Tighten up your laces and prepare to walk your way through a poetic adventure with Tacoma's Walk Poetic event, set for Wednesday. This free event encourages participants to journey through 1.5 miles of the streets of Downtown and Hilltop, visiting local historical landmarks and parks in search of inspiration.

Walk Poetic is based on a similar event that began in Portland headed by poet Kaia Sands. As part of Walk Tacoma's Walking series and hosted by UWT professor of poetry/writing and a poet herself, Janie Miller, the event aims to attain many goals:

One, walking is a simple way to include daily physical activity into a healthy lifestyle. While encouraging this fact the event is also proving how walkable Tacoma’s neighborhoods are and fosters the idea that hoofing it may be an ideal way to get from point A to point B.

Two, along the Walk Poetic event you will visit several historical sites and learn some facts that contribute to our culture as Tacomans.

Three, you will learn to use your surroundings as fuel for creativity while visiting said historical landmarks and park areas through poetry. Attendees will be given a pen, notepad and walking map and encouraged to share their musings with others — though you are of course welcome to keep them personal.

The event, which is in its second year, is held annually in April, June and August and sponsored by Downtown on the Go and DaVita. Put on your walking shoes and meet up at 5:15 p.m. by the Woolworth building on the corner of South 11th and Broadway.

"This is a free event,” said Megan Kula, Downtown on the Go coordinator. “No registration is required, simply show up and join the group."

(Wednesday, Aug. 1, 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. beginning and ending at the Woolworth building on S. 11th and Broadway, free)