Merchants and The Library event space, cruise down to OCD candy for a sweet treat, then nicely round out your visit with a new-to-you slightly used stylish outfit from Anew Thyme. There’s something for everyone and even a few spots to grab a beverage (we’ll let you decide) on the way. Check out a full list of vendors here! Cascade Regional Blood Services: Summer Blood Drives Sometimes saving a life is as simple as giving an hour of your time and a little bit of yourself... a pint of yourself to be exact. Every year 14,000,000 red blood cell transfusions are performed in the United States. Roughly speaking, that's one person every 2 seconds. Where does all of that blood come from? Volunteer donors! Cascade Regional Blood Services is happy to announce that blood drives are open again! Especially during a time of crisis (hello pandemic!), not only are blood banks in short supply but they are are needed far more in the field. This can cause quite the dilemma! All types are needed at this time, especially you O+ folks! Worried you might not be eligible? Check out this FAQ for potential donors. If you are considering giving, you can locate a drive near you or make an appoint at one their local centers. All donations are by appointment only at this time to ensure social distancing. Be sure to drink plenty of water, eat a hearty meal, and get plenty of rest the day before! Don’t forget, there are always free cookies afterwards 😉 Augst 19th - 26th The Suffrage Special Whistle Stop Tour Video Series August 2020 marks the centennial of National Women's Suffrage. Washington State Historical Society is inviting you to "climb aboard" the Suffrage Special Whistle Stop Tour to celebrate. This eight day virtual tour starts on August 19th and will make a "stop" each day from Spokane all the way to Washington's capital, Olympia. This trip is similar to that of the "Suffrage Special" which took suffragist from around the nation to the 1909 National Suffragist Convention in Seattle. Hear from local historians at each "whistle stop" along the way and explore the suffrage history and legacy in each particular region. The tour ends on August 26th, Women's Equality Day, the day the Nineteenth Amendment was ratified 100 years ago! Come hear about the women who fought, dreamed, and paved the way for women's rights across the state and the nation. All aboard! August 22nd & 23rd Hilltop Business Crawl Come connect with the Hilltop businesses and show your support! The Hilltop Action Coalition along with Tacoma Housing Authority invite you to participate in the Hilltop Business Crawl. It’s no secret that Covid-19 and the Link Light Rail construction have taken their toll on one of our favorite neighborhoods. What better time to (safely) lift them up! Over the weekend of August 22nd – 23rd you can visit select businesses and collect stamps in your very own Hilltop Business Crawl Passport. At the end of your explorative crawl, take a moment to vote for a People’s Choice Award and be sure to submit your passport to be entered for raffle prizes. All winners will be announced at Hilltop Action Coalition’s Monthly Community Meeting on September 21st. Participating Vendors Include: Grit City Ciderworks T-Shirt Men Red Elm Cafe Tacoma's #1 Fried Rice Johnson's Candy Mr. MAC Ltd. Sam & Terry's Barbershop Love by the Slice Hill-Top Loans Pawn Shop Peterson Brothers 1111 Goodfellas Barbers Bob's Bar-B-Q Pit Clarkcomm Wireless The Fish House Cafe Manifesto COffee The House of Scott Lavonne's Room Trendy Treasures by TRE Limitless Apparel LLC Grit City Food Co Op Ohana Health Buddhist Moon Queendome Thinking Paparazzi Gyrl Speaking of Hilltop! We love dining and drinking in the Hilltop Area and are excited to see businesses re-opening and even a few opening their doors for the first time. Here's who we're excited to visit this month! Peterson Bros 1111 Those Peterson Brother's sure know how to run some pretty cool restaurants. We're pleased to see that one of our favorites has opened it's doors for take-out and brand new merch. 1111 is located on South 11th (duh) just off MLK and offers some of the best sandwiches in Tacoma including their famous Turkey Bacon Pesto, a classic French Dip, and their very own 1111 Philly Cheese Steak. They also have great vegan options too, like the Buffalo Melt, as well as daily specials like the famous Double Decker Taco Tuesday! All of these pair nicely with the rotating taps and well poured drinks. That is, when they are open for seated service. The vibe of this place is very PNW, so we hope you enjoy some Rainier paraphernalia. Find the full menu here and be sure to follow their Instagram and Facebook for updates. Grit City Ciderworks There's a couple new faces in Hilltop and they're ready to wet your whistle with some tasty craft brewed cider. Grit City Cider recently renovated and moved into their space on MLK, which sits right next door to The Broken Spoke. Owner David Horne originally found ciders to be a bit too sweet for his taste. Being a home beer brewer, he decided to apply his knowledge to cider. This resulted in an excellent selection of much dryer crisp ciders, including flavors like lemon-raspberry, oaked cherry, and strawberry-rosemary. While they were able to open for a short couple weeks, currently Grit City Ciderworks can only offer growler fills and curbside pick-up. When indoor seating opens again, the family friendly booths and arcade games await you! Follow their Instagram for more updates!

Hello Tacoma Summer! This city has done so well to adapt. Whether moving to virtual platforms, modifying their businesses, taking care to keep the city beautiful, or pushing on despite difficulties, Tacoma certainly has no intention of slowing down. We've found some re-openings, new openings, reasons to celebrate, and ways to virtually enjoy the beauty, talent, and history of Tacoma from your living room. See you (from afar) around, Tacoma! July 10th + 24th SLO + Social Group Rides Whether you are an avid cyclist or a newbie just getting the hang of Tacoma roads, Slo + Social Group Rides are for you. A great opportunity to commune (at a safe social distance), every second and fourth Saturday you can joing fellow cyclists in the Tacoma area for a 3 – 5 mile ride. 2nd Cycle provides the music and the route, you provide the energy. For those who don’t know about 2nd Cycle, they are a non-profit organization, that seeks to demystify and normalize bike riding as a part of daily life. Their shop is located on MLK and they offer professionally rebuilt bicycles, fast and affordable mechanics, use of their shop and tools for fair rates, extensive inventory for repairs and rebuilds, youth programs, and one-on-one training. Check them out here! July 11th Stride with Pride (Virtual Fun Run/Walk) Run or walk your way through Tacoma for Stride with Pride! With all proceeds benefiting the Rainbow Center, this virtual event encourages you to show up in your finest running shoes and sashay you way to the finish line. Registration includes a virtual race kit containing a t-shirt, printable bibs, cheer signs, and mile markers. If you need help finding a route, they even have options laid out for you! Be sure to snap some photos of your Pride walk and post them before 6pm to be entered to win some sweet swag. Tacoma Pride Month! While were at it… July is Tacoma Pride Month! This year’s pride celebration will certainly look a bit different, but there are still plenty of opportunities to celebrate, advocate, and love on our LGBTQ community and allies. Check out Tacoma Pride's website for a list of events including the Pride flag raising, several virtual parties, parades, services, and even a virtual ball, as well as a drive through HIV testing provided by Pierce Count Aids Foundation. Additionally, on July 11th several Points of Pride vendors, restaurants, and breweries will have Pride themed promotions and activities to celebrate in place of the normal street festival. Find the list here! July 11th Hilltop’s Curbside Community Clean-up (With more neighborhoods on different dates!) A few of us went into this pandemic with some time on our hands and went into “Spring Cleaning” mode. Unfortunately, with the dumps closed for a while, there was nowhere to put the “stuff”. The City of Tacoma would love to help and have moved their community clean-up from a central location to a curbside pick-up. If you live in the boundaries displayed in the above map, on July 11th you can leave of to 25 bags of household items to be disposed of. Items must be at least 4ft from the curb and can be no more than 6ft in length.. Don’t live in Hilltop? Find you clean-up date here. Be sure to check back to see if curbside pick-up is still available! Every Monday Night Stephanie Anne Johnson Weekly Virtual Hang One thing we’ve been missing during the time of Covid, is live music tickling our hearts and ears. Thank goodness for technology! Tacoma’s very own Stephanie Anne Johnson has partnered with Emergency Bandcast System to provide a weekly show, straight to your living room! Simply stream her Monday evening “Virtual Hang” from the Emergency Bandcast page, and she’ll take it from there. With originals, covers, themes, and requests from YOU, the shows are never the same. You may recognize the soulful voice of Stephanie from season 5 of The Voice or around town when she performs with her group the Hidogs. So, if you’ve got those Corona “blues” and are looking to “jazz” up your Monday evening, just “rock n roll” on to your couch for a nice Monday evening jam session. Don't forget to check out Stephanie's personal page for ways to tip! Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium is OPEN! It’s hard to imagine a childhood summer in Tacoma without a trip to the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. Thankfully, the PDZA has been able to open it’s doors! You can again explore the arctic tundra, visit the otters in rocky shores, catch some fishy stares from the sharks at the Pacific Aquarium, and snoop on the tigers in the Asian Forest Sanctuary. While most of the zoo is open, some Keeper Chats and Animal Encounters will continue but will not longer be scheduled, in order to avoid congestion. Also, tickets will be time-blocked and a one-way path has been marked for a stream line experience. As with the entire state, face coverings are required (for all over the age of 5), and staff is asking that visitors sanitize often during their visit. While it all still feels like a major adjustment, I’m sure we can all still fine the joy in watching a fuzzy fox skip across the tundra and crack a smile under our protective gear. Nature at Home Alternatively, if you are still looking for a zoo experience for the kiddos but not ready to head out, the PDZA staff have set up virtual activities and education for your future little zoologists! Check out their Nature at Home page for indoor and outdoor scavenger hunts, nature science and arts projects, and a chance to check out the wildlife eye-spy game using camera trap photos. July 22nd Free Business Owner and Tax Preparer Workshop Tacoma business owners, this workshop is for you! Tacoma has boomed in the last few years and we imagine it will only continue to do so. So if you are interested in starting your own Tacoma business, have one already, or are just curious what the process looks like, consider registering for this free event focusing on Tacoma's' Tax and License requirements. Topics Include: • Tax classifications and how they apply to your business • Minimum thresholds that apply before filing is required • Completing your tax return • Online filing for tax returns and license renewals with FileLocal • Tacoma's paid sick leave and minimum wage laws Pretty Gritty Tours Tacoma's favorite tour guides have taken their business virtual! While you may not be able to trek through the neighborhoods of our beloved T-town, you can get cozy with a brew and follow along as you hear the mysterious, adventurous, and sometimes tragic history of Tacoma. Simply log into Facebook, select that days event, and follow along as your guide cruises through a Google map! You can even ask questions in real time. Find July's event pages below: July 11th: Mysteries in Old Town July 15th: Tacoma’s China Town July 18th: Stampede Pass Bonus: All past events have been uploaded on on their Virtual Tour page! Coming Soon! It seems that even a pandemic can't slow down Tacoma and it's desire for tasty brews and great food. Here's a few places coming down the pipeline that we can't wait to frequent! Little Radio A long time dream is finally coming true for the Wingman gang as they are setting up shop in the old Tacoma Cabana. Don't worry, their Puayllup Ave Brewery will still be running, in fact it will be providing beer for their new family friendly expansion. Set to open in late summer early fall, Little Radio (an homage to The Little Radio Shop which inhabited the space in 1937) will provide high quality pub food, tasty local brews, and hand crafted cocktails. Everything from the sandwiches to the tiki themed cocktails have been carefully thought out by some local food and drink gurus to make for an elevated experience. The space boasts copper counters, old growth wood (everywhere), that signature Wingman orange, and will hopefully be set for live music, art shows, and other community events down the road (pandemic pending). Keep an eye on their Instagram and check out this article for more information! Gilman House In the heart of Stadium district the creative duo who brought you Devils Reef is taking a dive into Catie's favorite libation, gin. Robyn and Jason Alexander have taken over the old Copper Door's space (RIP) and flipped it into a very hotel chic lounge restaurant, boasting live edge wood bar tops and tables, a grand group booth, antiques galore, and various dining spaces. Gilman House will be a family friendly spot, but you will likely see us bellied up to the 21+ bar with a gin and juice concoction or a local brew in hand. As for the food, you'll find it's on the greener side. The Alexanders have placed a great focus on plant based platters and meals, like Mediterranean platters, vegan biscuits and gravy (yes please!), and stuffed avocados. Still omnivore friendly, there will be some heavy protein add-ons and a few meaty dishes. For a full story, check out Dine Pierce County's article here and be sure to follow them on Instagram! Bonus: Check out Dine Pierce County's "We're in Phase 2!" article about restaurants opening up in Tacoma and Pierce County! BONUS Bonus: We seem to have a thing for the Red Hot... but couldn't NOT mention that they are open for dine-in service! Seating is limited and masks are required for entry (to be removed when seated) but you can finally sit down and enjoy a tasty dog with a crisp pint of local beer. Additionally, they have partnered with the Black is Beautiful project and will be donating all proceeds from purchases of the Black is Beautiful Stout to Tacoma Urban League. Check out this post for more details!

Don't miss the video tour below! A stately covered porch invites you into an open concept main level featuring rich "hand scraped" wood floors leading to a generous living/dining room and beautiful kitchen with fine alder cabinets, absolutely stunning granite slab counter tops, and updated pendant lighting. Forced AC keeps the entire house at a comfy temp year round. Upstairs, a master suite comfortably fits a king sized bed under vaulted ceilings and is paired with a generous bathroom and walk-in closet. Two more bedrooms and a full bath finish the upstairs. Outside you'll find easy access to the convenient alley with spacious two-car garage perfect for projects and parking alike. Make use of the alley for BBQs and hanging out. Don't forget the neighborhood park less than a block away, perfect for summer fun, walking the dog, sports and games. The Basics 1,508 square feet 3 bedrooms 2.25 bathrooms, including a master suite 2014 construction Forced AC 2 car garage Neighborhood park Nearby hiking Video Tour Main Floor: Living Room, Kitchen, and Dining Area Upon entry you'll find a spacious open concept living/dining room paired with an incredible kitchen featuring gorgeous counter tops over alder cabinets and a generous island. Main Floor: Laundry Room and Half Bath Near the rear of the main floor is a half bath paired with a convenient utility room. Washer and dryer included! Upstairs: Master Bedroom and Master Bath Relax and get away from the world in a master suite featuring territorial views of the neighborhood, abundant natural light, and vaulted ceilings. Enjoy a private master suite bathroom with walk-in closet! Upstairs: Two Bedrooms and Full Bath Two more bedrooms and a full bathroom round out the upstairs. Outside: Garage and Rear of Home Set up your dream shop, gym, or keep two cars comfortably parked in the generous two car garage. Access to the garage and home is made easy with an alley just for you and the neighbors. Direct access to the kitchen from the garage makes it easy to relax out back and BBQ on cool summer nights. Great Neighborhood! A great neighborhood full of well kept homes is sure to please. Don't miss the neighborhood park less than a block away. Hiking trails are just down the street and Yelm is chock full of fun shops, restaurants and activities! Some of Our Favorite Nearby Places Offered At: $310,000 14435 100th Ave SE Yelm, WA 98597 MLS# 1613171 Full Listing Available Here John Douville johndouville@windermere.com 253.230.4931 www.douvillehomegroup.com

June is here, the sun is up far longer than it is down, we are seeing more of our friends and family, and there is a glimmer of a Tacoma summers on the horizon. Places are starting to open up but we aren't quite to the other side yet. So for this month, we've found just a couple events, a few local businesses we love, a chance to make history, and more ways to help your fellow Tacoman. We see you Tacoma, and we're ready for this next season. June 11th – 13th 2pm – 6pm Tacoma Arts Live: Food Drive for Emergency Food Network Tacoma Arts Live is partnering with Emergency Food Network for a drive-up food drive! Food pantries all over Pierce County are being frequented more during this time. EFN sees the need and is doing all they can to collect food for the 80+pantries they serve. Urgently needed at this time are protein rich items like canned meat, chili, soups, and peanut butter. Head down to the Tacoma Armory this weekend with a donation, and they’ll wheel a bin right out to your car for easy socially distant pick-up. June 21st Tacoma Art Market BETA Tacoma Art Walk is hosting a mini Tacoma Art Market! Stretching the few short blocks of 6th Ave between O’Malleys and Jazzbones, this socially distant market will give some of your favorite vendors a retail option during these crazy times. There will be hand sanitizing stations readily available for all guests, 6ft distancing markers, and all vendors will be wearing masks. Consider this a warm up for the main event, which is an extended market on July 19th. That being said, please be patient will all vendors, staff, and volunteers. We love our Tacoma artists, bakers, chefs, and makers and are excited to see them thriving again. Full vendor list will be confirmed later this month, but you can check out Tacoma Art Market's website for more details! Dear Tacoma: Collecting Our Communities Stories It’s very apparent that 2020 is a year that will live on in history. How would you like to be recorded as a part of Tacoma's history? Tacoma Public Library in partnership with Grit City Magazine would like to collect YOUR stories of this time. Simply submit a “Dear Tacoma” letter, digital message, voice recording, voicemail, or email, and you will be recorded in the TPL archives. TPL has provided a broad range of prompts for yourself or to interview others, like “What was the most unexpected part about being in Tacoma during the pandemic?”, “I love Tacoma because…”, “What memory sticks out in your head the most about the pandemic?”, and “When this is over I will…”. Check out the submission options as well as what’s already come in. Local SWAG Here for Good 253 Here for Good 253 is a fundraising campaign that sells apparel featuring the beautiful Mt. Rainer and the classic Murray Morgan Bridge to benefit Sound Sound businesses. $10 from every T-shit and $20 from every hoodies sale goes to a local business of YOUR choice. With a dozen businesses so far, including The Grand Cinema, Hilltop Artists, Food Is Free Tacoma, and the Hob Nob, you’re sure to find one you love and miss. Apparel is printed weekly, so shipping times may vary. Check the website for the next printing date and follow along with their $20,000 goal ticker. Catie has her eye on the Murray Morgan pull over! The Velvet Tangerine Check out local Tacoma artist and hair dresser Rebecca Gahm's Etsy store, The Velvet Tangerine! Catie recently purchased these beautiful emerald earrings and adores them. The best part though? For the month of June, Rebecca will be donating all proceeds to Black Live Matter, King County Chapter, NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Black Visions Collective, and Campaign Zero. Each week a different organization will be featured. Follow her Instagram to check out her latest projects and see which organization is being highlighted that week. Dinner Time! The Red Hot: It's Back! It’s finally happening, those delicious hot dogs (and vegan not-dogs) are at our finger tips. We are so thankful and excited that our favorite neighborhood spot was able to re-open and we have already made a couple of visits. While sit down service is not available yet, you can pre-order online or over the phone and get your dogs to-go at the sweet new pick-up counter. We’ve already had a classic Red Hot with spicy brown mustard, the Bahn Mi sausage with sriracha mayo, and the vegan Goodfella with marinara and “cheese”. Don’t forget, you can fill a crowler (can growler) to-go with whatever they have on tap! The Spar The Spar is one of the oldest restaurants here in Tacoma and it certainly gives off that hometown feel. Catie has several fond memories of enjoying live music over a plate of the famous Spar Chips with her mom. Being the PNW coastal citizens we are, we come here for the fish. What's better than enjoying a giant flaky halibut fish n' chips with a beautiful view of the water, the sounds of blues guitar, and a frosty local ale in hand? Catie always opts for the fish tacos and a draft IPA. It's such a treat! Recently, they opened up for dine-in service, with limited seating. Their take-out menu is still available during their regular business hours every day between 11am and 8pm. Tacoma Farmers Market Eastside & Point Ruston Now Open! There’s something about being outside in the fresh air with the sun kissing your cheeks that makes “grocery shopping” less mundane. Thankfully, the Tacoma Farmer’s Market season is officially in full swing! Your favorite farmers, chefs, and makers are all ready to serve you, with some healthy guidelines of course. Eastside: 3500 McKinley Ave. E Tuesdays: 3pm – 7pm Point Ruston: 5005 Ruston Way The Grand Plaza Sundays: 10am – 3pm Broadway: 9th and Broadway Thursdays: 10am – 3pm BONUS: We'd like to do a brief shout-out to Mogoso Noodle Shop, who opened up this year at the Broadway Market. Our sweet former clients now friends have been working on this idea for several years and have finally been able to see it come to fruition. So give them a visit and grab a bowl of knife cut noodles with beef or tofu and a side of handmade chicken dumplings. Get there early because they are known to sell out. Congrats again, Sun & June! Proctor Farmers Market Saturdays: 9am – 2pm Not to be forgotten is the wonderful Proctor Farmers Market. Fresh produce, beautiful bouquets, tasty empanadas, all in one place. As with the others, there are a few new guidelines in place and ways to make shopping safer and easier, including requiring face mask, designating entry points, and requesting that you let the vendors handle any produce you plan on purchasing. Find the complete list here! One helpful hint is to check out the list of Pre-Pay and Pre-Order Vendors (Scroll to “ Special Vendor Offers”) and place your orders for pick-up. You'll find our friend Reverend Al's Bona Fide Potents on that Pre-Order list. The Rev is offering 15% off web orders for his Proctor Market pick-ups as well as free Tacoma deliveries. In a time of drinking at home more, his potents have made for some seriously tasty cocktails. Check out his line of potents here. Don't know what to make? Don't worry, he has the recipe too ;)

Tacoma, it’s been a long couple months. We feel it too. Which is why we’ve created this special May edition of our blog. While there are a few events listed, we wanted to focus on showing love to our local businesses, artists, historians, hungry neighbors, and each other. So we’re also sharing about some of the businesses and organizations we’ve been supporting recently and hope you’ll share a few with us as well. You’ll like Tacoma? Nah, You'll love it. Emergency Food Network (Virtual) Hunger Walk & 5K May 2nd (Now extended through the 31st!) Emergency Food Network (EFN) is an essential resource to several families living in Pierce County, where one in seven individuals are food insecure. To kick-off Hunger Awareness Month, EFN is hosting a Hunger Walk & 5K! This year’s walk will be a little different, as all participants will be putting in their miles from the comfort of their own homes and neighborhoods. While the official race date is May 2nd, the event has been extended through the entire month of May, giving people a chance to walk for hunger all month long! So, for those who are looking for ways to give to local organizations during this time, it’s as simple as moving your feet! For every $1 given to EFN, 5 meals are provided to families in need. Last year alone EFN distributed over 13.9 milllion pounds of food to 76 different meal sites, shelters, and pantries. This then went directly to our neighbors all across Pierce County. Let's help EFN ensure that no person goes hungry! T-Town Tacoma: Tacoma Strong Local businesses are the heartbeat of Tacoma. They are what sets us aside from other cities, what has formed our unique culture, and often where we find our pride. Unfortunately, for several restaurants, shops, businesses, and art studios, their work has been either minimized or shut down entirely with no re-open date in sight. This is where T-Town Apparel has stepped in. Through their Tacoma Strong project, T-Town Apparel has partnered with over 75 local businesses to print customized T-shirts with $10 of every shirt sale going directly to the local business. When we found out about this project , we jumped right in to support our beloved Red Hot (We miss you guys!)! But that’s not where it ends! Several business including Pomodoro, Climb Tacoma, Old Milwaukee, Tacoma Glass Blowing, and The Swiss are all being supported through this effort. With an incredible goal of $50,000 to support local businesses, there’s still a ways to go! Check out the Tacoma Strong shop here. Speaking of local swag! Check out... Catie’s Stay Home Stay Healthy Look! T-Shirt by: TTown Apparel As mentioned before, we love The Red Hot. Which is why we got matching T's to show some hometown love! $10 from this purchase went directly to the Red Hot, supporting them until their doors open again! Thanks T-Town Apparel! Earrings by: Splendor & Stone Gretchen is an incredible artist who puts her whole heart into her craft. These earrings are beautiful, unique, durable, and make a great gift (Hint Hint... Mother's Day is this month)! Check out her Etsy Shop for more products and sales items. I can attest that my latest pair shipped in record time! Headband by: Pieces to Peaces In this era of, "When did I last wash my hair?", these headbands have been a wonderful investment. While this business is actually out of Olympia, her work is so good that I wanted to share. Currently, Pieces to Peaces has added Hero Headbands to their collection. Hero Headbands include buttons on either side to hold up medical masks. This saves healthcare workers ears from the constant pulling. How neat is that! While the bands themselves are currently sold out, you can make a donation to provide one for a local health care worker. After Shower Body Balm: KV Apothecary You may recognize the friendly face of KV Apothecary from the Tacoma Night Markets (and maybe even behind the bar at The Parkway back in the day!). Sweet Kendra has been working away on her hand crafted herbal products, and shipping them all over to her adoring regulars. Anything from dry shampoo and sunscreen, to teething elixers and stress tinctures. Catie's favorite product however, has been this after shower body balm made of calendula infused oil, coco butter, bees wax, and lavender essential oils. It's a real treat for your skin (Another Mother's Day hint). Kendra has even produced a few batches of hand sanitizer when it seemed the world went dry. Follow her instagram @kvapothecary253 for products and releases! Tacoma Farmers Market on Broadway May 7th A fresh glimmer of normality is coming, as the first farmers market of the season is set to open on May 7th! Down on Broadway, you’ll smell some familiar smells and see some familiar faces, albeit behind some masks. Guidelines have been developed for vendors, staff, and shoppers to keep the market a safe and healthy place. All vendors and staff are required to wear masks and will be pre-packaging whatever products they can. The market itself will be set up in a “one way shopping” format, with entrance only on south 11th. So, what can we the shoppers do? Well, quite a bit actually! Of course, you can maintain 6ft distancing, bring hand sanitizer, and wear a mask if you have one. But you can also make a list, bring exact change, avoid touching products until they are purchased, and prepay whichever vendors offer prepayment services. Finally, be sure to enjoy the market. Allow the sunshine to hit your face and feed you some vitamin D as you pick out a fresh bouquet. After all, endorphins are great for the immune system. Dinner Time! Here’s what we’ve been eating! Asado Man, we really treated ourselves this past date night. No seriously. Like three entrees, an appetizer, and a side of sweet potato fries treated ourselves. The skewer salad combos were incredibly satisfying. While we can go on about how smoky the steak was and how tender and juicy the prawns were, it was the ensalada de heirbas that set it off. This bright ensalada is an arugula and mixed green salad with shaved manchego cheese, mango, mint, jicama, and spiced walnuts, topped with passion fruit vinaigrette. I’m salivating just thinking about it. Oh, and the crab cakes? Just get em. Trust me on this one. Check out their easy online ordering for pick-up and delivery. Sammy’s Pizza When the sunny days hit, we Douvilles decided to have a little picnic in Wright Park. It was no ordinary picnic though… it was a pizza picnic! We called Sammy’s and placed an order for a large Italiano pizza, covered in pepperoni, salami, sausage, fresh basil, and whole roasted garlic, on their specialty Blue Moon beer crust (so worth it). We also added some sun dried tomatoes for a little zing. Within 20 minutes we had a hot, delicious, and half dairy-free pizza. Those who know Catie, know that good pizza is hard to come by when you’re lactose intolerant. Thank goodness for Sammy’s! Just add sunshine, good company, and a little crushed red pepper flakes, and you’ve got yourself an excellent day. Tacoma Boys Even with several restaurants offering take-out options, it’s safe to say that several of us are cooking at home more than usual. Another way to support our fellow Tacomans is to shop local grocers. Tacoma Boys has a long history of providing an excellent selection of produce, meats, cheeses, beer, and wine. They believe in quality and freshness, and it shows. Our most recent shop included maple breakfast sausages (we’ve been doing breakfast waaaayyy more), some elusive Cosmic Crisp apples, fancy in-house made pickles, and pint of ginormous fresh local strawberries. Their spicy Italian sausage has spruced up our spaghetti dishes on several occasions and their homemade salsas have accompanied us on a few Taco Tuesdays as well. Check out their blog for upcoming specials, ideas for meals and meal prep while staying at home, gift baskets, and more! History After Hours: Whiskey & Mixology in the PNW May 7th While you won't be able to wander the vast Washington State History Museum with drink in hand, you can enjoy this History After Hours from home... with drink in hand. Virtually join in the fun as historian Renee Cebula tells us all about the history of whiskey and mixology in the Pacific Northwest. Be sure to watch until the end, because Renee will finish her talk with a lesson in making the PERFECT whiskey sour. This live event is free, but if you wish to make a donation to keep the history (and the drinks at future After Hour events) flowing, you can do so here! The Grand Cinema: Virtual Screening Room Date nights with dinner and a movie look a little different right now. We know we have missed the smell of popcorn and the feel of a good ol theater seat, but don't worry, the Grand Cinema has got you covered. Tacoma's beloved non-profit theater is offering a Virtual Screening Room with current films including kid flicks, documentaries, dramas, and a few comedies sure to keep you laughing. As mentioned before, The Grand Cinema is a non-profit organization, and certainly much more than a theater. Offering classes, camps, festivals, and a place to view local features, they connect the community through film experiences. So in this trying time while the physical theater is closed, a portion of each virtual screening purchase will go directly to the Grand Cinema. So, grab your favorite movie snack and your favorite people, hunker down and get ready to stream some new flicks directly from your sofa. And for Dessert… Ice Cream Social After a brief closure, Ice Cream Social is back in action! Made with locally sourced flavors from your favorite places, like Mad Hat Tea, Spooner Farms, and Valhalla Coffee, these cool-treats are no joke. Visit their online shop to check out the seasonal flavor selection, place your order, then simply pick-up your order at the 6th Ave location. Shout out again to our lactose intolerant and vegan friends, Ice Cream Social has you covered! The day they re-opened Catie nabbed a pint of her absolute favorite Coconut Almond Poppyseed with a couple of dairy-free cones. No sunny day is complete without a scoop of ice cream! Girl Loves Cake Desserts Another face familiar to the night market scene is Girl Loves Cake Desserts, Erin! This lady makes some of the tastiest macarons around. Always soft, always chewy, always tasty. With flavors like Dulche de Leche, Peanut Butter Cup (Dairy-free!), and Mango Tajin, they are hard to resist! During this Stay Home time, she is taking orders and doing pick-up at various locations around Tacoma and neighboring cities. The next pick-up is on May 9th in Lakewood, just in time for Mother's Day. Catie's Vegan Peanut Butter Banana Cookies We did a few surprise porch deliveries for Easter this year and these soft delicious cookies seemed to be a hit! So we've decided to share them with you! Ingredients (Makes 36 cookies): 3/4 cup smooth peanut butter 3/4 cup room temperature vegan butter (we use Earth Balance) 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup brown sugar 150 grams banana, mashed 1 tsp vanilla 3 cups (390 grams) flour 1 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt Directions: -Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or baking liner. -In an electric mixer, cream together peanut butter and vegan butter on medium high until completely mixed (no bits of butter!). -Add both sugars, and again mix on high for 2 - 3 minutes until completely mixed (seriously, whip it up!). -In a separate dish mash the banana smooth until little to no chunks are visible (I've gone so far at to run mine through a strainer) then beat in the vanila extract. -Add banana/vanilla into mixer and mix on low until just combined. -In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt. -Gradually pour flour mixture into rest of ingredients and mix until dough just comes together. -Roll dough into 1.5 inch balls and place on cookie sheet 2in apart (being a slight perfectionist when it comes to baking, I can tell you the dough balls should weigh about 34 grams each). Press each dough down roughly 1/3 of the way with a fork into a crosshatch pattern (AKA Poundsign, AKA Hashtag #). -Place in oven for 10-11 minutes or until the undersides begin to brown. -Remove from oven and allow to cool for a couple minutes before removing to cooling rack. -ENJOY!

Two extraordinary duplexes featuring two bedrooms and one bathroom in each of the four well kept units. The Tacoma rental market is booming, now is your time to invest in this excellent opportunity. The units have been extremely well maintained by the owner and loved by long term tenants. Each unit has it's own washer & dryer, private patio with sliding door access, and have been non-smoking (property wide) for 20+ years. Outside is enough parking for four cars per unit. Tenants will enjoy a central location in Tacoma that not only provides many opportunities for entertainment and recreation, but easy access to shopping, home improvement, and freeway access. Specifically featured in the photos and video below is unit 3631. Nearby Community Amenities Include: Quick Freeway Access to I-5 and Hwy 16 Parks and Activities Cheney Stadium Tacoma Mall Home Depot and Lowes Target Local and Chain Restaurants Local Employers University Place Fircrest Don't miss the video tour! Features Per Unit Two Bedrooms One Bath Private Patio Four Parking Spots Washer & Dryer Incredibly Well Maintained Living Room and Kitchen Bright living rooms with wide double pained vinyl windows and kitchen with space for dining nook or extra storage. Living Room Kitchen Bedrooms and Full Bathroom On the back half of each unit you will find a well lit master bedrooms and spare bedroom with private patio access. Between the kitchen and bathroom sits the washer and dryer. In unit stack-able washer and dryer Full bathroom Master Bedroom Additional bedroom with patio access Some Of Our Favorite Nearby Places: Offered At: $365,000 Per Listing - 3625 to 3627 S Mason Ave Tacoma, WA 98409 - 3631 to 3633 S Mason Ave Tacoma, WA 98409 - MLS# 1590375 & 1590376 Full Listings Available Here (3625 to 3627) Here (3631 to 3633) - John Douville johndouville@windermere.com 253.230.4931 www.douvillehomegroup.com

March is here and Spring is just around the corner! We've found more ways to get out and about this month and explore our beautiful city of Tacoma. Get a bite to eat while jamming to some 90's tunes, take a walk through some toe taping Jazz shows, explore over 70 vendors along with their fares all in one place, have fun while learning about the services our city has to offer, and of course go green for St. Patrick's Day! As always, comment with what activity you are most excited about for a chance to win a $10 Orca card from Pierce Transit. See you out there! March 7th Tacoma Jazz Walk Wander through the Tacoma Theater district as you tap your toes and snap your fingers to some fine local Jazz. Tacoma Jazz Walk offers a six-hour experience across 12 venues with dozens of performances. It's basically a Jazzy choose-your-own adventure! From solo artists to ensembles, you are sure to find something right up your jazz-alley. Find the full schedule here and be sure to get tickets in advance! Route: 1 & 28 March 10th Ride the Link with Chef Jan Parker Have you ever wanted to dine out in downtown Tacoma and just didn't know where to go? Well, Downtown: On the Go! wants to help and has even hired a professional chef to guide you! Hop on the Sound Transit Link light rail and take a tour of Pacific Avenue eateries led by local professional chef, Jan Parker. Asks question, explore new (and old) places, and sample a few tasty culinary treats from Chef Parker's favorite places. Starting at noon this free tour will have you cruising from lunch through dinner. Wear your walking shoes and stretchiest pants because both will certainly come in handy. Route: 1 & 28 March 14th South Sound Sustainability Expo 2020 Come celebrate sustainability in the South Sound by connecting with local services, products, and agencies that help keep us “green”. This event is focused on being interactive and fun while educating the community. You can screen print one of your old boring shirts, learn about native plants and animals at the interactive exhibits in Kid’s Corner, browse the mini farmers market, or experience life under the sea through Virtual Reality goggles. Check the schedule for a series of educational talks on tree care in Tacoma, how to tackle a low-waste lifestyle, and the practicalities and benefits of electric cars. Be sure to explore the entire event as there will be a scavenger hunt with prizes! Route: 1 & 28 March 14th Tacoma Seltzer Grand Opening Hard seltzers have certainly swept the nation in the last couple of years. Being the brewing town that it is, Tacoma has finally jumped on the bubbly train! Tacoma Seltzer Company will be opening their doors inside the already well-known Tacoma Brewing Company. That’s right! You’ll probably see some familiar faces, as the owner of Tacoma Brewing Co. now owns and runs the seltzer and cidery out of the same location. Grab your friends and leave the White Claw at home, because it’s time to enjoy this new local twist on seltzer! Route: 1 & 28 March 21st Museum of Glass: Slider Cook-Off Oh Snap! Local chefs will be firing up their grills alongside local glassblowing artists at this totally banging cross over event! Featuring some favorite Tacoma dinner spots such as Dirty Oscar’s Annex, Rhein Haus, and Asado, this 90s themed slider cook-off will have you saying “Booyah!” While the chefs cook up their award-winning dishes, you can look on as glassblowing artist John Miller displays his talents in the Hot Shop. Show up early to purchase raffle tickets that may land you a “VIP upgrade” along with other various prizes! It’s going to be totally rad! Route: 1 & 28, Walk across the glass bridge. March 21st Field House Flea Market Puget Sound Women's League has done it again! For the 52nd year in a row, vendors from all over Tacoma are gathering in the Puget Sound Field House to offer their art, wares, fares, and food. With 70+ vendors you'll find an assortment of vintage furniture, artisan jams, beautifully handcrafted jewelry (including Catie's favorite Splendor and Stone!), seasonal plants, zesty pickles, apothecary, and hand crafted soaps. Did we mention Bliss, the small batch creamery with tasty treats for everyone, including our fellow lactose intolerant friends? Doors open at 8:30am for early entry and 10am for general admission. All admission proceeds fund UPS student scholarships. Be sure to follow their instagram for daily updates! Route: 1 & 41 March 21st Family STEAM Day: Biofuels and Bioproducts Every third Saturday, Lemay Car Museum offers a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) program designed for all ages with hands on education. Families, young and old can build, tinker, design and explore the world of automobiles. This month is focused on biofuels and bioproducts. Come check out the process of fermentation, experimentation, and development of bio-compostable materials. The event is included in museum admission and free to ACM members. So go explore the museum and dive into history of cars while you're there! Bonus! March 10th If Cars Could Talk - The Maxwell Story: Women Who Drove Across the Nation and the Centuries Also at Lemay this month, check out the If Cars Could Talk series honoring Alice Ramsey, and her 1909 Maxwell, as she became the first woman to make the transcontinental journey from New York to California via automobile. Just 100 years later, Emily Anderson a local car entusiast and Alice Ramsey fan, made the same journey in a rebuilt 1909 Maxwell. Ms. Anderson will be sharing both her story and that of Alice Ramsey's daring ride at this museum event which falls just two days after National Women's Day. Route: 1 March 28th T-Town City Services Expo This is a fun and interactive way to learn about the services that The City of Tacoma offers! With ways to play, learn, and explore, this is a great opportunity for children to see service vehicles close up, try on some construction garb, meet a real life fireman, win a few prizes, and see what goes into keeping our city safe, clean, and fun. Don't worry adults, you can play too. Come learn about our city and see how it works! Route: 1 Saint Patrick's Day Festivities! It's time again to don your finest green attire and get a little silly. We've compiled a short list of activities and venues around Tacoma ready to celebrate: March 7th Metro Park's St. Patrick's 5K March 15th St. Patrick’s Day at the Zoo March 17th Odd Otter: St. Patrick’s Day Paint and Sip & Beer Release! McMenamins St. Patricks Day Across the Land St. Paddy’s Day at O’Malley’s Airport Tavern: St. Patrick's Day at Electric Taco Tuesday

Our blog turns ONE this month and we're ready to celebrate! We've found two events for our film buff friends, an opportunity to find a locally crafted gift for your Valentine, a couple ways to up your fitness game (including an evening where your pup can join!), and again a great way to drink for a cause. As always, leave a comment letting us know which activity from our list you're looking forward to and you'll be entered to win a $10 Orca card from Pierce Transit. A name will be drawn at the end of the month. See you out there! February 6th Valentine’s Day 5k What better way to celebrate love than hand-in-hand on a chilly 5K run! Join fellow Valentines around Tacoma for an easy out and back chip-timed run along Ruston Way, starting at the beautiful new Dune Peninsula park. Strollers, walkers, and leashed pups are welcome to join. The race starts promptly at 8am (the sun will have been out for a whole 30 minutes prior!) and registration includes a race day t-shirt. Let’s keep those resolutions rolling! Route: 10, Take trail to Dune Peninsula Park. February 8th & 9th Tacoma is for Lovers: Artist Craft Fair Would your Valentine (or you!) appreciate a gift hand-crafted locally with love? Luck you for you, Tacoma is for Lovers has gathered over 20 talented vendors with loads of passion to share. King’s Books will be lined with local artists offering a variety of prints, purses, pottery, and pretty jewelry - all handmade! Items range from peculiar and interesting to pleasant and classy, so don't fret! There will be little bit of something for every Valentine. Route: 1 February 9th Film Awards Party Put on your finest gown or your fanciest tux and get ready to walk the red carpet because the Oscars are coming to Tacoma! The Grand Cinema is hosting their annual Film Award Party, where you can get snapped by the paparazzi photo booth, enjoy some local treats and drinks, and of course watch the Oscars LIVE! Take a chance and fill out your own Oscar ballot for an opportunity to win a free year of movies at The Grand. If you are feeling a bit more on the daring side, come dressed as your favorite character from one of the nominated films for a chance to win the Move Costume Contest (prizes to be announced!). Get your tickets now, as this event tends to sell out. Premium tickets that include parking, a $20 food voucher, and coat check are also available. Route: 1, 28 February 15th Love at the Zoo Come share the love with furry and scaly friends at the Point Defiance Zoo! All Valentine’s weekend the PDZA staff with be providing special treats and enrichments to mammals and amphibians alike. There will be heart shaped enrichments for the lagoon fish, icy salmon love for the polar bears, watermelon Valentine’s specially carved for the elephants, and the long-awaited debut of Chiquita, the baby tamarind! Keepers will be providing the treats mostly during the Keeper Chats, so be sure to check the schedule for times. If you come on Saturday, you may even catch the shark feed! Route: 10 February 15th Pier Peer in Tacoma: Fabulous Fish Experience the nighttime sea-life of the Puget Sound! Tacoma Nature Center and Outdoor Adventures (MTP) are hosting this family friendly event where you can learn about the sculpin, herring, and other sea creatures that live under the marina docks. Be sure to bring a flashlight and a warm coat because these Tacoma nights are dark and chilly. Once you’ve finished your exploration of life below the marina, warm up with a cup of cocoa and share with others explorers about the fish and wildlife you spotted! Register here. Route: 10 February 22nd Lift. Tone. BARK! Getting a good work-out in can be “ruff”. Wouldn’t it be so much easier if your K9 companion was there to cheer you on!? Join Wet Noses Dry Paws and Pure Barre Tacoma for a paw-some 50 minute work-out followed by Yappy Hour ($1 off beers!) in the dog park. All proceeds from the event go towards the needs of Wet Noses Dry Paws foster pups, keeping them fed, healthy, and vaccinated. So grab your four-legged BFF and your gym shoes and get ready for an im-paw-sibly good time! Route: 1 February 25th Mardi Gras @ McMenamins Elks Temple Nola is coming to T-town! Kick-off Fat Tuesday with live music, food & drink specials, and a festive costume contest, all conveniently located in The Spanish Ballroom at McMenamin’s Elk’s Temple. Starting at 2pm a four band line up will be rocking the ballroom, concluding with the 9pm headliner Breaks and Swells. The event is free and open to all ages. Be sure to wear your fanciest beads and most colorful garb as there will be a photo-booth open from 3pm – 6pm. Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler! (Let the good times roll!) Route: 1, 28 February 28th – March 3rd Destiny City Film Festival Film fanatics, unite! Tacoma’s 7th Annual Destiny City Film Festival will be kicking-off their festivities on February 28th and running all through leap-year weekend. Enjoy some local brews and live music from the Happy Sinners on opening night and be sure to check out the schedule of films through the weekend. Films range from few minute shorts to 96 minute features with over 30 films in total. The collection features film makers from right here in the Puget Sound along with features from around the world. Enjoy some words from the Women in Film Panel on the 29th and stick around for the closing festivities on March 1st at Peaks and Pints. You can purchase single day passes, full weekend passes, or passes for individual films. Come support this volunteer run event as well as the local film artists. Find tickets here. Route: 13, 16 February 29th Got ‘90s at The Swiss! What better way to spend leap year than leaping back to the 90s! I know many of us aren’t ready for the harsh reality that the 90s are technically 30 years ago, so why not just embrace it? This live musical evening will have you getting down to some N*SYNC, letting loose to Salt-n-Peppa, and getting angsty with Alanis Morrisette. Local cover band, Got 90s?, will be gracing the stage at 9pm and there will be a $10 cover charge at the door. While you won’t find Zima on the menu, a full bar of local beers and other spirits will be available per usual. Route: 1, 28 February 29th Hilltop Healthy Kids Carnival People’s Community Center is hosting a fun way to keep our kids and our community healthy. This event is geared at celebrating National Children’s Health Month and National Heart Health Monday by providing free dental cleaning, free blood pressure screening, free haircuts, and more! Of course, no carnival is complete with out food, fun, and games, so be sure to bring the whole family and invite others in your neighborhood to join! A live DJ will be keeping the festivities going until 4pm and don’t forget to pick-up your free t-shirt! Route: 28 February 29th Wine. Period. As always, we have found another way to have a tasty beverage and support an amazing non-profit at the same time! Vino Aquino will be hosting a benefit wine tasting in an effort to raise awareness and funds for Days for Girls (DFG). Days for Girls is a non-profit organization that increases access to menstrual care and education globally. It’s no secret that menstruation is a taboo subject in many cultures, including our own. Without proper care and education, girls don’t go to school, women are excluded from society, and females in general suffer physically and emotionally. By providing DFG Kits (check them out!) and proper education, DFG hopes to remove the stigma and obstacles that young girls and women face, to allow them to live healthy and successful lives, as well as pass that support on to others. So, enjoy a glass of wine, play some informative games, and hear about how Days for Girls is turning periods into pathways. Find tickets here. Route: 1

Happy New Year, Tacoma! We hope you had an excellent 2019 and are happy to kick-off your 2020 with more activities around Tacoma! This month you can hop back in time to the killer 80's and solve a totally rad mystery or jump even further back to the pioneer days and learn how westward expansion influenced American Whiskey and the PNW drinking culture. If you prefer to stay in this new decade, we suggest trying your hand at traditional dumpling making, exploring some of Tacoma's most historical buildings, or enjoying a well deserved pint after a casual run with the Tacoma Runners. In celebration of the new year, we've included a few activities that happen all year round. New years it a great time to start new hobbies and traditions, especially in good ol' Tacoma! January 7th History Pub: Whiskey, Mixologists, and The Pacific Northwest When the United States expanded westward, the early pioneers filled their wagons with important supplies, rations, and tools. They also brought along a lesser mentioned ration of the boozy nature. Come hear from a certified cocktail historian about the advancement of American whiskey, early distilling and drinking traditions, and the struggles of early pioneers. With over 20 years of experience, Renee Cebula will be bringing the Pacific Northwest’s long history of libations to life with tales of western expansion and how the entire drinking culture changed. Did we mention that this official McMenamins History event is free!? Doors open 5:30! Route: 16 January 9th & 23rd Totally 80’s Murder Mystery Do you love mystery, intrigue, AND breadsticks!? Then this Totally 80’s Murder Mystery at downtown Tacoma’s Spaghetti Factory may be just for you, Gumshoe! Enjoy a “totally killer” three-course meal with fellow suspects as you examine clues, search for evidence, and try to not get mixed up with the culprit. This 80’s themed mystery is sure to keep you in stitches and add some stretch your waste-line. Find tickets here and don’t forget your trusty magnifying glass! Route: 1 January 10th Dinner and Music at Tacoma’s Vaeth Mansion Tacoma certainly has its fair share of unique, historical, and beautiful homes, and the Vaeth Mansion is truly something to behold. Come check out one of Tacoma’s most treasured homes while trying out your swing moves. Non-profit ensemble, The Kareen Kandi World Orchestra, will be filling the halls of The Vaeth Mansion with some jazzy tunes while you fill your stomach with some tasty chicken and rice entrees. All proceeds from the event go towards Tacoma's Sister City Jazz Exchange with Biot France and their cultural exchange program. An opportunity to jam with the band will be available to those who stay late! Route: 11 January 18th Night Tour of the Armory Grab a flashlight and lace up your walking shoes, Gritty City Tours is ready to take you from the balcony to the basement of Tacoma’s iconic armory building. Dedicated in 1909, the armory was home to the National Guard for over 100 years and has seen several events from presidential visits to boxing matches. Go back in time as you wander through winding corridors, across forgotten riffles ranges, and into some of the hidden corners (and criminal cells), while hearing tales of past soldiers and Tacoma figureheads. If you spook easily, you may want to bring a buddy to hang onto as there are stories of paranormal activity. Route: 28, 45, 57 January 24th Night at the Museum: Knot Tonight (21+) Ahoy! Come explore the Balfour Dock building and try your hand at some basic sailing skills, all with a pint in hand. The Foss Waterway Seaport is hosting a four-event series specifically for the 21+ crowd where you can enjoy some Diamond Knot Brewing beers and explore the life of sailing. This after dark event allows you to explore the history of Tacoma’s seaport, with education and hands on activities like crafting a sailor’s knot trivet as well as a scavenger hunt which will enter you to win some sweet raffle prizes. Tickets include two drinks, snacks, and access to the museum. Route: 1 (Walk across the Bridge of Glass down to Dock Street) January 25th Chinese Dumplings with Julia Bang Try your hand at this delicious Chinese New Year’s tradition! Chef owner of East Kitchen, Julia Bang, will be teaching the art of dumpling making. More specifically, you will get a chance to make the traditional Jiao Zi dumping, said to represent good luck for a fortuitous new year. Come fill your bellies and your new year with these fortunate and tasty treats. Route: 3 All year long! Free Neighborhood Nights at TAM Every Thursday, Tacoma Art Museum is open late and entrance is FREE to the community from 5pm to 8pm. This is an excellent opportunity to explore new exhibits, check out local artists, try your hand at sketching, and enjoy some happy hour specials in the café. BONUS: Third Thursday also includes the Museum of Glass and the Foss Waterway Seaport Museum! Take the same bus route and just walk across the Chihuly Bridge of Glass. Route: 1 Tacoma Runners Club Want to knock out two resolutions in one activity? Get in shape while getting out and meeting fellow runners! Every Thursday, runners of all speeds and abilities start at a local pub, brewery, tap house, or restaurant for a three(ish) mile run through Tacoma. Get to know the city and your neighbor as you cruise through T-town and then sit down for a tasty pint! All are welcome! Route: Check out Pierce Transits Trip Planner each week for a route to the bar of choice! The Grand Cinema: Free Family Flick Do you remember the first time you set foot in a dimly lit theater with buttery popcorn in hand and unfolded that squeaky theater chair just itching to see your first real movie? Well, The Grand Cinema wants to help Tacoma families build those cinematic memories! Every third Saturday The Grand Cinema offers a free family friendly (and often classic!) movie. This is a first-come, first-served event with doors opening at 9:30am. Show time is at 10am and this month The Grand will be showing the 2005 hit, The March of the Penguins. Check out the calendar for future shows! BONUS: If you're looking for something a little more intense, check out the Grand Cinema's weekly Weird Elephant flicks. They describe this event as their "weekly late-night cinephile infusion" night, where bizarre, spine-chilling, retro, or mind blowing movies are shown every Saturday at 11pm. Route: 1

The holiday season is here! This month we've found several ways to enjoy some local shopping, see a couple parades, entertain the kiddos, ring in the New Year with live music, get in on some juicy Washington history, and yet again indulge in a brew while supporting this city we love. So, bundle up in your best or ugliest sweater, it's time to celebrate the end of a decade! December 5th Bootleggers' Ball - History After Hours Happy Repeal Day! Come celebrate the end of Prohibition by jumping back in time to The Blind Marmot (aka Washington State History Museum's most secret speakeasy) for some Three Magnets brew, Chateau St. Michelle wine, and a signature cocktail from Heritage Distilling made with Reverend Al's Bona Fied Potents. Stick around for stories of northwest rum-runners, print making with Write253, and live tunes from The Happy Sinners. Watch out though! The Fuzz will be on the look out as your traverse the Bootlegger Obstacle course to libation freedom. Get your tickets here and don't worry, no passwords required. Bus Route: #1 December 7th Winter Glass Sale at Jason Less Middle School Twenty five years ago, Tacoma was known as one of the most troubled areas on the West Coast. In response to this, Tacoma born artist Dale Chihuly, along with co-founder Kathy Kaperick, set-up a unique program for the youth of Tacoma. Without any exceptions based on grades, disabilities, behavior, or artistic ability, students were invited to focus their energy in a safe and fun environment while flexing their creative muscles to build beautiful sculptures. Since the original 20 person class, Hilltop Artists now serves over 650 students per year and primarily focuses on glass blowing and sculpting. Additionally, they have established glass blowing hot shops at Jason Lee Middle School and Wilson High School, as well as a flame working shop at Ford Middle School. Last year alone these hard working students were able to raise over $100,000 by selling their work. All proceeds went back into the glass programs and have helped to increase graduation rates across the board in Tacoma. We hope you consider supporting Tacoma student artists this year and purchase one of a kind glass creations full of passion and heart! (The morning slots are all full, but come by after 11:30 a.m. and the shop will be open to all!) Bus Route: #1 December 7th Sing-Along with Santa at Tacoma Musical Playhouse Warm-up those vocal cords, it’s time for a sing-along! Bring the kids down for a morning of Christmas carols and a chance to deliver that precious wish-list to Santa. Tacoma Musical Playhouse will be hosting Santa and his helpers and have even arranged for St. Nick himself to share a special story. Snag your tickets in advance, with such a celebrity appearance they may very well sell-out! Bus Route: #1, #16, #100 December 8th 6th Ave Santa Parade 6th Avenue will be shutting down from State Street to Alder to make way for a parade of holiday cheer! Bundle up and head down to the 6th Ave for live music, art, local vendors and another chance for a meet and greet with Santa. Traffic will shut down at 2pm, making way for the Santa Parade to begin at 4:30pm, which will transform the half-mile stretch of Tacoma into a winter wonderland. Get some of your shopping done, try out your jingle bell harmonies, or sit and watch local Tacoma artist’s floats cruise down the Ave. There will be something for everyone and if you stick around, you may even get a photo with the Big Guy. Bus Route: #1 December 14th Breakfast with The Grinch and Santa! Who-ville is coming to T-Town and a certain grumpy citizen will be venturing out of his cave to make an appearance. Come enjoy green eggs, Who-hash, and roast beast in the company of The Grinch and jolly St. Nick. There will be seating times every 45 minutes and when you’re not stuffing your face with green Grinch-cakes, kiddo cans enjoy face painting, a Christmas craft, live music, and a snow ball fight. Admission includes photos with Santa and The Grinch, so come in your Who-finest! Find tickets here! Bus Route: #1, #41, #54 December 14th Lighted Boat Parade How fortunate are we to live in a place where not only the mountains are a short drive away but the water front is abundant and in use year round. Bundle up and head down to the water front anywhere from Anthony’s in Point Defiance to the Dock Street Marina and witness a twinkling display of boats decked out for the holidays. Sea Scout Boat Charles N. Curtis will be launching from Anthony’s between 5:30pm and 6pm and leading the rest of the fleet down Ruston and through the Foss Waterway. If you’re lucky, you may be able to snag a window seat at any of the various restaurants along the water. It’s quite the sea faring spectacle and a memorable experience for any little sailors in training. Bus Route: #10, #11 (Point) #1 (Downtown) December 14th – 24th Charlie Brown Christmas at Tacoma Musical Playhouse Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the whole Peanuts gang are ready to celebrate Christmas and want YOU to join them! Members of TMP's Honors Youth Camps will be bringing this beloved Emmy award winning story to life on the Tacoma Musical Playhouse stage. Come sing along with young Schroeder at the piano and be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas. Additionally, the cast will be making an appearance at the 6th Ave Santa Parade where you may have a chance to meet good ol' Charlie Brown. Bus Route: #1, #16, #100 December 16th Hoppy Holiday Food Drive Here’s something for the adults! We at Douville Home Group have organized another way to drink tasty brews and give back to Tacoma. Five local Tacoma breweries are collecting non-perishable food items and hygiene products, now through December 16th. Then, all five breweries will come together at Peaks and Pints to we weigh their final collection and celebrate the grand total! Go pay a visit to, Engine House 9, Odd Otter, Narrows Brewing, 7 Seas, or Wingman and drop off a donation, it’s that easy! Then meet up with us for holiday brews from each of the featured breweries and get a chance to win some swag! Bus Route: #11, #13, #16 December 19th Ugly Christmas Sweaters Bonanza December is here and it's sweater weather! Camp Bar wants you to stay nice and toasty this winter and invites you to enjoy some holiday libations while wearing your gaudiest Christmas garb. There will be a contest at the end of the night to see who has adorned themselves with the most hideous holiday sweater, where the winner will receive $100! So snag the glitter and Nana's festive cardigan because it's time to get tacky, Tacoma! Bus Route: #28, #45, #48 December 31st First Night Oh Holy First Night! Come ring in the New Year on Broadway and celebrate new beginnings and a connection to community with this years theme, The Tree of Life. After a one year hiatus, First Night is back and ready to be bigger and better than before, with live music and artistic performances across several stages, the worlds shortest parade, a night market with holiday fares, and of course food trucks! For those with little ones, there will be interactive family activities and a special kids countdown at 9pm. While there will be fire pits scattered through out, we highly suggest bundling up and wearing comfy shoes because there is just so much to see (and hear!). Get your tickets today! Bus Route: #1, #2, #16, #45, #57 Winter Farmers Markets Although the cold has settled in, our local farmers, bakers, makers, and more are still hard at work! Check out where you can find these end of season markets and enjoy some fresh produce and maybe a bouquet or two. December 14th - 15th Point Ruston Bus Route: #10, #11 (These will take you to the Zoo Entrance and the ferry dock. So it will be a bit of a walk!) December 14th Proctor Bus Route: #11, #16 December 19th Broadway Bus Route: #102, #3, #500, #501, #2, #41, #42, #48, #400, #11, #63, #16, #57, #45, #1, #13, #28 (Any route that stops at the Commerce Transit Center!) Winter Night Markets We love supporting local Tacoma businesses! With the gift giving season here, we'd love for you to also check out these hard working Tacoma vendors. Find some of your favorite fares at these local Night Markets and you may even want to treat yourself. Seriously, get a macaron (Dairy and Gluten free available!) from Girl Loves Cake Desserts, you won't regret it! December 7th Gig Harbor Night Market Bus Route: #100 December 14th Tacoma Night Market: Holiday Haul Crawl Bus Route: #1 December 21st Tacoma Night Market: December Edition at Alma Mater Bus Route: #2, #28 December 28th The Museum of Glass Market: December Edition at The Museum of Glass Bus Route: #1 (Walk across the glass bridge)

Hello Fall! This month we are excited to not only provide another list of things to do in Tacoma but a way of getting to them! Recently, we sat down with Pierce Transit to talk about public transportation in Tacoma and how easy it is to use our local bus system. Pierce Transit runs all through the Pierce County area and has made it simple to plan your route, purchase a pass, or refill an Orca Card. Check it all out here! So, whether you want to taste some winter ales, go see a holiday musical, or get some shopping done at the newest Night Market, we’ve got not only the locations but the bus lines that will get you there! November 9th Tacoma Tellebration Join the Fireside Story League of Tacoma as they share the art of storytelling. Eight local story tellers, ranging from teenage to 80+ years old, will be bringing tales of history, fiction and lore to life. This is a family friendly event with plenty of cozy seating and tasty food prepared by The Antique Sandwich Company for purchase. Route: 10 or 11 November 9th – 11th Veteran’s Appreciation at Point Defiance Zoo The Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium would like to say a big “Thank you!” to our veterans and active service members. Over Veterans Day weekend, all active service members and veterans will receive free entry to PDZA (Military/Veteran ID required) and their family members will receive 50% off admission! Check out the list of exhibits, show times, dining options and more here https://www.pdza.org/plan-your-day/! Route: 10 or 11 November 9th South Sound Winter Beer Festival Join over 30 breweries for a taste of winter! Everything from imperial stouts, to piney IPAs, to Scotch Ales will be taking over the Washington State Fair Events Center. Admission includes a 4oz tasting glass and eight tasting tokens (more can be purchased at the event) to be used at any of the brewery booths. For our beloved designated drivers, a reduced admission including a free non-alcoholic drink can be purchased. Keep an eye out on the event page for more announcements and a brewers list. This wintery event is sure to get you “toasty!” Route: 402 November 16th 1st Annual Tacoma Distillery Festival There can never be too many ways to “drink for a cause” in Tacoma. Come check out the first annual Tacoma Distillery Festival, benefiting Tacoma Arts Live’s Education Through the Arts program! Over 20 Northwest distilleries will be sharing their libations and signature cocktails, and delicious treats will be available from local restaurants and food vendors. Admission includes a souvenir shot glass and six tasting tokens. Funds raised at this event will help to support the nearly 48,000 students, parents and teachers who utilize the Education Through the Arts program. Come lift your “spirits” at this tasty event! Route: 28, 45, or 57 November 24th Kid’s Cooking Class: Sweet Treats Parents, aunties, uncles, and grandparents, here’s a fun way to get festive with the kiddos in your life! Molly’s Tamales will be hosting a kids cooking class for children age 6 – 17, where they will learn to make easy and fun holiday treats. Bring your sweet tooth and an empty stomach because there will be a chance to taste everything. Grab a ticket now because the seats fill up fast! Did we mention that hot coco will be served? Route: 11, 13, or 16 November 28th Tacoma City Turkey Trot Want to burn off some of those Thanksgiving calories before you get to the stuffing? Come hit the pavement through the beautiful Proctor District with hundreds of other turkey loving Tacomans. The chip-timed 5k race starts at 9am and a much shorter 1k kids race will start at 10:15am for any participants 12 years old and younger. Start your day with a bang before the tryptophan sends you into an afternoon nap. Route: Due to the holiday, buses won't arrive in Proctor until after the race starts. November 29th – January 5th Zoolights Zoolights is a Tacoma classic suitable for all ages! If you’re seeking to enjoy some of that holiday wonder, get a head start with over 700,000 dancing lights. Grab a hot coco and your down jacket because this outdoor light display will you keep you in awe with it’s 3D displays of familiar festive faces, Tacoma landmarks, and curious animals up to their old antics. Route: 10 or 11 BONUS – Fantasy Lights, a drive through light display, will be celebrating their 25th anniversary this year! From November 29th – January 1st, enjoy dazzling light display from the comfort of your heated car. Route: 1 (Keep an eye out for a "special route" as well, as one may be released!) November 29th – December 22nd Elf: The Musical at Tacoma Musical Playhouse Tacoma Musical Playhouse will be “singing loud for all to hear” as they put on a magically musical performance of the 2003 cinematic hit, Elf! Buddy finds out later in life that he’s not the elf he thought he was. After learning of his human parents, Buddy ventures to New York city to find his “real” family, who doesn’t exactly share the same love for Christmas. As he battles his way through the realities of New York life, he not only tries to help his naughty-listed father, but save Christmas itself from dwindling cheer! BONUS! Would you like a behind the scenes look at how Elf the Musical is produced? On November 24th you can join TMP's managing Artist Director along with cast members for a Behind the Curtain look at the set, costumes, make up, music and more. This is a great educational opportunity for little thespians in training. Find the details here! Route: 16 or 100 November 30th Tacoma Night Market @ The Museum of Glass There is a new addition coming to the Night Market and it’s... a whole other market! Starting in November there will be not only a Night Market on the first (7 Seas, Gig Harbor) and third (Alma Mater, Tacoma) Saturday of the month but now the fourth Saturday as well! Join the usual crew of vendors, with some more local additions, at The Museum of Glass to eat and shop the evening away in one of Tacoma’s most iconic venues. Route: 1 - Walk down the 11th Street Bridge stairs. Tacoma Night Market at Alma Mater, November 16th 5pm – 10pm - Route: 1 or 28 Gig Harbor Night Market at 7 Seas, November 2nd 4pm – 10pm - Route: 100 November 30th Tacoma Striezlmarkt This holiday market will be festive, fun, and packed with local vendors offering their Christmas fares! Enjoy the scent of cinnamon and pine as you peruse each holiday booth beneath twinkling lights, pick out a fresh wreath, or compete to become the best gingerbread house architect. There will be face painting for the kids (or kid-like adults), a raffle, live music and food. Come get into the spirit of the holidays and maybe even treat yourself! Route: Unfortunately, the route that runs here does not run on Saturdays.

Oh Fall, we knew you were coming, but did you have to make such an appearance!? Don't worry my fellow chilly Tacomans, we've found some things to keep you warm, full, and educated this month. This October, explore the tastes, arts, community and history of the Puget Sound. You may even find yourself out of this world! October 1st – 31st Tacoma Arts Month October is a special time in our creative town, as it is a jam packed 31 day celebration of Tacoma’s art scene. On October 2nd the “opening ceremonies” begin at Kaleidascope, an evening of dance performances, song, and visual art from local performers, high schools, film makers and more. Then continuing throughout the month, you can attend a host of exhibits, musicals, tours, museum nights, workshops, and of course the famous Tacoma Film Festival. If you haven’t explored what Tacoma has to offer in the way of the arts, October is the perfect time. Check out the schedule and get out there! October 4th – 6th 58th Tacoma Greek Festival Opa! It’s that time again! One of Tacoma’s longest running community events is ready to yet again touch our hearts and our stomachs. The Tacoma Greek Festival has blessed this city with joy and baklava induced smiles for nearly 60 years! St. Nicholas Orthodox Church meticulously hosts this three day event full of traditional Greek dance, music, food and fares. Be sure to check the schedule for not only the dance performances but the daily menu designed to give you a taste of everything from Gyros, to Pastitsiou, to Melomakarona. While free to the public, a portion of the proceeds from the event goes directly back into the community, so don’t miss out on any of the vendors! October 10th History After Hours: Washington in Spaaace This event will be out of this world! Grab a pint from Three Magnets Brewing and learn from retired Boeing engineers about the lunar rover, or sip on some Chateau St. Michelle wine while you explore the stars and planets with Tacoma Astronomical Society. The fascinating new exhibit A New Moon Rises will be open to all guests, where you can get up close views of the vast craters, mountains, and lunar poles of Earth's Moon. You may even get a glimpse of the Apollo landing sites and rocks brought back by the first humans to land on our rocky yet magnificent satellite. If you feel like trying your own hand at getting creative with the celestial bodies, check out the ex-beer-aments or create a moon print in the museum’s new print shop. Get your tickets soon as these after hour events often sell out. We have ours and will hopefully see you there! October 12th Tacoma Green Day Tacoma is beautiful, and we should do our best to keep it that way. Our sweet city is full of parks, wetlands, and other open spaces that could use some love. Come join hundreds of Tacoma volunteers at one of the 14 event sites and be prepared to get a little dirty. Plant some native plants at Julia’s Gulch, remove invasive weeds while learning about the native plant life at Franklin Park, or pick up litter at the Kia-Kaha restoration area at TCC. Each site is a little different and each activity makes a great impact on our Tacoma community. Learn, clean, and grow with our sweet community! October 12th End of Summer Surf Party & Fundraiser If you need one last “Hurrah!” of summer, hang ten down to The Valley for some rad surfer tunes. Beach and surf wear is highly encouraged at this event, so you can better rock out to the live surf band line-up. Stick around and learn about the great things South Sound Surfriders is doing to help protect our beaches, water quality, and wild life not just in Tacoma but around the world. There will be a silent auction and donations taken at the door to benefit the Surfrider Foundation, as well as limited edition shirts and hoodies from local artist Kristofer Nystrom (Same designer as the logo above!) for sale. Come let out your best “Cowabunga!” and give one final “wave” to Summer. October 12th Tacoma-Con Come and “get your geek on” at Tacoma-con! Watch how a R2 unit is built and later learn how to properly wield a light saber. There will be hands-on cosplay building, map and world making, and cartoon creation lessons from professional artists and staff from Downtown Tacoma’s Tinkertopia. Costumes and cosplay are of course welcomed because you’ll want to be dressed up when getting a photo taken with a professional Jedi! While all are welcome, this free event is geared towards children and teens, and is generously hosted by the Tacoma Public Library. Free comics from Comics4Kids will be given out to each child and teen in attendance. Be sure to check out the website because this event is just packed! October 19th Cheney Stadium: Trunk-or-Treat Grab your costumes a little early this year and head down to Cheney Stadium for some free treats and maybe even a hat trick. Macaroni Kids will be hosting their annual Trunk-or-Treat, including live music, a couple select food trucks, and 60 generous trunks full of treats. Any kiddo that comes in costume will receive FREE admission to the Defiance soccer match following Trunk-or-Treat, with gates opening at 5:30pm and match starting at 7pm. While the event is free, you MUST be registered in order to attend and can sign up here. Additionally, if you can’t attend, please cancel your ticket as soon as possible so that others may attend. Every Weekend in October (and one in November!) Frighthouse Station: The Haunted House I know there just has to be a few of you out there. You people who actually LIKE being scared! While you may not see me there, there will be several smiling…errr…. screaming Tacoma faces wandering the haunted halls of Freighthouse Square’s, Frighthouse Station. Make your way through 30 horror-filled rooms, where death, nightmares, and creatures of the unknown are behind each creaky door. The shambling dead are patiently waiting, are you brave enough to enter? October 26th Battle of the Burgers Are you ready to put your taste buds to the test? Come taste, rate, and vote for the Puget Sound’s best burger! This free event is an opportunity to try burgers from all over the Puget Sound ranging from traditional ground beef, to seafood, to vegan. The event and parking are free but you can purchase “burger flights” in advance to get a little taste of everything. 20% of the proceeds from pre-ordered flights will benefit the USO Northwest, which helps military service members stay connected to their families and home. There will be live music and a beer garden open to guests that are 21 and over. For the younger burger enthusiasts, trick-or-treating at various vendors will be available. You better come hungry! You will find most updates on Battle of The Burger Facebook event page. October 31st Halloween Night Trick or Treat Options Around Tacoma! We want everyone to have a fun, safe, and festive Halloween! That includes the littlest members of our families. Here’s a short list of where you can find some neighborhood treats this year: Point Ruston Treats 4pm – 7pm The beautiful Point Ruston Community will be opening their shop doors to all costumed folk. Parking will be free in the garage for this event and Grand Loop will be closing down to foot traffic only for a safe evening. Halloween Fun at Lincoln District Tacoma! 3pm – 5pm Look for orange balloons at 20+ of the participating Lincoln District businesses and if you show up in costume, you’ll get a treat. As a part of the “Teal Pumpkin Project” many businesses will also be offering non-candy treat options. Canned food will also be accepted at many locations as a “Reverse-Trick-or-Treat” option. Proctor Treats 4pm – 6pm This event has been happening in the Historic Proctor District since 1929 and they plan on keeping the tradition going as long as possible! Beginning promptly at 4pm and ending just as promptly at 6pm, this is a safe and sane option for some of our tiniest trick-or-treaters.