My 3-year-old grandson, Hayden, recently visited me here at the hotel (he loves it when I ride him around on a bellcart). He was wearing big sunglasses he got on a recent family trip to Hawaii. When I asked him why, he said, “’Cause, Grandpa, there’s so much shiny glass in here!” Sometimes I need to be reminded that I work at one of the most beautiful hotels in the country (just ask Conde Nast). It got me thinking—why not spend New Year’s Eve at the Hotel Murano?

Start the night in the Lobby Bar with a good, old-fashioned drink, like a gin martini, to remember the past. Next, a great dinner at Bite, maybe fresh grilled salmon, to celebrate the present. Take a walk around the neighborhood, stopping in here to warm up. Back to the Lobby Bar in time for a midnight champagne toast, in hopes of a great 2010. Head up to your room, leaving the rest of the party to keep going. Sounds perfect.

Happy New Year!
Dale

Maybe it’s not a huge club, but folks who are into model trains are really into model trains. So, I’m probably preaching to the choir, telling the groupies about Tacoma’s 14th Annual Model Train Festival. But for those of you who have never been to one of these before, they’re definitely worth a visit.

On December 26 through January 2, the History Museum will be filled to the brim with all things train. Come check out the miniature villages and the play area just for little engineers. Since it’s the holidays, the place will be especially done up. There will be no less than 10 full layouts by the major model train outfits, including The Pierce County Lionel Club and the Sound Model Railroad Engineers. So, get on board! (Sorry, couldn’t help myself.)

Dale

On the rare weekend when I don’t have something else going on, sometimes a friend and I will just hop in the car and hit the road. We don’t care where we end up, it’s always an adventure. If we’re really lucky, we land in a small town with a local theater production going on.

If you live in Tacoma, or your road trip brings you here, you’re in for a treat. The Dance Theatre Northwest will be performing the seasonal favorite, The Nutcracker, at the Mount Tahoma High School Auditorium the first weekend in December. Sure, every city in the country (the world?) will have The Nutcracker showing somewhere, but here’s your opportunity to see it in a more relaxed, a more small town, kind of atmosphere. I, for one, am really looking forward to Clara, the Prince, the Mouse King, and easy parking.

Ta ta,
Danielle

Remember when people used to go caroling? When I was a little girl, I used to love it when the doorbell would ring and suddenly, like a gift, the house was filled with song. Carolers don’t come around much any more, people don’t like to open their doors to strangers. Lucky for us, for one night only, we can all still get into the holiday spirit with the Seattle Men’s Chorus.

SMC’s specialty, for over 30 years, has been putting a modern twist on the traditional. This year’s show, Santa Baby, will give us their take on TV Christmas specials. Not quite sure what to expect: I’m hoping for the classic Charlie Brown Christmas Time Is Here. Oh, and a rendition of Snow Miser/Heat Miser would make my night. No matter what they choose to sing, it’s always super fun, just as good as when I was a kid.

Tickets are $39 and $52, and you can purchase tickets online here.

Happy holidays,
Danielle