Travel
Yelm is a small town in Thurston County known for its rural setting and stunning views of Mount Rainier. Referred to as the Pride of the Prairie, it's home to many independently-owned shops and restaurants. Natural beauty is abundant in Yelm, from farmlands and forests to the Nisqually River, which
Travel
Portland is a fun weekend getaway two hours south of Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Oregon's largest city, it sits on the Columbia and Willamette rivers and is known for its parks, bridges and museums. The centrally located Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Portland is a good choice for families traveling with children.
Military Life
Military families can now paint their own pottery at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) Arts and Crafts Center on McChord Field. All ages and abilities can tap into their inner artist to create one-of-a-kind pieces. "Ceramics is a fun and familiar pastime for a lot of families," said Arts and Crafts Center
Attractions
Just 45 minutes south of JBLM, Great Wolf Lodge Grand Mound is home to a family-friendly indoor water park. Whatever your thrill tolerance, you'll find it here -- from waves and water cannons to a take-your-breath-away plunge into a giant funnel. While Great Wolf Lodge is a full-service resort, its main
Outdoors
You don't have to travel all the way to Paris or Prague to declare your love with a padlock. Pierce County has its very own love locks bridge at Chambers Creek Regional Park in University Place. Built in 2010, the pedestrian bridge curves over the railroad tracks providing safe passage to
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Skip the crowds at the mall and head to the Fort Lewis Thrift Shop to finish up your Christmas shopping. The Thrift Shop will be open an extra day to help with your holiday preparations. Come out Saturday, Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to find affordable treasures
Military Life
As the rain falls and the temperature drops, you may be wondering how you're going to keep your kids entertained this winter. Luckily, indoor recreational opportunities are plentiful in the South Sound. Here are just a few adventures worth checking out. For some airtime and seriously sweaty kids, head to BoomShaka Extreme
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Share a cherished holiday tradition with your family this year at SKIESUnlimited's second annual performance of The Nutcracker. This beloved ballet captures the magic of the season with beautiful music, dancing, scenery and costumes. Performances will be held Dec. 8 and 9 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 10 at 2 p.m.
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Create a new tradition this season at one of the local Christmas tree farms. Bundle up the family, take an old-fashioned wagon ride and wander down rows of perfectly shaped evergreens to pick the ideal tree for your home. If this sounds good ... you live in the right place. According to
