1. It Really Doesn’t Rain That Much
No, really. While the Pacific Northwest has quite the reputation as a perpetually wet and grey region, Tacoma actually sees a mere 39 inches of rain per year, less than the annual rainfall in Houston, Miami, New York and Boston.
2. They Rock Out In Larger-Than-Life Coffee Pots
People in the Pacific Northwest love their coffee, so it’s really not all that surprising to pass a 25-foot tall coffee pot on a morning commute in Tacoma.
Ironically, coffee is just about the only thing you won’t find in this Tacoma dive bar: Bob’s Java Jive is a nightlife spot with karaoke, live music and pub-style fare draped in decades of rock ’n’ roll history.
3. Coffee Shop? Hell You Don’t Even Have To Stop (For Your Coffee Fix)
When it does come time to get your coffee on, you won’t have to do much more than roll down your window. Parking lots and roadsides throughout Tacoma are laced with drive-thru coffee stands, so you'll never need to so much as open your car door to get your morning cup of joe.
4. Life In Tacoma Is Sweeter
Almond Roca launched its crunchy delights in the city in 1912, while Snickers and Mars Bar creator Franklin Clarence Mars got his start selling candy wholesale in Tacoma.
Meanwhile, Irv Robbins of Baskin Robbins fame sharpened his scooping skills working for his father’s ice cream shop in downtown. To all the sweet tooths out there, you’re welcome.
5. The Art Here Really Blows—Literally...
Artist Dale Chihuly, renowned the world over for his blown glass artwork, is a Tacoma native, and his works can be found everywhere you turn downtown.
Union Station boasts an incredible hanging chandelier by the artist, while the nearby Tacoma Art Museum also features his work. At the Museum of Glass, you can even walk across the Chihuly Bridge of Glass.
6. And So Can You At The Tacoma Glassblowing Studio
After checking out Chihuly’s masterpieces in downtown Tacoma, you may find yourself inspired to create your own work of blown glass. Luckily, you can try your hand at the art at the Tacoma Glassblowing Studio just around the corner.
7. This Is Seahawks and Mariners Country
Cheering for the Seahawks and Mariners (those are Seattle’s football and baseball teams, respectively) is something of a regional pastime, as evidenced by the intimidating roars of Seattle’s ubiquitous 12th Man.
You can catch spectator sports in Tacoma, too, at the Emerald Downs racetrack or Cheney Stadium, where future Mariners stars play for the Tacoma Rainiers baseball team.
8. No It’s Not Deja Vu, You Have Seen This City Before
Various spots around T-Town have been the backdrop for many a movie scene, including Bob’s Java Jive (“Say Anything”) and Stadium High School (“10 Things I Hate About You”).
9. Pizza + ‘80s Hair Bands = Deliciousness
Downtown Tacoma is home to the original location of The Rock, a restaurant that serves up classic rock-themed wood-fired pizzas with names like the Crazy Train, Evil Ways and Slow Ride. An added bonus?
The T-Town location is also home to The Rock’s test kitchen.
Oh yeah.
10. Become The King Of Kong At Dorky’s Bar Arcade
A hidden relic of downtown Tacoma, Dorky’s Bar Arcade has all the pinball, “Pacman” and “Marvel vs. Capcom” you can swing a sack full of quarters at.
The best part, though, is you can relive the glory days of your youth here with an ice cold beer in hand.
11. B&I Is A Local Institution
Today, B&I is an indoor shopping plaza with carnival flair, but its past included rooftop carousels, giant water slides and animals like Sammy the elephant, chimps Cathy and Murphy and, most famously, Ivan the gorilla.
12. Locals Really Love Living Here And So Does Business
Pierce County was named one of America’s most livable areas by MostLivable.org, thanks to its combination of ecological diversity, convenient location and business-friendly environment for high-tech companies like Intel and Expedia, which are headquartered in Tacoma.
13. But Covered Wagons Are Still A Thing, Too
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ezra_Meeker_wagon_01.jpg
Pioneers once made their way to the Pacific Northwest by covered wagon, just like in the “Oregon Trail” video game of your youth.
While you won’t see oxen pulling these wagons down the highway, you can still get the authentic “Oregon Trail” experience at the Washington State History Museum, where you can ride through history in a covered wagon.
14. Rock Finds A Home In The Tacoma Dome
That big blue dome off I-5 isn’t just eye candy for the weary road warrior, it’s also an arena that boasts a wooden dome made with 1.6 million board feet.
Built in 1981, the Tacoma Dome has hosted the likes of David Bowie, U2, Lady Gaga, and Aerosmith.
15. The City Has An Epic Backdrop
Mt. Rainier is just an hour and a half from Tacoma, and no matter where you are in the city, you can always look to the southeast horizon to enjoy a view of the perpetually snow-capped peak.
16. Tacoma Wears Its Native American Roots With Pride
Many of the local city names in Washington are rooted in local Native American language. Tacoma, for example, was taken from the Native American name for Mt. Rainier: Tacobet, which means “Mother of the Waters.”
17. Step Aside Oktoberfest
Coffee isn’t the only adult beverage enjoyed in these parts.
You’ll find plenty of wine and beer festivals to enjoy between February and October, including the Sweetheart Wine Walk in February, Mount Rainier Wine Festival in July and Tacoma Craft Beer Fest in September.
Plus, tap houses and wineries abound for liquid libations all year round.
18. Get Off Your Butt And Get Outdoors...
Tacoma is far too filled with natural beauty to sit at home in front of your TV all day.
Whether you’re into hiking, cycling, wildlife viewing, kayaking or camping, you won’t have to look far to find a trail, park or shoreline to fit your fancy.
19. Without Ever Leaving Downtown
Tacoma’s Point Defiance Park is the country’s second largest city park at 700 acres, all filled with gardens forests, trails and even beaches.
You can also pop into the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium for a look at the native wildlife.
20. Tacoma Has The Arts Down To...Well...An Art
Tacoma’s Theater District showcases world-class performances (ballet, musicals, symphonies, comedy, the whole nine yards) all year long.
For a nostalgic treat, though, don’t miss a show at the Pantages Theater or Rialto Theater, two historic theaters that both opened in 1918.
21. Attention Gear Heads: You Can Covet The World’s Largest Auto Collection
Tacoma is where you’ll find North America’s largest car museum: LeMay-America’s Car Museum. The 165,000-square foot museum features a selection of cars from late millionaire Harold LeMay’s private collection, which holds the title of world’s largest private auto collection by the “Guinness Book of World Records.”
22. Forget The Emerald City, This Is The City of Destiny
Back in the late 1800s, Tacoma beat out Seattle to become the Northern Pacific Railroad’s western terminus. It was then that Tacoma earned its nickname as the “City of Destiny.”
23. It Gave The World Bing Crosby, You’re Welcome
Tacoma was the birthplace of legendary crooner Bing Crosby, who went on to grace the 20th century with bass-baritone hits like “White Christmas.”
24. All Apples Bow Before Ours (Glass Or Otherwise)
Washington is America’s apple country, and you can try your hand and apple pickin’ in Tacoma at local orchards.
If you’d rather skip the picking and go straight to the eating, visit a nearby cider mill to pick up fresh squeezed cider and all the apples your heart desires.
25. This City Is Fricken’ Delicious
Sample Washington’s number one summer crop (that would be rhubarb) 28 different ways in the summer.
Dig into 28-day dry-aged steaks with tableside service. Or get a true taste of Tacoma through daily specials that use ingredients picked up at the local market the very same morning. You’ll never go hungry in T-Town, and your palate will never be bored.
26. You Can’t Beat A Tacoma Summer
Those 39 inches of annual rainfall are nowhere to be found come the summer months; no, all you’ll find are lush surroundings bursting with green and sunny days of 70-degree weather. Rain? What rain?
Seattle Seahawks via Facebook
