In June, Puyallup strawberries are the jewels of the farmers markets. In July, picture this berry flat full of local raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and marionberries!
Tacoma High 5 is our way to nudge you toward what we love about Tacoma, toward 5 things that bring balance to our life in the city. It’s about embracing the season, choosing to participate in this place we call home, and it’s about small things that make one day distinct from another so that it becomes part of the story of summer, so that it becomes the kind of time about which you say next month, or next year, “Hey, remember when we…”. And it’s nothing huge like, “Remember when we took that 2 week road trip to Yosemite and back?” or “Remember when we won the lottery?” Nope. It’s those small remember-whens, the remember-whens you have about an afternoon when you just stepped outside your door and let the day happen. Also, there doesn’t have to be any “we” about it. You can go solo and still have a grand time.
You’ll find something to connect you to the saltwater, a big community event, a delicious treat from a small, local business, a little outdoor bustle and freshness, and a way you can give—big or small—to support and nurture neighbors. Maybe we’ll see you out there!
Image from Tacoma Pride Festival
1. Tacoma Pride Festival
No, you didn’t miss it. Tacoma’s Pride Festival is always in July. We do things a little differently around here, and why not? This year’s Pride Parade is virtual, so don’t go downtown on the 10th wonder why the heck you’re all by yourself. You will want to check-in on Points of Pride on the 10th - Points of Pride are businesses and organizations all over Tacoma offering special promotions or activities, so you can support a small business and show your pride all at once. If you’re hoping to get in on some in-person gatherings, take a look at the wide variety of events like a Pride Party at TAM, Pride Celebration at the Zoo, The Mix Pride Festivities, Movie in the Park, or the Vaccinated with Pride event that includes a free meal. The list of events goes on all throughout July so there are lots of opportunities to find your speed.
Image from Melon Seed Deli
2. Froyo at the Melon Seed Deli
Now, the Melon Seed is no secret. It’s a well-loved spot, a favorite to many for good reason. But, it is possible to be part of Tacoma for years without taking notice. If you haven’t dropped in for their fantastic “Spiked” Tuna Salad (or sliders), we recommend you change your tune/tuna. I mean, it’s okay if you haven’t been there yet, but don’t let that be the truth too much longer. Tuna is a bit of digression from our Tacoma High 5 list though. This month it’s all about froyo. Go in and order the size of choice, add some colorful toppings, and let the sweet coolness soak into your bones. It’s been hot out—get refreshed. If you’re really in for it, order the Yo’Nana Split! The thing is, this place also offers chili cheese dogs, so you just can’t not go.
3. Get thee to a beach
You don't have to be rich, belong to a club, own waterfront, have a friend who owns waterfront, take a vacation, or pay any money at all to spend time at the beach if you live in Tacoma. Here's what you need to do: get on the bus, your bike, your feet, or into the car and go to the public beach of your choice.
Michael and Dandie having a run-around at Titlow Beach with the Narrows Bridges beyond.
Beaches Close to Home:
For a long rocky beach with Narrows Bridge Views, and the train tracks for company head to Titlow on the West Side. For a series of mini beaches along a paved pathway with lots of restaurants close by, you'll want to meander Ruston Way where you'll find a sandy beach at Jack Hyde Park, as well as a nice little stretch of shore at Dickman Mill Park. Usually we’d be listing Owen Beach in Point Defiance Park, but the parks department is doing some major work there to stabilize and improve infrastructure. You’ll definitely want to visit Owen Beach when it reopens. If you cross the bridge to the Gig Harbor side, you’ll find Narrows Park, with 1,315 feet of waterfront. It looks back across The Narrows at Titlow, is a little more out-of-the-way, has some sand, and is a nice spot to take kids; just don’t forget the bridge toll when you return.
Fetch on the sandy beach at Fort Worden. One of our favorite places!
Beaches Farther Afield:
Take a look at this map of State Parks in the Seattle/Tacoma region. In Tacoma we live on the shores of the Salish Sea, so waterfront parks with beaches and trails abound. Camp, picnic, take a trail, take a kayak, take the day.
Tip: Buy a Discover Pass for the year. It's only $35 annually (otherwise $11.50 per day). These are required for vehicle access to our Washington State Parks.
Here's our short list of some beloved parks in our area with their distance from Tacoma noted to help you plan:
Dash Point - 20 minutes, 12 miles, Federal Way
Saltwater - 24 minutes, 18 miles, Des Moines
Kopachuck - 30 minutes, 18 miles, Gig Harbor
Penrose Point - 45 minutes, 32 miles, Key Peninsula
Joemma Beach - 45 minutes, 34 miles, Key Peninsula
Dosewallips - 1.5 hours, 85 miles, Brinnon
Fort Worden - 1.5 hours, 80 miles, Port Townsend
Go to the beach! Get salty. Bring a reusable water bottle. Pack a snack and pack out your trash.
4. Local Love - Outdoor Markets
You all know it's farmers market season, and beyond knowing it, I hope you're getting out to see what's growing, to smell the flowers, stock up on fresh eggs, choose some seafood for supper, take in the glow of local honey gleaming in glass jars, and get in on the baked goods, smoothies, wood-fired pizzas, and general delight created by people selling directly to people with dogs, strollers, weather, and live music all in the mix. But it's not only farmers market season; you can also find a weekly vintage/artisan/antique/collectible/produce/food/music market every Sunday in Lincoln! Take a look at our list, and don't let yourself believe you're too busy for this. Life is made more lively by enjoyment of community. Go bump into someone.
Get farmers market flowers for a party you’re hosting, or buy flowers so you can have a party. Either way, it works.
Tuesdays: Eastside Farmers Market
3 - 7 pm
June - August
35th & McKinley (just down the street from the Top of Tacoma!)
Wednesdays: Steilacoom Farmers Market
3 - 7 pm
June 16th - August 25th
1700 Lafayette St, Steilacoom
Thursdays: Broadway Farmers Market
10 am - 3 pm, May - August
10 am - 2 pm, September - October
9th & Broadway
Saturdays: Proctor Farmers' Market
9 am - 2 pm
March 27 - December 18
(extends into the “off-season” with markets on 2nd Saturdays)
N 27th & Proctor (west side of Proctor St)
Image from Tacoma Sunday Market
Sundays: Point Ruston Farmers Market
10 am – 3 pm
June – September
5105 Ruston Way
Tacoma Sunday Market
10 am - 3 pm
3700 S Park Ave
5. YWCA & Tacoma Rescue Mission
Live a little and give a little! To get the full Tacoma High 5, to really seal it and feel the balance, see if you can find a time this month to give love in the form of food, water, or hygiene supplies to Tacoma neighbors at the YWCA or the Tacoma Rescue Mission. Here’s some guidance on making that happen:
YWCA Donations Request
Drop off donations at the YWCA’s 405 Broadway building, or order from their Amazon list if you have trouble getting out.
images from YWCA Pierce County
Tacoma Rescue Mission - Neighbors in Need
Fridays at 4:30 pm
Windermere Abode
2200 N 30th St, Tacoma
Meet for a drop-off in Old Town in the parking lot behind Windermere Abode. Bring your wrapped sandwiches, packaged snacks, bottled water, fresh fruit, or other supplies (see the list below). A member of our Abode community will deliver directly to the Tacoma Rescue Mission. Thanks for all your help!
Image from Windermere Abode
What helps?
fleece & wool blankets
sandwiches, fruit, wrapped snacks
bottled water
toothbrush & toothpaste
alcohol free mouth wash
deodorant
razors & shave gel/cream
body wash (no bars of soap please)
lotion
wet wipes
We’ll be back with a new Tacoma High 5 list for August, and maybe we’ll even be able to share our July experiences. I don’t know if we’ll get 5 out of 5, but I hope we do. Along with encouraging our community to do some of what we love, this is really good motivation for us to do it too. Maybe we’ll see you at the beach!
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