I know I say it a lot, but listen closely this time: THIS IS AN EVENT NOT TO BE MISSED. (Sorry for shouting, but I needed to get your attention.) I can tell you from firsthand experience that the upcoming Peking Acrobats show on January 9 will be one of the most entertaining and exhilarating experiences you’ve had.
This elite group, from the People’s Republic of China, has been touring for decades, showing off skills from their ancient Chinese culture (though I can’t imagine that their costumes have always been so Vegas). Get ready for crazy plate spinning, chair balancing, logic-defying human pyramids (both on and off bikes), trapeze artistry, and on and on. My wife had to cover her eyes a few times–you’re just sure someone’s going to get hurt–but it all goes off without a hitch. Truly a must-see (even if you’re peeking through your fingers).
See ya soon,
Dale
I love helping people plan a special night out. Especially New Year’s Eve. So, here’s what I’m recommending: Early evening, you bring your overnight bags to the Murano (you reserved the deal below early). Then you get settled in your room, dress up, and then head down to the Lobby Bar for a cocktail. At this point, you head up to the Bite for a fantastic prix fixe New Year’s Eve feast (you made reservations as soon as you finished reading this post). Then you head out on the town.
First Night Tacoma awaits. You know—the big, family-friendly event that everyone’s buzzing about. Book it and get a special-rate room and two First Night buttons, which ensures that the music, and fire dancers, and museums are all part of your evening. Could a new year be any happier?
See ya soon,
Dale
As if lions and tigers and bears weren’t reason enough to bundle the little ones up and head off to one of their favorite places in town. The Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium will once again make magic this season with the addition of more than a half-million holiday lights. And I’m telling you, if you haven’t been, it’s truly spectacular.
Zoo Lights is definitely not your average display (imagine your show-off neighbor times a thousand). The zoo’s lights have been crafted into tiger cubs, ice-skating puffins, and so much more. The Narrows Bridge is also all aglow, and the trees are blazing. Add a toasty mug of hot chocolate, a trip through the aquarium to warm up a little, and you’ve got a great family night out.
While you’re at it, bring your old or broken string lights as part of the Holiday Lights Recycling Program and really get in the holiday spirit.
See ya soon,
Dale
Let me say straight away: A night with Burt Bacharach at the Hotel Murano is not an upcoming event. Unfortunately, this once-in-a-lifetime show came and went in 2008. And, it truly was a never before/never again night.
One great night, two years ago, Burt Bacharach performed at our very own Hotel Murano. Yup. Right under our roof. In the middle of the show, he announced that his longtime lyricist, Hal David (you may have heard a few of their number-one-hit collaborations through the years) was in the audience. The crowd went wild. Hal David got up, told a little story, and proceeded to sing “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again.” YouTube has a shaky two-part video recorded on a fan’s phone, but it’s worth watching.
The point is you never know what incredible memories you’ll make at Hotel Murano. There’s only one way to find out.
See ya soon,
Dale
I’ve always been fascinated by behind-the-scenes glimpses into how things get made. Doesn’t matter what it is, I want to know how it happened. For instance, whenever I get a chance, I head over to the Tacoma Art Museum to see which Artists-in-Residence are making what. So, naturally, I look forward to Tacoma’s Art at Work every November.
This year will mark the 9th anniversary of this popular celebration, and I highly recommend it. The whole month is dedicated to honoring Tacoma’s artists. Plan to attend any or all of a slew of related events, featuring a special two-day happening (TBA: check site for dates).
Start out the Opening Celebration and then head out on a self-guided tour of Tacoma artists’ studios for a rare opportunity to peek behind the curtain. And make sure not to miss the Art Slam. I guarantee you’ll be glad you took a closer look.
See ya soon,
Dale
Whenever my wife and I are heading out on a trip, we look for a hotel with a few must-haves: We want the hotel to have a restaurant (I sneak down to read the paper and have a cup of joe without waking my wife), we like a hotel bar for a nightcap after an evening out on the town, and we always choose a place within walking distance of great restaurants, shops, museums and theaters. In other words, we look for a place just like Hotel Murano.
Guests ask me every day where to eat, where to shop, and what interesting sites they can see on foot. I’m happy to be able to steer them to so many great places, all within a few blocks of the Murano. Now that I think of it, we’re sort of the one-stop-shopping of hotels.
See ya soon,
Dale
As I may have mentioned before (quite recently, in fact), there is a myriad possibilities if you’re looking for a great spot to visit within walking distance of Hotel Murano. One of the most popular, and one I mention a lot (because it bears repeating)—is Tacoma’s Museum of Glass. Just a few blocks from the hotel, the museum is just amazing and shows new work all the time; even if you’ve already been, it’s worth another visit.
On October 8-10, the museum will celebrate their 7th Annual Bird Lover’s Weekend, with all kinds of exhibits and activities planned, including a particularly cool event in the museum’s Hot Shop. Master glassblower, Arto Lahtinen, will be demonstrating his creation of glass birds for the famed iittala’s Glass Birds of Finland. Fly on by—should be something worth crowing about.
See ya soon,
Dale
Ever notice that Oregonians and B.C.ers alike are fiercely proud of their hometowns? Well, we don’t blame them. Great spots, both. But, let’s face it. They’ve gotta be glad to border Washington State. We just want to help them spend a little time with a friendly neighbor. To that end, check out this special bonus on the popular Eat, Sleep, and Be Parked package at the Murano.
Everybody¾well, almost everybody¾who chooses the package gets the same deal: Overnight accommodations in the Murano’s deluxe digs, unlimited in-and-out valet parking, breakfast at the very tasty BITE. Sounds like a great way to spend a weekend, right? Well, here’s the kicker: Just flash your Oregon or B.C. driver’s license, and we nip another $40 off the price. What could be more neighborly that that?
Special Offer >>
See ya soon,
Dale
I’m going to let you in on a secret. It’s something my wife and I have been doing for years. We do it when we’re at home, we do it on road trips. We’ve done it when traveling overseas, and definitely when visiting relatives. I bet you’ve already guessed it. That’s right! We seek out and attend school plays and music events. There have been some great surprises, a few duds, but it’s always a memorable experience.
So, while it’s true that Tacoma has a first-rate opera company, a wonderful symphony orchestra, and a stellar theater company, we’re also lucky enough to boast a fantastic concert series at the University of Puget Sound. September 10th’s evening will feature Schumann, Dvorák, and Shostakovish, all played by very talented UPS students. Right in our own backyard. That’s music to my ears.
date:Friday, September 10, 2010time:7:30 PM to 9:15 PMvenue:Schneebeck Concert Hall, University of Puget Soundaddress:N 14th and Union Ave, Tacoma, WA 98416
See ya soon,
Dale
Recently, a guest at the hotel asked where the Murano got its name. I commented that she must have never seen the 1955 Katherine Hepburn/Rossano Brazzi film, Summertime. Directed by David Lean, the semi-cornball romance, set in Venice, features red goblets made on the island of Murano, which is simply “glass, glass, glass.” I remember, after seeing the movie, wanting to visit Murano as much as Venice. Careful what you wish for…
Anyone who’s been to the Murano, or read this blog (and, thanks for either or both) knows that the Hotel Murano is chock-a-block with fantastic glass art: the lobby and the lobby bar, every hallway, every floor has lots of great, shiny stuff. There’s something beautiful to look at every turn. May just inspire you to take a break, so to speak, in Italy one of these days.
See ya soon,
Dale
