Let me start by saying I really picked a great week to take off of work.

I decided that on this vacation I didn’t need to go anywhere because I’m having too much fun discovering and re-discovering everything that’s fun about funkadelic Tacoma.

Most of my vacation was spent doing things that I happen to be very good at: lying out in the sun, getting my swerve on with great friends, and sleeping in.

But I have to say that there were three days that were the absolute highlights: The 3rd and 4th of July and the July 8 Art on the Ave.

On July 3rd I was invited to the first ever Sixth Avenue Bar Crawl for Freedom Extravaganza. It was nothing more than a piece of paper that outlined several bars along the Sixth Ave. route and two simple rules: We’d have a beer or a shot at each, and no one could be left behind.

We started at the Cloverleaf, El Jimador and the lounge at Tower Lanes. We made it out of Tower with a Washington Apple shot, then we hopped on the #1 bus to our next destination: The West End for a beer.

Following, Hell’s Kitchen was sweet enough to waive the cover so we could grab another shot, then we all hoofed it to Farrelli’s Pizza Place.

Those of us who attended have to give nothing but props to Farrelli’s because they hooked us all up with free cheesy bread. Boy, was that bread needed.

After giving Farrelli’s three cheers, we walked onto the heart of the Sixth Ave. District.

Natasha and I jumped a little ahead of the schedule because we received a text message from a guy that neither of us had heard from in awhile — the elusive Brad Allen was at Jazzbones. The rest of the gang met up with us there for what I would consider to be the highlight of the excursion: Kevin singing a stellar karaoke version of Bob Seger’s “Why Don’t You Stay.” We each raised lighters and cell phones in the air. The Husky even ripped his shirt off and threw it on stage at Kevin. So hilarious.

The party train moved onto O’Mally’s, and at that point, Natasha, Brad and I cheated. Since he was unseasonably sober, Brad drove us to Hank’s while the rest of the crew walked.

What was once a mass of 22 whittled down to about 10. People dropped like flies after all of the beers and shots, but our trifecta was relentless.

Seven of us ventured onto the last destination, the Parkway, and even though my vision was slightly blurred, the cab ride home was completely memorable.

That was awesome, and I can’t wait for the next one!

As for the next day, Independence, Syd Viscious, Metro Jason, Natasha and I headed to the Freedom Fair. There were tons of people, and I was able to deepen my copper tan without any lame tan lines thanks to my sexy strapless dress. YEA!

We ran around the Freedom Fair starting at noon. It was such great people watching. We spent time in the C.I. Shenanigan’s and The Ram beer gardens, and we had a delicious meal at Duke’s. After seven-some hours of cavorting, we decided that we didn’t that we’d seen enough fireworks in our life and ventured to Doyle’s for a couple of drinks. I was sunkissed, satisfied and asleep in my comfy bed by 11:30 p.m. Too bad you weren’t there to cuddle with me.

Then, last Sunday’s Art on the Ave was SPECTACULAR with unparalleled vendors and art demonstrations.

I started out my Art on the Ave experience with Tami and Vicki V, but I lost them after a few minutes. It seemed like I was getting stopped every 100 feet by Tacomans that I know and love.

After running the route, the Masa deck was the place to be, and it was slammed with all kinds of great friends, including the recently married Angie and the Big Shooter. CONGRATS to you both!

I wound up hanging out with Will for most of the rest of my Art on the Ave trip between the Jazzbones beer garden where we stood near the street recruiting new buddies to join us, dinner at Asado, and drinks with Clark W. Griswald.

I was sad to see it all come to a close because I knew that meant my vacation was over.

But every good thing has to come to an end sooner or later.



I’m Carmen, your new chameleon.  Drop me your favorite parties here.