Discover the wealth of activities available in our own backyard this summer. From the following list, choose those pursuits that sound most appealing and parlay them into a three-day weekend staycation.
Federal Way
Snuggled into a residential neighborhood, PowellsWood Garden dispenses both floral beauty and quiet serenity to those who walk its paths. Benches throughout the three-acre ethereal display invite you to sit and savor the landscape.
powellswood.org
Auburn
Shop for bargains at the newly remodeled Outlet Collection, the only indoor outlet mall in the West. Get up close to the stunning thoroughbreds racing at Emerald Downs. On July 3 marvel at the Firework Spectacular after the final horse race.
outletcollectionseattle.com
emeralddowns.com
Sumner
As the Rhubarb Pie Capital of the World, Sumner gives a yearly nod to the crimson fruit during Rhubarb Days (July 12-13). New this year, neighbors vie for the best front yard, front porch and best use of rhubarb at the Frontyard Fair (August 7-10). Walk or bike those pie calories off on all or some of the 8-mile Sumner Link Trail.
rhubarbpiecapital.com
ci.sumner.wa.us/living/parks-trails/trails
Puyallup
Taste homemade berry fudge or refresh with a fresh fruit smoothie at Spooner Farms. Buy fresh-off-the-vine raspberries, blackberries and blueberries plus corn in July and August.
spoonerberries.com
Tacoma
On July 4, Tacoma’s award-winning Freedom Fair marks our independence with live music, an air show, food, rides and other festival customs. Swim with the sharks or touch the stingrays at two new Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium exhibits.
freedomfair.com
pdza.org
DuPont
Test your handicap on the Home Course golf course. Ladies Night falls on Mondays during the summer, which means women can attend a skills clinic and then play a round for a reduced greens fee.
thehomecourse.com
Lacey
Revel in a musical feast at America’s Classic Dixieland Jazz Festival June 26-29.
olyjazz.com
Olympia
At the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, summer reveals songbirds feeding their young, juvenile eagles foraging and shorebirds dining on the mudflats. A trip to Olympia seems incomplete without a stop at the Farmers Market, one of the largest in the state—filled to the brim with colorful, healthy produce and much more.
fws.gov/refuge/nisqually
olympiafarmersmarket.com
photos
home course golf course
emerald downs
rhubarb days
shark diving, point defiance zoo & aquarium
home course golf course
olympia farmers market
HEATHER LARSON