On the shores of Puget Sound with Mount Rainier standing watch to the east, sits urban port city Tacoma, Washington, an ideal spot for an urban weekend getaway. Just south of Seattle, Tacoma is known for it's world renowned glass art, and is quickly becoming a destination for new restaurants, indie boutiques, beautiful natural parks, art museums, music venues and a stunning waterfront on the saltwater banks of Puget Sound.
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest and the Seattle area, I have to admit I previously thought I had only two reasons to visit Tacoma. One was to attend High School state championship basketball games when our team made it (and miss school!) and two, in college, to go to Dave Matthews Band concerts at the Tacoma Dome. But that has all changed after a recent weekend getaway to Tacoma!
I recently partnered with Travel Tacoma for a 3 day, 2 night visit to Tacoma, WA and quickly fell in love with this vibrant and sophisticated old-meets-new City alive with art, shopping, food, nature and culture.
FRIDAY
We (my husband S and I) departed Seattle on Friday evening post-work. We bid adieu to our sweet kitty's and after a short drive south on Interstate 5, we arrived at Hotel Murano in downtown Tacoma, where we would stay for the weekend.
A gorgeous luxury hotel within walking distance of many of the city's best shops, museums and restaurants, Hotel Murano also boasts an in-house glass art collection that is just stunning. Each floor features a piece of glass art by an internationally known artist and the lobby alone is worth stopping by to view, even if you are staying elsewhere.
Our room was clean, modern, comfortable and had the most incredible view of the Tacoma Dome and Mount Rainier. It was incredibly inviting. Since S and I were feeling tired after a long week, we decided to just grab some fast food (sorry Mom!), watch TV in our room and catch up on z's so we could get up early and explore Tacoma. Exactly what we needed.
After an ever so restful night's sleep and coffee in our room with views of Mount Rainier, we enjoyed a delicious weekend brunch at Hotel Murano's Bite Restaurant. With a focus on local and seasonal American cuisine (they have their own bee hives on the roof for honey!), Bite is the perfect spot to start your day. S chose a classic omelet and potatoes and I opted for house made muesli, a croissant and OJ. Coffee for both of us, too, of course. It was delicious and the perfect first stop before stepping out to explore.
After brunch we headed out on foot towards Union Station on Pacific Avenue. The downtown Tacoma core we found super walkable and Hotel Murano within close proximity to everywhere we visited on our first day. There's also a free light rail along Pacific Ave that visits the Theater District, convention center (which is right next door to Hotel Murano) and Union Station (where the glass museum is!)
Upon making our way to Union Station, we started with some boutique shopping along Pacific Avenue including Satori Boutique, UrbanXchange for some vintage scores and my new favorite boutique for gifts, jewelry and local artisan finds, Stocklist Goods & Gifts. Stocklist has a Tacoma-centric flair to it and is sister store to The Goods at the Museum (located across the street from Stocklist, inside the Washington Sate History Museum.)
Uniqlo U F18 Fleece Jacket (sold out, similar) | Everlane High-Rise Skinny Jeans | Cuyana Small Carryall Tote | Hanky Panky Long Sleeve Lace Top (sold out, similar) | Vionic Nellie Mule c/o (sold out, similar) | Cole Haan Aviator Sunglasses | Moorea Seal Hat (sold out, similar) | Kenneth Jay Lane Faux Pearl Earrings (sold out, similar)
Shop My Saturday Outfit:
After some shopping and a quick coffee break at Anthem Coffee, we ventured across the Chihuly Bridge of Glass, one of the most photographed spots in Tacoma. Composed of 2,400 pieces of Dale Chihuly glass art worked into three separate installations, the Bridge of Glass alone is worth a visit to Tacoma. Connecting downtown Tacoma to the waterfront and Pacific Avenue to the Musuem of Glass, the Chihuly Bridge of Glass was absolutely one of the highlights of our weekend.
From Pacific Avenue, the Bridge of Glass lead directly to the Museum of Glass, our next stop. Down the stairs from the bridge, the Museum of Glass is an architecturally gorgeous museum with an incredible glass art collection. There's even a functioning hot shop with an auditorium, where you can watch glass artists at work.
The hot shop was our first stop inside the museum. We could quite literally feel the heat as we watched glass artists from internationally renowned Finnish design company littala working in the West Coast's largest hot shop creating beautiful glass birds, as we just happened to visit the museum on the 15th annual Bird Lovers' weekend!
After a visit to the hot shop, it was time to explore the exhibits. We started with the Preston Singletary: Raven and the Box of Delight exhibit in the Viola A. Chihuly and North Galleries. This incredible exhibit allows you to experience Raven's journey as he transforms the world, bringing light to the people via the stars, moon and sun. This Tlingit story unfolds through an experiential journey of artwork, storytelling, lighting and music and runs through September 2, 2019 and is a must see!
Next up was Spotlight on Dale Chihuly: Works from the Musuem of Glass Permanent Collection. This ongoing exhibit is a celebration of the artistic innovation of Dale Chihuly and honors his impact on the studio glass movement and connection to Tacoma and the Pacific Northwest and features the stunning Gibson Chandelier.
We finished our visit to the Musuem of Glass with a stop in the Museum store to pick up a few souvenirs and gifts for friends and family. We also admired potential pieces of art we might consider in the future for on display in our home and made plans to return to purchase.
Savi Day Spa, located right inside Hotel Murano, is a wonderful sanctuary. Far exceeding expectations, I was greeted immediately and offered an oh-so-lovely space to wait for my appointment. In a robe, with a warm neck roll and accompanied by tea and soothing music, all my stress seemed to immediately fade away (and the treatment hadn't even started yet!)
I was booked for a 45-minute body scrub called the Vichy Treatment, one of Savi's most unique body care services for total relaxation and skincare results (there's also a 60 minute version.) In a warm steam room, with candlelight, music and aromatherapy, this treatment allow you to completely escape and trust me, I did.
With a body scrub, Vichy rain bar water massage and hydrating body butter, afterwards I felt completely renewed. The Vichy treatment can also be completely customized to meet your needs. So for example, if you have difficulty handling tons of steam like I do, just let them know. They were super happy to accommodate my needs and make the treatment as relaxing and comfortable as possible. I left Savi Spa relaxed, hydrated and glowing!
Post-spa I was hungry and ready to eat (so was S!) and so we headed to Matriarch Lounge at Alma Mater for happy hour and an early dinner. One of Tacoma's hottest new spots, Alma Mater is an artist collective also home to an incredible breakfast place (Honey, we made plans to return) and where we chose to have drinks and dinner, Matriarch, a Peruvian restaurant/lounge.
The Matriarch space was perfectly inviting and we were seated at a table near the bar. The noise level remained a low hum, allowing for conversation, and the lighting was right on point for a lounge featuring handcrafted drinks and delicious food.
We started with drinks, S choosing a whiskey and I, The Bohdi Tree cocktail. We each approved with delight. Next up was food and we chose to share a few different plates from the Smalls & Shares section of the menu, allowing the opportunity to taste more options and still leave room for dessert. Everything was so delicious and we seriously loved every bite, cleaning each and every plate.
After a few drinks and full bellies, we headed back to Hotel Murano for a restful night sleep and looking forward to our last day of exploring Tacoma before heading home to Seattle.
SUNDAY
After another night of beautiful restful sleep in our Hotel Murano hotel room, we were ready for our final day in Tacoma. The perfect start to our finale was breakfast at Bite Restaurant. After packing up our room and checking out of the hotel after the most lovely stay, it was time to fuel up at Bite.
This time, S went with the most amazing looking breakfast board featuring Greek yogurt with honey, muffins, pesto toast, eggs, bacon and smoked salmon. I chose the Greek yogurt, house made granola, jam, toast and orange juice. We both ordered coffee. We ate every last bite, this breakfast was best!
Uniqlo U F18 Fleece Jacket (sold out, similar) | | Target Joy Lab High-Rise Leggings | Target Joy Lab Sports Bra | Uniqlo U F18 Sweater (sold out, similar) | Cuyana Small Carryall Tote | Brooks Heritage Sneakers c/o (sold out, similar) | Ana Luisa NY Earrings c/o (similar)
Shop My Sunday Outfit:
It was now time for our final stop of our weekend in Tacoma. Named the best Park in Washington State by Time Magazine, Point Defiance Park is a 760-acre park with natural forest, saltwater beaches and stunning views.
We grabbed a coffee at Anthem coffee at Point Ruston before heading into Point Defiance Park to drive the Five-Mile Drive. With designated viewpoints and hiking trails along the drive, it's the perfect place to start a visit to Point Defiance and an ideal spot for photos of ferry boats near Vashon Island and breathtaking Puget Sound views.
Inside the park, there's also a rhododendron garden, a rose garden, a Japanese garden, a dahlia test garden and fuchsia garden, as well as Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (the only zoo/aquarium combination in the Northwest), Point Defiance Marina and Fort Nisqually Living History Museum. You could easily spend days at this park and S and I quickly knew this was a place we wanted to return to spend more time.
However, as the hours passed, we knew it was time to say goodbye to Tacoma,WA and head home. The City of Tacoma had captured our hearts and with such a quick drive from Seattle, we knew this would not be a final goodbye, but this trip instead a hello to a new City we hope to continue to explore further.
Sitting at the foot of Mount Rainier and on the saltwater shores of Puget Sound, with a world-renowned collection of glass art, a vibrant downtown core alive with walkable boutique shopping, restaurants, museums music venues and historic theaters, a free light rail, stunning waterfront and beautiful parks, Tacoma, Washington is the perfect spot for an urban getaway.
I'm already planning my return visit.
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel Murano*
Tacoma's only full-service upscale hotel. Centrally located in downtown Tacoma, Hotel Murano is just blocks from restaurants, shopping, and museums. The in-house glass art collection of this hotel is incredible, with a piece by an internationally known artist on every floor.
1320 Broadway, Tacoma, Washington, 98402
(253) 238 8000
Courtyard Marriott
Located in the heart of Tacoma's financial and theater districts. Just steps from the city's convention center, museums, restaurants and the University of Washington-Tacoma campus. Light rails runs from the hotel to City attractions.
1515 Commerce Street, Tacoma, Washington, 98402
(253) 591 9100
WHAT TO DO
Chihuly Bridge of Glass*
2,400 pieces of Dale Chihuly glass art worked into three separate installations makes this pedestrian bridge one of the most photographed spots in Tacoma. It's the perfect way to walk from downtown Tacoma to the waterfront and connects Pacific Avenue to the Museum of Glass. Linger at sunset on a date and see why it's one of the most romantic places in Washington State.
Tacoma, WA 98402
Museum of Glass*
Architecturally gorgeous museum with an incredible collection of of glass art, as well as a functioning hot shop with auditorium, where you can watch glass artists work.
Free admission 5p-8p on the third Thursday of every month.
1801 Dock Street, Tacoma, WA 98402
Pacific Avenue*
Running along the Museum District is Pacific Avenue, a historic district full of brick buildings, cute boutiques, coffee shops, art galleries, bakeries and craft breweries. All are within walking distance.
Parking along Pacific Avenue is $1/hour for metered parking or you can take the free light rail that runs along Pacific Avenue from the Theater District to Union Station and to the Tacoma Dome. It's also walkable from Hotel Murano and the Convention Center.
Stocklist Goods & Gifts*
A great boutique with a Tacoma-centric flair to it. Showcasing the best of Tacoma and local artists, it's the perfect spot for gifts, souvenirs, and beautiful jewelry. Stocklist is sister store to The Goods at Washington State History Museum, located across the street.
1936 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402
Satori Boutique*
Originally founded in 2013, Satori has evovled into a storethat is known for carrying exclusive brands, locally made goods, unique gifts and accessories.
1734 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
UXC TACOMA*
A unique vintage & modern clothing shop. Find one of a kind vintage and designer pieces, vintage housewares/home decor, locally made jewelry, small houseplants and more.
1932 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
WHAT TO DO continued . . .
Savi Day Spa*
Premier luxury day spa located inside Hotel Murano. Offering facials, massages, body scrubs, manicures, pedicures, waxing and more. Highly recommend the SAVI Body Polish Vichy Treatment for ultimate relaxation and skin results.
Hotel Murano, 1320 Broadway Plaza, Tacoma, Washington, 98402
(253) 627 2000
Ruston Way Waterfront and Point Ruston*
The Ruston Way waterfront is one of the most popular outdoor spots in Tacoma and for good reason. Dotted with small waterfront parks and small beaches and connecting downtown Tacoma with Point Defiance Park, the Ruston Way Waterfront is a coastal road offering a 2-mile stretch of paved walking trail and stunning views of south Puget Sound.
Drive along the waterfront from downtown, and you'll pass the small waterfront parks, photogenic Les Davis Pier and various restaurants. Park at Point Ruston and grab a snack or ice cream from Ice Cream Social and walk south along the waterfront overlooking Commencement Bay. \
5005 Ruston Way, Tacoma, WA 98407
Point Defiance Park*
The largest City park west of the Mississippi River, 702-acre Point Defiance Park features a rhododendron garden, rose garden, Japanese garden, dahlia test garden and fuschia garden, as well as the only zoo/acquarium combination in the Northwest and a historic fort/living-history museum. You'll also find old growth forests, playgrounds, saltwater beaches, waterfront promenade and a marina with boat rentals and launch facilities.
Grab a coffee at Anthem at Point Ruston before heading to Piont Defiance Park. Once at the park, drive along Five-Mile Drive (Don't miss the designated viewpoints along the drive for stunning south sound views!), or park and hike the trails that run throughout the park.
5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407
Stadium District
One of Tacoma's most historic districts, Stadium District is filled with upscale, trendy new restaurants, cafes, shops, parks, beautiful historic homes and tree lined streets.
Stadium High School
Where 10 Things I Hate About You was filmed and named the most photogenic public school in the country, Stadium High School is a historic landmark and the soaring towers have led Stadium H.S. to be called America's Hogwarts.
Stadium District - 111 N E St, Tacoma, WA 98403
Tease Chocolates
Bean-to-bar chocolatier with handmade confections.
Stadium District - 610 N 1st St, Tacoma, WA 98403
Wright Park/W. W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory
27-acre arboretum and public park featuring sculptures, fountains, rolling hills, bridges, free seasonal sprayground (May-September) and year-round botanical conservatory. There is also a bocce ball court that can be rented April 1-September 30.
Stadium District - 316 S G St., Tacoma, WA 98405
6th Avenue
6th Avenue is Tacoma's youngest neighborhood and was just voted the 2018 neighborhood with the best vibe. You'll find bars, pubs, coffee shops, vinyl record stores, clothing boutiques, art galleries and vintage stores.
Explore 6th Avenue starting at Bluebeard Coffee (2201 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98403) and going west to Union Ave. Be sure to check out the House of Records if you're at all into music, and especially vinyl.
The Triple Knock barcade
Excellent pinball bar with a cool alt vibe.
2713 Sixth Ave, Tacoma, WA
WHERE TO EAT
Bite Restaurant*
Hotel Murano's Bite Restaurant focuses on local and seasonal American cuisine, in a stylish, art-filled setting befitting a hotel that's centered around art. Our 2 breakfasts here were delicious. Go for the breakfast board!
Hotel Murano, 1320 Broadway, Tacoma, Washington, 98402
(253) 591 4151
Alma Mater*
One of Tacoma's hottest new places, Alma Mater is an artist collective that also has an incredible breakfast place (Honey) and a Peruvian restaurant/lounge (Matriarch*.) Our drinks and dinner at Matriarch was so good! Highly recommend the Bohdi Tree cocktail.
1322 Fawcett Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
Anthem Coffee*
The perfect cup of coffee! With five locations and incredible local roasts, Anthem is looking to be Tacoma's flagship coffee.
1911 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
+ 4 other locations, including Point Ruston
Moshi Moshi Bar + Ramen
Just opened in Summer 2018, Moshi Moshi is Tacoma's first ramen spot. The high-design restaurant with a small seating area has the tagline of "handcrafted everything."
110B N Tacoma Ave, Tacoma, WA 98403
Shake Shake Shake
Great retro spot for shakes, burgers, fries and the iconic EAT sign.
124 N Tacoma Ave, Tacoma, WA 98403
Hello Cupcake
Founded in 2007, Hello Cupcake is Tacoma's premier cupcake bakery. Super cute, retro cupcakery
1740 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
Jewel Box Café
An old-timey espresso bar, also serving crepes, salads, sandwiches, and bubble teas. Located at Point Ruston.
5107 Grand Loop, Tacoma, WA 98407
Farelli's Pizza
Wood fired pizza. Located at Point Ruston.
5104 Grand Loop, Suite A, Tacoma, WA 98407
Dirty Oscar's Annex
Known for moonshine cocktails, and for Parmesan tots that were featured on the Food Network's Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.
2309 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98403
Bluebeard Coffee
Tacoma's most well-known local third-wave coffee roaster/cafe.
2201 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98403
Legendary Doughnuts
A quick bite of doughnut greatness.
2602 Sixth Ave, Tacoma, WA
GETTING AROUND
Getting around downtown Tacoma is easy and free with the Tacoma Link Light Rail which provides complimentary service 365 days-a-year from one end of downtown to the other.
Hop on to ride between the six stops at: the Tacoma Dome, South 25th Street, Union Station, the Convention Center, South 11th Street and the Theater District. Parking is free in the six-story Link garage located next to the Tacoma Dome station. The link travels between ends approximately every 12 minutes.
HOW TO GET THERE
Tacoma, Washington is just 18 miles south of Sea-Tac International Airport with easy access from Interstate-5.
For more information about visiting Tacoma, Washington: Travel Tacoma & Pierce County
Wow! I'm totally inspired. Time for Carl and I to make a date!
ReplyDeleteVery very nice article... Read till end...awesome
ReplyDeleteWow so beautiful. Enjoy your trip.
ReplyDeleteReference: https://homeia.com/city-living-guide/what-is-it-like-to-live-in-washington-dc/