Features
Readers, you don't just like Alma Mater, the new performance-and-dining space between South 13th and 15th on Fawcett, you like like it, perhaps even love it. Well you should, because whether you're an art junkie, foodie or music aficionado, this space offers something for everyone. Maybe that's why you voted
Features
Editor's note: The town of Steilacoom was selected by our readers as Best Hidden Gem. Our writer selected Topside Coffee Cabin as a reflection of the town's vibe. Topside Coffee Cabin, located in historic, downtown Steilacoom, is my favorite hidden gem. I began coming here before the sun started peeking out
Features
Peaks and Pints is already established as a neighborhood destination watering hole for those in and around the growing neighborhood of Proctor. One walk in the door and you'll feel the friendly vibe from owners Robby Peterson, Justin Peterson and Ron Swarner and their dedicated staff. The back of the dining
Online Newspapers
Fashion isn't just about wearing beautiful clothing or timeless accessories, it's about how you feel when you wear them. When designed, crafted and worn well, fashion can create a full experience for the wearer. No storefront in Tacoma knows that as well as Satori, a life and style boutique determined
Arts
This year's Most Creative Person and Best Visual Artist winner is Ariel Fender, a tattoo artist based out of Puyallup. That's right, we said tattoo artist. Fender's professional status as a tattooer doesn't fully expose her multitude of creative talents, though, which span watercolor painting, acrylic and chalk-pastel visual arts,
Reviews
ANNOUNCER: Dutch and Jackie head just off the beaten path of the heart of Tacoma's Downtown to hidden gem, Rock the Dock Pub. They were both hankering for a neighborhood bar vibe with premier waterfront views. Let's check in. DUTCH: When you drive up to Rock the Dock, you feel like
Arts
Nicholas Nyland has been showing art around Tacoma for quite some time, and I thought I was familiar with his work, but the raw stoneware and terracotta earthenware in his show "Reliquary" at Feast Arts Center offers some things I've not seen from him before. His explosions of primary colors
Stage
A new theater company premieres its opening season the weekend of Aug. 16-19 with the popular musical Legally Blonde, to be followed by other hit musicals: The Rocky Horror Show in October, The Wedding Singer in February, Young Frankenstein in March, and Cabaret in May. For the first season, at
Online Interactive Guides
Click here to view our interactive 2018 Best of Tacoma guide.
Travel
Summer is in full swing! Amidst the poolside lounging and sunscreen slather, people celebrate sun-shining freedom by packing their bags and saying Au revoir to our beloved Evergreen State in favor of one alluring destination or another. Whether traveling solo or booking a trip with the whole family in tow,
Online Interactive Guides
Click here to view our interactive 2018 Summer Career & Education Guide.
Music
There are no restrictions in music, anymore. The cross-pollination of styles that began with the proliferation of easily accessible recorded music has only snowballed with the rise of the Internet. An isolated individual, for instance, may be just as easily influenced by hip-hop, gonzo art rock, hardcore punk, and early
Arts
Works by many of the best area artists can be seen at the "Southwest Washington Juried Exhibition" at South Puget Sound Community College. Old friends and familiar names are represented, such as Susan Aurand, Melissa Barnes, Lynette Charters, Doyle Fanning, Lisa Kinoshita, Mary McCann and Jason Sobottka, all-in-all more than
Outdoors
Longer days with no school to entertain little ones leaves me trying to find creative ways to lure them from YouTube, Netflix and the Xbox. Flashy images that dance across the screen entertain the kids while the sun shines bright. When I was little we were shooed outside to fend
Reviews
ANNOUNCER: In April, Seattle's Red Star Taco Bar joined many other successful eateries and opened a location here in Tacoma. Dutch and Jackie took advantage of the now easy commute downtown to give the tacos a tasting. JACKIE: I will admit, I came skeptical. Tacoma is reaching near peak taco
Stage
Animal Fire Theatre's The Winter's Tale is the way Shakespeare in the Park should be done. The outdoor setting is a clearing surrounded by sky-high evergreens, and on the perfect summer's evening when I attended, even the mosquitoes cooperated by going somewhere else. Despite a peculiarity, which I shall mention momentarily, The
Arts
What is art if not something to bring our community together in celebration of beauty, in the Interest of opening dialogue or to inspire change? Most would agree that it's possible for art to do all three if presented to the right audience, at the right time. Thankfully, that time
Attractions
You heard us! Get dressed, Tacoma, because the Couture & Cars Fashion Show is back for a second year in a row, and it offers the perfect opportunity to dress to the nines. Couture & Cars Fashion Show is easily one of the highest-profile events of its kind in Tacoma,
Travel
Military families often talk about what the future holds after the military, and those talks often include owning your own business, like a bed and breakfast or restaurant. On Whidbey Island, you can find many veteran-owned businesses you can support with your vacation dollars. It also gives you a chance
Outdoors
Animal Aid & Rescue Foundation (AARF) reached a major milestone this year, 500 spays and neuters to help solve canine overpopulation in Louisiana. AARF is a local Pacific Northwest non-profit that provides an "Angel Fund" to assist owners who are unable to keep up with their pets' medical expenses. For