Local Wonders

A to Z

Grit City Custom Knives: Hilltop Tested, Tacoma Approved

l Green started making knives around 2012 after falling down a Youtube rabbit hole of bushcraft videos. He found he had most of the necessary tools in his garage so he got some steel and tried making a knife based on a video he saw. It turned out terrible.

Here’s the Plan for Old City Hall

If you’ve been following the saga of Old City Hall, you’ll know that just last week the City of Tacoma announced its favorite from the five most recent proposals for revitalization of the historic structure. The winner was Surge Tacoma.

Here’s the Story Behind Puget Creek’s Hidden Sculpture

Have you ever noticed the mysterious sculpture near the northern trailhead of the Puget Creek Natural Area? If not, don’t feel bad. It’s pretty easy to miss. If you have seen it though, you may not know the whole story attached to it.

Hey Tacoma, Here's What You Loved Best in 2019

Photo courtesy of Matt Ingram. As we roll into 2020, it’s time to take a look back at the photos...

How to Find an Octopus at Low Tide in Tacoma

A while back, we shared a video of a small cephalopod crawling along the beach, and you guys went nuts....

In Search of Chambers Creek Salmon

It is a crisp fall day in Kobayashi Park. The trees that form a canopy over the rushing waters where Leach Creek flows into Chambers Creek are changing colors and yellow leaves blanket the trail.

Is There a Right Way to Rock Your 253 Heart? Its Creator Weighs In

The sentiment behind the Tacoma-proud 253 Heart is simple. Conversely, the story behind it involves a graffiti trick, dumpster diving, and a guitar that's still rocking today.

Jokes, Smokes and a Miserable Time: Mark Twain’s Visit to Tacoma

When Mark Twain arrived in Tacoma in 1895 he was broke, smoking 10 cigars a day, and seemingly unimpressed by the area. Much like our summer of 2017, wildfires were wreaking havoc in Washington and most of our beautiful scenery was completely hidden from view.

Kraken the Case Behind One of Tacoma’s Most Popular Local Legends

Washington State has no shortage of octopus myths. The well known Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus haunts our canopies from coast to mountain top, but it’s Tacoma that is home to the real King of the North.

Local Artist Celebrates Tacoma and “Mossington State” With Needle Felt

Kira Fitzpatrick, the creative force behind Woodland Teatime, knows a thing or two about our beloved Pacific Northwest thanks to having grown up, "running around barefoot with moss and twigs" in her hair in the woods.

Looking Down on the City: Amazing Drone Photos by Over Tacoma

Tacoma is a beautiful city with many memorable sights but even if you’ve lived here your entire life, it’s unlikely that you’ve ever seen it quite like this. When viewed from above, our familiar city takes on a graphic quality, sometimes resembling abstract modern art more than historical architecture.

Love Those 11Foot8 Bridge Wreck Videos? Tacoma Has its Own “Can Opener Bridge”

Since 2008 there have been 125 wrecks at the bridge of 11foot8.com fame. Thanks to a nearby camera, can't-look-away footage of trucks crashing into the 11-foot, 8-inch train trestle in Durham, NC has been viewed by millions of people.

Tacoma Art Museum: Union-busting Like It’s 1947

The Grand United Order of Odd Fellows in the History of Tacoma

Best Christmas Lights in Tacoma 2022

The Rights of Our Ways

Pro Tips for the Tacoma Film Festival