The end of summer is officially upon us. The signs are all there: the sweater you grab before leaving the house, that suddenly pervasive squash flavoring in everything we consume, and a lovely golden quality to the daylight. But do not despair! Just as the leaves change, so too do our plans. This is no time for hibernation, friend.
This blog post will help you make the most of summer in Pierce County, and then help you transition into the fall equivalent. You’re going to love both. Consider this your summer bucket list and inspiration for your fall planning. Quick, get dressed in some layers and let’s get started!
FARMERS MARKETS
Summer Bucket List:
Visit farmers markets before they close for the season! Though many Pierce County farmers markets close in August, you can still catch these two going strong into fall:
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The Broadway Market last day: Sept. 25
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Puyallup Farmers Market last day: Oct. 11
Fall Planning:
While summer produce is fantastic, the fall harvest in the Pacific Northwest is legendary. We’re talking crisp apples and juicy pears, a rainbow of squashes and pumpkins, and…tarot decks? The Proctor Farmers Market runs year-round in Tacoma, and the Haunted Farmers Market appears every Sunday in October to bring you spooky art, taxidermy, crystals, tarot card readings, and much more.
HIT THE FAIRGROUNDS
Summer Bucket List:
The last day of the Washington State Fair is this Sunday, September 21. What better opportunity to stomp in the late summer sunshine, merrily eating a corn dog (and later questioning that corn dog as you strap your body into the Tower of Terror)?
Fall Planning:
Same location, vastly different vibes: October 24-26 is Horror Con at the Washington State Fairgrounds. Hosted by the seemingly unaging Elvira, Horror Con has artists, vendors, iconic actors, panels, and so much more. Start planning your costume!
OUTDOORS
Summer Bucket List:
Everyone knows you can hike year-round in the Pacific Northwest, but certain hikes really shine in the summertime. Waterfall hikes like Little Mashel Falls (easy) and Comet Falls (moderate) and hikes near the waterfront like Owen Beach loop at Point Defiance Park and Chambers Bay (both easy) are extra stunning this time of year.
Fall Planning:
When fall arrives, it’s all about the colors. Check out the Fall Foliage Guide to Pierce County to find the autumnal views of your sweater-wearing, chai-clutching dreams.
MT. RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
Summer Bucket List:
Summer at Mt. Rainier isn’t just about experiences, it’s also about access. As soon as October, snowfall can complicate or remove access to hiking trails, passes, hotels, and entire towns. Head to mountain towns like Wilkeson and visit Sunrise Corridor. Sunrise Corridor closes early- to mid-October most years, so get out there soon!
Fall Planning:
We wrote an entire blog post about Autumn at Mt. Rainier, but in a nutshell: stunning colors, encounters with wildlife, and less busy trails.
SWEETS AND SEASONAL TREATS
Summer Bucket List:
Tacoma may well become known for our strong ice cream game. Local shops Ice Cream Social and Bliss Small Batch Creamery are iconic to say the least, and definitely worth the stop on one of those stunningly sunny late summer / early fall days. If you’re working up a sweat underneath your cardigan, pay Curran Coffee a visit and order an iced Maple Leaf latte or an iced Pistachio Chai. Should you find yourself in Sumner, do yourself a favor and head to the Main Street Dairy Freeze where they’ll whip up a milkshake in just about any flavor imaginable, all of them glorious and creamy-thick.
Fall Planning:
Once the chill officially sets in, say it with us: CARBS AND COFFEE. For the former, we love the gooey cinnamon rolls at Corina Bakery in Tacoma and the apple pie kouign-amann at Susanne’s in Gig Harbor. If you’re looking for something by the slice, Puyallup’s Cat and Rabbitt Cake Shop has classics like Carrot or Chocolate cake, as well as cult favorite Honey Sweet Corn. Sweet not really your thing? They’ll fix you up nice at Howdy Bagel with a sandwich (hot or cold) or a classic toasted bagel with schmear. As for a steaming hot cup of coffee, the Pacific Northwest is an embarrassment of riches, but we suggest Valhalla, Cosmonaut, Bluebeard, Kimball Coffeehouse, Fika, and Electric Coffee House, for starters!
What's on your summer bucket list? Let us know by tagging us at @visittacomapiercecounty!
