Tacoma's Wharf

Sometimes I forget how big Tacoma is... I could literally take you to a new place each day and share with you years of cool places to frequent. One things gets in the way of that...Haha work!!! It's no secret the waterfront is getting a facelift, from extending the trails to adding in some pretty awesome places to hang. 

 What I love most, is that this portion of Tacoma has been around as long as the city has been in existence dating back to the 1800's. From an old mining town to a path with panoramic views of the Commencement Bay, with food and recreation along the way. 

Just below the hill from my house lays this beautiful area, Fallyn and I decided to go check out the new haps down at Point Ruston.  Which is BOOMING with new restaurants, shopping, and events

. 

SUMMER MUST DO AT POINT RUSTON:

- Four Words... Farrelli's Roof Top Deck 

- Grab a scoop at Ice Cream Socials New location (it opened Wednesday and its BIG! hopefully this relieves some wait time at the 6th ave location...it's sooo good I don't mind the wait HAHA

- Play date at the Spray Park/ Play Ground
open 12pm-10pm, they also have a colorful LED fountain light show from dusk-10pm
This will be the closest thing I get to Disneys California Adventures World Of Color till November!!!! 

- Rent Bikes or Surreys and cruise alongside the water.  

- Grand Plaza - which has a mural being painted that looks smokin good!!! This space holds special events such as Summer Concerts, free and family friendly. They say this space will also home  a ice rink during the holiday season!

Well that's my Local Summer Bucket-list! Go check out the new digs at Point Ruston! Enjoy!!!

Look Out For The Next Postcard From The PNW!!!

Brittney 

Where Mountain Meets Sea

The past few days have been a whirlwind. It all happened in a blink of an eye. There has been months of practicing and prepping leading up to this very weekend, Fallyn's first ballet recital.  For ten years of my life I was dedicated to ballet, I lived, breathed and dreamt about dance.  So I know the dedication Fallyn has had the past year.  She got to bask in all her glory this past Saturday and celebrate her great accomplishments she has made in ballet. Proud Mom Moment!   

Starting out in the morning we woke up early and went to Target and bought appropriate 90° weather attire...as well as a pool. HAHA Not planned but you all know what happens when you go to Target.  It got to be 10:00, we had a couple more hours till the recital, when Fallyn suggested we get Brunch - I love that this word is often used in her everyday! 

So for Around Tacoma Tuesday, let me introduce to you Montamara Kitchen located in the historic Old Town Tacoma- right down the hill from my house! I first went here a few months ago with my sisters and quickly fell in love. The dining area has about ten tables with a  bar area. The walls are decorated with hand drawn chalkboards stating their specials, cocktails, etc. My favorite part is the reclaim wood wall, which Fallyn and I sat in front of! -Great for a photo backdrop.  

Montamara -loosely translated means "Where Mountain Meets Sea" 

The food is delicious. Made fresh with local ingredients, as well as creativity. This is the place to try something new, I promise it won't disappoint.

I taught her to look at all the details...

Fallyn is a Cinnamon Roll Connoisseur, so of course she ordered:

-The House made Cinnamon roll with a side of bacon

I on the other hand,  ordered one of the specials:

The Garden of Eggden 

- two poached eggs on toasted focaccia, goat cheese, black pepper vinaigrette and olive oil. Served with fruit and potatoes

As soon as our plates hit the table, I dove right in!!! Half way through Fallyn reminded me to take a picture HAHA!

If your local in Tacoma or visiting you have to stop by and try Montamara Kitchen whether your grabbing mimosas with the girls, your morning cup of coffee, or taking your daughter out for a special brunch before her recital.

Look out for the next Postcard From The PNW

Brittney 

Throwback Thursday: Ruby Beach

The 101 drive is beautiful and has a ton of places to stop and see along the way.  One in particular I picked to share with you today is Ruby Beach.  The first time Anthony and I took the 101 drive we almost missed this hidden piece of land.  A little under a 3 hour drive from Tacoma, you will arrive at a gravel road, which takes you to a parking lot with a restroom facility -at this point you will probably need it if you haven't stopped yet! Dogs are welcome as long as they are on a leash. 

You will enter a trail near the parking lot that will take you down to the beach. The view from the top is is breathtaking. A panoramic picture of the Pacific Ocean with a maze of driftwood along the shore and the tall sea stacks that line the coast

Once at the bottom of the trail you will have to climb over large pieces of driftwood that lay welcoming you. Once crossed you will find yourself on a rocky beach that will lead you to the tall sea stacks. If your not familiar with sea stacks, they are similar to an island, that have been eroded over the years off the cliff sides. Which is fascinating to me! You are able to walk through them and admire the tall structures that once were attached to the land.  

Ruby Beach is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to in Washington. They say it is named after the Ruby like crystal that are found in the beaches sand.  You will have to go check it out!!! 

Look out for the next Postcard From The PNW 

Brittney

What's Growing On...

This weeks Around Tacoma Tuesday.  I bring you to Tacoma's Stadium District, more specifically Wrights Park where you will find The W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory. Opening in 1908, this glass domed, Victorian style conservatory holds plants from all over the world.  

The admission is free, but a suggested donation of 3.00 is appreciated. As you walk in you feel like you have been transformed to a different land.  Throughout you will find exotic tropical plants and seasonal flower displays.  Hidden within this secret garden is a pond filled with Koi Fish. Of course this was the highlight for Fallyn and I'm sure many other kids.  

 

On the way out make sure to stop at the gift shop! Occasionally they will have extra flowers for sale -exhibit quality- along with some unique yard ornaments.  The Conservatory will be going through structural upgrades as well as adding space, for more displays. I can't wait to check it out when it's all done! 

If you haven't yet, go check out The Botanical Conservatory!!!

Make sure to head over to Instagram: Brit_pnw tomorows the last day to enter the GIVEAWAY for a  Washington State Necklace!

Look out for the next Postcard From The PNW!!!

Brittney

Throwback Thursday: Westport, Bestport

Throwback Thursday: Westport 

A couple of months ago we decided to head out to the ocean. If you haven't been to a Washington beach before, they are not your average sunny day, hot weather beach adventure. Of course it was April, not beach weather yet but still an amazing day trip location.  

A two hour drive and one stop for coffee later, we arrived at Westport.  We pulled into Westhaven State Park where we like to park, they do require a Discovery Pass, or a small fee that you can pay with a card.  The parking lot was empty, not a soul in site.  Usually the lot is packed, you will see surfers carrying their boards down the paths, kids running with kites, smoke from campfires that are neighbored by sand castles.  Not the case today.  It was deserted. It was eerily beautiful.  

Of course this adventure we brought Gabby, fur friends are allowed.  She kept me company while Fallyn and Anthony braved the icy cold water of the Pacific Ocean. While they were in the water chasing the waves or running from them, haha. gabby and I sat on the beach and watched, this is the moment it hit me I need to start documenting our travels -hence this blog.  

As soon as the water became to cold for them, we decided to explore the beach. Fallyn has been to Westport with Anthony's mom -she wrote the book on adventuring- So she was excited to show us their favorite spots to explore.  One of them being The Grand Canyon of Westport.  

We built up an appetite exploring so we headed to get some food.  Across from the marina is a row of buildings in which you can find gift shops, ice cream shops, a candy store as well as restaurants. We did stop at Granny Hazel's Candy and Gifts Shop,  before we went to lunch.  They have a bulk candy area where Fallyn and I went nuts! Anthony kept telling us, not to much.  Haha yea right! If your a licorice fan like me, they have an amazing selection. The couple that own it are very sweet. If you ever go to Westport make sure to stop by and visit,  their wonderful to chat with.  

A couple of weeks before we went to Westport I read an article on must eat places in Washington. On it was Bennetts Fish Shack! Located across from the marina amongst the row of shops, I was beyond excited to try it.  It's a smaller restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. The menu is full of fresh caught items. Fallyn of course got the chicken strips.  Anthony and I split the fish -battered cod- and chips as well as a bowl of clam chowder. We were glad we shared they have huge portions, and probably the best French fries I have ever had.  The clam chowder was sooooooo good, we will definitely be going back to Bennetts Fish Shack for this, except next time I'm getting my own bowl. 

  If you haven't been to Westport yet add it to your PNW day trip list!!!

Make sure you head over to my Instagram to enter my Washington State Necklace Giveaway!!!

Instagram: Brit_pnw 

Look out for the next Postcard From The PNW 

Brittney

But First, Coffee

Hey!!! 

Guess what!!! It's around Tacoma Tuesday!!!

Today I bring you guys my favorite coffee shop just two blocks away from my house and dog friendly,  Cafe Brosseau! If your local and haven't been there yet or if your passing through T-Town you must check it out!!! 

Located in North Tacoma this coffee shop has a more casual laid back atmosphere -great for blogging. With a full coffee bar, pastries, a list of bistro items and some adult beverages you will feel right at home.

Not on the menu but equally great they have a small area for kids, and a shelf filled with an array of board games and books. On the walls you will see local artists work for sale, and from time to time they have live music and poetry readings - join their Facebook page to see upcoming events!

Cafe Brosseau Facebook Page 

The staff is friendly and knowledgeable on what to try... my suggestion

The Cafe Brosseau - chocolate and orange espresso drink delicious hot or on ice!

With an order of Avocado Toast - grilled torta bread with avocado, lemon juice, sea salt and pepper 

The best thing I have ever had!!!!!

If your ever in the North Tacoma area stop by and check them out!!!

Tomorrow Instagram GIVEAWAY!!!
Instagram: Brit_PNW

Look out for the next Postcard From The PNW 

Brittney