Don’t bypass Tacoma, Washington on your way to Seattle. These four must-see tourist attractions are fun, educational, and great for the whole family. These sites are free or inexpensive and easily accessible from Interstate 5. Have a few hours to spare? Take a detour and check it out!
1. The Bridge of Glass
Dale Chihuly is Tacoma’s big artist of note. The Bridge of Glass is a 500 foot long pedestrian bridge connecting downtown Tacoma to the Thea Foss Waterfront. The bridge is an amazing monument to his connection with the City. There are other public displays of his work in Tacoma, notably the installation at the Federal Building at Union Station on Pacific Avenue, the University of Puget Sound, and Pacific Lutheran University to name three prominent sites, but the Bridge of Glass is one of the most unique displays of art any place in the world. The blue ice, or as some view as rock candy, towers are hard to miss when you drive into downtown Tacoma. The bridge itself is an amazing wonder to behold. Look for the sea scene above your head and the Venetian glass gallery sheltered behind bullet proof cases. A free cheap thrill if you ask me.
2. History, Art & Glass Museums
The Bridge of Glass serves as a connector for three monumental museums that make Tacoma an amazing tourist destination. The Washington State History Museum (1911 Pacific Avenue) offers a hands-on, historical and technological tour of the State guaranteed to entertain and enlighten even the most jaded teen. The Tacoma Art Museum (1701 Pacific Avenue) is a modern kid friendly site that offers an eclectic take on art and houses a permanent Chihuly collection. The International Glass museum (1801 Dock Street) offers a glass-blowing hot house that dominates the waterfront with its conical structure. The outdoor reflecting ponds and sculpture installations change several times a year.
All three museums offer a plethora of experiences you won’t find anywhere else. You can visit all three for a set fee on Wednesdays (prices range from $18 to $22) or time your visit to the third Thursday of the month and you can tour the Tacoma Art Museum (10am to 8pm), and the Museum of Glass (5pm to 8pm), and the Washington State History Museum from (2pm to 8pm) for free.
3. Bob’s Java Jive
This iconic coffee pot shaped building (2102 South Tacoma Way) is featured in many off-the-beat travelogues. My husband and I bar hopped to this site over 25 years ago and experienced the true thrill of the place in all its crazy glory. Unfortunately those days are gone, but you can still drive by the site and get a picture of true Americana at its best.
4. Karpeles Manuscript Museum
Tacoma is home to one of ten famous Karpeles Manuscript Library Museums which house the largest private collections of important original manuscripts and documents. Located at 407 S. G Street, the Museum is just across from Wright Park in the Stadium District. Exhibits change every three months or so and the Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, admission is free.
Who would have thought Tacoma has such world class goodies all within a short distance of downtown off a major U.S. Interstate? Take time to stop by, you’ll be glad you did.
http://www.chihuly.com/bridgeofglass/projectdescription.html
http://www.museumofglass.org
http://www.bobsjavajive.com/
http://roadsideamerica.com/story/2977
http://www.rain.org/~karpeles/
