Military Life
Many local businesses are showing their appreciation to military servicemembers on Armed Forces Day and during the month of May. At businesses, ask if they offer a military discount. Some that don't usually offer a military discount may offer one this month. So take advantage of these offers and save
Military Life
Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 18, 2019, is upon us. But what exactly is Armed Forces Day? It is a day to celebrate and honor the men and women who are currently serving in the United States Armed Services. Here are some interesting tidbits and facts about this annual holiday
Military Life
The Pacific Northwest Explorers ventured to Exit 111 off of I-5 to discover what the buzz was about in the newly named Lacey Producers District. In an area dominated by large warehouse buildings, a variety of businesses are popping up which are open to the public. Craft beverage makers include
News Front
The Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) annual Military Retiree Appreciation Day event will take place Friday, May 17, from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at American Lake Conference Center. The event will provide services and information of interest to military retirees, and lots of giveaways and door prizes. Madigan Army Medical Center
Travel
The Washington State Ferry System is a vital transit system for many who work in the Seattle area or live on the many local islands in the Puget Sound. In off-peak times, and on weekends, a ferry trip can be a great discount harbor cruise. One of my favorites is
Music
The International Military Band Concert will take place Saturday, May 18, in Olympia. Musicians from both Canadian and U.S. bands will be performing. The host band is the 133d Washington Army National Guard Band. Also, from the U.S., are the United States Navy Band Northwest from Bremerton and the United
Travel
Many of us have fond memories of lake vacations with boating, fishing and lots of swimming. The towns of Chelan and Manson are perfect destinations for a lakeside vacation. Lake Chelan's crystal clear waters fed by melting snow from nearby hills and mountains just beckons on hot summer days. Just
Travel
If you have ever wanted to take an Alaskan cruise, now is the time. Multiple cruise lines depart each week from the Port of Seattle to head north to Alaska. In previous seasons, older ships were typically what you would see, but in 2018, Norwegian Cruise Lines launched the brand-new
Outdoors
One of my favorite things about the Pacific Northwest is how much better the food tastes. Words like fresh, local and farm-to-table epitomize the food culture in this area. One of the best ways to experience this is by visiting summer food festivals. Hood Canal Shrimp Fest, May 25-26 This fun, family-friendly
News Front
The Ranger and Airlifter newspapers in partnership with event sponsors USAA and US Family Health are hosting Military Game Show Day, Saturday, April 27, at the Capital Christian Center in Olympia. The huge day of fun for the entire family includes the opportunity to compete in eight game shows and
Attractions
After sitting empty for more than 20 years, the historic 1916 Elks Temple has been restored and brought back to life by brothers Mike and Brian McMenamin. The two are passionate about saving important community buildings. Their family-owned company, McMenamins operates 55 pubs, restaurants and historic hotels in the Pacific
Attractions
There has been a lot of buzz in local news lately about the new airport at Paine Field, but it is also the home of five unique aviation-themed attractions. You can learn about historic aircraft at the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum or watch state-of-the-art Boeing planes being assembled
Attractions
The Museum of Flight welcomes Destination Moon: The Apollo 11 Mission. The exhibition is from the National Air and Space Museum and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and is the final stop on a two-year tour to four museums. The showcase of the exhibit is the Apollo 11 command
Travel
In early spring before the summer crowds, Cannon Beach has a sleepy small-town vibe which makes it a very relaxing place to get away. You know when a town has beach in its name there will be an exceptional one. The iconic Haystack Rock dominates the beach and serves as
Travel
The natural areas surrounding Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) are stunningly beautiful. There are three National Parks, rocky beaches, rushing waterfalls, historic towns and even a foreign country all within a short drive from the base. This list is compiled from an informal survey of military families and are the places
Attractions
Tacoma has a well renowned museum district, but these five local gems are spread throughout Pierce County. Each has its own charm and captures the joy of collecting something you are passionate about. Tacoma Telephone Pioneer Museum Now that most people use cellphones, many children have never even seen a telephone. This
Military Life
You can say I am an expert at PCSing, as I have completed 30 moves and experienced these adventures as a child, servicemember, and now a spouse. Each has its own challenges, especially if you tend to be more introverted. Just remember, for military spouses, we are all in the
Military Life
David Kim founded the Children of Fallen Patriots in 2002 after serving with Sgt. William Delaney Gibbs who was killed in action during Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989. Kim never forgot him, or the daughter he left behind. His memory spurred Kim to establish the organization, which now
Military Life
The Soroptimist International of Olympia will honor three volunteers for military nonprofits at the third annual South Sound Exceptional Woman Awards Banquet Saturday, May 4. The event honors women who help their organizations make the community a better place. This year, 20 women will be recognized as Exceptional Women. The
Travel
Spokane has no estate wineries but is rapidly becoming a wine destination due to its downtown Cork District. Focused in the urban core of downtown Spokane, there are 16 award-winning wineries within walking distance of each other. Throw in a great food scene with two James Beard Chef semifinalists, Jeremy
