On the other hand, tired of seeing the kids cooped in the house all day? Ready to do anything to tear the X-Box controllers from their sweaty little hands? Pile those kids in the car and head to Point Defiance Zoo for an evening of Zoolights.  Featuring half a million lights, this annual night-time event is just like a walk through a video game. At least, it’s like a video game, circa 1983.

–James

A good place to start, if you have little ones, is the Children’s Museum of Tacoma.  The Story Time sessions and Learning Lounge are intriguing enough, but parents might especially enjoy the “New Digs” feature. According to the website, it’s “a neighborhood brimming with container gardens and interactive window boxes. A produce stand and delivery truck offer abundant opportunities to sort, count, weigh, buy and sell a vibrant bounty of fruits and vegetables. Garden to table connections are made as children role-play in the sidewalk cafe, whipping up tasty treats or ordering a fresh lunch.”  Sounds like a tasty idea to me.

–Dale

In our quest to serve the wheat-averse (and there are, surprisingly, many of you), we just got word via Tacoma Mama that quickly-proliferating Garlic Jim’s now offers great pizza, minus the gluten. They’ve got scads of locations, and all of them are willing to bring their hot, cheesy wholesomeness right to your front door.  When you stay with us at Hotel Murano, call the 6th Ave. location at (253) 286 5467

–James

It’s official. A resolution creating an Office of Sustainability and the Sustainable Tacoma Commission on Climate Change was adopted by the Tacoma City Council on October 21, 2008. The Mayor’s Green Ribbon Climate Action Task Force presented its recommendations, which have also included, in the past, of finding ways to reduce our city’s carbon footprint. Score one for the environment!

–Dale

At first, I thought it was vegetarian. But Herban Café, located, appropriately enough, at the heart of the city at 2602 6th Ave. serves something for all foodie persuasions. Although I haven’t yet been there myself, Herban Café is beloved by such bloggers as Tacoma Mama, Kevin Freitas and Tacoma Chickadee.  I think that constitutes a consensus. Now that it’s re-opened with expanded hours and an economized menu, I think I’ll go give it a try. From the sound of things they’re a solid local business worth going out of the way for; maybe you should head down there too.

–Dale

Even in the best economic times, opening a new art gallery can be a challenge. When the going is tough, such a venture can be even more dicey. Hats off, then, to owners (and cousins) Robert and Daniel Stocker, who opened the Robert Daniel Gallery at 2501 Fawcett Ave. Their stable of artists currently includes about 15 painters and sculptors from around the Northwest. Names include:  Andrew Glass, Christopher Hoppin, Dave Haslett, Dawn Sorrell, Debra VanTuinen, Eve Chang, James Minden, Jan Rimerman, Jay Lazerwitz, Karen Schroeder, Katie Harkins, Lyria Schaffer-Bauck, Martha Pfanschmidt, Patricia Hagen andWilliam Turner.

–James

Tacoma has a wonderful history – one worth preserving. And, to recognize special achievements in that area, the Tacoma Landmarks Preservation Commission has released its list of 2008 Outstanding Achievement in Historic Preservation Award winners. They are:

– David & Josephine Root (502 N. I St.) – Their house stood vacant for a number of years, calling upon extraordinary determination and commitment by the owners to finish the renovation project.

– Todd & Paula Bond (407 N. E St.): The residence, constructed in 1893 and remodeled in 1903, is located in the Stadium-Seminary National Register Historic District.

– Dr. Caroline T. Swope & David Waring (2902 N. Cedar): The Lord Residence, which was designed and constructed in 1906 by notable builder Sherman L. Blair, has been extensively rehabilitated. In 2007, it was designated a landmark on the Tacoma, Washington and National Registers of Historic Places.

– Metro Parks This award is for the stewardship of two important public historic assets: Point Defiance Park and Wright Park; both which are accessible and enjoyable to all of Tacoma’s citizens.

– Chinese Reconciliation Park The Chinese Reconciliation Park supporters are recognized for their dedicated persistence in initiating and building a Chinese Commemorative park and international pavilion to educate the community and memorialize this part of Tacoma history.

– Historic Tacoma & Save Our Bridge organizations The Murray Morgan Bridge is listed on the Tacoma and National Registers of Historic Places, as well as the Washington State Heritage Register. It was listed as one of 2008’s Most Endangered Historic Properties in the state.

(Information gleaned from Tacoma Daily Index.)

–Dale

It’s late at night. You’ve been out hitting the town, enjoying the finest in Tacoma’s food and drink scene. Maybe the emphasis is on the latter. If so, you may need something big, starchy, yummy and, best, deep fried. You’ve dressed to the nines, and Denny’s just won’t do. I suggest you drop by a local favorite – The Crown Bar, 2705 Sixth Ave.  With a late-night menu that includes fried oysters, a gooey mushroom quesadilla and thick and creamy Cougar Gold mac and cheese, you’ll be sure to go home for a full and restful night’s sleep. If you’re staying at the Hotel Murano, be sure to let us help you find Advil and/or Alka Seltzer – on an as-needed basis, of course.

–James

Ever check into one of those hotel rooms where you know from the get-go that it just won’t do, as in, “Where do they expect me to place my stuff ?” Not so at Hotel Murano – or any Provenance Hotel for that matter! With spacious rooms, large closets, floor space for the extras, a desk that goes on forever, we have room to let you – and your pets – really live and breathe. Check it out next time you’re here!

–Dale