It’s the season of gratitude, and with Thanksgiving approaching, we're feeling extra thankful for Pierce County. While our list of what fills us with appreciation might surprise you, we're fairly certain it'll inspire you even more.
1. Being a Glass Art Mecca
Glass art guru Dale Chihuly is from Tacoma! This means you'll find his art sprinkled throughout the region, and glass artists come from all over the country and around the world to create their art in Pierce County. If you'd like to feast your eyes on this fragile, delicate, ephemeral art form, check out the Museum of Glass, Bridge of Glass, Tacoma Art Museum, Tacoma Glassblowing Studio, and even Hotel Murano with their collection of glass art from around the world in the lobby and from a different world-famous glass artist on each floor!
2. The Coffee
Don't sleep on the Pierce County coffee scene! We’ve got dozens of local coffee shops who roast their own beans, make their own syrups, and bake their own treats or source them from other awesome places. Whether you prefer your coffee pristinely spare and small, such as a macchiato, or you love an extra-large cup topped with all the goodies, this coffee scene has you covered. If you need inspiration for your next coffee run, a few of our favorites are: Cutters Point Coffee Co. in Gig Harbor, Electric Coffee House in Sumner, Good Vibes Espresso in Fife, Rainier Valley Coffee Co. in Bonney Lake, and Bluebeard in Tacoma! You can find a deeper list of our recommended java spots here.
3. Almond Roca!
We can’t make a list about what we’re thankful for in the South Sound without talking about the buttery deliciousness that is Almond Roca! The candy is still made right here in Tacoma by the Brown & Haley Co. in 1912. Next time you’re needing a sweet treat, try choosing from one of their many different flavors of chocolate-covered toffee goodness. The secret best is the Almond Roca Butter Toffee Popcorn. Just trust us.
4. Mount Rainier National Park
This one’s a given. Mount Rainier is the heart and soul of Washington State, and by force of fate, it happens to call Pierce County home. If the mountain alone isn’t reason enough to be thankful, it also resides inside the coolest park in Washington state. With over 35 square miles of land to explore and endless trails, lookouts, and breathtaking nature and views, it’d be impossible not to be thankful to have it so close. And it's not just the park itself, but the gateway communities of Ashford, Eatonville, and Elbe that really give the mountain both its warmth and its gravity. If you have yet to explore the area, check out our First Timer's Guide.
5. The treasure hunting
Not everyone knows that Pierce County is a goldmine for antique lovers. Between Tacoma’s antique row, downtown Puyallup, and the sprinkling of antique stores in Lakewood and Sumner, it’s an antiquer's paradise. Drive through any Pierce County town and get exploring, or save time with our Guide to Antiques in Pierce County.
6. Live Theater and Music
We’ve got a bustling live theater and music scene in the South Sound! Larger than life acts pack the house at the Tacoma Dome, and everything from local productions to national shows find a warm welcome at the historic Pantages Theater and the Rialto. If live music in smaller venues is more your thing you can find it at Jazzbones, the Spanish Ballroom at Elk's Temple, and Keys on Main.
7. The Seafood
Considering our location on the sound, it's no wonder we tend to be seafood snobs. But it’s not our fault! We’re spoiled with fresh oysters, Dungeness crab, shrimp, squid, salmon, you name it! This also means we have restaurants that prepare seafood in incredible ways. Some of our favorites include: Harbor Lights in Tacoma, the Tides Tavern in Gig Harbor, Woven on Ruston Way in Tacoma, The Captain Crab in Lakewood, and Krab Kingz in Parkland.
8. The Culture
What comes to mind when you think of the Pacific Northwest? We're the storied home of the grunge movement, obsessed with coffee, and sure, we see a fair amount of rain. But we're also known for our environmental conservation, friendliness, and penchant for the outdoors! Next time you're here, strike up a conversation with a stranger on the bus, or look into local hiking clubs and ask to join for a hike!
9. The Farmers Markets
Almost every city in Pierce County hosts their own farmers market, some cities even have multiple on different days of the week. While Summer is prime time farmers market season, a few of them go all the way through December. Shopping there's a great way to buy and eat local and sustainable, and meet the people actually growing and making your food!
10. The Hiking
Within our park system we’ve got more than 40 miles of hiking trails with varying length and difficulty. They’re a great way to see Pierce County from a different perspective and get away from the urban cityscape. Many of them are also dog friendly, so the whole family can spend some quality time together outdoors. Beyond that, networks of trails run through and between cities, the Foothills Trail is 22 miles that encompasses urban, suburban, and forested hikes. If you're a beginner or an expert who basically lives in your hiking shoes, there's a trail for you! Visit our hiking search for more ideas.
This list could have easily been 100 items long but we had to stop somewhere! If we missed one of your biggest things you're thankful for in the South Sound, let us know. Comment below or tag us @traveltacomapiercecounty on social media!
