Here at the Hotel Murano, we love pets. (Check out our amazing pet food menus and other pooch-friendly details.) So, for all of you looking to feed your puppy addictions, take a look at DogFaceGirl’s work on Etsy.com.

This artisan hails from Tacoma, so not only will you get something that relates to your dog fancy, but you’ll be supporting a local business too. I’ll bark to that!

–Danielle

What is Tacoma, if not the sum of its cool architecture, funky shops, the arts scene, small businesses and other unique, local offerings? In any season, these things could be undermined by big corporate interests and developers. While we love big business too, let’s resolve to preserve that which keeps Tacoma unique. Let’s shop local. Let’s take a moment to look, really look, at the amazing buildings that populate our downtown. Let’s skip a night at the movies and go see a play. Let’s resolve to keep Tacoma unique.

–Dale

Yes, it’s true.  Our very own Hotel Murano was recently featured on the Today Show.  They were doing a show on art hotels and selected us as one of their top picks.  If you’re interested in watching the clip, we’ve posted a video of it right here.

In case you didn’t know and are new to the area, the Hotel Murano features all glass art throughout the entire hotel.  Each floor is dedicated to a different artist and best of all, you can buy any of it!  I’d say it’s time to start planning a trip to Tacoma.

- Danielle

Some of my friends are lamb fanatics. They’re always on the search for the next wild-tasting, deliciously oily kebab or rack or leg or whatever.  Lately, they’ve been talking up Pacific Grill. This is lamb that is sure to make the children (or, at least, the grownups) laugh and play.

–Dale

After winning the readers’ poll award for Tacoma’s Best Spa in the Weekly Volcano last summer,
Savi Day Spa continues to have a stellar 20th anniversary year. A couple of weeks ago, Victoria Becker, of the Tacoma Weekly came to Hotel Murano for a two-day “staycation.”  Ms. Becker liked what she saw in us: “When the doorman greeted us, an artistic vision presented itself ahead. Low, modern furniture punctuates the bar and fireplace. The effect is sort of floaty, giving a feeling of peace.” Nice words! And moving on to her spa experience at Savi day Spa, she said, “The foot massage was heavenly, and my neck spasm was relieved. The rest of the treatment took place in the Vichy steam room where several vertical showerheads bathed me while I laid down. All was well.” I’m thinking I’m due to make an appointment for myself.

–Danielle

It may not have much art or opera, but it is an institution around here. And it’s no secret that I love going to the Met – the Metropolitan Market in the Proctor District of North Tacoma.  This time of year, Tony my friend in the produce section, always has a sharp knife ready to slice some delicious apple samples for us and for the “small folks in the carts.” The grapes are very tasty too and I make sure to grab a handful when we head up there. Check out the bagel folks, too! We’re talking fresh and good!

Dale

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

–Dale