Urban. Cultural. Scenic. Big-city options with a small-town feel. Tacoma has emerged in recent years revitalized, re-energized and reinvented. With its thriving downtown business hub ripe with historic architecture, celebrated museums, a major university and a slew of brewery and restaurant options, the city has become a destination for folks of all ages and walks of life. And it's far more accessible and affordable than its neighbor to the north.

Tacoma's remarkable revival has also helped define its neighborhoods. Here are just a few of Tacoma's most interesting boroughs worth exploring - each with a distinct style and personality all its own.

Stadium District: Stroll, Knosh, See a Castle
Historic homes. Lush tree-lined streets. Community pride. This North End Tacoma neighborhood is great for quaint bars, cute cafes and strolls in the park. Amble through 27-acre Wright Park and make a stop at the glass-domed Seymour Botanical Conservatory. Then head to Stadium High School, dubbed "America's Hogwarts" by locals. This stunning castle - home to nearly 1,700 students - was the filming location for the 1999 teen classic, 10 Things I Hate About You. Designed in the late 1800s as a luxury hotel, the limestone and brick edifice, wrought iron detailing and amazing views of Commencement Bay are worth a gander.

Where to Shop: Locally owned and independent says it all. Pet the shop cats at King's Books while you browse new and used tomes, offerings from local authors and unique Tacoma gifts. Family-owned Ranko's Stadium Pharmacy is also one of Tacoma's best gift shops. A trip to Tricky's Pop Culture Emporium is sure to conjure up a childhood flashback or two.

Where to Eat: Bring an appetite and get your burger on at Shake Shake Shake. Enjoy locally sourced, scratch American Cuisine at Art House Café. If you've got a hungry sweet tooth, check out Tease Chocolates. The bean-to-bar chocolatier offers a mind blowing medley of handcrafted chocolates and confections, including lavender caramels and gin-and-tonic truffles.

Nightlife: Catch a movie at The Grand Cinema, the area's only art-house theatre. Tip a local brew at The Tap Room or check out Copper Door, where you can opt from 16 rotating taps and 800-plus bottles of beer.

When to Go: There's always something to do around the Stadium District - day or night. A stay at the vintage Victorian and vegan-friendly Chinaberry Hill Inn is a great way to experience it all.

Mark Your Calendar:

Stadium Art, Wine & Beer Walk: Late summer 2017 (TBD)

• Tacoma Film Festival: October 5-12, 2017

• Dickens Holiday Festival: December 2017 (TBD)

Proctor District: Village Charm, Thrifters' Paradise
For more than a century, Proctor has been the heart of Tacoma's North End, offering up a family friendly vibe, historic homes, entertainment and more. Its charming shopping district is a stroller's delight, adorned by vintage street lamps and painted daffodils. Looking for upcycled, recycled and reusable treasures? Proctor's the spot.

Where to Shop: Compass Rose is a shopper's sanctuary, packed with quality jewelry, housewares, baby gifts, paper goods, local art and lots of personality. Savvy shoppers will want to check out Megs and Mo Upscale Resale, Blooming Kids consignment and blue Boutique.     

Where to Eat: G. Donnalson's offers fine regional fare, craft cocktails from Northwest distilleries and wide selection of wines from Washington and around the world. For fresh, organic vegan fare, give Viva a try. Pomodoro is local favorite for Italian cuisine and wine.   We also like Peaks and Pints for craft beers and amazing sandwiches.

Nightlife: For family fun, check out Chalet Bowl, the longest continually operated bowling alley in Washington state. Escape the multiplex mania at Blue Mouse Theatre. The 1923 movie house has been revived to its original Craftsman-style glory. Cult classic Rocky Horror Picture Show takes the stage every second and fourth Saturday of the month.

Mark Your Calendar:

• Junior Daffodil Parade: April 22, 2017

• Proctor Arts Fest: August 5, 2017

Sixth Avenue: Happening Hub for Eats and Entertainment

Part hipster haven, part happy-hour hangout, this funky corridor between Sprague and Proctor is one cool drag. Stroll Sixth Ave. by day to spot yarn-bombed bike racks and peruse a diverse array of shops. Or wait until the sun sets to check out the live music scene with friendly locals. This thriving business district boasts the highest concentration of bars, restaurants and coffee shops in the city.

Where to Shop: Browse the Ave.'s many vintage, consignment and thrift shops. Check out Nearsighted Narwahl, an alternative book and magazine store that celebrates local artists. Enjoy a magical tea break a Crescent Moon Gifts. Sixth Avenue is an audiophile's paradise. Take a spin at Turntable Treasures/House of Records, Hi Voltage Records, Drastic Plastic Records, Golden Oldies and Rocket Records.

Where to Eat: For innovative, local and handcrafted fare, pull up a chair at The Table or Marrow. Get a taste of Argentina at Asado. The Red Hot offers some unique takes on the all-American hot dog (and a bunch of local beers on tap). Top it off with a homemade scoop or two from Ice Cream Social.

Nightlife: There's no shortage of doings after dark on the Ave. Take in live music at Jazzbones. (You might catch The Voice alums - and Tacoma's own - Vicci Martinez or Stephanie Anne Johnson wowing the crowd.) Friday Latin dance nights at Studio 6 Ballroom are a great place to take a date (or find one.) Grab a handcrafted moonshine cocktail from Dirty Oscars Annex, or sit and sip with the friendly folks at CORK! A Wine Bar.

When to Go: There's always something happening on the Ave. If you're looking for a hearty party scene, weekends are your best bet.

Mark Your Calendar

• Spring Fairy Festival: May 6, 2017

• Art on the Ave: July 9, 2017