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Tacoma native Erik Hanberg is a man who wears many hats. One day, you may see him fulfilling his duties as commissioner of Metro Parks Tacoma; on another, you may spy him petitioning to pay tribute to legendary scribe and fellow Tacoman Frank Herbert, author of the Dune series, by loaning the same
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While we usually explore locally-owned gems among South Sound business districts, there is one place that one must explore whether they love it or hate it and that is the mall. For this week's spelunking adventure, we play mall rat and knock out some holiday shopping in one fell swoop.
Arts
Tacoma native Erik Hanberg is a man who wears many hats. One day, you may see him fulfilling his duties as commissioner of Metro Parks Tacoma; on another, you may spy him petitioning to pay tribute to legendary scribe and fellow Tacoman Frank Herbert, author of the Dune series, by
Features
We all know them: those impossible friends and family members that are hard to shop for. Buying clothing is tricky, because let's face it, if it's too small you can remind them just how much they indulged on Thanksgiving. If it's too large, you can also offend. Housewares are OK
Guides
Fingerless gloves were an invention intended to improve the ability to wrap your digits around hot mugs. Well, that's only a fraction of the truth. They are meant to improve dexterity of your fingers, which applies the same concepts; take from that what you will. So, naturally, with rumors of
Food Matters
Our hours of sunlight have waned away to a slim, cloudy reality these last few weeks, and it's darn chilly. Daydreams of wrapping up in a warm cozy blanket and camping out next to a fire are running rampant, but who has time for that? All of this can mean
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Lining the water's edge slightly offset from the heart of downtown is Dock Street. This area is the epitome of a hidden gem. There's not an excess of the usual traffic congestion you anticipate downtown, and there are a variety of culinary eats and lovely sights to see. It's a
Guides
As the orange flaming orb in the sky makes its exit, a delicious orange roundish-shaped gourd makes its appearance on doorsteps throughout neighborhoods around the country. It takes the moniker Jack and is in everything from lattés to pies. And though it sounds like a load of hyperbole to say
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With Black Friday deals now available well into Thanksgiving day, you may be asking yourself how to juggle a culinary masterpiece and the clean up that follows with waiting in lines with hordes of other conflicted but crazy shoppers seeking a good deal. Or maybe your family resides states away;
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The behemoth cranes that grace our skyline are found in the Port of Tacoma. This area is largely comprised of gritty industrial warehouse sites with Mack trucks whizzing by. Naturally, in the heart of it all is the port itself. Cargo containers and large cranes mark the presence of one
Features
October brought blustery winds carrying a chill in the air that announced Fall had finally arrived. The very idea leaves me dancing a celebratory jig, because Fall means hats, scarves, boots and hot cups of roasted bean accompanied by baked goods. Thankfully, October also introduced Tacoma's Triangle District to the B
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While downtown Olympia plays home to a walkable collection of boutique-like shopping experiences and a plethora of locally owned dining options, West Olympia is better known for its big box stores and as a destination for mall rats and college kids due to its close proximity to The Evergreen State
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The Three Bridges District is aptly named thanks to several small bridges that link North Tacoma streets over the Puget Gulch Creek surrounding North 21st and Oakes streets. This quaint district could almost be considered an expansion of the Proctor District due to its close proximity, but it maintains a
Liquid
While mini-ghouls and goblins fill the streets to panhandle door to door for sugary sweets (affectionately referred to as trick or treating), those without children will come out to play. What better reason to play a little dress up and imbibe in treats of the adult variety with tasty specialty
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If you follow the winding roads through Tacoma's industrial district, eventually you'll discover Northeast Tacoma - perhaps the most removed of neighborhoods when it comes to Tacoma's districts. Bordering Federal Way, Fife Heights and Tacoma's downtown, Northeast Tacoma is a fabulous residential area and a stone's throw and short commute
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Delicately nestled among Stadium District and Antique Row in Tacoma is the Triangle District. This district only spans a few blocks, beginning at Sixth and Tacoma Avenue and ending at Ninth and Broadway. And though small in size, it is teeming with Tacoma culture highlighting more public art per city
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The 6th Avenue District is perhaps the most widely recognized in the Tacoma area as home to culinary masters. Several of the establishments that line the "Ave" have been nationally recognized on the Food Network for their compelling menus and flavors. While Primo Grill has not yet been among those
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Milton borders fellow sleepy towns Edgewood and Fife just south of Federal Way. This trio of towns boasts lovely residential areas and a great school district within close proximity to "city living" since it's sandwiched between Tacoma and Seattle. To be quite frank, there isn't a whole lot to do
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Point Defiance PARK and Ruston are perfect examples and just a few of the reasons that Tacoma is so rad. Sweeping waterfront views and fabulous patio dining options paired with kayak, parasailing and picnic areas define the town of Ruston, making it a prime destination for a casual stroll, lunch
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With the passing of the autumnal equinox marking the close of summer, many folks are daydreaming of pumpkin-flavored everything, baked goods and hot cocoa. But true Northwesterners and seaside dwellers have one thing on their minds ... oyster season. While many bundle up, snag their buckets and shovels and race