Creativity Takes Courage- Henri Matisse

With over 30 stores opened across the United States, Artist and Craftsman Supply is a employee owned business that has brought color to Tacoma, Located on St Helens Ave. 

Staffed with knowledgeable, experienced local artists, or enthusiasts, who can guide you through this quirky, tie dyed art shop! 

This store caters to all, whether your a professional artist, crafter or kid. I walked in not knowing what to expect, with crafts for every type of art to trinkets and goodies. This shop is brightly colored and makes your imagination wander, with how much inventory they have I wouldn't be surprised when I go back if I see new things ever time.  

My faves...

Colored Changing Pencils 

Big Foot Air Freshener

Colored Pencils In Every Shade Imaginable 

A Beautiful Wall of Handmade Paper

So if your an artist, a DIYer, or looking for a funky shop to peruse. I definitely recommend Artist and Craftsman Supply 

Look out for the next Postcard From The PNW!

Brittney 

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 

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

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

High Tide, Low Tide - Take Me Back To Nisqually

This Memorial weekend we decided to stay close to home and go on an adventure we have been wanting to cross off our bucket list. The Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.  When I say we I mean me.  Anthony has been there before when he was younger and knew Fallyn and I would love it.

The Wildlife Refuge is a large piece of land set aside to help preserve the wildlife. No pets are allowed in the Refuge so they won't disturb the animals or land.   There is a $3.00 cash fee to enter the Wildlife Refuge.  We learned the hard way.  We only had two dollars cash with no ATM in site.  A fellow Wildlife Refuge traveler let us know there is a gas station on the corner with an ATM.  We headed back to the car hoping to scrounge up a dollar worth of change. When the same guy came up behind us with a dollar.  Thank you generous traveler, your greatly appreciated.  

So we started our journey, we were able to see geese with newborn babies, seals, crabs, fish and about a dozen blue herons.  The Wildlife was fun to see but my favorite part was the scenery. The Wildlife Refuge has created multiply flat trails, great for kids. Consisting of raised boardwalks and gravel paths. Whether the tide is high and you feel like your walking on water, or low and see the waters muddy floor, you will be in awe of the boardwalk structures they have created.

Along the path you will come across two huge white barns. Prior to becoming a Wildlife Refuge it was farmland. They decided to keep these two beautiful rare gems in rememberance of the lands history. 

 

The Wildlife Refuge is definitely a must see place in the PNW

For Memorial Day I wanted to announce my next GIVEAWAY! One lucky person will win my statement piece I never take off. My Washington Necklace!!! It is perfect for the PNW enthusiast!!!

Wednesday I will be posting a photo on Instagram on how to enter!!! Be on the look out!

Instagram:  Brit_PNW

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

Brittney

Throwback Thursday: Staircase

The weather has been so beautiful the last few days!!!

I decided this weeks Throwback Thursday I will share with you a beautiful place that has a family friendly trail: Staircase Rapids Nature Loop Trail.  

Last April we decided to head to the Olympic Peninsula and spend our afternoon at Staircase. It's a little under a two hour drive from Tacoma, WA. The drive is beautiful it runs right along side Lake Cushman. The road is unpaved and closes from time to time due to weather conditions. So before you head out you can check on the National Park Service website. There is also a vehicle/walk in fee unless you have an Annual Pass. Pets aren't allowed since its in the National Forest. Gabby missed out. 

Staircase has multiply skill level trails. The Rapids Loop Trail is family friendly so we chose to go that route. The trail is 2.1 mile loop, along the trail you will find enormous trees reaching high into the sky, as well as giant fallen trees laying across the mossy forest floor. 

Plenty of beautiful view points of the Skokomish River, the water is a beautiful shade of blues and greens. One of my favorite spots is at the bridge. Made to look like a Mini Narrows Bridge, you get a clear view of the rapids below. 

Towards the end of the trail there is a viewpoint of The Great Bend in the river overlooking the bluff. The height made my stomach drop. Of course I was yelling at Fallyn not to get close to the ledge HAHA she was staying even further back than I was.  

Staircase was a fun trip for us.  I hope you get a chance to check it out!

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

Brittney 

Sisters and Brunch: I'm There

I grew up in Gig Harbor, WA a small town across the bridge from Tacoma. Growing up I never thought I would move away from the Harbor, but I did and I am beyond obsessed with the area I live in now. I moved to North Tacoma a few years ago and I never want to leave! The city has a lot to offer, full of character and history.

With that, I bring to you Around Tacoma Tuesdays. Giving you a tour of Tacoma with information on where to eat, shop, recreation and the most important where to get pampered. Along the way I'll show you some of my favorite spots as well as discover new places I haven't been to yet!!! 

Today's tour brings us to The Jewel Box Cafe in Point Ruston. Where I met up with two lovely ladies and a beautiful baby yesterday: My Sisters and Niece. Tiffany is my Sister In Law, with her is my Niece Lydia. Marie is my other Sister. She is my childhood best friend/neighbor for the majority of my life. She has held the sister role for a long time.

We met for brunch at The Jewel Box Cafe.  From the outside you could tell the inside was going to be full of charm. Inside they have sparkling chandeliers, the craftsmanship is beautiful, and they showcase their menu on decorated chalkboards. I was excited to try it.

Plenty of seating inside, with an upstairs area, they also have a smaller patio area, which is where we chose to sit.

Their menu consists of brunch like items: salads, crepes, and sandwiches. They have a pretty impressive coffee bar as well. I ordered the Gourmet Ham Crepe which consists of: 

-diced Black Forest ham, spinach, mushroom, cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, topped with a Dijon sauce

-caramel macchiato

Both were so delicious!!!!!

The Jewel Box Cafe has amazing ambiance, and tasty food, my one concern, I think it may have been an off day for the staff. Which I get, I'm human too, I have off days. So I'm hoping next time I visit, it's an overall 100% good experience.

Look out for the next Postcard From The PNW!

Brittney