Uncategorized

What’s with Puget Sound area banks?

Washington Mutual and now Rainier Pacific. Both have gone from riches to rags and both originated in our backyard. While not as spooky as the WaMu debacle, the Rainier Pacific dissolution seems to be exactly what this region needs to avoid. This pattern of 1 step forward and 2 steps back is not going to take our economy where it needs to go anytime soon.

Rather than a bank named Umpqua, I sincerely hope that something fun will go into the corner space at N 26th & Proctor previously used by Rainier Pacific Bank. North Tacoma needs more places to have fun and less places to do business, in my opinion. Take your business downtown!

The global economy still wavers. The stock markets are as fickle as my 5 day old daughter. Real estate may or may not be picking up steam. What are your thoughts on the economic health of the region? I give up trying to make my own predictions. Hopefully some of you will step up and risk an opinion.

Happy Sad

Tacoma, the times they are a changin. Here are a couple things of which to be aware.

Happy: 1022 South
Hilltop is home to a craft cocktail lounge. Have you ever been to a bar that takes the art of making cocktails VERY seriously? It is interesting to see what they can do with alchemy and infusion. This is not something out of the movie Cocktail, mind you. We’re talking about scientific, laboratory-style concoctions that fizz, smoke, bubble, and glow. 1022 South is the type of place where cocktails transcend being just a beverage. Ordering a drink can be quite a complex experience: choosing a drink, ordering it without feeling stupid, watching the process it takes to make it, and of course, enjoying your selection. If you are out and about looking for a place to “just have a drink or two” I highly recommend 1022 South, located at 1022 South J Street in Tacoma.

Sad: Rector’s Antiques
My favorite antique store in Tacoma has closed. Located across the street from MSM, Rector’s was usually my go-to spot for funky furniture, antique lighting and old clothing/costume items. Being far removed from the official antique row downtown has taken its final toll on Rector’s. If anyone should hear that they are planning on relocating, please post follow-up information here.

Ask. Ye shall receiveth.

I asked Facebook for its favorite Tacoma landmarks in the rain. Within minutes Facebook provided me with a list: Harvester, 509 suspension bridge and Frisko Freeze. I set off to capture these images, and feel as though they turned out very mediocre. After some hesitation I decided to put them up, just to end the suspense. The Harvester is not very photogenic, I chose a poor vantage point for the bridge, and Frisko Freeze looks better at night. That being said…

harvester in tacoma  509 bridge in tacoma  frisko freeze in tacoma, wa


Dave’s Meat & Produce

Dave’s Meat & Produce is unique. Small market stores generally have a difficult time providing enough variety to draw a consistent shopper base away from the big grocery stores. In this case, the big competition combo of Safeway and Metropolitan Market lurks just 3 stoplights west in the heart of the Proctor District.

Times are tough. People are watching their pennies. Like many other small businesses in Tacoma, Dave’s Meat & Produce needs our help to stay alive. I noticed that the coffee stand in front of their building went out of business recently. This concerns me. I want to make sure the coffee stand is the only thing on that lot that fails. Dave’s is more than worthy of staying in business here for a long time.

By supporting local growers, and providing top quality produce, meat, seafood and personal service, Dave’s has everything you’ll need to make an entire meal, big or small. You’ll be in and out of this place in minutes – and if you’re really in a hurry, there are several prepared dishes ready for the grill or the oven, facilitating gourmet, homemade meals in minutes. They may not be the cheapest place in town, but you should remember to drop in the next time you want a fun, convenient shopping experience and a healthy meal at home.

Dave’s Meat & Produce
1312 North I Street
Tacoma, WA
(253) 280-9999

Map

Wednesday on the water

Wednesday is upon us. The weeks are flying by, and summer is almost underway. You’re going to blink and suddenly it will be fall. You bitch about the weather all year long and even question why you live here at times. Summer is your season. It’s time for you to get off your ass and DO SOMETHING. Yes, YOU.

Around here, Wednesday means taking a couple kayaks down to Ruston Way, dropping into Commencement Bay, cracking a cheap beer and casually paddling around behind Harbor Lights while the sailboat race plays out. The degree of inner peace you will experience is staggering. Just 50 feet from shore lies your Zen zone Your phone should stay home or in the car. Did I mention the beer?

Not 30 seconds after you set adrift, you will be untouchable. Nobody can bother you, and this, you’ll realize, is just what the doctor orders, week in and week out. No traffic, no text messages, no jerks, no sibling rivalry, no parental guidance, no responsibility (especially if you wear a life jacket).

The growing sentiment appears to be that many people do not have boats at their disposal. Relax. We can fix that. You can either step up for a really nice kayak from NC Kayaks, or Backpackers Supply (not worth linking their awful website – although, the retail outlet does have a great selection of high-end kayaks), or you can find more affordable options at places like Sports Authority or Joe’s Sporting Goods.

I looked into kayak rentals for you as well. Backpackers Supply seems to be your best bet. Rates are $40/day, $85/weekend or $175/week. Ruston Recreational Kayak Rentals can be a good option for some of you, but their boats are primarily for launching at Owen Beach on Point Defiance, and they close at 6pm. While this is a fine place to paddle, it doesn’t help much with Wednesdays on the Water, because the sailboat races across from Ruston don’t start until 7 and we don’t usually get going until after 6.

See you tonight. Need a boat? Check these places:

REI
3825 S Steele St
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 671-1938		 NC KAYAKS
2911 S Chandler St
Tacoma, WA
(253) 476-8582		 SPORTS AUTHORITY
1905 S 72nd St
Tacoma, WA
(253) 572-9900