Central Washington State Fair

The Washington State Fair, known as the Puyallup Fair to the locals, is the largest attraction held annually in Washington. It is also consistently ranked in the top ten for fairs in the United States, making it an excellent choice to visit if you’re in the area.

The Washington State Fair started back in the 1900’s when the Puyallup Valley community decided to join and create the “Valley Fair.” It was created in hopes of advancing the interest of agricultural, horticultural, dairying, stock raising, and mining industries of Puyallup.

The first dates of the first Valley Fair ran from October 4-6, 1900, and the fairground was located just west of where Pioneer Park is now located. Admission to the fair was $1 per family for all three days, equivalent to approximately $30 today. The first Valley Fair was such a hit that the second Valley Fair was extended one day longer than the first one and was situated on a larger 10-acre lot.

Here are some key historical events and interesting facts about the Washington State Fair that you may not have known:

• Parking lots were established in 1902 with the invention of the automobile.  People were travelling from all over to come to the Fair. Parking a buggy or automobile cost 25 cents.
• Tacoma merchants offered their support to the Fair by closing their stores on Tacoma Day and the Puyallup Merchants Association also lent their support by closing their stores in the afternoons.
• In 1913, the “Valley Fair” was re-named The Western Washington Fair Association.
• After the war, the Fair became even more prosperous. By 1919, the Fair’s attendance was up to 75,000 people, and the Fair was held on 30 acres.
• In the ’20s, the main attractions for the seven-day show included: chariot racing, daredevil horse riding, 15 acres of exhibits, new horse stables, and racing horses.
• In 1922, attendance was at a record high of 130,000.
• Entertainment varied during this time. Native Americans who lived in tepees for the duration of the fair (as they also did in 1917) offered ponies for racing, presented war dances, and held parades.
• Many food concessions began in the ’20s.
• Earl Douglas brought in the first carousel in 1923 on a horse-drawn wagon base, steam powered and featuring a Wurlitzer band organ.
• By the mid-30’s, the rides were much more advanced than the carnivals in the past.
• Another key feature at the Fair in the ’30s was the Dance Hall which is now located on Grand Ave. and Premium Blvd.
• Attendance by the late ’30s was close to 400,000.
• Even though the Puyallup Fair survived the first World War, the Fair directors had no choice but to close the Fair during World War II.
• Shortly after the 1941 Fair, the federal government took over the Fairgrounds.
• During the month of May in 1943 the Fairgrounds became a relocation center for Japanese-Americans. The fairgrounds became the Puyallup Assembly Center, a temporary shelter for 7,390 Japanese-Americans.
• The first postwar Fair took place in September of 1946. People were eager to get out and enjoy themselves again in the family atmosphere that the Fair provided. As a result, the Fair set the record for a single day’s attendance at 100,000 people in 1946.
• The roller coaster ride was thirty-five cents.
• Because of the war recession, the Fair didn’t celebrate its 50th anniversary until 1953.
• A bigger Ferris wheel was added in 1955 standing 55′.
• Early Sunday morning on June 14, 1970, the Fair had its one and only fire. Many restaurants, the grandstand, part of the roller coaster, the Art and Floral Buildings, and some concessions were destroyed or damaged. The loss was estimated at $1.25 million and only $803,000 was covered by insurance.
• Horse racing at the Fair ended with the 1977 Fair.
• In 1978, the Fair was expanded from a 10-day fair to a 17-day fair. At this time, the Fair was occupying 46 acres.
• In attendance, the numbers fluctuated between 1.1 and 1.2 million until 1989 where it jumped to 1.3 million.
• The Fair grew into 125 acres of successful land.
• As a result of the attendance peak in 1991 (1,414,487), the Fair was the sixth largest fair in the United States.
• For the 1992 Fair, a $13+ million dollar Fairgrounds renovation project was completed in the south end of the facilities.
• In 1991, the Puyallup Fair was the first major fair in the United States to feature bungee jumping. 2,055 Fairgoers jumped from the crane at the Fair.
• Music great, Frank Sinatra was the opening day headliner on the 1993 grandstand stage. He sang to a sold-out crowd.
• The rides have become even more sophisticated. In 1999 the Extreme Scream thrill ride, a 20-story attraction was added.
• The decade finished with an attendance of 1,238,029, making it the fifth highest attended fair in the country.
• The Fair covers 160 acres.
• The Puyallup Fair celebrated it’s the 100th anniversary of its start, Sept 8-24. Over 1.3 million guests made the Fair a tradition during the centennial celebration.
• The new century marked the perfect time to celebrate 100 years since the Puyallup Fair first started. It was a celebration of the century, with 1,312,332 guests, our eighth highest attendance.

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Visiting Washington

Today, the fair attracts more than a million patrons yearly and continues to bring in new attractions and fair events. If you’ve been thinking of visiting the great state of Washington, consider coming to one of the best fairs in the country! Contact me for more information on the Washington State Fair or the area in general. I would love to help answer any questions you may have.

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Puyallup Real Estate

Puyallup is a charming city located in Pierce County, Washington about ten miles southeast of Tacoma and 35 miles south of Seattle. Named after the Puyallup Tribe of Native Americans, the name Puyallup means “the generous people”, and the area holds true to the meaning. If you’ve been searching for an area rich in culture and the arts, let me show you some other great reasons why you should buy in Puyallup today.

With a population around 39,000, the 14.04 square miles that makes up Puyallup is beautiful and unlike any other. Surrounded by views of Mount Rainier, the city’s oceanic climate rarely reaches above 100° and occasionally sees summer thunderstorms. The summer months are the warmest in July and August and by October, the temperatures decrease and the area begins to see more rainfall.

Popular area attractions and events include:

• Meeker Mansion – As one of Puyallup’s most historic landmarks, the Meeker Mansion is a wonderful place to visit. Owned by Ezra and Eliza Meeker, this beautifully designed home is full of intricate details and built and designed by the Meekers themselves. Today, the Meeker Mansion is run by the Puyallup Historical Society and is owned and operated to restore the preserve the history of the surrounding areas including the home itself. There are several guided and self-guided tours along with special events that happen at the home.
• Washington State Fair – The Washington State Fair is one of the largest fairs in the United States that attracts over one million people each year. Many of the local businesses plan the entire year for this event that runs seventeen days in September and four days in April. Make sure you check out this great event.
• Daffodil Festival Parade – Every year in Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner, and Orting, the annual four-part Daffodil Parade brings the cities together in this float filled celebration. Many of the local schools and their marching bands, along with car clubs and other businesses take part in the yearly march. The floats are covered in daffodils or designed with the daffodil in mind. It’s a favorite amongst the residents.
• Antique District – It’s no surprise that the history and culture of Puyallup bring its myriad amounts of antique stores. The downtown shopping area still contains an old-fashioned charm that you can’t find in big cities.
• Paul H. Karshner Memorial Museum – Owned and operated by a school district, the Karshner Museum is the only K-12 teaching museum that provides education and curriculum-based program for the Puyallup school district. Each year, thousands of students experience the history, art and culture in their very own classroom.
• Arts Downtown Outdoor Gallery – If you’re an art lover, Puyallup is really the place for you. From glassblowing to outdoor public pieces, the area is home to many different art forms to spark your interest in the arts. The Arts Downtown Outdoor Gallery features over 32 permanent pieces with more being regularly added . It’s a true walk of the arts when you visit this wonderful area.
• Farmer’s Market – The local Farmer’s Market takes place every Saturday and Sunday from May to late October. Local farmers, growers, and craftsmen come together and sell the area’s best and freshest goods.

Besides the area’s attractions and local events, Puyallup is also known for their eateries. Take a look at the Top 10 restaurants in Pierce County. You don’t want to miss out on these great places, especially if you’re a foodie.
Buying Real Estate in Puyallup

Real estate in Puyallup ranges in type, size and price, giving you plenty of options when you’re ready to purchase your Pierce County home. With a median sales price of $248,001, Puyallup real estate is affordable while having conveniences of larger cities, such as having an excellent school system. Many of the schools in the Puyallup school district are favored by parents and come highly recommended. This is the perfect area to live and raise a family.

Currently, there are 574 resale and new construction homes on the market priced and ready to sell and if you’re looking for investment opportunities; there are approximately 441 homes in the pre-foreclosure or foreclosure. Whatever you’re looking for, I will be able to find the home that meets your requirements in size, location, price, and amenities.

If you’re ready to find your next Puyallup home, pick up the phone and contact me today. I can go over with you the different types of mortgages available and the current rates with the local lenders in our area. Once you’re pre-approved, we can get started on finding the perfect home for you and your family.

Connect today to learn more!

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Meeker Mansion

If you’re looking a piece of history rich in both culture and design, look no further than Puyallup’s Meeker Mansion. Whether you’re looking for a way to explore Puyallup’s history or have visitors in town and want to show off our community, the Meeker Mansion is a great place to visit. Let’s take a look at the beginnings of this Washington landmark and explore the intricate details of this beautifully designed home.

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The Original Owners

Born near Huntsville, Ohio, Ezra Meeker played an integral role in the expansion and development of the far Pacific. Known more notably for his involvement in Congress and in the making of the Old Oregon Trail, Ezra lived close to a century accomplishing more than most could ever dream of.

In 1851, Ezra married Eliza Sumner and together with their son, Marion, they began their journey through the westward trek to Portland, Oregon, more famously known to many as the Oregon Trail. After five exhausting months, their family settled in Kalama and eventually settled in what’s now known as Puyallup. Once the Meeker family began calling Puyallup their forever home, Ezra became one of the richest and most influential men in Washington. In fact, he became famous across the nation and even the world.

As the first mayor in Puyallup, Ezra spent the next thirty years working as a merchant, a bank president, and also promoting the Northwest, and these were key factors in his success.  Ezra also produced a promotional pamphlet and spent a lot of time traveling to the east coast to encourage new immigrants to migrate to the new territory.

After a failed attempt in the hop industry, Meeker then began helping miners by supplying vegetables in the Yukon and Klondike fields. Recognized as an early pioneer, Ezra valued the importance of preserving the history of the western movement and the Oregon Trail. Mr. Meeker spent many years dedicating his life to this.

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The Meeker Mansion

Though a lot of the history of the Meeker family was based on the successes of Ezra Meeker, the Meeker Mansion was Eliza’s passion. Built with her own personal money and push, Eliza’s role in the design and look of the mansion is what gives it the charm and memories.

Enriched with columned porches, balconies, decorative trim and eave brackets, the Meeker Mansion has exquisite features that make this property a true piece of the history of Puyallup. Along with a bay window as the focal point on one side, the mansions double parlor extends 24 by 14 feet.

The interior of the mansion is just as splendid as the exterior if not more. The gold tile surrounds the carved details of the home’s fireplace, a major focal point of the double parlor. As you enter the reception parlor, the ash wood stair hall extends from the carriage entrance to the entrance doors. The feature of the sheltered seat sits beneath the stairs’ unique balusters design.

For guests and visitors, the mansion offers a port-cochère that is both convenient and a welcoming touch. This protective covering sits on the site entrance to welcome friends and loved ones into a stained-glass window filled room. After guests arrive they were greeted in the front parlor that served as the reception area complete with an ornate wood fireplace.

As you travel to the second floor, you can find the same luxuries as the first floor. The upstairs parlor faces the east to really capture the light of the morning sun, and the second-floor billiard room, currently under restoration, is filled with charms yet discovered.

The dining room of Meeker Mansion is furnished in beautiful oak with the ceiling painting colors reflecting the designs of the tiled fireplace details. To capture more of the building’s history, the light fixture in the dining room is a reproduction electrolier that would have been dual gas and electric during its era.

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The Mansion Today

Today, the Meeker Mansion is one of the town’s most significant and historic places and is run by The Puyallup Historical Society at Meeker Mansion, a private 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation. The main goal of the Puyallup Historical Society at Meeker Mansion is to operate and restore and preserve the history of the home and surrounding grounds. The Puyallup Historical Society at Meeker Mansion offers:

• Guided and self-guided tours
• Family days
• Special events
• Weddings
• Private events
• Teas

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Living in Puyallup

The rich history of Puyallup is one of the great reasons to live here. If you or a loved one is interested in living in Puyallup, contact me for more information. I would love to show you what this area has to offer, such as the Tacoma Country and Golf Club and find you the perfect home that fits your style, specifications and price range. If you’re selling in Puyallup, let me show you how to stage your home to sell and find you that perfect buyer.

Continue browsing my site for more information or just pick up the phone and contact me today. I look forward to hearing from you and to welcoming you home to Puyallup. Let’s get started today.

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Traveling in Tacoma

The city of Tacoma, Washington is unlike any other! Located in Pierce County, Tacoma is a mid-sized urban port city and is located approximately 32 miles southwest of Seattle. As the third-largest city in the state, Tacoma is home to a population over 198,000. The area has become known for being the center of business activity  for the South Sound region.

If you’re thinking of visiting this great city, take a look at these must see spots!

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Art Lovers

Tacoma’s art scene is truly amazing! Having been described as one of the hotspots for artist, Tacoma has it all – painting, sculpture, theater and of course glass blowing. The streets are filled with a vibrant urban core and creativity is all around. Get lost in the museum district and historic bounties!

• Chihuly Bridge of Glass: this 500-foot-long pedestrian overpass serves as a link between the Museum to downtown Tacoma. Marking the center of the bridge, you will find the Crystal Towers. These large crystals act as beacons of light for both the bridge and the city, which rise forty feet above the bridge deck.
• Museum of Glass: the Chihuly Bridge of Glass leads you to the museum where you’ll find a large variety of exhibitions, collections and also live glass making! It’s the center for lovers to appreciate the medium of glass as artist express it through their creative experiences. If you’ve never experienced live glassmaking, you will be truly impressed!
• Broadway Center for the Performing Arts: when it comes to top quality and diverse performances, you can count on the Broadway Center for the Performing Arts! This non-profit center is recognized for its leadership in presenting world-class performance artist and also by providing one of the largest performing arts education programs in Washington. With over 51,000 students and teachers, the Broadway Center continues to be a key player in ensuring Downtown Tacoma’s revitalization! Take a look at their upcoming events!

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Nature Lovers

If you love nature in its purist form, you’ll love what Tacoma has to offer! From nature tours to parks to zoos, there’s a little something for everyone! Located along the saltwater banks of Puget Sound, Tacoma is home to some of mother nature’s most beautiful creations!

• Destiny Harbor Tours: take one of their scheduled tours or charter a private tour for your family and friends! Leaving from the Port of Tacoma or from Gig Harbor, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to see the city from a unique perspective. Each tour ranges in departure time and length, so be sure to contact them for information!
• Point Defiance Park: Point Defiance Park is definitely a Tacoma gem! Stretched over 702 acres, the park is home to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, the only combined zoo and aquarium in the Northwest. An interesting touch to Point Defiance Park is a chance to experience  life set in the Washington Territory during the 1850’s. Along with the zoo and aquarium, patrons can enjoy hikes, formal gardens, a marina and saltwater beaches. What a day!
• Tacoma Farmers Market: this giant marketplace is located downtown and brings the highest quality of local produce available in the area! Imagine the best growers, food producers and artisans all in one place. This means having access to the top farmers, fishermen, bakers and cheesemakers! The sense of community and healthy living is absolutely amazing! You’ll love everything about the farmers market!

Other notable attractions:

• Children’s Museum of Tacoma
• Deep Forest Challenge
• Emerald Queen Casino
• Lakewold Gardens
• Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
• Port of Tacoma
• The Grand Cinema
• Brown’s Point Lighthouse and Cottage

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Visiting Pierce County

There are so many things to see when you’re in Tacoma and I hope you’ll take advantage of what the city has to offer through art, culture, nature and even by visiting one of the many locally-owned restaurants or shops! Indoors or out, you’ll find yourself falling in love with Tacoma!

If you’re new to the area and considering a move, take a look at the Pierce County local market updates. As you prepare for the purchase of your Pierce County home, take a look at the possible things that can go wrong with a real estate sale so that you’re better prepared. Of course, having the right real estate agent can help minimize problems and keep your transaction moving forward!

Feel free to continue searching my site for more information on Pierce County and the surrounding areas and don’t hesitate to contact me with any specific questions! As an experienced agent in real estate for over 25 years, I will be able to provide you with exceptional service and extensive knowledge of the local market! Make contact with me today!

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Pierce County

Pierce County is one of the most beautiful places to live in Washington. Surrounded by saltwater shores and towering mountain peaks, Pierce County is a place full of culture, nightlife and fun!

With a population over 795,000, Pierce county is the second most populous county in the state behind King County and named for U.S. President Franklin Pierce. Visitors and residents place Pierce county as part of Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue. Most notably known for being the home to Mount Rainier Volcano, the tallest mountain in the Cascade Range, Pierce County has a total area of about 1,806 square miles.

With its thriving arts and culture community, diverse landscape and wealth of recreational activities, its no wonder people flock to the area and decide to call Pierce County their home. Residents and visitors enjoy various shows and performances, taking part in one of the many sports or outdoor activities, or spending the day at one of the must see attractions. Whatever you enjoy, I’m sure Pierce County has something for you!

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Take a look at some notable places for the art lover:

• Broadway Center for the Performing Arts
• Grand Cinema
• Lakewood Playhouse
• Museum of Glass
• Northwest Sinfonietta
• Speakeasy Arts Cooperative
• Tacoma Art Museum
• Tacoma Little Theater
• Tacoma Concert Band
• Tacoma Musical Playhouse
• Washington State History Museum

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Natural and geographic features to note:

• Anderson Island
• Carbon River
• Cascade Range
• Case Inlet
• Commencement Bay
• Fox Island
• Herron Island
• Ketron Island
• Key Peninsula

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Pierce County Home Prices

Pierce County home prices range from low to high depending on size, location and condition of the property, but truly has homes for sale in every price range. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious mountain retreat, cozy condos or townhomes, or maybe a wooded piece of raw land to build, it’s available here in Pierce County.

The median price of homes listed in Pierce County is approximately $289,000 and the median price of homes sold in Pierce County is approximately $240,000. According to Redfin, that’s an 8.1percent increase from last year’s median sold price and 15.8 percent increase from last year’s median list price!

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What to Expect This Year

Whether you’re looking to buy or sell this year, the market is looking promising on both sides! Northwest Multiple Listing Service, prices in Pierce County increased nearly 10 percent over the past year and in comparison to 6.4 percent in King County and 6.68 percent in Thruston. The prices in Pierce County are not just indicators of the housing market, but also the local economy! This means new jobs are being created and big box stores are opening in the area.

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Pierce County Real Estate

The market in Pierce County is growing so quickly, and a reason for this is that Pierce County home prices are still very affordable compared to neighboring county prices at $400,000 in King County.

Once you’ve taken a look at what this great county has to offer, I’m sure you will consider buying. Also, with the Pierce County home prices being so affordable, it’s a great time to purchase and call Pierce County your home!

With access to great schools, including 16 public schools, 4 private schools, and 6 higher education establishments, a vast selection of recreational activities, such as hiking and skiing and the lively cultural scene full of arts and entertainment, people find Pierce County to be a great place to live and raise a family.

Give me a call today and let me show you the spectacular offerings in Pierce County in some of the best neighborhoods including Bonney Lake, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Graham, Lakewood, McKenna, Milton, Olympia, Puyallup, Roy and Tacoma to name a few.

If you’re considering purchasing or selling a home in Pierce County, please consider using me as your agent. I have the education and experience to deliver and come highly recommended by my previous and current clients. By offering a full range of services, I’m able to help you with effective marketing strategies by integrating the latest technology. Call me today!

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Romantic Getaway

Depending on what kind of adventurer you and your significant other are, there are plenty of things to do as demonstrated by our list of Pierce County Romantic Weekend Getaways. Strolls along one of the area’s local beaches, taking in what nature has to offer on one of the many trails available, or just getting together for a romantic evening over dinner at one of the local hot spots, are just a few of the options available when you’re wanting a romantic evening together.

If you are looking for a weekend away, start with a hotel or bed & breakfast.

Pierce County offers plenty of choices when it comes to hotels. A popular choice for visitors is Hotel Murano. With its location in downtown Tacoma, the hotel is a few steps from the city’s best museums and restaurants. Hotel Murano is a Forbes four-star rated hotel and features a collection of glass art from all around the world inline with Tacoma’s American glass art movement. With high-class service and contemporary design, you’re sure to enjoy your visit!

If you’re looking for something a little cozier, consider visiting The Villa Bed & Breakfast located off North 5^th Street in historic Tacoma. The B&B is just a quick 30-minute drive from Sea-Tac International Airport. With its short distance from many of the local attractions, it’s a great place to spend your weekend while still remaining close to entertainment. The Villa Bed & Breakfast features a delicious gourmet breakfast, welcoming rooms, and numerous verandas overlooking spectacular views of the city. The property also offers a beautiful extensive garden for their guests to enjoy.

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Here’s a list of other hotels and B&Bs to consider for your weekend stay:

• Silver Cloud Inn
• Holiday Inn Express-Tacoma Downtown
• Hampton Inn & Suites
• Geiger Victorian Bed & Breakfast
• Thornewood Castle Inn and Gardens

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Where to Spend your Anniversary

After getting settled in your hotel or B&B, it’s time to explore what the city has to offer for your romantic getaway! If you’re an art buff, the Tacoma Art Museum and the Museum of Glass are great places to spend the afternoon while enjoying each other’s company before a night out on the town.

The Tacoma Art Museum opened to the public in 2003 and is located next to Union Station. As a popular spot for a cultural experience, the Tacoma Art Museum offers various exhibitions, an art classroom, art studio and a resource center. It would be easy for you and your significant other to get lost in the extensive collection together.

Perhaps you both have an interest in live glassmaking. The Museum of Glass provides a truly unique experience for those who have never seen glassmaking. As a center for the glass art movement, the Museum of Glass offers diverse education programs, a hands-on art studio and the Hot Shop. You can find the Museum of Glass by the stainless steel cone that serves as a beacon to this great site.

During the evening hours, Downtown Tacoma is home to three theaters-the Pantages, the Rialto, and the Theater on the Square. Enjoy a night filled with shows and performances from some of the biggest names in the country. You’ll experience something spectacular in one of these great theaters!

Pierce County has much to offer residents and visitors and there are many other options for your weekend getaway. Here are some additional places to consider on your visit:

• Mount Rainier: hiking, trails, nature and more
• Point Defiance Park: zoo and aquarium, botanical gardens
• Eagle Island State Park: marine park, picnics on the beach
• Tacoma Nature Center: self guided walks, animals, and a lake

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Romantic places to dine:

• Marzano’s Restaurant (Italian)
• Asado Cucina Argentina (Argentinean, Steakhouse)
• Pacific Grill (American, Seafood)
• Duke’s Chowder House (Seafood)
• Lobster Shop South (Seafood)
• El Gaucho Tacoma (Steakhouse)
• Primo Grill (Mediterranean)
• Marrow Kitchen and Bar (American, Vegetarian)

Once you visit the great area of Pierce County, I’m sure you’ll consider taking a look at Pierce County homes for sale. With my experience and dedication to providing the best service possible, I know I will be able to help you find your perfect home. Feel free to browse my property search to get an idea of what you’re looking for. Make contact with me today!

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Local Spots

Pierce County is the second-most populous county in the state of Washington. Coming in behind King County, Pierce County has plenty to offer its residents and visitors. Most notably known for being the home to the Mount Rainier volcano, Pierce County boasts communities full of arts and culture. For those residing, visiting or thinking of moving to this charming area should take into account the great schools, rich culture and peaceful scenery.

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Pierce County Local Family Spots

Residents and their families take pleasure in what Pierce County has to offer. Parks, biking, camping and skiing are just a new of the family friendly activities available. The Pierce County local family spots include visiting parks, museums, local art shows, or maybe just grabbing a delicious bite of food! Whatever the activity, Pierce County brings a lot to the table when it comes to spending quality time together.

Mount Rainier offers hiking, climbing, cycling, fishing and boating. There are also excellent opportunities to explore the park and nature on one of the many trails available. With onsite lodging available, you can make a real adventurous weekend for your family at Mount Rainier.

In Tacoma, the Tacoma Nature Center is a great place for educational fun! With 71 acres to explore, the Tacoma Nature Center is home to reptiles, birds, amphibians and many different plant populations. Complete with a 17-acre lake, visitors enjoy the year-round residents of mallards and geese. Families can enjoy walking trails through the wetlands and forest areas. A great trip for everyone!

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Local Attractions

Surrounded by nature, Pierce County boasts some of the best views in the area of shorelines and mountain peaks. Whether you’re planning to hit the slopes of Mount Rainier, indulge in history as you visit one of the many museums, or perhaps catching a show at the local performing arts theater, there’s sure to be something for each member of the family.

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Where to take your Family on the Weekends

There are so many great things to do on the weekends with the whole family. Besides heading to a local movie theater or grabbing a bite to eat, you can indulge in the beauty of the surrounding nature by visiting one of the local parks or providing some fun and education at one of the many museums. Whatever your family enjoys, there’s sure to be something for each family member!

Home of the Tacoma Rainiers, Cheney Stadium provides a family fun atmosphere full of America’s favorite pastime, hot dogs and cold drinks! Cheer on the local favorites with your neighbors and friends.

If you want something truly unique, take a trip to Chihuly Garden and Glass. Located next to the Space Needle, the exhibition includes eight galleries, the glasshouse and a lush garden, that provides a look and influence of Dale Chihuly. The glasshouse is a 100-foot long sculpture made of many different elements. Focused on a color palette of reds, amber, yellow and orange, this incredible site is proof of Chihuly’s work pushed the boundaries of glass.

Another wonderful place to bring the family would be Point Defiance Park. Home to the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, the Rose Garden, Rhododendron Garden, numerous trails, access to beaches, a boathouse and a boardwalk, Point Defiance Park affords a lot of educational fun for the whole family. Point Defiance Park has more than three million visitors each year and is maintained and operated by the Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma.

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Here are some other great places to visit around Pierce County:

• LeMay-America’s Car Museum
• 5 Mile Drive & Trails
• Museum of Glass
• Washington State History Museum
• Tacoma Art Museum
• Union Station
• Wright Park
• Broadway Center for Performing Arts
• Bridge of Glass
• Tacoma Dome
• Eagle Island State Park

As you can see, Pierce County has a lot to bring to the table! Family and friends can come together and enjoy various activities within the community while spending precious time with family members. There’s so much to offer by ways of entertainment, fun and dining and there’s sure to be something for everyone!

If you are interested in relocating to this great area, do not hesitate to contact me. I can show you Pierce County real estate that fits the style, design and price range that you are looking for. Feel free to take a look at recently sold properties as well as featured listings in the area. I can’t wait to work with you to help you buy or sell your home! Make contact with me today!

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