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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.
The video was filmed over three days in July, in Tacoma, Puyallup, Mount Rainier, Fife, Lakewood, Gig Harbor and Sumner, and features local landmarks including the Museum of Glass, the Hotel Murano, University of Puget Sound and more ... 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
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. I gazed at the open, rolling land from the deck of the tall ship ADVENTURESS and told myself I should find out about that strange place ... 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
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
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.”
The free, interactive scavenger hunt gives participants a different mission every month ... 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. Among locals, the hotel is a destination as well, thanks to the onsite restaurant, The Heritage ... 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.
TRCVVB previously released it had secured the convention of Washington State Republican Party ... 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. Held on National Marina Day, Salty Dock Days will celebrate all the recreational opportunities marinas provide on the nation’s waterways by offering live music; food; boater education classes, speakers, and safety demonstrations; a Saturday Night outdoor movie (weather permitting); and visiting historic vessels ... 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. (m) – modern course; (c) – classic course; * – new to list Washington 1 ... 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
December 31, 2010
2010 in 20 bites: Favorite meals from area eateries
By Sue Kidd The News Tribune If one can judge a year by what one ate, then 2010 was a banner year for my gullet. Hot dogs and pot du creme, tortas, soon doo boo and meatloaf sandwiches ... read more
December 17, 2010
Twenty South Sound burgers to try before you die
By Sue Kidd The News Tribune Bar noshing doesn’t get any better than a big, cheesy gut bomb of a burger. It’s the anytime accompaniment to a cold pint at your favorite watering hole ... read more
December 15, 2010
2010 Was a Very Good Year for LeMay - America's Car Museum...for a Number of Reasons
2010 was a breakthrough year for LeMay - America's Car Museum (ACM).
Street Rodder Construction began at the Tacoma, Wash. facility in June and will be completed by fall 2011, fundraising reached record levels and plans are already being developed for the grand opening ... read more
December 10, 2010
Manufacturing is alive at Fresh NW Design
By Susan Schell The Gateway It’s busy this time of year at Fresh Northwest Design. Rows of wine bottles are lined up in the Gig Harbor warehouse, ready to be shipped out locally and across the United States ... read more
December 9, 2010
McMenamin developers promise 'fun' for Elks project
By Kathleen Cooper The News Tribune The downtown Elks entertainment complex won’t have a grocery store, but it could have a park. Those were the biggest revelations Wednesday night at a public forum on the progress of the McMenamin brothers’ planned renovation of the historic Elks Temple and developers Grace Pleasants and Rick Moses’ plans for the new building next door, which will include a hotel, apartments and retail ... read more
New opening date set for Crystal Mountain gondola
Crystal Mountain has rescheduled a targeted opening from Dec. 10 to Dec. 22 for its new Mt. Rainier Gondola, the first gondola lift in Washington state.
Seattle Times Crystal Mountain ski resort Thursday announced a new targeted opening date of Dec. 22 for its Mt ... read more
December 7, 2010
Unique Gig Harbor Business Etches Way Into new Niche
owner Scott Schoenen has carved a successful niche over the years by creating artistic wine labels
By Rodika Tollefson
Kitsap Sun
GIG HARBOR — Gig Harbor’s Fresh Northwest Design has carved a successful niche over the years by creating artistic wine labels, etched in glass, for corporations, wineries and nonprofits. The beautifully designed bottles have been popular with companies looking for unique gifts, charities organizing auctions and winemakers trying to brand their wines in a unique way ... read more
November 28, 2010
Chinook Scenic Byway makes national list
The Chinook Scenic Byway is among the "50 Most Comfortable Drives"
The News Tribune The Chinook Scenic Byway is among the “50 Most Comfortable Touring Drives,” according to America’s Byways and Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. The trip along state Route 410 from Enumclaw to Naches, “invites travelers to experience natural beauty, outdoor recreation and an abundance of wildlife,” said the news release announcing the list ... read more
November 27, 2010
Discount coupon book delivers downtown Tacoma deals
Free cupcakes, appetizers, drinks and coin appraisal. Those are just some of the deals you’ll find in Tacoma+
By Kathleen Cooper The News Tribune Free cupcakes, appetizers, drinks and coin appraisal. Those are just some of the deals you’ll find in Tacoma+, downtown Tacoma’s new discount coupon book ... read more
November 23, 2010
Adventure awaits at Northwest Trek
Nearby wildlife park offers something for everyone, from leisurely hiking to face-to-face bear encounters
By Rick Wood Northwest Guardian With a guttural, distinct growl, a languid grizzly bear stretched its clawed arms wide a mere 20 feet in front of a family with two young children. Instead of a cry of alarm, one of the stroller-bound children begins to giggle ... read more
Puget Sound Adventure
New regional scavenger hunt campaign launches in Washington state
Group Tour Magazine EVERETT, Wash. -- Snohomish County Tourism Bureau is partnering with the Tacoma Regional Convention + Visitor Bureau, Seattle's Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Washington State Tourism to encourage visitors and locals to help expand regional travel ... read more
November 19, 2010
Crystal Mountain opens for skiing
A ski season expected to be filled with deep snow and new amenities gets started today with the partial opening of Crystal Mountain
By Craig Hill The News Tribune A ski season expected to be filled with deep snow and new amenities gets started today with the partial opening of Crystal Mountain. Crystal is opening four lifts this morning and could open more terrain over the weekend if snow continues to pile up ... read more
November 12, 2010
Best Western Park Plaza earns customer care award
The Best Western Park Plaza in Puyallup has been named a Best Western Customer Care Champion.
Business Examiner The designation recognizes properties that demonstrate and exemplify exceptional levels of service and care. The hotels must also meet design standards and other membership requirements to qualify ... read more
November 3, 2010
Finding Numismatic History in Unlikely Places
Ezra Meeker – Champion of the Oregon Trail
By Dan Duncan
Over the summer months our numismatic travels took us to great historical cities like Boston and Philadelphia. And this week we travel to Baltimore, another city rich in early Americana ... read more
October 29, 2010
Scenes of Tacoma
Northwest Cheapsleeps Blog
“I’ve seen Tacoma… from the interstate.” Well, it’s time to make a change ... read more
October 24, 2010
Half full
New Zealand writer Pamela Wade's travel blog through Pierce County
TravelSkite
In Tacoma now, on the home straight, with more than 1200 miles behind us (and considerably more than that ahead). There's a storm on the way, rolling in from the sea - but not quite yet, although it's finally cloudy and damp the way it's meant to be here ... read more
October 13, 2010
Washington State Republican Party Announces that Pierce County will Host 2012 WSRP State Convention
Convention to be held May 31-June 2 at the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center
WSRP Blog BELLEVUE - The Washington State Republican Party is pleased to announce that the 2012 State Republican Convention will be held in Tacoma, from May 31 through June 2nd. The State GOP Convention takes place every two years and is the largest gathering of Republicans in Washington State ... read more
October 1, 2010
Condé Nast Traveler: 2010 Readers' Choice Awards
Hotels
Condé Nast Traveler Hotel Murano makes top 10 list for Condé Nast Traveler: 2010 Readers' Choice Awards. Link to webpage ... read more
August 23, 2010
U.S. Amateur: Eyes of Golf World on Chambers Bay
It’s a relatively small event but a prelude to a humongous payoff. And even if it’s cloudy and cool, it’s Pierce County’s opportunity to shine. This week’s 110th U.S. Amateur golf championship is a big first test for Chambers Bay, the $21 millio
The News Tribune It’s a relatively small event but a prelude to a humongous payoff. And even if it’s cloudy and cool, it’s Pierce County’s opportunity to shine ... read more
August 13, 2010
Lakewood: Private Land Reclaimed for Public Use
OregonLive.com Like most Portlanders I know, I've driven up Interstate 5 to Seattle more times than I would enjoy remembering ... read more
July 11, 2010
2 Days in Tacoma
Washigntons second city wears a new face in the 21st century
Bend Bulletin Tacoma sprawls along the south side of Commencement Bay the Puget Sound harbor that made this city of 200 000 an industrial metropolis Since the 1980s an urban revitalization image and made it a popular tourist destination. Link to article ... read more
June 19, 2010
Tacoma -- Treasures beyond the Dome
If you think the Tacoma Dome is all there is to this historic 150-year-old town south of Seattle, think again.
Vancouver Sun Former gritty city get pretty with more and more museums, restoration of historical buildings and the transformation of it’s waterfront. Link to article ... read more
June 16, 2010
Here Kitty, Kitty
First look at Rare, Endangered, Tiger Cubs
NBC's Today Show NBC Today Show visits Point Defiance Zoo + Aquarium to meet the new Sumatran tiger cubs for thier first public debut. Link to video ... read more
May 16, 2010
City of Destiny? Try Destination
Getting Here
The News Tribune Tour companies are more often putting Tacoma and Pierce County on books as a place to bring tourists. Link to article ... read more
May 15, 2010
Rhubarb is Center Stage in Sumner
Daily World Come for the pie stay for the rhubarb. That's the new approach Sumner merchants are taking to cement the city's status as The Rhubarb Pie Capital of the World Sumner businesses ... read more
May 1, 2010
Sound Investment
Meetings West With friendly rates and major visitor appeal, it’s a great time to consider the Seattle area for get-togethers. Link to article ... read more
April 4, 2010
Glass
The Sunday Oregonian Built upon the works of Chihuly, the city embraces the art form and displays it in pubs, public buildings, a bridge – oh, and a gallery or two. Link to article ... read more
February 1, 2010
Gig Harbor Getaway
City Dog Magazine Two writers, Brandie Ahlgren and her pup, explore Gig Harbor and the rest of Washington for the best pet friendly stays and plays. Link to article ... read more
November 21, 2009
Go West til Washington
Fyens Stiftstidende German travel writer visits Chihuly Bridge of Glass, Hotel Murano and the Museum of Glass for a fabulous travel experience. Link to article ... read more
October 25, 2009
Tacoma: A weekend of glass appreciation and great cuisine
Offbeat Travel Some towns—ones that often have working-class roots—are cursed by their proximity to a more glamorous sister city. Gritty Glasgow, for example, spent years in the shadow of twee Edinburgh ... read more
September 1, 2009
Sit, Stay and Play
City Dog Located right in the heart of Tacoma with a modern design and all the comforts of home the Hotel Murano may ignite the artistic spirit within you. Link to article ... read more
August 1, 2009
Tacoma, Washigton: America's Glasshouse
Anderson's World There’s nothing new about a hotel’s placing impressive art on its walls. But the Hotel Murano in Tacoma, Washington is different ... read more
July 5, 2009
Staycation: Giving the business to recession
The News Tribune For some reason, a recession is good for business. Link to article ... read more
June 4, 2009
Blown away by Tacoma's hot heart of glass
Georgia Straight Where can you find fine glass on an overpass? Glass-blowing master Dale Chihuly's bridge of glass is but one stunner on view in artists' mecca Tacoma ... read more
March 9, 2009
Govenment boost for tourism would yeild money, jobs
The News Tribune DAN VOELPEL We need to draw Gov. Chris Gregoire a map ... read more
January 1, 2009
Best New Public
Golf Digest By Ron Whitten Photo By Stephen Szurlej January 2009 Stepping onto the clubhouse patio at Chambers Bay is akin to strolling to the edge of the Grand Canyon. Below lies a chasm of bewildering beauty, a spectacle that overwhelms the senses ... read more
December 1, 2008
The Next Best Place
Smart Meetings Washington reinvents itself for meetings. Link to article ... read more
September 1, 2008
8 Heavens With Great Cycling Trails
Where to Retire From short rides to long, scenic paths, these places provide camaraderie, exercise, and even wildlife sightings. Link to article ... read more
Going Global
Go, AirTran in-flight magazine Experience spa treamtents from around the world without leaving the country. Link to article ... read more
Evergreen Essentials
Meetings West Washington venues and experiences highlight the unique character of the state. Link to article ... read more
Ready for Prime Time
Meetings West These destinations are headed for stardom on the meetings scene. Link to article ... read more
August 21, 2008
Toursm board steps up goals
Tacoma Bureau leaders to present new regional development plan
The New Tribune
Tacoma Regaional Convention + Visitor Bureau is announcing a new day - one that's accountable and effective.
Link to article ... read more
August 1, 2008
Progressive Candidates
Best Towns 2008
THE REVIVAL: Except for a brief heyday in the 1880s, when the Northern Pacific Railroad was completed and "the City of Destiny" became its western terminus, this Puget Sound port has been overshadowed by Seattle, 30 miles north. In the 1980s, trains stopped running to Union Station, and Tacoma's business district became a dead zone But nothing breathes new life into an inner-city ghost town like a couple thousand college kids ... read more
June 1, 2008
The Hotel Murano
A Glass Art Showcase
Northwest Woman Magazine
Hotel Murano prides itself in the work of 40 different glass artists from around the world, showcasing a different artist on each floor.
Link to article ... read more
May 1, 2008
A Touch of Glass
Go Destination
The City of Tacoma, WA is all fired up about the art of glass.
Link to article
... read more
April 1, 2008
A candid conversation with Tammy Blount
CVB Director
Business Examiner
Tammy Blount has taken the reins as director of the Tacoma-Pierce County Convention + Visitor's Bureau.
Link to article ... read more
March 1, 2008
Shining Sound
Meetings West
Metro Seattle sparkles with new enhancements on and off the waterfront.
Link to article ... read more
Tacoma by Train
Travel - Northwest Day Trip
Sunset Magazine All aboard Amtrak for a quick family trip to museums, hotdogs, and blown-glass art. Link to article ... read more
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