Taking in Tacoma, WA

After experiencing Seattle and spending some time relaxing in our hotel, it was fun taking some time to explore Tacoma. It's such a fun artsy-fartsy city. After all the years my cousin attended college at the University of Puget Sound, I can see why she loved (loves) it there so much. It was fun finally seeing the place that she called home for so many years. In Tacoma, you come across something beautiful at every turn. We spotted intricate murals, beautiful parks, ornate and historical buildings, wildlife, among other things. The city surpassed any expectations that we had.

If you attended high school in the late 90s, then chances are you've heard of a little movie called 10 Things I Hate About You. Chances are you also grow a little wistful at the thought of Heath Ledger singing and running up and down the stairs in the image below. If not, then you can at least appreciate the interesting architecture of this beautiful high school. Yes, this is probably one of the most spectacular public high schools you'll ever see!

My cousin's college campus was likely pulled straight out of storybook. It was beautiful and lush and everything you would expect from a northwestern location. We couldn't have asked for more perfect weather for an outdoor graduation. It had apparently poured the year before, so we were thankful for sun and blue skies. A rarity, I believe.

We had a little bit of time to drive around Tacoma and explore Point Defiance Park. It wasn't nearly enough time to fully enjoy it (theme of this trip), but we did come across the cutest raccoon on our drive. We did take a few steps into the forest in order to get the full effect of the towering trees and their giant canopy. I have to be honest, I couldn't help but see why vampires like it up there. (This just gave away my Twilight books obsession.) Needless to say, we need at least another week in Tacoma!

One evening we stumbled across the coolest little brewery and restaurant near the University of Puget Sound campus. Engine House no. 9. The brewery had set up residence in an actual old fire engine house. Back when they used it for such, the engines were pulled by horse. You can see the horse stall openings in the brewery walls today. It's a fun place with a great atmosphere and good beer and food to boot. We call that a win, win.

My cousin wanted to take us to her favorite local farmer's market, The Proctor Farmers' Market. We enjoyed food, music, coffee, and the sights & smells. I have a soft spot in my heart for tamales, so I was pleased to find some really delicious ones at the market. My cousin also took us to the Pacific Northwest Shop right around the corner from the market. We got some nice little souvenirs to remind us of our trip.

If this post feels a little hectic, it's probably because our trip to Tacoma was a little hectic, in a good way, as well. We crammed in as much as humanly possible during our limited time there, and we did a little of this and that. Hopefully we'll find ourselves up that way again soon! I know my cousin would love to show us around her city some more. Until then, see you later Pacific Northwest! We had fun.

Hotel Murano :: Tacoma

Yesterday I recapped our time spent in Seattle. Today I'm sharing our experience at the Hotel Murano in Tacoma. It was quite the hotel.

It's not often that we stay in a hotel that should go on our list of places to stay again. However, my cousin's graduation from University of Puget Sound was one of those special occasions that calls for a boutique hotel experience. The Hotel Murano in Tacoma, Washington did not disappoint.

Upon entrance, your eyes are drawn to the various pieces of art on display. We spotted beautiful glass Viking boats hanging over the stairway that leads to meeting spaces below. There was also an eye-catching and shiny blown glass chandelier hanging near the check-in counter. Among other artwork, the building architecture is interesting as well. I loved the mix of warm and cool textures, materials, and artwork.

All of the hotel staff provided excellent service, and they were more than happy to help whenever needed. An extra set of hands on luggage is always welcome when traveling with a little one. Room service was also a savior when we didn't want to leave the room with our little guy who ended up with a little head cold from all our travels.

We walked into a guest room with really unique and interesting decor. The couch under our windows made a perfect perch for our son who loved staring at the tiny cars from our 14th floor room. There was one point in time where we were able to see Mt. Rainier. Too bad Mt. Rainier stayed in hiding for much of our trip. Although when it did come out, we thoroughly soaked up its presence. When it's out, you can't miss it. The clouds part, and the mountain looms over the area like a giant watchdog. You can't always see it, but it's out there. Even with the clouds, we enjoyed our views of Tacoma from our room.

We enjoyed dinner at the hotel's restaurant, Bite, on a couple of evenings. Their menu changes seasonally, so you can expect different menu items throughout the year. My aunt had her heart set on the beet carpaccio, but the waiter had informed us it was no longer on the menu. He said it had just been removed, but he told us if the chef still had beets it might be possible to have it. Lo and behold, they had the ingredients and would make us a plate. My aunt was thrilled, and we all happily enjoyed the beet carpaccio.

The fried green tomatoes were a hit as well. I can't pass up any meal consisting of kalamata olives and capers. "Nosiree!" Actually, I don't think any of us had a bad meal. I enjoyed the halibut, plus who can resist joking about having their meal "just for the hal-i-but". Cheesy. I know.

Even though our little guy was battling a head cold, we managed to enjoy some time just relaxing and taking in the views from our room. Again, room service is great when traveling with kids! We enjoyed a couple of meals with a view.

Tacoma seemed like such a thriving college city. There was always a bit of hustle and bustle occurring in and around the hotel. Having multiple college graduations on the same weekend may of had something to do with it, but there was a nice energy about the city.

Like Seattle, we didn't get to spend much time in Tacoma. Hopefully we'll return. The Museum of Glass was right down the road from the Hotel Murano, and we didn't even have enough free time to visit. Taking a 15 month old to a museum of glass seemed like a bad idea as well. It made me sweaty thinking about our child knocking over something fragile and expensive.

For a beautiful hotel within walking distance to some of Tacoma's attractions, the Hotel Murano fits the bill. If you don't want to leave the hotel, it's perfect too. You get to choose. Don't forget to check out the artwork on each floor as you exit the elevator. The Hotel Murano is an experience in itself. It really holds its own in a city like Tacoma.

Sightseeing in Seattle

Back in May my cousin graduated from college in Tacoma, so we flew in from Phoenix to celebrate her achievements. This was our first time in Washington as a family. On a few occasions, my husband had briefly touched down in the state, but we were all finally able to set foot in Washington and see it from the ground.

People always tell you that the Pacific Northwest is green, cloudy, rainy, etc. You honestly have no idea until you actually see it with your own eyes though! It was truly everything people have said, but it was so much better. I'm honestly grieving the fact that we only had a few days to spend in the entire Seattle/Tacoma area. It just wasn't long enough.

Before heading off to Tacoma, we met up with my cousin in downtown Seattle. With a very limited few hours to spend there, we did what any tourists would do and visited the area near the Space Needle, the EMP (Experience Music Project) Museum, and the Pike Place Market. Total tourists we were!

Being an architecture major, I of course had to at least see Gehry's Experience Music Project. It's hard taking your eyes off of his colorful and sculptural design. It's amazing what a massive building the museum is, and you feel so small wandering around the undulating walls. The light and reflections off of the building are ever changing. We even caught a glimpse of the building from the monorail that rides right through it. I hope we get to spend more time in Seattle some day, because I really want to spend time browsing the inside and experience the music for myself. Maybe next time!

My cousin studied music and played violin in her college's orchestra, so it was especially fun getting her take on the museum and its exhibits. I'm going to need her to guide me through this monstrous museum. She did a wonderful job guiding us around Seattle for the few hours we were there.

After wandering around outside of the EMP Museum, we made our way to the monorail that dropped us off near Pike Place Market. I could have honestly spent an entire day eating my way around that place, so it pains me to say we only dropped into a couple of places while we were there. We did however eat some of the most delicious salmon stuffed pastries, mushroom stuffed pastries, and macarons.

Again, I hope to visit the Pike Place Market again after having not eaten for maybe a few days. Then I'll go wild and possibly need my stomach pumped from all of the seafood and desserts I'll eat there. I have big dreams, you guys.

I've had a change of heart (and conscience) recently, and my love for Starbucks is no longer. It's like I'm maturing and growing up or something. *yeah right* Even with my newfound disdain for the "SBux", I couldn't help but want to see the place where it all started.

Before Starbucks was busy taking over the world, they started as a little known local place right there in Seattle's Pike Place Market. It's a totally different experience than any other Starbucks store today. You can get a really nice pour over made with freshly roasted small batch coffees. The baristas provided an awesome atmosphere, and it was just fun to see where it all started.

My cousin couldn't quite bring herself to dancing with the devil, but I did enjoy a nice hot cup of Ethiopia Yirgacheffe. She provided great moral support though while I contemplated leaving before actually ordering a drink. Curiosity got the best of me though, and I walked out with my cup of coffee and souvenir mug in hand. Darn you Starbucks!

Before leaving, I obviously had to take the Instagram-worthy shot of our shoes and the worn wood floors. The entire experience is touristy, but where else will you be able to see the first Starbucks ever. You should go there at least once.

Doing the next touristy thing we could think of, we headed to the counter where they throw fresh caught fish! Actually, maybe they throw the smelly about-to-expire month old fish. I really have no idea. I can't imagine wanting to throw around my prized catch of the day though. Either way, these guys throw, and miraculously catch, heavy and slippery fish! Who knows, maybe they throw deflated fish that make for easier throwing and catching. Either way, it's a sight to see.

Before leaving the seafood counter, we scooped up a cup of their fresh Dungeness Crab with cocktail sauce. You can't beat fresh seafood! We saw a bunch of people taking a tour of Pike Place Market. They were stopped at the seafood counter while we were there, and they ask for volunteers to attempt catching a fish. That's how they get you! Only people on the tour get an opportunity like that. I'm not sure how much the tour cost, but I think I'd rather spend my money eating the fish than getting slimy attempting to catch one myself. I think we'd pass on the tour, but I do hope we go back to eat more seafood.

My cousin led us back to the monorail, and then we parted ways for the evening. We drove off to Tacoma, and she spent the night with friends in Seattle. I think we'll be back to experience more of the city some day. Like any city, it's just too big to experience in a few hours. You can really only touch on a few places with that kind of time.

See you later Seattle!

Thanks for letting us have a little taste of your city.

Come back later this week

for our visit to Tacoma!