MICHAEL SWAN: REMIND YOURSELF HOW LOVELY OUR AREA IS; HAVE A CUPCAKE >>>

Despite the marketing buzz for staycations, the idea of getting blissfully lost in your own city seems unlikely, especially when the economy sucks and a day at the office is still just a phone call away. Fortunately, we have the Tacoma Visitor Information Center, which celebrates its grand re-opening tomorrow. They always have great ideas.

The re-opening party runs from 8-10 a.m. and will include treats from its neighbors: food from Pacific Grill, coffee from the Courtyard at Marriott, and cupcakes from hello, cupcake.

Stop by, see the new space, pick up a map or brochure, learn how to be a tourist in your own backyard. They’re your local travel resource for cryin’ out loud.

Here’s a press release regarding their new digs:

When:  Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009 from 8 - 10 a.m.
Where:  Tacoma Regional Visitor Information Center [VIC], in lobby of the Courtyard by Marriott on Pacific Ave. at 15th St.
Cost: FREE and open to public. Light refreshments will be served.

The Tacoma Regional Convention + Visitor Bureau [TRCVB] giddily announces the grand reopening of the Visitor Information Center [VIC] in downtown Tacoma on Thursday, September 24 from 8 - 10 a.m.  In July the VIC nearly doubled its size, knocking down a wall to expand into a space formerly occupied by Pacific Grill Events Center.  The expansion was overseen by Convention and Visitor Services Manager Tami Music.

Managed by Music and staffed by 45 volunteers, the new VIC--located on Pacific Avenue in the entry to the Courtyard by Marriott--improves upon the services and scope of materials it offers to visitors. Services include direct hotel bookings, one-on-one itinerary planning, and will eventually include an interactive computer terminal where travelers can create maps and itineraries and research destinations.

TRCVB is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization devoted to delivering tourism to all of Pierce County.  Residents countywide are encouraged to attend the grand reopening, or drop in anytime and learn about the free services that are offered. Whether locals have visiting relatives and need to look up hotels and activities in the area, or need help planning a meeting, the TRCVB and VIC are Pierce County's resources for travel information and event planning.

STATS:
Staff size: 45 volunteers, plus two paid staff
Traffic: more than 12,000 visitors per year
Most frequently asked question: "Where can I get a good seafood meal?" Standard response: "Go to Ruston Way." [Lots of great waterfront restaurants, from Lobster Shop to Harbor Lights]
Two little known facts from Mark, a VIC volunteer: [1] "The Swiss Pub is a gem," [Dale Chihuly was a frequent patron, and a number of his pieces are on permanent loan];  [2] "El Gaucho has one of the largest selections of single malt scotches in Tacoma."

Website: http://www.traveltacom.