Blog Posts

Trail Work Parties Near Tacoma

Here in Tacoma, we have the luxury of being surrounded by some of the most beautiful natural spaces in the country. From Snoqualmie, to Rainier and up into the Olympics, there are hundreds of miles of trails within a few hours drive. While these trails are all but free for us to use they need to be maintained, and thats a job that is simply too big for the forest service or other groups to manage on their own. Rather than leaving the work to local scout and church groups, why not get involved in the process and give back to the community in the process? The Washington Trails Association has been around in one form or another since the late 60s. What started out as a grassroots magazine dedicated to helping Northwest locals share trip reports and trail conditions eventually evolved into an organization of outdoor enthusiasts seeking to protect our trails and wildlands. The group has worked tirelessly ever since to advocate for and help maintain these natural spaces. As a part of WTAs stewardship efforts, they host regularly scheduled trail work parties . These parties involve a group of volunteers meeting at a specified location to perform a variety of tasks including cutting back overgrown brush to open up trails, to creating new paths for water drainage to reduce erosion, and even building new trails. Volunteers are often compensated for their time with a heartfelt handshake and free camping near the area in which they are working, but the real satisfaction comes from knowing you did something to ensure that others will be able to enjoy the trail more as a result of your effort. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and get to work!

Tacoma Jazz Festival

Mark your calendars, because the Tacoma Jazz and Blues Festival is back in town on Saturday, July 26! Head to South Tacoma Way between South 54th and South 56th Streets for a fun filled day of live music and delicious food! This year marks the 12th anniversary of the festival, and it is set to be the best one yet. With a variety of well-known artists including: Vicci Martinez, Rich Wetzels Groovin Higher Orchestra, Keith Klawitter Jazz Alliance and many others . Performances will be held on a mix of outdoor stages, and indoor venues, so you dont have to worry about baking in the sun all day. The event organizers have gone to great lengths to make this years festival even better than the last. For the first time, attendees to this 21+ event will have access to a fully stocked beer garden. Another big improvement this year is the selection of venues; all stages and venues will be within a two-block radius which will be closed off to automobiles, allowing unhindered foot traffic around the area. This is a BIG step up from previous years which saw venues up to five miles apart from one another. The event starts at 1:00PM and, in true jazz fashion, goes until late in the night when the venues close. For tickets or additional information, head to tacomajazzfestival.com . There youll find the event schedule, a list of donors, and a little background information on each of the acts. Get your tickets today and well see you out there!

Get Wet at Wild Waves in Federal Way

I dont know about you, but as we get further along in summer the amount of time I spend in or around the water increases exponentially. Between those late-afternoon dips in the Nantucket Gate community pool, to weekends spent at Spanaway or Dash Point. As soon as it gets warm I become some sort of amphibious creature, requiring both land AND water to survive. These are all quite enjoyable, but sometimes I want a little more excitement in my aquatic activities. When this happens, I take a trip to Wild Waves in Federal Way. Wild Waves, for the unfamiliar, is part waterpark, part amusement park. With a selection of thrill rides, water attractions other entertainment, this park has everything you need for an entire day of fun. While many people go to Wild Waves just for the rides like TImberhawk and The Wild Thing, I usually end up spending the majority of my time in the Pirates Cove and Slide Alley areas of the park, where they keep the swimming pools and water slides. Pirates Cove is where you go to find the swimming and wave pools, as well as Hooks Lagoon and the always exciting Raging River Ride, a ride that attempts to recreate the excitement of whitewater rafting. Just below Pirates Cove is Slide Alley, which is where the majority of the slides are held. Here you can choose from the more exciting ones like Riptide , to the more mellow alternatives like the Konga slides and Lazy River. Finish the day off with a relaxing dip in the Warming Tubs located near the Activity Pool. This is the perfect place to unwind after a day spent swimming and splashing around. Now the hard part will be not falling asleep on the drive home to Nantucket Gate.

Staying Safe in Tacoma This 4th of July

Independence Day is right around the corner, and for many that means an evening spent lighting fireworks with family and friends. While the exact connection between fireworks and patriotism remains unclear, it has become cemented into the framework of society. As you set out to celebrate our great nation this week, we encourage you to be safe by following these guidelines set out by Pierce County. First and foremost, make sure your fireworks are legal. While a wide variety fireworks (arguably the best ones) can be purchased on tribal lands, that doesnt mean they are legal as soon as you leave the designated tribal area. Firecrackers, bottle rockets and other missiles are examples of fireworks that are illegal when used outside of tribal lands. Other fireworks including cherry bombs and m80s are not legal anywhere in the state, and may be confiscated by police. Check this link for a more detailed explanation of which fireworks are allowed around the greater Tacoma area. The Office of the State Fire Marshal released a report last week that outlined tips for the safe use of fireworks. While much of this is common sense, the information bears repeating. These helpful tips include things like: Never use fireworks inside your home, Never point or shoot fireworks at another person, Do not try to make your own fireworks, and NEVER (their emphasis, not mine) drink alcohol and use fireworks at the same time. Now, that last one might be a little unrealistic, at least for my extended family, but the main point is this: dont be a dummy. Fireworks can be dangerous if they are handled improperly. We hope you have a great time this Fourth of July weekend. But above all, stay safe! After all, you dont want to be included in next years report of fireworks related injuries .

Its a Classic Tonight

Pop some popcorn, grab the Junior Mints, Milk Duds, and Gummis, bring the beverages, and now all you need to do is decide what movie to watch. Whether you have scheduled the big screen at the clubhouse or you are planning to throw on your jammies and relax in your apartment, choosing a movie to watch isnt always easy. To help you out, we have compiled a list of favorite American Film Classics for you to enjoy. Some Like It Hot Directed by Billy Wilder and starring the Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon this 1959 romp through a landscape of speakeasy establishments, mafia bosses, and a trio of hapless musicians in the era of prohibition is a classic for good reason. Noted film critic, Robert Ebert said this, "Wilder's 1959 comedy is one of the enduring treasures of the movies, a film of inspiration and meticulous craft. To Kill a Mockingbird Based on the Pulitzer prize winning novel by Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird is a definitive piece exploring racial issues in America. As relevant today as it was in 1962, it is true that you never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view. . . until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it. Gregory Peck stars as Atticus Finch, a lawyer who puts his reputation and career on the line when he represents Tom Robinson (Brock Peters), a black man accused of rape. Seen through the eyes of Finchs daughter, Scout, it deserves its classic standing. King Kong If theatrical screaming is a prerequisite for a movie to be considered a horror/thriller/adventure then King Kong has it in spades. The epic creature, King Kong, inhabits the aptly named Skull Island, where Carl Denham plans to finish his movie. His leading lady, Ann Darrow, ends up (literally) in the giant gorillas grasp. Easily assuming the title classic, King Kong is a must see. Shane Alan Ladd portrays Shane, a skilled gunslinger with a cloaked past who intends to settle down as a homesteader, but is drawn into a settler/rancher conflict which forces him to act. One bit of trivia about the movie is that Jean Arthur was over 50 years old when when she played the part of Shanes wife Marian Starret ; Katharine Hepburn was originally suggested for the role of Marian. One of the classic westerns, you wont want to miss it. And to help you find more classics you may enjoy, be they romantic comedies, dramas, or westerns, here are some links: Americas 100 Greatest Comedies Americas 100 Years 100 Passions The 57 Greatest Westerns Ever, Ranked The Top 100 Action & Adventure Movies We hope these titles have whet your appetite for American Film Classics! Click here to see the American Film Institutes 100 Years 100 Movies. What is your favorite classic movie? Leave a comment and tell us today.

Hands-On Glassblowing in Tacoma

Weve all heard of the Museum of Glass in Tacoma. Its hard to miss the building with its large conical fae jutting into the sky. What many people miss, however, is Tacoma Glassblowing Studio located less than a mile away. While the Museum of Glass is primarily dedicated to showcasing works by some of the best glass artists of our day, Tacoma Glassblowing Studio aims to provide a more hands on experience to the local population. Through a variety of classes and events, TGS gives people a chance to try the art form for themselves. The Glassblowing Experience class is one of the most popular. In this one-hour class visitors can choose a shape and apply colors as an instructor guides you through the twisting and shaping process. There are a number of other classes available as well, for those who wish to take things a bit further. More experienced visitors can work their way up to creating garden decorations or bird feeders. If you discover a love for the art, TGS offers specialty courses spanning up to six weeks where you can learn advanced techniques such as fusing and jewelry making. Click here for class dates and booking information.