Back to Style

Urban Spelunker: Tacoma Museum District

Proof Tacoma's creative culture flourishes

Chihuly Bridge of Glass. Photos by Jackie Fender

Email Article Print Article Share on Facebook Share on Reddit Share on StumbleUpon

The Museum District in Tacoma is proof of the city's flourishing creative culture on a massive scale. Though Tacoma managed to gain itself a bad rap due to criminal activity in the area 20 plus years ago, it is now a full character, culminated by its surrounding art museums - Tacoma Art, Museum of Glass and the Children's Museum - academic institutes like the Tacoma School of the Arts and University of Washington's Tacoma campus and landmark architecture. Add to that a collection of retail and culinary hot spots and the light rail, and you have yourself a bonafide city worthy of tourists and the pride of its residents.

Here are just a few spots to visit while taking a journey to Tacoma's Museum District (save, of course, for the museums themselves).

[Sight-See-ers]
Marked by abstract pillars that resemble huge stirrers covered in blue chunks of crystal sugar and visible from Hwy. 705 is the Chihuly Bridge of Glass. This 500-foot-long bridge links the Museum of Glass to Pacific Avenue and features work by local glass blower Dale Chihuly. From the "Seaform Pavilion," a ceiling made of 2,364 objects that will have you daydreaming of colorful jellyfish and anemone to the "Venetian Wall," an 80-foot installation displaying 109 sculptures and of course the city's 40-feet high beacons of light "Crystal Towers," it's a delightful sight to be seen during evening and daylight hours.

[Vintage Vixens]
All the cool kids hit up vintage and consignment shop urbanXchange to score their threads. Vintage or just plain rad clothes, shoes and accessories can be found for men and women here. You'll leave feeling like the cat's pajamas - or even wearing pajamas with cats on them. You can even bring in your old duds to trade or sell.  And it also hosts hip live music events on the regular. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, 1932 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.572.2280

[Lovers of Asian Cuisine]
Indochine is not only home to tasty exotic entrees from Thailand, China and Japan, but also houses a moody decor and sets the scene for your dining experience. You can order the curry while seated beside the indoor fountain, nibble on fresh spring rolls while surrounded by a velvety red curtain or ante up to the swanky bar. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, 1924 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.8200

[Exotic Accessories]
Purple Peacocks is an exotic wonderland as far as retail space goes. Featuring handpicked goods like silky scarves, colorful jewelry, aromatic candles and home décor, Purple Peacock is a great visit for those looking for a little Zen in their lives.
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, 1744 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.383.3200

[Brew Bros.]
Harmon Brewery and Restaurant is mama bear when it comes to Tacoma-based breweries and literally mother hen to several others in the area, including The Hub, The Hub in Gig Harbor and the Harmon Taproom. Scoot up to the rail or stop by for lunch and dinner and pair your meal with any one of the Harmon's spectacular local brews like Point Defiance IPA or Puget Sound Porter. The menu largely consist of burgers, sammies, appetizers and hearty entrées with a cool, casual vibe. 11 a.m. to 1 1 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, 1938 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.383.2739

comments powered by Disqus