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May 15, 2012
Crystal Mountain Still Open Weekends for Skiing
Crystal Mountain is the last resort in the state and one of only 9 resorts in North America that is still open for skiing and snowboarding
PRESS RELEASE
Crystal Mountain, WA- When all the other resorts in the state have already called it quits, Crystal plans to remain open Saturdays and Sundays and Memorial Day for skiing and snowboarding until May 28th or later, conditions permitting. There will be discounted tickets available for access on all 6 lifts operating this weekend including the Mt ... read more
May 10, 2012
The Gig Harbor Wine and Food Festival Set for July 14, 2012
Third annual event brings new date and new Executive Director
PRESS RELEASE
Gig Harbor, Washington [May 2012] – The Gig Harbor Wine and Food Festival is making changes in its evolution with a new date and a new Festival Director. The festival is being moved to July 14, 2012 and Victoria Trimmer has been hired to guide the festival as it develops during the third year of the event ... read more
May 9, 2012
Gig Harbor Historic Waterfront Association Received 2012 National Trust Main Street Accreditation
PRESS RELEASE
Gig Harbor, WA- May 9, 2012 – The Gig Harbor Historic Waterfront Association has been designated as an accredited National Main Street Program for meeting the commercial district revitalization performance standards set by the National Trust Main Street Center®. Each year, the National Trust and its partners announce the list of accredited Main Street® programs that have built strong revitalization organizations and demonstrate their ability in using the Main Street Four-Point Approach® methodology for strengthening their local economy and protecting their historic buildings ... read more
May 3, 2012
Rock Hill, S.C., Executive Tapped as CEO for Tacoma Visitors Burear
The Tacoma Regional Convention + Visitor Bureau has a new CEO
By C.R Robert
The News Tribune
Regional Convention + Visitor Bureau has a new CEO ... read more
May 1, 2012
Indy Film Shooting in Tacoma Stars Michael Pitt of HBO's 'Boardwalk Empire'
By Craig Salior
The New Tribune
A film about an outlaw hobo starring Hollywood actor Michael Pitt is filming in Tacoma through Thursday.
“You Can’t Win” features Pitt, one of the stars of HBO’s "Boardwalk Empire" and Hannah Marks of this year’s “The Amazing Spider-Man ... read more
Pierce County Expands Popular Puget Sound Amateur to 2 golf courses
PRESS RELEASE
This spring's annual Puget Sound Amateur, one of the top golf championships in the Northwest, will span two days over two of Pierce County's most popular public courses.
The 47th Annual Puget Sound Amateur will take place May 19-20 at Lake Spanaway Golf Course and Chambers Bay ... read more
April 26, 2012
Car-free Getaway - Bus it to Tacoma's Museum Row
Explore Tacoma's Museum Row by taking Sound Transit's express bus from Seattle for a car-free getaway.
By Carol Pucci
The Seattle Times
Is $4 gasoline blowing a hole in your budget? Then ditch that gas burner and go green ... read more
7 Seas Added to Gig Harbor Beer Festival Roster
The inaugural event is also giving away free VIP tickets through its Facebook page.
Gig Harbor Patch
The beer is almost here! The inaugural Gig Harbor Beer Festival is Saturday, May 12 at the Uptown Gig Harbor Pavilion ... read more
April 24, 2012
Wine and Brew Festival This Weekend at Ashford
Sue Kidd
The News Tribune
This week is free entry to Mount Rainer National Park and here’s just one more reason to head there – a beer and wine festival in Ashford.
Link to full article ... read more
America to Celebrate the 5th Annual National Train Day
Amtrak celebrates the experiences only a train can offer on May 12, 2012
PRESS RELEASE
January 23, 2012
WASHINGTON, D.C – Amtrak presents the 5th Annual National Train Day, a celebration of trains and the different ways trains touch the lives of people around the country ... read more
April 23, 2012
The 20 Best Small Towns in America
There are lists of the best places to get a job, retire, ski, golf and fall in love, best places lists for almost everything. We think any best place worth traveling to should have one quality above others: culture ... read more
April 19, 2012
Pierce County’s Sustainability Efforts Save $1.3 Million
PRESS RELEASE
Pierce County saved more than $1.3 million in 2010 and 2011 by reducing its use of energy, water, fuel and office supplies, according to its second Annual Sustainability Index ... read more
April 16, 2012
Trade Group Formed to Promote Tourism in Washington
By Eric Wilson
King 5 News
SEATTLE - Washington is the only state in the nation that does not provide funding to promote tourism. In the midst of a desperate budget crisis, lawmakers cut the $1 ... read more
April 12, 2012
South Sound Wedding Magazine adds Digital Version
PRESS RELEASE
South Sound Wedding & Event magazine is among the first magazines in the Northwest to produce a digital format. South Sound Wedding & Event magazine 2012 is on sale through the Apple App store ... read more
Parks Appreciation Day Volunteer Opportunities
Exit 133
If you enjoy using Tacoma’s parks, next weekend is a great opportunity to give back.
Metro Parks’ Parks Appreciation Day gives the community an opportunity to show up en masse at our neighborhood parks to prune, rake, pick-up, and plant the public spaces we’ll get to enjoy all summer ... read more
At 15, Tacoma's Grand Cinema is a Community Treasure
The News Tribune
The top three films in the Grand Cinema’s 15-year history are, in order: “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” “The King’s Speech” and “The Descendants.” Back in 1997, some didn’t think Tacoma could support a theater showing independent and foreign films ... read more
TEDx Tacoma Speakers to Tackle Transformation
Local visionaries to expound upon whatever's on their mind at this very moment
By Kristin Kendle Weekly Volcano TED is a nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing knowledge and ideas. Most people with an Internet connection probably know about the TED talks posted online, but now Tacoma will have its own TED event ... read more
April 11, 2012
Chambers Bay goes Gas-Free for a Day to Celebrate Earth Day
PRESS RELEASE
It takes a lot of equipment and fuel to mow and maintain a 250-acre golf course like Chambers Bay. But on April 22 - Earth Day - not an ounce of gas will be used to maintain the course ... read more
Hunger Games coming to Tacoma on Thursday Night. Please no Killing.
By Craig Hill
The News Tribune
Hide your children and flee for the woods, the Hunger Games are coming to Tacoma.
Tacoma’s Trident Athletics is staging its own version of the Hunger Games on Thursday; with free events planned for 5 and 6:30 p ... read more
April 6, 2012
Celebrating 15 Years of the Grand Old Grand Cinema
Exit 133 The Grand Cinema is celebrating 15 successful years since its rebirth back in 1997 with 15 days of deals to thank its loyal patrons. Tacoma’s nonprofit theater has made some changes over the years, including the recent expansion into a fourth theater, and the addition of a slew of unique programming ... read more
LeMay ACM and the Ace Cafe Bring Motorcycles to Tacoma this Summer
Exit 133
The new LeMay America’s Car Museum hasn’t even opened yet, but already we’ve been hearing excitement not only here in Tacoma, but at the national and even international level. And it looks like the LeMay will be more than just cars; motorcycle enthusiasts are looking forward to the “Summer Shakedown,” an event this August that will showcase vintage motorcycles ... read more
Washington Tourism Alliance Launches First Online Fundraiser
Win an All-Inclusive Trip to Bellingham and Friday Harbor
PRESS RELEASE
SEATTLE – The Washington Tourism Alliance (WTA) announced its first online auction at today’s second annual tourism summit. WTA will auction off three weekend packages to Bellingham and the San Juan Islands during the month of April ... read more
April 5, 2012
Flower Festivals of the US
The Travel Channel
From the roses of Portland to the lilacs of Rochester, cities across the US take their flower festivals seriously.
Link to full article ... read more
April 2, 2012
Puyallup, Sumner First in Line for Sounder-Stop Upgrades
By Sara Schilling
The News Tribune
Sound Transit says this is the year it will start formulating specific plans for long-term access improvements at two Sounder stations in eastern Pierce County.
The improvements at the Puyallup and Sumner stations could include building parking garages as well as adding features to make it easier for riders to get to the transit hubs by foot or bicycle ... read more
March 30, 2012
Tacoma Opera Squeezes Puccini Classic ‘La Bohme' into Rialto Theater
By Rosemary Ponnekanti
The News Tribune
Plenty of people have heard of “La Bohme.” You might know the beloved Puccini opera from its original incarnation as the tangled love story of a group of starving artists in 1880s Paris, which draws crowds in opera houses around the world ... read more
March 29, 2012
French City Wants Ties With Tacoma
By John Larson
Tacoma Weekly
Tacoma may soon have a new sister city in France. The City of Destiny and Biot, a small city in the south of France, both have reputations for being centers of glass art ... read more
March 28, 2012
New Wine Tour App Makes Finding and Visiting Wineries Easy for Enthusiasts and Travelers
PRESS RELEASE
New Wine Tour App Makes Finding and Visiting Wineries Easy for Enthusiasts and Travelers
The iPhone and Android app provides information for thousands of wineries across the country
TACOMA, WA – Now wine enthusiasts and travelers can instantly get information about what wineries are near them, when they are open, and how to find them, thanks to new iPhone and Android application created by SiteCrafting.
The Wine Tour app provides information about thousands of local wineries and vineyards across the U ... read more
Adriatic Grill Receives Washington Wine Commission Award for its Promotion of Washington Wines
By Sue Kidd
The News Tribune
Gearing up for this weekend’s Taste Washington event – an annual culinary binge where Washington wineries pair with Seattle restaurants for a truly gluttonous eat-around event – the Washington Wine Commission on Monday announced its annual wine awards for restaurants. The awards are given to eateries with wine programs that promote the Washington wine industry ... read more
Point Defiance Zoo's New Tiger Set for His Debut
By Rob Carson
The News Tribune
When the latest addition to the Point Defiance’s Zoo’s small family of Sumatran tigers emerged from a cargo plane at Sea-Tac Airport last month, he didn’t seem entirely thrilled with his new home.
The 270-pound, 3-year-old tiger, Malosi, was born and raised at the Honolulu Zoo, near Waikiki beach, where the temperature averages an idyllic 80 degrees ... read more
LeMay, America’s Car Museum – Grand Opening
By John Lamm
Road & Track Blog
You’ve possibly never heard of LeMay, America’s Car Museum, but that’s about to end.
After two years of construction–pouring 35 million pounds of concrete–the $60 million automobile museum in Tacoma, Washington is just about finished ... read more
March 23, 2012
New Car Museum Nears Finish Line
By Valerie Bauman
Puget Sound Business Journal
How do you bring a major museum project across the finish line during a brutal recession?
That's what the founders of the LeMay-America's Car Museum had to pull off en route to creating the four-story showpiece that opens near Tacoma Dome June 2 ... read more
Experience Both Hotel Murano and HIDE/SEEK with This Special Deal
The Out Traveler As we told you over at Out.com, there is an amazing art exhibit showing in Tacoma, Washington right now that anyone in the area should not miss ... read more
March 20, 2012
Susan Warner Named New Executive Director and Curator of Museum of Glass
By Rosemary Ponnekanti The News Tribune The board of trustees of Tacoma’s Museum of Glass has named Susan Warner as the museum’s new executive director and curator, beginning today. The move comes just two months after the resignation of former director Tim Close, who cited a need for a change in leadership as his reason for leaving ... read more
LeMay – America’s Car Museum Set to Open June 2
South Sound Magazine
Local media outlets were treated to a sneak peek inside LeMay – America’s Car Museum in Tacoma on Tuesday. The museum is 165,000 square feet of space and features a 3 ... read more
March 15, 2012
Dan Hockaday of Hotel Murano: An Insider's View
Dan Hockaday Hotel Murano - Tacoma, WA What service can you provide to groups that they normally might not receive? Aside from top-tier guest service that one should expect at a hotel like the Murano, the guest services staff of the Murano offers personalized service to every guest who steps through our door ... read more
March 9, 2012
Port of Tacoma Lands Three Major Shipping Lines
By John Gillie The News Tribune Tacoma could regain its crown as Puget Sound’s largest container port thanks to a Thursday decision by a group of three container shipping lines to forsake the Port of Seattle in favor of the Port of Tacoma’s Washington United Terminal.. Link to full article ... read more
March 8, 2012
Tacoma Art Museum’s Opening Party for “Hide/Seek” Filling Up Fast
By Rosemary Ponnekanti The News Tribune Want to be at the opening party for “Hide/Seek,” the controversial GLBT art show coming next weekend to Tacoma Art Museum? Then you’d better hurry ... read more
March 7, 2012
"Hide/Seek" at Tacoma Art Museum Offers Difference and Desire
By Alec Clayton Weekly Volcano The internationally-acclaimed exhibition Hide/Seek: Difference and Desirein American Portraiture caused a ruckus when it debuted at The Smithsonian Institution's National Portrait Gallery in 2010. David Wojnarowicz's unfinished film, A Fire in My Belly, was removed from the exhibition, sparking a national controversy, demonstrations and renewed discussions about censorship and artists' rights ... read more
March 2, 2012
Happy Birthday: Mount Rainier National Park Turns 113 Today
By Craig Hill
The News Tribune
Mount Rainier National Park turns 113 today..
Link to full article
... read more
March 1, 2012
Passport to Travel Offers Local and Faraway Destinations
By Jessica Hall
Northwest Guardian
Looking to take a vacation but not sure where to go? Then head over to Leisure Travel Service’s Passport to Travel Show on Wednesday ... read more
February 29, 2012
Tacoma Slider Cook-Off
A Slider Competition to End All Slider Competitions at the Museum of Glass
By Jennifer Johnson
The Weekly Volcano
"A sheriff, a radio show host, an artist and a director walk into a museum."
Sounds like the intro to an interesting joke, doesn't it ... read more
February 20, 2012
Hoteliers Betting on Future Growth
By Breanne Coats
Business Examiner
When it comes to hotel development in Puyallup, when it rains it pours.
During the last year, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Tacoma/Puyallup and Hampton Inn & Suites By Hilton opened ... read more
February 18, 2012
Point Defiance Zoo's Upgrade Plans Include a Modern Aquarium
By Stacia Glenn
The News Tribune
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is getting ready to roll out its plan for a new complex that will feature a modern aquarium, bigger facilities for marine mammals and family-oriented activities such as a wave tunnel and diving with the fish.
An architectural firm has sketched preliminary designs after gathering suggestions from the public and staff biologists at the zoo ... read more
February 17, 2012
State History Museum's Great Depression Exhibit Helps Put Current Woes in Perspective
By Craig Sailor
The News Tribune
Unemployment, home foreclosures, political encampments, cash-strapped governments, backyard gardens. Our Great Recession has made all these a reality on a scale we’ve never seen ... read more
February 14, 2012
Critically-Acclaimed "Hide/Seek" Makes West Coast Appearance at Tacoma Art Museum
Edge on the Net
TACOMA, WA - As Washington moves forward to become the seventh state in the Union to legalize gay marriage, Tacoma Art Museum presents a timely exhibition that spotlights how lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, and transgender identity have shaped modern American portraiture.
Hailed by The New York Times as an "historic event," HIDE/SEEK: Difference and Desire in American Portraiture will make its final stop at Tacoma Art Museum from March 17 to June 10, 2012, which marks the exhibition’s only West Coast destination ... read more
HIDE/SEEK at the Tacoma Art Museum
By Derek Young
Exit 133
With the ink of Governor Gregoire’s signature still barely dry on the marriage equality bill, controversy over equal rights for gays in Washington is sure to continue in the coming months. In light of this, the Tacoma Art Museum’s next exhibit seems particularly timely ... read more
February 3, 2012
Snowshoeing in Paradise: Mt. Rainier National Park
By Nigel Boney Snowshoe Magazine Rising above the skyline from 54 miles southeast of Seattle, Washington State’s highest and most prominent volcano in the Cascade Arc, is still considered one of the world’s most dangerous. Reaching an elevation of more than 14,000 feet, makes it an unforgettable sight from almost any vantage point in this vibrant city ... read more
January 12, 2012
Reinventing Play
By Kate Burrows
Tacoma Weekly
When the new Children’s Museum of Tacoma opens its doors on Jan. 14, it will not only feature nearly double the play space, but it will also offer for the first time a pay-as-you-can admission fee ... read more
Strings of the Heart
By Somer Breeze-Hanson
Northwest Guardian
When Twyla Eddins was 4 years old she heard a song on the radio she thought was pretty. She walked over to the piano and began to search out the keys to play it ... read more
January 9, 2012
Children's Museum Grand Opening
By Abigail Lawver
For Exit 133
The Children’s Museum of Tacoma has settled into its new home at 15th and Pacific, and will be celebrating with a Grand Opening this Saturday, January 14th. Given that we aren’t exactly the museum’s target audience, we decided to bring in a writer in a more appropriate demographic category ... read more
January 6, 2012
Point Defiance Zoo Enjoys Record Attendance in 2011
By Rob Carson
The News Tribune
The Great Recession caused people to cut spending in many areas.
But apparently not at the zoo ... read more
December 30, 2011
Straight From the Gullet: The 10 Best Things I Devoured in 2011
By Sue Kidd
The News Tribune - TNT Diner
Not since 2006 has the South Sound seen a flurry of interesting restaurants opening in such an abbreviated time frame. I’ll remember 2011 for the quality additions to the region’s culinary landscape – Social Bar and Grill, Marrow Kitchen Bar, Zara Mediterranean Cuisine, JW and 208 Garfield ... read more
December 28, 2011
A New Year, a New Children's Museum for Tacoma
By Debbie Cafazzo
The News Tribune
Water, wood and flights of fancy beckon kids to the new Children’s Museum in downtown Tacoma.
The new play space, located on the north edge of the city’s Pacific Avenue museum district, opens to the public Jan ... read more
December 23, 2011
Tacoma’s Adriatic Grill: Wood-Fired Eats and Superb Service–Yes, in a Mall Location
By Sue Kidd
The News Tribune - TNT Diner
Adriatic Grill resides within one of the toughest neighborhoods for upscale dining. I’ve tried convincing friends that a restaurant near the mall – yes, that mall – serves superb Kobe flat-iron steak, turns out pizza from a wood-fired oven, masters garlicky Bolognese with al dente chewy pull, and doses grilled peaches with sweetened balsamic for dessert ... read more
December 21, 2011
New Fairfield Inn + Suites Opening in Puyallup
By John Gillie
The Biz Buzz [The News Tribune]
The same Bellingham-based hotel company that owns Tacoma’s Courtyard Marriott Downtown plans to open a new hotel Dec. 30 near Puyallup’s Good Samaritan Hospital ... read more
December 19, 2011
All Work, Now Play: After Years of Hard Work and Fund-Raising, the Children's Museum of Tacoma is Ready to Have Fun
By Todd Matthews
Tacoma Daily Index
The Children's Museum of Tacoma has a history downtown that dates back more than 25 years. In 1985, a group of parents, teachers and community leaders united to create a museum for kids ... read more
December 6, 2011
Sharon Styer Wins Local Photography Contest
Weekly Volcano TACOMA IS PRETTY >>> This fall The Tacoma Regional Convention + Visitor Bureau, otherwise known as the catchy TRCVB, held a photography contest seeking the most awesome photo of Tacoma and Pierce County. The judges have made their decision ... read more
November 30, 2011
Crystal Mountain and Alta Crystal Resorts Offer Great Family Snowshoeing Deals
By Ryan Alford
Snowshoe Magazine
Get the family together and head to Crystal Mountain Resort to take advantage of midweekspecials offered during non-holiday periods. Spend quality time with the family outdoors while saving money for holiday shopping or your next excursion ... read more
November 27, 2011
New Museum Celebrates America's Love Affair With The Car
By Eric Johnson
KOMO News
TACOMA, Wash. - This month, construction will wrap up on a one-of-a-kind museum to show off the one-of-a-kind collection from a one-of-a-kind man ... read more
November 26, 2011
No Experience Needed to Enjoy New Rink in Tacoma
By Sara Schilling The News Tribune Hayden Rush Bundy is a novice ice skater, but he was feeling confident Friday as he put on his skates. “I won’t fall down ... read more
November 23, 2011
Mount Rainier Ranked as Best Wildflower Spot in U.S.
By Craig Sailor The Seattle Times A new book that picks the 50 best wildflower spots in the world names Mount Rainier National Park as the best in the U.S for its natural bouquet ... read more
November 12, 2011
Another Step in Foss Waterway Seaport's Evolution
By C.R Roberts
The News Tribune
What’s old is about to be new again ... read more
November 9, 2011
2011 Renovation of the Year: Cheney Stadium
Ballpark Digest We're back with our second round of Ballpark Digest awards for 2011. Today, we have another renovation award: Best Renovation ($20M+) for Cheney Stadium, home of the Tacoma Rainiers(Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) ... read more
November 2, 2011
Hampton Inn + Suites Opens Property
By Andrew Fickes
The Puyallup Herald
The Hampton Inn and Suites, a Hilton-brand hotel which features 122 rooms on four floors, opened at 1515 S. Meridian on Oct ... read more
October 25, 2011
Old Cars, But New Museum Smell
By Randy McCarthy
The News Tribune
Sunny and – more importantly – dry: A good day for moving 40 antique cars.
The first of the hundreds of cars that eventually will be displayed at the LeMay-America’s Car Museum rolled in Monday ... read more
October 21, 2011
Photographer Alert: Visitor Bureau Announces Pierce County Fall Photo Contest
Deadline is Nov. 21
By C.R Roberts
The News Tribune
Pick up your camera and start thinking images: a leaf falling softly from one of the Narrows Bridges, a sunrise over Mount Rainier, a trio of playful kittens on a farm in Orting ... read more
October 19, 2011
America’s Car Museum Takes Shape in Tacoma
By Jonathan Schultz The New York Times To hear David Madeira tell it, building a 165,000-square-foot, four-story museum to house the breadth of American automotive history is a solemn task and a mathematical quandary. While the gravity of the undertaking may be clear, an answer to the baseline question, “How many cars are we talking about ... read more
October 16, 2011
Actress Julie Andrews Pays Visit to Gig Harbor
By Craig Sailor
The News Tribune
She didn’t arrive in a gilded carriage or wear a tiara, but royalty nonetheless came to Gig Harbor on Saturday. Hollywood royalty ... read more
October 9, 2011
Artist Transforms Tacoma into Glasstown, U.S.A.
By John Gottsberg Anderson The Register-Guard You might think of Washington’s second city as the town that Dale Chihuly built. Not many years ago, despite the scenic beauty of towering Mount Rainier, which looms over the city to the east, Tacoma was regarded as anything but a mecca for tourism ... read more
October 4, 2011
Point Defiance Named One of 10 Great Public Spaces
By Halley Griffin
Tacoma KOMO
The American Planning Association today named Point Defiance Park one of "10 Great Public Spaces for 2011," as part of its Great Places in America program.
Point Defiance was recognized for its "spectacular views," natural amenities and engaged citizens, and is included on the list with parks in Colorado, Indiana, Texas, Iowa, Minnesota, California, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin ... read more
September 22, 2011
Full Speed Ahead
LeMay - America's Car Museum is Coming Together in Preparation for its June Grand Opening
By Kate Burrows Tacoma Weekly For the city of Tacoma, the opening of LeMay – America’s Car Museum could mean a boost to the local economy in the form of an estimated $34 million annually. For local car enthusiasts, it is a chance to celebrate their love of the automobile at the world’s largest car museum – in our own back yard ... read more
September 21, 2011
Great Mountains of the World: Mt. Rainier
By Steve Casimiro
Adventure Journal
Locals know it simply as The Mountain. It's a giant that rises behind the city on clear days, drawing the eye, then curiosity, and then maybe the feet ... read more
September 17, 2011
Murano Manager Looks to Future
By C.R Roberts
The News Tribune
Stan Kott took his first job in the hospitality industry at the age of 12, working as a busboy at a chain restaurant in his native Michigan ... read more
September 16, 2011
Tacoma Boasts Weird and Wonderful Places You Can See on Foot
By Rosemary Ponnekanti
The News Tribune
In the list of walkable cities of the world, Tacoma doesn’t normally rank at the top. New York has more businesses, London has actor-led historical walks ... read more
September 8, 2011
Destiny Harbor Tours Thrives Despite a Struggling Economy
By Jeanine Stewart
The Peninsula Gateway
Out on Gig Harbor Bay, Tom Drohan takes the wheel of his restored U.S Navy boat multiple times a day ... read more
September 1, 2011
Tacoma-Pierce Visitor Bureau Releases Latest Destination Video
By C.R Roberts
The News Tribune
Art, glass, berries, Crystal Mountain, Hotel Murano, golf, kayaks, flowers – it’s all there in just over three minutes ... read more
August 31, 2011
Watch New Tacoma + Pierce County Destination Video
By Halley Griffith
Tacoma KOMO
The Tacoma Regional Convention + Vistor Bureau sent us a link to a brand-new video marketing Tacoma to business and leisure travelers..
Link to full article [with video]
... read more
August 30, 2011
Truck Stops, Shops, Get a Fresh Look in Sumner
By Sara Schilling
The News Tribune
More than a thousand trucks pass through Sumner every day, going to and from the city’s north end industrial area.
But the East Pierce city of 9,400 people doesn’t have many spots where those drivers can park their rigs and take a break ... read more
August 29, 2011
COMING SOON: Tacoma + Pierce County Destination Video
By Matt Driscoll
Weekly Volcano
POPCORN AT 11AM >>>
This morning I had the pleasure of joining a small theater full of folks at the Grand Cinema to see the debut of the new "Tacoma + Pierce County Destination Video," which will soon be coming to a trade show near you thanks to the Tacoma Regional Convention + Visitor Bureau - with plenty of help from JayRay Ads, Bellingham's Hand Crank Films and others. The short (2-3 minute) commercial for Tacoma and Pierce County is designed to help the Tacoma Regional Convention + Visitor Bureau sell our region to potential travelers and event planners, created, according to an official press release, to be used, "on social media, in presentations to clients, for media purposes and shared with global audiences ... read more
August 28, 2011
LeMay - America's Car Museum Takes Shape and Raises Funds in Preparation for 2012 Opening
By Rob Carson
The News Tribune
With less than a month of construction remaining before its first public event, Tacoma’s new LeMay – America’s Car Museum is revealing its final shape.
But what is that shape, exactly ... read more
August 26, 2011
Crystal Mountain Offers Year-Round, Mile High Fun - and More
By Craig Sailor
The News Tribune
It’s easy to forget that a whole mountain of fun gets buried under the snow at a winter-focused ski area. But take a summer trip to Crystal Mountain and you’ll find more than just rocks emerging from the ice ... read more
It's a Bird, it's a Plane, it's a ... Caboose?
By Stephanie Kim
The News Tribune
David Cantlin waited anxiously Thursday for a crane to pick up a piece of railroad history – a 93-year-old caboose he helped bring back to life in Fife.
It took about 10 years to restore Oregon, Washington Railway and Navigation Company Caboose No ... read more
August 22, 2011
Jennifer Kilmer Picked as Director for Washington State History Museum
By Jordan Schrader
The News Tribune
Jennifer Kilmer will lead the State Capital Museum in Olympia and the Washington State History Museum in downtown Tacoma into the next chapter in their history.
Gig Harbor’s Kilmer will replace retiring State Historical Society director David Nicandri in October ... read more
August 12, 2011
'StoryCorps' Oral History Project Visits Tacoma in September
Tacoma Daily Index StoryCorps, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to recording, preserving, and sharing the stories of Americans from all backgrounds and beliefs, will record interviews in Tacoma from Sept. 8 to Oct ... read more
August 11, 2011
Gig Harbor Wine and Food Festival Emerging as Premier Event
By Susan Schell
The Peninsula Gateway
Wine lovers congregated for the second time in as many years on Saturday for a party at the Harbor History Museum.
Wine and food merchants from across the state gathered for the Gig Harbor Wine and Food Festival to give visitors a taste of what they do best ... read more
August 3, 2011
Gig Harbor wine and food fest is back
By Rosemary Ponnekanti
The News Tribune
Mmm, beer, cheese and – chocolate? Definitely, says Mike Runion, owner of 7 Seas Brewing in Gig Harbor ... read more
Family Roundup: Day Trip to Tacoma
By Kathleen F. Miller
Bellevue Patch
Now that the sun has finally arrived you might be in the mood for a family road trip ... read more
August 1, 2011
A Golf Course Even Non-golfers Will Love
By Candace J. Brown
Good Life Northwest
The first time I saw Chambers Bay golf course in University Place, I saw it from a distance, out on the water, and I didn't know what I was looking at ... read more
Crystal Mountain Goes Year-Round
By Dave Helgeson
RV Life
The highest restaurant in the state of Washington is Summit House, which sits atop Crystal Mountain at an elevation of 6,872 feet. Reaching Summit House in the past involved riding two ski lifts, which were open to the elements, and in ski season you had to rely on your own abilities to get yourself back down the mountain ... read more
July 25, 2011
New GH Museum Exhibit Weaves Art, History of Basket Making
Kitsap Sun
GIG HARBOR — The Harbor History Museum is currently home to 250 baskets through October. The museum’s latest rotating exhibit, “Woven Stories: Native American Basketry of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska,” is a collection of both modern baskets from private collections and artifacts dating back to the 1800s ... read more
July 24, 2011
Cyclists ready to tackle streets in Grit City Crit
By Craig Hill
The News Tribune
Today is bittersweet.
This morning, I get to enjoy one of my favorite summer traditions by waking up early and watching the Tour de France ... read more
July 21, 2011
New downtown Tacoma hotel begins construction after 3-year delay
By John Gillie
The News Tribune
Construction has begun without fanfare on Tacoma’s first new downtown hotel, the 164-room Holiday Inn Express and Suites near the old Heidelberg Brewery.
The hotel, which was mired in city design reviews and permitting for three years, will be the first new Tacoma hotel to open in five years when it begins renting rooms in December 2012 ... read more
July 11, 2011
Piece by piece
Sumner’s trail system inching closer to completion
By Breanne Coats
Business Examiner
Piece by piece, Sumner’s trail system is coming together — and there could be an economic benefit to the region once it’s complete.
But the region might have to wait a bit for that revenue boost ... read more
July 5, 2011
Freedom Fair crowds bask in sunshine, spirit of patriotism
By Kathleen Cooper The News Tribune The Fourth of July had not a cloud in the sky, so an acrobatic pilot made some. Tim Weber flipped and rolled his one-seat plane over Commencement Bay on Monday, leaving white corkscrew vapor trails behind him ... read more
June 30, 2011
Tacoma's Vicci Martinez loses popular vote on 'The Voice' but scores a victory for her career
By Craig Sailor The News Tribune It was almost but not quite for Vicci Martinez. The Tacoma singer-songwriter wasn’t able to garner enough votes to become “The Voice” Wednesday night on the hit NBC talent show ... read more
June 29, 2011
'Such a warrior': Tacoma's Vicci Martinez learns tonight whether she is No. 1 on 'The Voice'
By Craig Sailor
The News Tribune
Now, it’s up to America.
Tacoma’s Vicci Martinez performed competitively for the final time on “The Voice” Tuesday night ... read more
Crystal Mountain will open ski, boarding slopes for holiday weekend
By Jeff Mayor
The News Tribune
Not sure what to this holiday weekend, hike, boat, ski? This year will be the second time in Crystal Mountain history skiers and snowboarders can celebrate Independence Day on snow ... read more
June 24, 2011
Sunrise on Mount Rainier to open in time for holiday weekend
Mount Rainier National Park said it plans to open Sunrise, the highest point in the park reachable by vehicle
By Susan Gilmore
The Seattle Times
Mount Rainier National Park said it plans to open Sunrise, the highest point in the park reachable by vehicle, on Friday in time for the busy Fourth of July weekend.
The park had said Sunrise wouldn't open until July 8, which drew complaints from business owners in the area who said it would hurt their tourist traffic ... read more
June 22, 2011
Taste of Tacoma returns
June 24-26
Tacoma Weekly
This weekend, Tacoma’s tastiest tradition returns as 32 restaurants, 19 food product booths, beer gardens and live music stages take over Point Defiance Park. Emerald Queen Casino’s Taste of Tacoma will be held Friday and Saturday from 11 a ... read more
June 21, 2011
Van Cooney leaving as head of Hotel Murano and convention bureau; he's on his way to luxurious San Diego
By C.R Roberts
The News Tribune
Although he never quite found a use for the old Rose Room at the top of the building, he did turn a profit while gaining an international reputation ... read more
June 13, 2011
The investigation continues
Interactive scavenger hunt promotes tourism, local businesses
By Breanne Coats
Business Examiner
They might not have magnifying glasses, pipes or their own Watson-esque sidekicks, but South Sound residents have the opportunity to be ace investigators through a regional tourism effort titled, “Tourism Revealed: The Adventure of Puget Sound.” ... read more
June 5, 2011
Seaport celebrates National Marina Day
Foss Harbor Marina and Foss Waterway Seaport will hold Salty Dock Day
The News Tribune To celebrate National Marina Day, the Foss Harbor Marina and Foss Waterway Seaport will hold Salty Dock Day on Saturday. The inaugural event will celebrate the recreational opportunities provided by marinas through a series of boater education classes, speakers and demonstrations ... read more
June 4, 2011
The Inn at Gig Harbor: Heritage Restaurant caters to all occasions
By Rodika Tollefson Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal As one of only a few hotels in Gig Harbor, and the only full-service conference space — complete with guest rooms, catered food, audiovisual, WiFi and other services — The Inn at Gig Harbor is a popular destination.. Link to full article ... read more
June 1, 2011
Makeover at iconic Tillicum Village brings more Coast Salish lore
By Tim Vinh The Seattle Times BLAKE ISLAND — President Clinton came here. So did King Olaf V of Norway ... read more
May 29, 2011
Indoor climbers find their balance
By Craig Hill The News Tribune Standing at the base of a 25-foot faux rock pillar, Benn Cordy pointed up at a climbing route that looked as if it would give Spider-Man trouble. Not only were some of the holds about the size of a pack of gum, but also reaching them would require some serious flexibility ... read more
May 26, 2011
Clouded leopards spring one on keepers; litter expected at Point Defiance in June
By Stacia Glenn The News Tribune It was an unplanned pregnancy. Keepers at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium thought Chai Li and Nah Fun, a pair of 20-month-old clouded leopards, were too young to breed ... read more
May 24, 2011
Tacoma’s Broadway Center 2011/12 season tickets on sale Thursday for members/multi-show
By Rosemary Ponnekanti The News Tribune The Broadway Center for Performing Arts has announced the 2011/12 season for Tacoma’s downtown theaters, and tickets go on sale for members and multi-show packages 11 a.m this Thursday ... read more
May 18, 2011
Pierce County TV: Rainier Country
a review of the 2010 Amateur Championship at Chambers Bay
RAINIER COUNTRY - Spring 2011
As golf season picks up, we review the 2010 Amateur Championship at Chambers Bay. In Puyallup, the benefits of 'Agritourism', a new economic program sponsored by the State of Washington ... read more
Car-free getaway | Bus it to Tacoma's Museum Row
Explore Tacoma's Museum Row by taking Sound Transit
By Carol Pucci The Seattle Times Is $4 gasoline blowing a hole in your budget? Then ditch that gas burner and go green ... read more
May 15, 2011
Downtown diamond destination
By Rosemary Ponnekanti The News Tribune At 75, most of us want to be debt-free, have a nice place to live, be admired by our peers, and have achieved some of our ambitions. That’s exactly where Tacoma Art Museum finds itself at after celebrating its 75th birthday last fall, weathering the recession in its new building and gaining a reputation as one of the best museums in the Northwest – while still aiming for bigger goals ... read more
April 29, 2011
Tacoma’s Heart of Glass
Keep an open mind on a sojourn to the South Sound.
By James Ross Gardner
Seattle Met
A SEATTLEITE IN TACOMA might maintain a sense of superiority up to a point—during that last bend in Interstate 5 when our southerly sister city’s stubby skyline swings into view. While rolling up Sixth Avenue, with its gauntlet of fast food chains and nail salons ... read more
April 28, 2011
Tacoma Regional Convention + Visitor Bureau Receives City of Destiny Award
TACOMA, Wash. – Tacoma Regional Convention + Visitor Bureau [TRCVB] has received the City of Destiny Award from the City of Tacoma ... read more
April 27, 2011
Stina’s Cellars relocates to Lakewood
The Suburban Times The south Puget Sound city of Lakewood is now home to Stina’s Cellars, an award-winning winery that has carved out a niche in the production of small lots of premium wines at affordable prices. Previously located in University Place, the new location in the Lakewood Industrial Park allows the winery to more than double the square footage of the wine production facility and warehouse space as well as build out a new tasting room ... read more
April 26, 2011
Tacoma honoring volunteer efforts
Tacoma's top volunteers – six individuals and four groups
Business Examiner
Tacoma's top volunteers – six individuals and four groups – will be recognized during the 25th annual City of Destiny Awards at 7 p.m on May 10 at the Stadium High School Auditorium, 111 North E St ... read more
April 15, 2011
TRCVB secures four major conventions
By Breanne Coats
Business Examiner
Tacoma Regional Convention + Visitor Bureau announced today it has secured the conventions of Joint Affordable Housing Management Association of Washington and Washington State Council for Affordable + Rural Housing, National Railway Historical Society and Meeting Professionals International Cascadia..
Link to full article ... read more
April 12, 2011
Tacoma Regional Convention + Visitor Bureau a Finalist for Business Examiner’s 2011 South Sound Top Places to Work
Tacoma Regional Convention + Visitor Bureau [TRCVB], the official destination marketing organization for Tacoma + Pierce County, is an award finalist for the Business Examiner’s 2011 South Sound Top Places to Work. Top Places to Work recognizes outstanding company cultures in the five program areas of integrity, appreciation, equity, gratification and solidarity ... read more
A Greener Way to See Tacoma
Bicycle Paper.com Tacoma, Wash ... read more
April 8, 2011
Spring Fair in Puyallup has something for everyone
Put a little spring in your step at the younger sister of fall’s Western Washington Fair.
By Craig Sailor The News Tribune Put a little spring in your step at the younger sister of fall’s Western Washington Fair. The 22nd annual Spring Fair at the Puyallup Fair & Events Center starts Thursday with lumberjacks, racing pigs, music and dancing horses ... read more
Tacoma Regional Convention + Visitor Bureau Achieves Destination Marketing Accreditation
TACOMA, Wash. – Tacoma Regional Convention + Visitor Bureau [TRCVB] is happy to announce that it has been awarded accreditation from the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program [DMAP] ... read more
March 25, 2011
Foss Waterway to be site for new festival in June
By Jeff Mayor The News Tribune The Foss Harbor Marina, in partnership with Foss Waterway Seaport, this afternoon announced the creation of Salty Dock Days, a new public event to be held June 11 at Foss Harbor Marina in downtown Tacoma.. Link to full article ... read more
March 20, 2011
Plenty of time to send ski season out in style
Today is the first day of spring, and for Washington skiers and snowboarders this season has more to offer than ever.
By Craig Sailor The News Tribune Today is the first day of spring, and for Washington skiers and snowboarders this season has more to offer than ever. Thanks to its new $5 ... read more
March 17, 2011
bellaballs floats help and hope to Japan
Hope floats at bellaballs. Since the original concept for designing their glass bellaballs was inspired by and made in the ancient tradition of Japanese fishing floats, the owners want to personally reach out to Japan in the true spirit of giving ... read more
March 11, 2011
Get your Irish on: A local go-and-do guide
There are more Americans of Irish ancestry than there are people in Ireland, which practically makes St. Patrick’s Day a national holiday here.
By Craig Sailor The News Tribune There are more Americans of Irish ancestry than there are people in Ireland, which practically makes St. Patrick’s Day a national holiday here ... read more
March 10, 2011
Golfweek’s Best Courses You Can Play
By Golfweek Staff Golfweek The number of courses per state varies based on course supply, population and level of play; includes daily-fee layouts and courses accessible via resorts.. Link to full article ... read more
March 9, 2011
Culinary tourism
Savor Washington workshop, the brainchild of state tourism departments, stopped by East Pierce in an effort to engage local farmers, businesses
By Joan Cronk
The Puyallup Hearld
Independent consultant Judy Walden of Walden Mills Group based in Denver, came to Puyallup last week to help kick off the Savor Washington workshop.
Her goal was to help get the ball rolling to develop culinary tourism for the state of Washington ... read more
March 1, 2011
Our new seaside hangout
A new park meets a new beach
A new park meets a new beach, and we call that a love connection. Take deep breaths of salty air on the bluffs and dunes of the 3-mile loop trail at Chambers Creek park near Tacoma, Washington, which now hooks you up with just-opened Puget Sound beach ... read more
February 17, 2011
Meetings Generate 250M Room Nights; $11.3B in State & Local Tax Revenue
Just released, landmark research
By Andrea Cates
DMAI Connections
Just released, landmark research – substantially funded by the Destination & Travel Foundation – reveals that the U.S meetings industry directly generates 250 million room nights and supports 1 ... read more
February 7, 2011
Tourism impact expected to increase in 2011
South Sound poised to offer travelers interactive experiences
By Breanne Coats
Business Examiner
Tourism in the South Sound is expected to increase during 2011, despite state budget cuts and changing trends within the industry.
Last year, travelers to Washington spent an estimated $15 ... read more
More meetings equals more money being spent
Hospitality industry insiders optimistic for 2011
By Breanne Coats
Business Examiner
When times got tough, meeting planners got savvy.
From negotiating with hotels and meeting facilities to learning how to use different technologies, 2010 was an educational year for those in the event and meeting planning industry ... read more
February 6, 2011
Tacoma’s hotel inventory: Rooms to spare?
Is the movie motto, “If you build it, they will come,” just about Iowa cornfields and baseball games, or does it have a real life application in Pierce County’s hospitality industry?
By John Gillie The News Tribune Is the movie motto, “If you build it, they will come,” just about Iowa cornfields and baseball games, or does it have a real life application in Pierce County’s hospitality industry? A corps of would-be hotel developers may soon be finding out ... read more
January 30, 2011
Washington State History Museum exhibits more than the mummy
By Craig Sailor
The News Tribune
About 2,600 years ago, a man named Ankh-Wennefer lived in the Egyptian city of Akhmim. He raised at least one son, served as the second prophet in the temple of Min, and upon his death was given funereal customs the average person of his day couldn’t afford ... read more
January 19, 2011
Tourists shell out $15.2 billion in Washington in 2010, report says
Visitors to the Evergreen State spent an estimated $15.2 billion in 2010, according to the preliminary Travel Impacts Report released Tuesday by the Department of Commerce and Washington State Tourism.
By C.R Roberts The News Tribune Visitors to the Evergreen State spent an estimated $15 ... read more
January 9, 2011
Nighttime family adventure coming to Tacoma waters
People for Puget Sound is bringing its Pier Peer program to the waters of Tacoma
The News Tribune People for Puget Sound is bringing its Pier Peer program to the waters of Tacoma. The conservation group, in conjunction with Foss Waterway Seaport, will hold the nighttime family adventure program Saturday from 8-9 p ... read more
January 6, 2011
Respecting the Glass Ceiling in Tacoma, Washington
Chihuly Bridge of Glass
By Emily Keeler Alhadeff Tazzler.com Ornamented with towering blue glass sculptures that resemble that sugary rock candy on a stick, the Chihuly Bridge of Glass proves that Tacoma is serious about public art ... read more
January 4, 2011
Full-service grocery store coming to downtown Tacoma's Pacific Plaza
A full-service grocery store for Tacoma's downtown core is just a few signatures away.
By Kathleen Cooper The News Tribune A full-service grocery store for Tacoma's downtown core is just a few signatures away. Dan Putnam said this morning that he and his partners, owners of Pacific Plaza at 1250 Pacific Ave ... read more
January 2, 2011
Gondola opens at Crystal Mountain
The temperature was 17 degrees an hour before sunrise Saturday when Crystal Mountain skiers began queuing up to become the first to ride Washington's only ski area gondola.
By Craig Hill and John Gillie The News Tribune The temperature was 17 degrees an hour before sunrise Saturday when Crystal Mountain skiers began queuing up to become the first to ride Washington's only ski area gondola. That two-hour outdoor wait for the 9 a ... read more
