Fun @ HG Bistro

The HG Bistro, formerly known as the Hungy Goose, in Puyallup is a great place to meet your friends for lunch. On a recent outing there with my family, we solved most of the world's problems and had spectacular coconut cream pie to boot.

Harstine Island Lavender Festival

I don't even like the smell of lavender and yet I loved this festival. Who knew that lavender could be used to make tea, cookies, spice for lamb, and make your drawers smell good? Or at least, make your drawers smell like lavender. This lovely little festival happens each July and is worth the trip just to have a day on a remote flower farm.
Arts & Flowers Nursery, Shelton 360-426-0797

Everyday Celebrations - Trackside Pizza

We have decided that Trackside Pizza is an ideal place to celebrate. In our case, we were celebrating that it was Monday night. Any occasion will do. Its not easy to find great pizza, creative salads and a decent beer list all on one menu. Trackside Pizza offers all this in a friendly, warm environment enhanced by the trains rumbling by on the tracks that are 10 feet away.
201 N Meridian St, Puyallup 253-845-7437

Fremont - The Art of Celebration and Vice-Versa

Fremont has declared itself the Center of the Universe and after spending a blissful Sunday there, I think I might be persuaded to agree. The funky Sunday flea market is fun and the art all around the neighborhood brightens the brunching and browsing that needs to be done when you are there. Don't miss Theo Chocolate (3400 Phinney Ave), the only independently owned organic and Fair Trade chocolate maker in the country. Tours daily at 1:00 and 3:00. Free samples available the rest of the day.

Wilkeson or Bedrock Quarry?

If you are in the mood for a Wild West relic, head to Wilkeson for the day. Just 15 miles beyond Orting, this picturesque mining town boasts the state's oldest operational elementary school and the sandstone quarry that provided all the stone for our state's capital building. Lunch is great at the Pick n' Shovel and don't forget to drive 4 miles beyond town to see the state's highest bridge, an impressive, arched structure over an even more impressive wooded canyon. Stop by city hall to pick up the map that provides a walking tour of the nine historic buildings in town. City hall also has some ghosts so its worth getting permission to check out the creepy basement. Just tell them you'd like to see the old firetruck that is parked down there. Don't miss Wilkeson Days on July 21 featuring handcar races on the railroad tracks.