Imagine a vacation or business trip that makes a point to include local heritage, culture and discovery in the itinerary. We did. That’s what fueled the art glass concept behind Hotel Murano. Still, it’s a new idea to some. Thanks to author Pam Grout, that’s changing. I’ve been skimming through her new book “100 Best Worldwide Vacations to Enrich Your Life” (I almost put in vacation time just to read her title!) She advocates traveling to Argentina– and taking a tango lesson – or going abroad to teach English. Such experiences are sure to reward an adventurous traveler. If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance that you might be thinking of allowing us to show you our hospitality. Good idea! Once you’ve checked in, drop by the front desk and I’ll help you get started with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn glassblowing from the best in the world!
I find myself humming that tune whenever I head up to one of the Tacoma Parks myriad events. The Summer Sounds and Cinema serieshas started again, so I guess it’s time to roll up the blanket, throw a bottle of red (or white) wine in the basket and head up to the movies.
Let’s face it. In the dog days of summer nobody wants to work up too much of a sweat. Instead of tackling a big project, why not take a few minutes to regroup? Put together a checklist that will seed your plans for back-to-school and the ever-looming holiday season. And be sure to put a little you-time at the top of that list. For many of us, there’s never a convenient time to take a vacation. But if you don’t carve out even a small getaway, you may suffer. You can even get away while staying close to home.If you have kids, this article at Kaboose.com http://travel.kaboose.com/vacation-at-home.html will help you get started. Be sure to scroll down to its links to other great summertime tips!
Don’t get me wrong, this place lowers the, er, bar when it comes to dive bars. Sticky carpeting, lawn furniture in the dining room and all. But you have to give them props for coming up with the best happy hour name in the city: Lush Rush. During said Rush, all wells are two bucks. I guess people ain’t going there for the fancy wallpaper. Check out this article on Weekly Volcano to find out more.
It doesn’t get any more straightforward than that. If you’re going to be in town the weekend of August 8 and 9, you might see me down at the 3rd Annual Showcase Tacoma,http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/page.php?id=731 , which puts a local spotlight on visual and performing art exhibits and demonstrations, art installations, and performance activities. Sounds like straight-up good times. Until you get to the event tagline: “Expand. Explore. Explode.” I’m not sure what they mean by that. But I hope to have a blast. Check out Kevin Freitas’ pics from last year. http://www.kevinfreitas.net/journal/photos-showcase-tacoma-2007/
There’s only one Nordstrom. The selection, the famed service. The only problem with this store was that you had to drive where? Seattle? to get to one. Finally, the newly renovated Tacoma Mall Nordstrom is reopening. And, in typical Nordstrom style and flare, they’ll be celebrating with a Grand Opening Gala on Tuesday, Sept. 30. Tickets are $75. And the best part is ALL proceeds will benefit the Tacoma Art Museum and Museum of Glass. (Thanks to Steph DeRosa at the Volcano for alerting us to this.) http://www.weeklyvolcano.com/2008-07-10/fix-main/2434/http://www.tacomaartmuseum.org/Page.aspx?nid=176
I’m no stranger to street fare. And the offerings at some cities’ rolling restaurants (inaptly dubbed roach coaches) are some of the best eating around. Mexican cuisine seems to have cornered that market in this neck of the woods, but go to other cities like Portland, Los Angeles and New York, and you can take a culinary world tour and never actually sit down to eat. Still, I sometimes yearn for something a little more ambitious from Mexican food. Enter Vuelve a la Vida. (Literally translated “Live once again,” this biz name must have an intriguing story behind it.) Since this Mexican eatery opened over a year ago, it has acquired a cult of devotees addicted to its authentic moles, carnitas and abodabe, as well as the soft tacos made from fresh, hand-made tortillas. I could go on about this place, but check out the kudos pouring in through Yelp. http://www.yelp.com/biz/vuelve-a-la-vida-tacoma
Hard to believe it was just a year ago that our friend Josh trekked across the newly opened span of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. http://www.tacomahotelblog.com/2007/07/In honor of that event (July 16, to be exact), I thought it would be fun to share a rather breathtaking shot of the bridge from its 1950 construction celebration. I have enough trouble climbing ladders - this guy is plain crazy! http://www.flickr.com/photos/8461938@N06/2559053162/
Getting your kids out of the house during the dog days of summer just got a little easier. Every August since 1991, Regal Cinemas has hosted the Free Family Film Festival, screening G and PG films at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Sorry Fandangoites, seating is first come, first serve and the price is very good. Check the schedule http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx?state=WA and maybe I’ll sneak away from work and see you down there one of these days!
The new Pierce County Bike Map has now reached all of its conveniently located pickup destinations. It identifies existing bikeways and scheduled bicycle improvements, but does not include future bicycle projects. Identifying roads with wide lanes, paved shoulders and, of course, designated bicycle lanes, this is a must-have for all serious pedalists. And the best part? It’s free. Click here to find a location nearest you. http://www.piercecountywa.org/pc/abtus/ourorg/pwu/tpp/nonmotor/bicycle.htm A printer-friendly online version will soon be available as well.
