Charlotte’s Blueberry Park
Located just 2.3 miles from Commencement Bay – Green at 7402 E D St, Lars and Gina Berg were the last private owners of this 53-acre property. They ran Berg’s Blueberry Farm from 1952 until 1968.
In 1968, Tacoma School District purchased the property, but a neighborhood group opposed the new school. Eventually, the School District traded 23 acres of the property to Metro Parks Tacoma in exchange for a portion of Manitou Park. This was the beginning of today’s Blueberry Park.
Rather than see the park developed with sports fields and playgrounds, the community organized and saved the blueberry plants. Subsequently, the Board of Park Commissioners changed the park’s name to Charlotte’s Blueberry Park in honor of long-time advocate Charlotte Valbert.
Decoursey Park
A few miles east at 2101 7th Ave SW in Puyallup, DeCoursey Park comprises seven acres with a loop trail around a pond. The pond is stocked with trout and has ducks, geese, and other birds, with two small piers for observation. Clark’s Creek also meanders by the park. Swimming is not allowed.
Thunderbird Restaurant
Less than a mile down the road at 7121 Waller Rd E, this is the spot for breakfast. It’s a little hole in the wall and a little hard to find because the front sign fades, but the service is excellent, and the biscuits, gravy, and eggs benny are delicious.
Canyon Coffee Creations
This one’s close, too. You can find Canyon Coffee Creations at 2781 72nd St. A true local favorite, everyone here is genuinely friendly, the drinks are top-notch, and their prices aren’t crazy high. Skip the corporate chain coffee and try Canyon Coffee Creations.
Crockett’s Public House
Just 10 minutes away at 118 E Stewart Ave in Puyallup, this place is impressive. Be warned, the secret is out, and there may be a wait, but once you’re seated, the service is quick and super friendly. Try the loaded fries, the crispy zucchini, or the meatballs as an appetizer. The grilled cheese with avocado and bacon is also outstanding. And don’t forget the cocktails. They’re fantastic.
Puyallup Skate Park
Grab your deck and head to 1299 4th St NW in Puyallup for some of the best skateboarding in Tacoma. This park is on a concrete pad. It features a 6′ tall Spine Ramp, a couple of clever centerpieces, a Mission Control corner section, and an assortment of rails and planters.
One side of this park is 96′ of continuous ramps, and both the Spine Ramp and the 4′ Mini are tied into the rest of the park with Banks and Quarters. This park is FREE to ride for everyone, including bikes.
Fiesta Taqueria & Tequila Bar
If tequila’s your thing, head 10 minutes east to Puyallup and pull up to Fiesta Taqueria & Tequila Bar. There are over 150 different tequilas here, and the food is terrific. Let the fiesta begin.
Washington State Fair Events Center
For year year-round family fun, you just can’t beat the Washington State Fair Events Center. Located at 110 9th Ave SW in Puyallup in the shadow of Mt. Rainier, the 165-acre setting has easy freeway access and events of every description all year round. The Washington State Fair is also the largest annual attraction in Washington, featuring agricultural and pastoral displays and shows, amusement rides, and a concert series.
