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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.

With only a few weeks left in summer, we wanted to give you some final outdoor options as well as some fun ways to transition into fall. Enjoy another local festival, climb aboard a tall ship, savor some tatsy bier, or get outside on a fee free day in Washington's National Parks. If we don't catch you out in the final days of summer sun, we hope to at least find you with a tasty brew in hand. Happy Equinox, Everybody! September 7th North Slope District: A Walking Tour Tacoma’s North Slope region is full of cobble stone roads, incredible old homes, and rich history. In addition to its charm, the area is almost entirely walk-able! Come get your steps in at this FREE North Slope walking tour put on by Gritty City Tours in partnership with The Tacoma Historic Preservation. Starting at one of Tacoma’s oldest bars (and one of our mainstays) Parkway Tavern, come hear stories of Tacoma past and delve into what has made this particular region beautifully diverse in both construction and population. Once your brain in completely full of Tacoma facts, come get a taste of history with a brew and a bite at the famous Parkway Tavern. September 7th Stadium District Art, Beer, and Wine Walk The Stadium District is certainly a Tacoma treasure complete with bars, restaurants, art, its own grocery store, and a ton of history ( yes, even aside from its spectacular castle). Come support the Historic Stadium District while enjoying local libations, treats, and performances. Drink tickets will be provided with admission and raffle tickets can be purchased for a chance to win prizes from various local shops, theaters, restaurants, museums and businesses. Check-in begins at 3pm at Columbia Bank and parking will be available in the Stadium High School garage. Don’t forget your I.D. and come thirsty! September 7th Touch a Truck Do you have a curious kiddo who’s fascinated when the firetruck comes barreling down the road, or tiny tot who gets giddy when the semi-truck driver responds to their fanfare gestures with a big *Honk Honk*? This FREE event is just for them (and maybe the little kid in you 😉)! Kid’s of all ages will be able to sit in, climb around on and even honk the horns of some local dump trucks, tractors, fire engines, school buses and military vehicles. A special one-hour block from 12pm – 1pm “of no horn time” will be offered for children with sensory sensitivity. Come learn about big-rigs with local truck drivers, military personnel, members of the Northwest Historical Truck Society, and more. Rain or shine, this event is happening, so be sure to dress weather appropriate! BONUS: A smaller Touch-A-Truck event will also be happening on September 21st at the Port of Tacoma. September 12th – 15th Lady Washington at Foss Waterway Seaport Ahoy! Did you know that Washington State has it's own official tall ship!? In celebration of Washington State’s centennial in 1989, Lady Washington was first launched. After appearing in several films and television programs, she was designated as the official tall ship of Washington State in 2007, and now tours various ports along the west coast. During Lady Washington’s visit, admission to the museum at the Foss Waterway Seaport will give you access to a vessel tour where you can climb aboard and meet the crew. Tours are scheduled at various times throughout each day, so be sure to check the schedule before heading down. On the final day of the tour, you can purchase a ticket to the two hour Adventure Sail where you will experience tall ship sailing as it has been done for hundreds of years and enjoy beautiful views of the Puget Sound. Get your sea-legs ready! September 14th Warehouse Sale at Alma Mater Attention all lovers of local Tacoma businesses, this event is just for you! Alma Mater will be packed with 20+ local shops and retailers including UXC, Lapis, Compass Rose, Paper Luxe, Bleach and MANY more. This end of season pop-up market will also include drinks, music, and most importantly up to 70% off of the local merchandise. Come shop and celebrate local with us! September 14th Pioneer Days This annual event is a Jobb Carr Museum classic. Enjoy a day in Tacom’s Old Town park, where children and parents alike are invited to experience some hands-on pioneer activities, like interactive demonstrations and crafts, as well as historical games and the occasional race. Live storytelling and music straight out of Tacoma’s frontier history will also be going on. Admission to the museum and the event is “pay as you can.” September 19th Brewery Takeover at 7Seas Tacoma We Douville’s are all about drinking beer for a cause and this is a great one! For every pint sold at 7Seas Tacoma from 5pm – 9pm, $1 will be donated to Emergency Food Network (EFN). EFN is a local non-profit (with a 4 star Charity Navigator rating!) that provides nutritious food to 76 food pantries, meal sites, and shelters to be distributed to families and individuals in need around the South Puget Sound. For every $1 donated to EFN, they are able to provide FIVE meals to a neighbor in need! WOAH! If you wanted to enjoy the full brewery experience at this event, take the $5 brewery tour at 6pm. The tour includes not only a ton of information and a souvenir glass, but another $1 donation to EFN directly out of your admission. Jars of peanut butter will also be collected at this event, so feel free to bring one or a few! September 21st Tacoma Moon Festival Getting it’s start in 2012, The Tacoma Moon Festival seeks to celebrate the rich diversity of culture in Tacoma that has been brought here by immigrant communities over the last 150 years. This year, in honor of the 25th anniversary of Tacoma’s Sister City relationship with Fuzhaou China, the festival will place special focus upon Chinese culture and “Fuzhou Day.” Special performances will include Seattle Chinese Orchestra, a short production of Bejing Opera by Seattle’s HWA Shend Chinese Opera Club, tea presentations, calligraphy viewing, and a parade of lanterns as the festival closes at 7pm. In addition to the Chinese celebration there will be Mexican dance, Zimbabwean Marimba music, Drum and Dance from Chief Leschi, and a Pacific Islander performance. Food will be served at various food trucks and local libations will be available in the beer and wine garden. September 28th Tacoma Oktoberfest Dystopian State is bringing Oktoberfest to Tacoma and their brewers have been hard at work preparing some Doppelbocks and Lagers to fuel you for a few rounds of hammerschlagen! Featuring Oktoberfest biers brewed in both Tacoma and around Germany, as well as brats and pretzels from Hess German Bakery, your stomach is sure to be saying “Danke!” by the end of the night. Stick around for some games, activities, and polka. The event itself is free but if you purchase a VIP package you can take home a commemorative stein. Don’t forget your ID and maybe take an Uber, as parking is tight (and beir… duh). September 28th Free Days in the National Parks Since 1994, the fourth Saturday in September has been National Public Lands Day. In celebration of National Public Lands Day, entrance to all National Parks will be free! This is also an excellent day to take part in a volunteer work project which will gain you a fee free day coupon on another set date. Check out the options here.

We're in the thick of summer and before you know it, those Autumn clouds will be rolling in. Time to get out and explore the neighborhoods, the brews, the culture and the music before those nightly walks require a heavier jacket. August 2nd and 3rd Strange Brew As with nearly every monthly blog we’ve put out, we like to mention when something is “brewing” in Tacoma. This time, it’s going to be a bit… strange. Held at Tacoma Brewing, Tacoma’s annual Strange Brew will be hosting over a dozen breweries who have put their heart into brewing some less than ordinary beers. Come check out how and why these breweries have decided to concoct their unusual flavors and enjoy some wood fired pizza or BBQ (depending on the day you come by). Of course you will be able to give each of the peculiar pints a taste, so bring an appetite and an open mind. August 3rd Proctor Arts Fest This yearly event is ready to rock & roll their 23rd year in a row! Proctor Arts Fest is one of Tacoma’s biggest art & music festivals and this year is no exception. Over 150 artisan vendors, three stages of live music, a book sale at Wheelock Library, a special kids fest with a family stage and a free movie at the Blue Mouse movie theater starting at noon. Come celebrate Tacoma arts in the historic Proctor District and don’t forget to visit the local businesses and check out the specials they have to offer! August 4th and 15th Yappy Hour While we may not have a dog (yet!) this is still a pretty paw-some event! Bring your pooch down to Tacoma's Rhein Haus and come mingle with other furry friends and their owners while enjoying Yappy Hour deals. A special Pup Menu will be offered along with a free Mud Bay Biscuit Buffet, hosted by the neighboring Mud Bay store. Additionally, if you bring in a same day receipt from Mud Bay to Rhein Haus, you can enjoy a free pretzel, and vice versa, any same day receipt from Rhein Haus will earn your pup a ½ pound of dog treats. What a paw-some deal! August 9th Shakespeare in the Park - Twelfth Night Wright Park will be coming alive with Shakespeare in the Park’s performance of Twelfth Night. Come see the story of shipwrecks, siblings separated at sea, love and antics, all played out in true Shakespearean fashion with an all-male cast. This free event is open to families and if you miss it, check their page for their other park locations as they travel around the Puget Sound. August 10th Brew Five Three Tacoma has had a long standing love affair with beer. When you throw in some live music and a lot of good food it's practically the perfect romance. Nestled between S 9th and S 11th on Broadway will be local musicians, 40+ Northwest vendors, food trucks, and enough beer and cider to make your head spin (hopefully no actual "spins"). With regular admission you receive six tasting tokens and a tasting glass to bring around to the myriad of breweries and cideries. Given the theme, this is a 21+ event, but your underage K-9 friends are welcome. August 10th & 11th Brigade Encampment at Fort Nisqually Grab your muskets and bonnets and travel back in time to witness a recreation of the northwest fur trappers arriving to offer their fairs while challenging the fur traders to some spirited competition. Led by bagpipers, the brigade will arrive promptly at 11:30am in full garb. Visitors can explore the scene while speaking with living historians who will demonstrate heritage skills like fire starting and spinning wool. A 19th century fashion show along with Punch and Judy’s puppet show will give further insight into the times and traditions. As kids wander the event they will be able to collect beads for each new activity they try and receive a souvenir. See you there…er… then? August 17th 22nd Annual Polynesian Luau Celebrate Island-style with the Asia Pacific Cultural Center at their 22nd annual Polynesian Luau. Featuring cultural dances and dishes from the islands of Fiji, Tahiti, Tonga, Hawaii, Marshall Islands, Tokelau, New Zealand, Samoa and Guam, you’ll be sure to get your fill of food and fun. Visit the different cultural booths for dessert and education, and be sure to stick around for World renowned Fire Dancer Kap Te’o-tafiti. August 17th McKinley Hill Street Fair Come check out Tacoma’s Eastside at this free family friendly event! With two stages, 90 vendors, a huge chalk zone and four beer gardens, it will be easy to find something to suit you. As you wander through Food Truck Alley over to the free youth carnival, be sure to say hello to the Disney princesses and superheroes who are all excited to meet you and take photos! Additionally, the day will start at 10am with a free stuffed backpack give away hosted by Tacoma Christian Center. There are only 1,200 packs available, so if you or someone you know is in need for the school year, be sure to get there early! Check out their website for more details and opportunities to sign up as a vendor: http://www.mckinley253.com/ August 24th Hilltop Street Fair After moving to the south side of 6th Ave, this has become one of our favorite events of the year. Kicking off with a parade in the morning, you’ll definitely want to see what the Hilltop Business Association has in store! An all-day car show will be hosted at one end of the street fair, complete with rat rods, hot rods and other classic cars. Then scattered between the three live music stages, you will find 100 food, craft, and art vendors, along with kid’s activities, games, and free health care opportunities. Kid and pup friendly, this free event is for everyone. We will definitely see you there! August - Every Thursday Summer Nights at the Pavilion Live music is always a treat but imagine how much more you could enjoy it on a blanket with your best friend on a warm summer night. Every Thursday from 7pm - 8:30pm the Lakewood Pavilion will be hosting local artists from several genres, providing a little something for everyone! This years line-up includes: Aug. 1: Dakota Poorman (Country) Aug. 8: Stay Grounded Band (Reggae) Aug. 15: Justin Young Sax (Jazz) Aug. 22: Candy Shoppe (Disco, Funk, Soul, Dance, Pop)

An incredible find in Central Tacoma recently remodeled and dialed in. Striking floors greet your entry and carry you through a spacious living room to an exceptional kitchen finished with granite counter tops, stately shaker cabinets and direct access to a large deck great for entertaining. A bedroom on the main provides a perfect place for guests or office space, upstairs boasts two large bedrooms flooded with natural light. This home sits blocks away from 1111, Manifesto Coffee, 1022 S J, and is conveniently one block from the light rail extension. Features Two Story Recently Remodeled 3 Bedroom 2 Full Bath Two Car Detached Garage Granite Counter Tops Back Deck Main Floor: Living Room, Full Bath and Office/Spare Bedroom Beautiful floors greet you at the entry and carry you into the airy living room. Just off to the right is a full bathroom, with jetted tub, and a spare room currently set up as a work space. Main Floor: Kitchen and Dining Room Down the short hallway you will find and immaculate kitchen with granite counter tops, plenty of cupboard space and room for seating. This is conveniently attached to the dining room, with plenty of natural light and a small bar with further storage. Upstairs: Bedrooms, Full Bath and Laundry Upstairs two large bedrooms, again with plenty of natural light, sit opposite each other. Between the two rooms is a full bath, with granite counter top vanity, and a large hall closet with convenient washer and dryer access. Exterior: Deck and Detached Garage Out back sits a large deck off the kitchen door, perfect for hosting or relaxing with your morning coffee. The detached two car garage is a large space great for cars, storage or even a work bench. Offered At: $395,000 1508 S L St Tacoma, WA 98405 MLS# 1487631 Full Listing Available Here John Douville johndouville@windermere.com 253.230.4931 www.douvillehomegroup.com

There's no denying it now, summer time is here! Like much of the Puget Sound, Tacoma loves to take advantage of the weather and offer as many outdoor festivals and activities as possible. We hope you're hungry, thirsty and ready for some local entertainment because Tacoma will have it all and in abundance too. Cheers! July 4th Freedom Fair On Independence Day, Tacoma’s waterfront will be bustling with food, fun and fireworks to celebrate the good ol’ U-S-of-A. You will find beer gardens outside your favorite waterfront restaurants and additional food trucks scattered along Ruston Way. Local vendors, bakers and makers will also be ready to service your sweet tooth and your style. Be sure to stick around not just for the live music but the long awaited air show! If you're looking to stay up late, fireworks starts at 10:30pm right in the middle of Commencement Bay. This is a kid and pet friendly event that is sure to be packed, so be sure to wear your walking shoes as parking will be up in the neighborhoods and Ruston Way itself is no short stroll! July 6th & 27th Drive-in Movies at America’s Car Museum Some of my fondest childhood memories were spent in the back of a pick-up truck with my best friend Kimmy at the Valley-6 drive-in theater. Sadly, the Valley-6 was closed in 2012 and later torn down. All the more reason why this event will be SO exciting. Lemay Car Museum is hosting a free summer drive-in movie experience, starting on July 6th with Ferris Beuller’s Day Off, followed by The Goonies on July 27th (Be still my childhood heart!). While the movie experience is free and picnic concessions will be open to all, admission to the museum is not included. Parking starts at 4:30pm and the show begins at dusk (roughly 9pm). So, load up your snacks, a fuzzy blanket, and your best friend and enjoy some outdoor cinematic nostalgia. July 9th Spring Roll 101 If you've ever been out to Pho with John and I, you'll know we start pretty much every order with some tasty fresh spring rolls. I5-Pho would like to help you create this delectable treat in your own home! The class includes instruction on creating and rolling your own chicken, pork, tofu, shrimp or veggie spring rolls, all-you-can-eat rolls for the duration of the class (no take-homes), and a free drink. Just typing this out is making me crave that peanut sauce on the side! July 13th Summerfest Okay, so this event is technically in our neighboring city of Lakewood, but it’s just SO GOOD. With over 40 food trucks and tents, performances from around the world, a motocross aerial show, live music, classic car show, and a hot air balloon display (my fav part!) to light up the night sky, this all-day event has something for everyone. For the triathletes out there, this even starts much earlier at American Lake where you can swim, bike and run a sprint triathlon ending at Steilacoom Park right in the middle of the festivities. Kid friendly and free of charge, this community event is great for the whole family! July 14th Art on the Ave Come celebrate art and Tacoma’s eclectic charm at 6th Avenue's largest festival of the year. With live local music, artists, food trucks, beer gardens and other local vendors, the Ave is sure to be packed to from State Street to Alder. For a complete list of vendors, performers, and grub providers, check out the website! This is a kid friendly and free event that is great for Tacoma new comers and old locals who feel like running into old friends. See you on the Ave! July 20th Tacoma Musical Playhouse Food Truck Festival Looking for a dinner and a show? Tacoma Musical Playhouse (TMP) is hosting their fourth annual TMP Food Truck Festival. You can make a day or a night out of the event, as Mama Mia! will be showing at both 2pm and 7pm. Food trucks will open at 12pm and include Bliss Creamery, Boss MaMa’s Kitchen, MIX Poke Truck and several more. What a great way to sing AND eat your heart out! Also, Wild Side Wine Shop will be there with cold beers and delicious wine. Cheers! July 21st Summer Vegan Market Organically Grown Muscles is hosting their 2nd Annual Summer Vegan Market and they certainly have grown! Join others in the vegan community for treats, art, clothing and cosmetics for a 100% vegan afternoon. Local animal welfare organizations along with companies striving for a waste-free future will also be there to provide education and information on reducing waste. Come learn, eat and enjoy a myriad of products from the 15+ vendors. July 25th Red Hot Tampon Drive Unfortunately for some women in Pierce County, domestic violence is a very real issue. To help combat this, the Tacoma YWCA provides care, protection, education, and encouragement to victims of domestic abuse. As several women and sometimes their teen/preteen daughters come through the YWCA, some of the simplest necessities are still difficult to provide. We’re so happy that one of our favorite 6th Ave joints invites everyone to help! On July 5th, Tacoma's famous hot dog bar, The Red Hot, invites you to bring in new menstrual care products to be collected by the YWCA staff. Stick around and join the conversation with YWCA’s Associate Board along with the 253 Club to learn about the live saving work being done in Tacoma. Every little bit helps! July 27th – 28th Ethnic Fest .Ethnic Fest has been celebrating culture and community in Tacoma for over 30 years. With live performances, hands on activities, crafts and food from around the world, it's hard not to get lost in this little world-tour that takes over Wright Park. As the festival grows, so has the activity list! This year there will not only be a Kid's Zones but a 3 on 3 basketball tournament for youth (15 and Under) and Adaptive Recreation divisions. Voted best festival in the South Puget Sound, you won't want to miss out! Lucky for all of us, this party lasts for two days.

Get away from it all with a spacious single story home positioned on five beautifully secluded & partially wooded acres. Vaulted ceilings within the living room amplify the space & natural light. A rec room ready for billiards or watching the game empties out to a large deck great for summer BBQs. The kitchen features a wrap around breakfast counter and an attached dining area. Three large bedrooms include a master with walk-in closet and four piece master bathroom. Enough garage space for vehicles and a workshop. Features Three Bedroom Two Bathroom Rec Room 1,956 Sq Ft Five Acres Secluded Living Room and Rec Room Large living room accented with vaulted ceiling and flooded with natural light. Finished with a free standing gas stove for cozy evenings. Great rec room complete with billiards table and sliding door access to back deck perfect for entertaining. Kitchen and Dining Room A well lit kitchen complete with oak cabinets and wrap around breakfast bar counter top. Just off the kitchen is a quaint dining room with pass through window for easy dining. Bedrooms and Bathroom Bedroom count includes two well sized bedrooms and a full guest bathroom. Master Bed and Bath The large master bedroom is complete with walk-in closet and en suit master bathroom. Bathroom includes shower stall and large soaking tub. Exterior and Garage Property is located on a beautiful partially wooded five acre lot. A large detached garage provides space for two cars and a generous shop. Offered At: $400,000 1705 390th 390th St S Roy, WA 98580 MLS# 1479505 Full Listings Available Here John Douville johndouville@windermere.com 253.230.4931 www.douvillehomegroup.com

Summer is just around the corner and we've prepared a list of events where you can get the season started! Enjoy the water front, celebrate the solstice, eat your heart out, rock out to some of Tacoma's greatest and maybe even catch a circus show under the traveling big top. Wherever you go, we're sure Tacoma will not disappoint you this summer. We'll see you around! June 2nd – September 29th Point Ruston Farmers Market Another month, another market! June 2nd marks the opening weekend of the Point Ruston Farmers Market. Every Sunday from 10am – 3pm you will find an assortment of fresh flowers, local produce, baked goods and artsy treasures lining Grand Plaza. All of this with a breathtaking view of Commencement Bay. While you're down there, take a walk down the waterfront, visit the local restaurants and even take a bike ride for four and make a day out of it! June 5th – All Summer! Old Town Summer Concert Series Every Wednesday at 6:30pm, Tacoma’s Old Town Park will become a bustling venue for families to pack up a picnic, pull out the blanket and put on their dancing shoes. Starting June 5th, Tacoma’s finest musician will be lending their talents to this free and family friendly summer concert series. Kicking off the season with one of Tacoma’s most prominent solo artists, Kim Archer, the series will also feature The Rusty Cleavers, The Happy Sinners, Champaign Sunday and a whole list of Tacoma’s greatest. Grab your sunblock and a friend and meet us in Old Town! June 8th & 9th Free Fishing Weekend – Point Defiance Marina For two whole days, fishing licenses will not be required by any Washington resident to fish or gather shellfish! Point Defiance Marina will be going full force to celebrate the weekend with boating tutorials, fishing lessons, discounted motor boat rentals and special deals on hot dogs (you know, in case you don’t catch lunch that day). If you’re a fishing fan and have always wanted to introduce your friends and loved ones to the sport, this would be the perfect weekend to do so. Check out the Washington Depart of Fish and Wildlife website for more details. June 9th Tacoma Ocean Fest Come celebrate World Oceans Day weekend on Tacoma’s Thea Foss Waterway with art, science, aerial performances, food and more. Ocean experts will be leading talks, presenting films and providing hands on science projects for all ages to show the importance of our oceans and what we can do to protect them. This free and family friendly event runs from 10am – 5pm and is intended to be interactive, so wear comfy clothing that you aren't afraid to get a little dirty or wet! June 12th Seattle Sounders VS Portland Timers @ Cheney Stadium An exciting announcement for soccer enthusiasts in the 253 was made at the end of May. That announcement being that Cheney Stadium officially won the right to host the 4th Round of the U.S. Open Cup Soccer match featuring Seattle Sounders FC vs the Portland Timbers. At 7:30pm on June 12th Tacoma soccer fans will have the opportunity to cheer on their boys in their own backyard. Sounders FC General Manager & President of Soccer Garth Lagerwey said not only are they excited to host the Open Cup again, “but also to further deepen our connections to the South Sound and the City of Tacoma with this Fourth Round matchup.” Sounders FC Season Members are able to purchase tickets now and non-members will be able to purchase tickets on June 3rd starting at 10am. Get your tickets fast, a rivalry like this one is sure to attract a crowd! June 15th Summer Splash Expo Jump into summer at this free poolside expo! Stewart Heights Pool is hosting a community water event including free swim lessons, music, food, information and prizes. While the event is free, there is limited space available. Tickets can be reserved at here or at various community center locations. Transportation from various community locations will be provided as well. July 16th & July 21st Hilltop Pop-up Market The Hilltop area has a long-standing history of being one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Tacoma. To celebrate this, the Hilltop Action Coalition has put together this free community event to bring awareness, support local businesses, and further tighten the community that is Hilltop. Join local artists, makers and performers on not one, but two Sundays during the month of July. Stop by the Hilltop Action Coalition booth or their website and hear how they are actively championing for the neighborhood and how Tacoma can best serve its residents. June 20th Summer SOULstice Come explore powerful art and performances in celebration of the Summer Solstice. As we greet the longest day and shortest night of the year, Tacoma Art Museum has compiled works themed around awakening and healing, connecting to the Earth, and pride for those who sit in the margins of society. Enjoy a day of performances while you visit the current exhibits and art making stations throughout the museum. June 21st – 23rd Taste of Tacoma One of Tacoma’s largest events is ready to fire up their grills and get summer started! Taste of Tacoma will be invading Point Defiance Park and bringing in over 40 restaurants and specialty food vendors, over 70 live local bands and entertainers, cooking demos, local fares, a funtastic carnival complete with rides, and of course numerous beer and wine gardens. Package deals are available to get the most bang for your buck. After 33 years of feeding Tacoma, we’re positive this event will not disappoint. We’ll see you (and most of Tacoma) there! June 26th – July 7th The Venardos Circus in Wright Park The big top is coming to T-Town! Lead by former Ringling Bros. Ring Master Kevin Venardos, The Vendardos Circus is an animal-free show that boasts of fire breathers, jugglers, contortionists, acrobats, comedians and all types of entertainers. The 90 minute performance plays out like a musical complete with intermission for you and your little ones to take a break. Attendees are encouraged to show up early and stay late in order to get photos with the cast, joke around with the comedians, and play a few games with your new acrobatic friends. Check out their website here to view a video of recent performances and buy your tickets! If you miss this round of shows, a second set of performances is coming in Tacoma’s Star Center in.

Fun & light filled two story home located in Auburn's Emerald Pointe. A top floor condo designed with open space and easy living in mind. The spacious main floor pairs a generous kitchen, dining area, and bright living room within a modern open concept space that ends with a cozy patio overlooking a beautiful greenbelt. The\is end unit provides a master bedroom with no neighbors in sight along with a walk in closet & great master bath. Easy access to 167, Sounder, & downtown fun. Don't forget the video tour! Features Two Story 1,160 Square Feet 2 Bedrooms 1.5 Bathrooms End Unit Open Concept Living Space Large Master with Full Bath Living oom and First Floor The open living room features a cozy fireplace perfect for warming up in the winter and gives you access to a beautiful green belt view in the summer and spring. Natural light fills the kitchen and dining area where you’ll easily transition from dinner to entertaining among friends. Master Bedroom and Second Floor The master bedroom is located upstairs in the most private corner of this end unit with plenty of space to not only sleep, but to relax with a book or work from home on the occasional day away from the city. Guests will enjoy a west facing bedroom that fills with afternoon light. Offered At: $235,000 31900 104th Ave SE Unit E201 Auburn, WA 98092 MLS# 1467454 Full Listing Available Here John Douville johndouville@windermere.com 253.230.4931 www.douvillehomegroup.com

We all know there's no shortage of restaurants and pubs in Tacoma, but for our vegan and vegetarian friends picking a spot to eat can be rough. While we are thankful that all-vegan spots like like Viva and Quickie Too call Tacoma home, it can still get tough when omnivores and herbivores want to hang. Well, we’ve found a few of Tacoma’s tastiest places that offer solid options for all. No more French fry only dinners for our vegan compadres. Eleven Eleven (1111): I used to think everyone knew about the magic of 1111. This was until we invited some vegan friends and former clients out to dinner. They had been in Tacoma for over a year and had no idea The Peterson Brothers had concocted such a generous vegan salad and sandwich menu. As a lactose-intolerant individual, I enjoy this menu because I now have OPTIONS. Aside from the delicious seitan meat loaf and buffalo soy curl meat alternatives, being able to eat ranch and “cheese” again has been quite the experience. Every Tuesday is a special treat as you can often find most of Tacoma enjoying a "Taco Tuesday" meal. Vegans, fear not—the double decker tacos are especially for you. The Red Hot: 6th Ave boasts a ton of restaurants and beer options, but none quite as iconic as The Red Hot. We frequent this place a little too much but the chill environment, rotating tap list and creatively delicious dogs are hard to beat. My go-to dog in the Good Fella, a Grilled Field Roast Italian Sausage with house made marinara sauce, onions, vegan mozzarella, and sliced sweet-hot peppers. Pair it with the vegan coleslaw and a pickle, and you’ve got yourself a meal! Among other options include the spicy Green Machine, a Grilled Field Roast chipotle sausage, and the Veganwurst, a Grilled Field Roast apple-sage bratwurst with sauerkraut and stone-ground mustard. Yum! There are seven vegan dog combos in total, but you can order any regular hot dog or brat and sub a vegan dog in its place. The menu is quite unique and includes anything from bacon to peanut butter on your hot dog. The Red Hot now offers a vegan cheese burger, too! Order this mouthwatering burger as a single, double, or a monstrous triple patty feast. The Church Cantina: It took just one visit for me to fully recommend this place. Located in South Tacoma, Church Cantina recently opened with the intention of bringing a gothic-chic look and a delicious taco menu to the southern region of this fair city. With vegan taco, burrito and black bean bowl options on the menu, this is a safe bet for our hungry vegan friends. Also, pretty much every side dish is vegan as well! But what will bring you back? Oh, probably the signature drink menu and the Skeeball… yes…. Skeeball. My 11-year-old heart has found its love. We suggest sipping on a Wicked Cantina Sangria or a Church Bell while defending your honor on the Skee-lane. Rhein Haus: Being a Bavarian themed restaurant, you will find the menu to be kielbasa, bratwurst, sausage and just generally meat- heavy, but as mentioned earlier, the point of this blog is to find the hidden gems in our otherwise meaty-places. While your friends dig into their Grillwurstr Schmankerl and Beef Goulash, you can dine on the Impossible Burger or Veggiewurst with fries and a side of curry ketchup. The signature giant pretzel is huge, vegetarian, and has even been used as a fun birthday cake replacement (bring your own candles 😉). Top of Tacoma: Let me list the things your stomach will appreciate about this spot: Veggie delight sandwich, Mediterranean Tofu Gyro, Buddha wrap (with peanut curry tofu), black bean Quinoa burger, chipotle field roast tacos, and a chipotle field roast quesadilla. There are of course a number of salads and small plates, but just LOOK at those options. Tacoma’s edgy side found a home here, rotating taps and a staff with a heck-of-a sense of humor are sure to keep you coming back. Not to mention, having quesadilla’s reintroduced into my diet has been a game changer. El Borracho: There can never be too many taco opportunities! Again, it’s simply wonderful to find places with dairy-free options. El Borracho’s vegan queso dip and vegan nachos are a solid appetizer to get you going. Another great part about this menu is that you can select your meat or meat alternative and have it made into either a taco plate or a giantly satisfying burrito. Choose from an assortment of vegan tacos—including soyrizo, papas y poblano, and tacom de hongos. My personal go-to is the Ensalada de La Casa with vegan cheese and chipotle vinaigrette, it’s hard to pass up this option when you can choose your own “meat”. I personally get this with the barbacoa, but the soyrizo and ancho chile mushrooms are another worthy contender.

Own a piece of Tacoma's historic North Slope District with a hip 19th century Victorian. A white picket fence & stately porch columns invite you inside a home spotted with elements of an 1888 construction. Solid oak floors, craftsman style interior trim, large windows, and an exposed chimney add rustic charm. A kitchen nook perfect for morning coffee, an expansive master bedroom exits to a large cedar deck overlooking the garden. The Parkway, Stadium District, and Wright Park all sit blocks away. Features Two Story 2,100 Square Feet 3 Bedrooms 1.75 Bathrooms Formal Dining Room Original Oak Floors Detached Garage Master Suite with Deck Access Living Room and Formal Dining Room Refinished oak floors greet you upon entry and stretch into the large living room. Tucked around the corner you will find a formal dining room with large windows and excellent storage. Kitchen and Breakfast Nook The expansive kitchen offers plenty of storage and counter space for family meals. Attached is a bright and charming breakfast nook perfect for morning coffee and a good book. Master Bedroom and Half Bath Through the kitchen you will find a secluded master suite complete with work area, walk-in closet, three quarter bath and deck access. Upstairs Bedrooms and Full Bath Up the ornate staircase you will find two well lit bedrooms and a large full bathroom complete with claw foot tub and a brand new vanity. A small bonus room for storage, office space or art studio is ready for use. Yard and Cedar Deck Out back enjoy a summer day on the large deck while keeping an eye on the chicken coop. Offered At: $449,000 419 N J St Tacoma, WA 98403 MLS# 1460347 Full Listing Available Here John Douville johndouville@windermere.com 253.230.4931 www.douvillehomegroup.com

Those April showers have finally paid off and we find ourselves in the beautiful month of May. This month we have found a few ways ways to shop local, enjoy a classic brew, pull out the ol' bike and grow not only your indoor plants but your business. We'll see you out there! May – October Broadway Farmers Market Slowly but surely all of Tacoma’s prized farmers markets are coming back to life! This month marks the opening of Downtown Tacoma’s Broadway market. Every Thursday from 10am – 3pm an assortment of farmers, florists, artists, bakers, makers and chefs will be setting up shop to present their fares. It’s time for fresh cut flowers, organic veggies and hand-crafted soaps to wriggle their way back into our homes (Maybe some of those flowers could be for mom? **hint hint**). May 1st – 31st Bike Month May is Bike Month! Downtown: On the Go! invites you to celebrate in a couple ways: -Bike to a Business: For the month of May, Parkway Tavern will be offering $3 beer specials for anyone who rides their bike to the tavern. Outside is plenty bike parking, and if you forgot your lock or get a flat, don't worry! The Parkway has a few extra supplies to support it's cycling patrons. -Bike to Work Day: On May 17th, Honey at Alma Mater will be offering free coffee and snacks from 7am-10am to anyone who bikes to their establishment. There will be games, music and staff from Downtown: On The Go! to talk about their bike advocacy goals and all the ways you can get involved in local projects like Schuster Parkway and the Tahoma to Tacoma Trail. Commuters unite! May 1st E9 Brewery – New Location! Engine House 9 (E9) is Tacoma's first craft brewery and they are finally expanding! Their 6th Ave location will remain open (thank goodness!) but their 7 barrel brewing system and other fermentation vessels will be moving downtown to the heart of the newly formed Brewery District. With the larger local, national and international demand for the beer this only made sense. You can find the updated brewery and new taproom in the old Tacoma Radiator and Fender Works building on 25th and Fawcett. Cheers! May 9th History After Hours: (In)Famous Washington The Washington State History Museum would like to share a bit of our states less than savory history over a taste of Three Magnets Brewing beer or a glass of Chateau St. Michelle wine in a souvenir stemless glass. Spin the "Wheel of Havoc" to hear stories of murder, burlesque, or the tale of the "pickled pioneer". Current exhibits will also be open to the public and proceeds go to keeping our state's history alive! May 10th Grand Opening: Tacoma Consignment A brand new consignment shop is opening up in downtown and they are looking to celebrate with YOU! Featuring mid-century modern furniture and other accessories, Tacoma Consignment will be opening their doors on Broadway. Come to opening day to enjoy Champaign and appetizers as you peruse the 12,000 square foot space for homey treasures. May 11th Point Defiance Zoo: Half Price for Moms Still trying to figure out what to do with mom for her big day? Why not take her to meet a sloth, ride a camel or feed tiny hungry budgie birds? All day Saturday at the Point Defiance Zoo you can do just that! For half the price, your mom can enjoy the wildlife, educational chats and visit the new hammerhead sharks in the aquarium addition. She may remind you that eating her young wasn’t an option for her, but who doesn’t love a good mom joke. Right? May 17th & 18th Happy Birthday Tacoma Night Market! This little piece of Tacoma has brought so much joy, creativity, community and fun to our big-little-town. Come celebrate their one year mark with friends by enjoying the art, music, vendors, drinks and food. Be sure to stick around for some yet to be announced surprises! May 23rd Grow with Google Calling all small business owners! The City of Tacoma's Community and Economic Development Department has partnered with Google to bring a FREE class on optimizing YOUR presence online. Learn about tools for advertising your business on Google, as well as understanding analytics and trends. I mean, where do you go when you need an answer... to anything? May 25th Roots & Shoots: House Plants 101 We've all done it. Attempted to brighten our home by bringing some mother nature indoors, only to find out we have no idea what we are doing. Well, the Tacoma Houseplant Club is hosting a mild-moderate Houseplants 101 class in response to their number one request - "how to not kill plants." Experts will speak on the fundamentals of good soil, aeration, watering, light, showers, and more for your indoor buddies. So bring your notebook and your green (or not so green) thumb down to Jade & Co Succulent Boutique and learn how to keep your indoor flora healthy from roots to shoots. May 31st Homespun Happy Hour Fort Nisqually Living History Museum wants to take you back in time and get creative. This “make and take” event invites you to get crafty with some 19th century tinsmithing, candle making, scrimshaw (bone carving), leatherwork and more! While you're there, take a walk around the living museum, grab a drink at the cash bar and enjoy the live music while you sample some foods. This is a 21 and over event, so you’ll have to find a sitter for the kids. Hopefully one from this century.

A classic North Tacoma home with space for everyone. Original fir floors and craftsman finishes greet your entry & invite you to a wonderful living room with a wood burning fireplace and generous natural light. An inviting formal dining room ready for gatherings leads to the spacious kitchen. Study or relax in a single bedroom which can easily be made into an office on the main floor with access to the sunny deck or retire upstairs to three large bedrooms. A massive yard wrapping around the property provides space for pets and outdoor activities alike. Don't miss the video tour! Features Two Story 1,948 Square Feet 4 Bedrooms 1.5 Bathrooms Corner Lot with Expansive Yard Formal Dining Room Original Fir Floors in Entry Living and Dining Room Original fir floors greet you upon entry and lead you to find the formal living and dining areas. A space made for conversation and hosting or relaxing by the wood burning fireplace. Kitchen and Mudroom Custom cabinetry line the kitchen and provides plenty of space for storage. The wrap around counter top has seating for two out of the way from the work spaces. Access to both the basement and mudroom are found here. Full Bath and Spare Room A full bath with built-in cabinets is found along the fir floored hallway on the main floor. Off the formal dining room is a spare room with closet and built in shelves. Currently purposed as a family room, this could become an office, study or gym and has access to a patio complete with sun setter. Master Bedroom In the upper level you'll land in the completely re-carpeted upstairs. Tall ceilings in the master bedroom let in light from it's large West facing window. With dual closets along with build-in dresser and built-in dresser nook, there is plenty of storage. Upstairs Bedrooms and Half Bath Two additional bedrooms are found across the landing, including another large room with dual closets that may also serve as a master. Wrap Around Yard This beautiful yard with decorative garden beds wraps completely around the home and is fully fenced in. Enjoy sitting directly in the luscious grass, below the mature willow tree or on the covered patio off the spare room. Offered At: $460,000 1220 N Huson St Tacoma, WA 98406 MLS# 1443832 Full Listing Available Here John Douville johndouville@windermere.com 253.230.4931 www.douvillehomegroup.com