MOUNTAIN, CITY, SEA Tacoma and Pierce County fit the bill
By Marguerite Cleveland Photos Courtesy of Travel Tacoma
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ave you ever been challenged while planning a vacation? Some in the group want outdoor fun while others want the cultural experiences only found in a city. Tacoma and Pierce County is a destination sure to appeal to everyone in your group. It’s only 42 miles from a saltwater shoreline to the peak of a glacial volcano with an art-focused downtown in between. Discover exhilarating outdoor activities at Mount Rainier National Park. Learn about art glass in Downtown Tacoma and see why the art form really shows off the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Then throw in a bonus by visiting Gig Harbor, the Maritime City, because who doesn’t love time spent by or on the water. Plan to stay a night in each area for a short getaway or add a few more days to explore in depth for a longer vacation. Mountain Every now and then you stumble upon a unique lodging that is incredibly special. The Paradise Village Lodge is just such a place. Lovingly renovated to look like a Ukrainian village, owner Anatoliy Zaika has created a cozy inn with comfortable touches from the old country. He and his family run the lodging, restaurant and coffee shop in the town of Ashford, the gateway to Mt. Rainier. Make sure to try the galushki, Ukrainian gnocchi which is a rich and hearty dish. What really brings people to stay here is the Instagram-worthy Cannibal Hot Tub. A giant cauldron is heated over a wood fire to create the most unusual soak you will ever have. To get the most out of your time at Mt. Rainier, book a Discover Nature Tour with Diann Sheldon. She has degrees in ecology and evolutionary biology and is truly knowledgeable about the flora and fauna in the park. With many years of experience exploring Mt. Rainier, she knows the ins and outs of the crowds and how to plan a day which will have you experiencing the best the park has to offer. Before each tour she speaks with you to plan a day based on your interests. A tour is only as good as the guide, and Sheldon is engaging and never boring. In July, wildflowers will start peeking out in lower elevations and will peak at higher elevations in August. Well worth seeing. After a day in the park, stop at the Wildberry Restaurant. You can’t miss it with Buddhist prayer flags adorning the building and courtyard.
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