Downtown Puyallup: A Primer

By Ken Swarner on March 7, 2018

Ah Puyallup, one of those tricky little Pacific Northwest destinations with a name that is hard to pronounce for non-locals. In addition to a river running through and more car lots than you can shake a squeegee at, what does it have to offer?

Let me tell you -- loads!

Downtown Puyallup in particular feels like a town right out of the storybooks. A variety of shops and stores await you to step right in. And thanks to the Puyallup Mainstreet Association and Arts Downtown, downtown Puyallup has dozens of outdoor sculptures, making an afternoon stroll akin to a visit to a gallery exhibit as well.

Shopping

When you walk into Dog Daze Natural Pet Market, you are first welcomed by a few future furry family members right off the bat. Cute little kittens and even a bunny lure you in with their sweet little eyes just begging for you to take them home. If you're shopping for the pets you already own, Dog Daze is well stocked with an inventory of doggie treats, high quality cat and dog food options, toys, beds and even some necessities for your other caged animals, including the rodent variety. Often when you enter an interior decorating retail space, you are overwhelmed with a variety of inventory that you probably can't afford, so window shopping and daydreaming is really the only outcome. Calla Lily, on the other hand, is a lovely boutique-type of retail space that exudes wonderful ideas -- from small thoughtful touches to main staples for your home -- and also has loads of home décor accessories to grab and go. Pops of fun color and loads of earthy tones fill the store that just may ignite your next home decorating project.

Art & Books

Like most libraries, the Puyallup Public Library is filled with literary art and culture. The Puyallup Public Library plays home to a clock tower that chimes with each hour and hosts literary and art-themed events throughout the month. Since the library is nestled inside Pioneer Park, art and culturally relevant events reach the outdoor community as well, as a concentration of outdoor sculptures, a stage and the Farmer's Market all call this park home.

Another important stop for art is at the world reknown Fred Oldfield Western Heritage and Art Center. Fred is a Northwest classic, having painted cowboy and prairie pictures his entire life.  He passed away however his daughter keeps his art alive on the Western Washington Fair Grounds.  See more here: https://www.facebook.com/Fred-Oldfield-Western-Heritage-Art-Center-112414962113332/.

The Fair

Speaking of the Fair -- the State's annual fair also known as the Puyallup Fair is a top, iconic tradition in the area with all of the midway rides, games, food and live concerts.  There is also a smaller Spring Fair.  All of the details are here: http://www.thefair.com/

Food

Celebrity chef Guy Fieri of Diners, Drive Ins and Dives found Crockett's Public House worthy of visiting, and with good reason. As you circle like a vulture to find a parking space (which is ample enough and FREE), you smell delicious aromas swirling in the air that entice you to enter the establishment. This gastropub is family friendly and does it up for breakfast (on the weekends), lunch and dinner with house-made delectables from ribs and burgers to fanciful flatbreads and salads.