I've been spending a lot of time in Old Town since Windermere Abode opened up back in December. Along with being excited to be part of this new office, I've been soaking in the Old Town atmosphere. Cool old houses, coffee spots, history, community, Puget Sound views, and lots of space to stretch the legs. Here's what I love about Old Town Tacoma:
1. The View from Old Town Dock
Looking south from the Old Town Dock past Jack Hyde Park to the Port of Tacoma.
Looking up at Old Town from the dock. Northern Fish Co on the left and The Spar on the right.
Just driving to work here everyday is a pleasure. If you haven't been over to this part of our city for a while, take half an hour, come over and soak it in. Even if you don't have time to walk Ruston Way or eat at the cafes, just go out on the Old Town Dock and look around for a few minutes. It's good for you! And you never know what you'll find. In January we came across a big group of shirtless guys cheering, hopping up and down to get warm, and actually jumping into Commencement Bay (I mentioned it was January right?). More likely, you'll hear some gulls, see a sailboat or container ship going by, and find some peace and quiet.
2. The Local Businesses
Sidewalk seating outside The Spar, a major Tacoma favorite, with Windermere Abode in the background.
Montamara Kitchen: a warm, cozy place with delicious, made-from-scratch food.
Old Town has its own community of small businesses from Northern Fish Co (hanging out over the water right at the foot of the Old Town Dock, talk about a view!) to Old Town Bicycle to Throwing Mud Gallery. If you don't see me in the office on Monday, I might be over at The Spar (Tacoma's oldest saloon) for their all day happy hour snacking on some tacos! The front cafe area is a cozy spot for coffee and a pastry, or a table in the back will give you views across the tracks to the beach.
Montamara Kitchen is our next-door neighbor, so delicious brunch is sometimes on the menu for me. It's also a nice spot to sit and have coffee.
Coffee is a theme down here. Aside from The Spar and Montamara, you can stop in at Anthem who just moved into town, or at the Old Town Starbucks. It's pretty ideal having this many choices in one little neighborhood.
3. The Beach and Parks
Bird tracks and shells on the shore of Commencement Bay.
I grew up in Port Orchard and Gig Harbor, and I've lived in Tacoma since about 2004, but I'll never get tired of being near the beach. There's a sweet curve of sandy beach tucked between the Old Town Dock and Jack Hyde Park. It's a straight shot down from the office, and I'm pretty sure Gretchen goes there almost every time she visits. It's different everyday depending on what's washed up and who's sailing by.
For parks we have Jack Hyde park overlooking the beach and the dock, and the beautiful Chinese Reconciliation Park just a bit further south. If you're back up in town warming up with some coffee at Anthem, then you're looking right out at Old Town Park (complete with a little playground, so bring the kids over here to play) and the Job Carr Cabin Museum. Green space, history, and open water all meet in this neighborhood between the train tracks and the hillside.
Jack Hyde Park, green and blooming even in winter.
View to Jack Hyde Park from the Ruston Way walking/jogging/biking path.
4. The Windermere Abode Office and Crew
This is us!
Out on our weekly office walk in Old Town with some of my Abode pals. Image from Windermere Abode.
I know I've said it, but I'll say it again; I'm glad to be working at the Abode office and I'm loving this small crew of fun and generous realtors. It's great to see the office itself developing as the sign goes up outside, and the front bar gets set in the front windows as another work space. We have Tuesday meetings, Wednesday classes, and Friday morning walks as a team, and in between all of that we're all working hard, supporting each other, and sharing this great space. Come check us out next time you're in Old Town! Or give me a wave through the window someday on your way to the beach.
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