Last weekend we mentioned some free things to do in Tacoma when the weather forecast is spotty, so this weekend I wanted to highlight some great events going on beyond the city limits. Pierce County is amazingly unique, I mean, not many counties can boast a stunning waterfront AND the tallest peak in Washington state. Take advantage of an early spring weekend by getting outside of the city and getting in touch with what makes Pierce County so special.
P.S. Check out our online events calendar for even more weekend inspiration!
Gig Harbor Art Walk
Start your weekend off on the waterfront. Spend your Saturday strolling through downtown Gig Harbor, admiring local art and the beautiful views. The first gallery you step into will provide you with a passport, collect stamps at each gallery you visit during the walk, and after you get 9 stamps drop your passport into a drawing for a $50 gift certificate. Extend your day in Gig Harbor by stopping by Brix 25° for delicious Northwest cuisine, grabbing a craft cocktail from Gig Harbor’s own Heritage Distilling Co., or decorating your own ceramic art at Java and Clay.
Back to the Fur Trade
Pierce County has strong historical ties to the fur trade, with DuPont and Steilacoom being some of the first fur trading posts in the South Puget Sound. Step back in time on Saturday and discover the characters involved in the Pacific Northwest fur trade at DuPont's Historical Museum. Dressed as a Hudson’s Bay Company laborer, Karen Haas sings songs and tells tales from a time that brought great change to the land now known as Pierce County. Extend the trip by stopping in Steilacoom afterwards, the town hailed as Washington's first city. But it's not all about DuPont and Steilacoom, rich historical information can be found throughout the county, including several living history encampments.
Rodarama
Pierce County does many things well, but the twin cities of Puyallup and Sumner are killing it in the classic Americana department. Downtown antique stores, festivals devoted to pies and springtime daffodils, and of course, classic cars. This weekend the Puyallup Fairgrounds is hosting Rodarama, where you can get your fix of automobiles. Featuring over 200 custom hot rods, imports, trucks and motorcycles, this is a must do event for revheads. Fans of classic roadsters will also enjoy rounding out the day (or weekend!) by swinging into the LeMay Family Collection at Marymount, where eclectic and historical vehicles are on full display.
Wild Week of Play
Kicking off spring break, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park will host the Wild Week of Play. Featuring trailside encounters, where kids can get up close and personal with Pacific Northwest animals. Spring time means baby animals at the park Keep your eyes peeled during the Discovery Tram Tour to see if you can spot moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, bison, and possibly some of their babies. Northwest Trek also recently opened Kids’ Trek – a nature inspired play area for kids ranging from toddler to tween. Construct a fort or play in a log cabin, and go crazy on the ladder nets! On your way to or from the park, check out some of the other amazing small communities nestled in the foothills of Mt. Rainier.
