Sober days in the Pacific Northwest are nothing short of beautiful. From Tacoma, you can look at all four directional points and see something completely different. You may want to bring a rain jacket or hat and don’t forget your sunglasses.
Let’s start in downtown Tacoma. The Tacoma Art Museum (the TAM) always has wonderful exhibits. It provides discounts for students, military personnel, UW Alumni, and EBT card holders. Because of its location—right across from the University of Washington, Tacoma campus—there are many places to park and multiple ways to get there. Also nearby is the Train station, a historical spot to visit, the Lemay Car Museum, and the Museum of Glass.
After browsing the area for a bit, you may find yourself getting hungry. If you don’t mind a short walk to the west, McMenamins Elks Temple has waterfront views and plenty of food options, including vegan and vegetarian options. Stay awhile, play pool, or visit the gorgeous Spanish Ballroom on the main floor.
Once you’re done there, you may want to drive 10 minutes farther west to Point Defiance. This park is famous because it includes the Native American historical monument, Fort Nisqually (which also has discounted tickets available), a zoo, an aquarium, and a five-mile loop around the water that you can walk or drive. Point Defiance boasts 760 acres of trails, picnic spots, fenced dog areas, ponds, and even a native plant area.
If you still have energy after all this, stay by the water and grab a mocktail at Wildfin at Point Ruston (my fave is the mango sparkler) or hit up Duke’s seafood for a bowl of chowder. Ask for a virgin mojito or get a fresh local lemonade while you watch the sunset on the water. The PNW never fails to keep you active and remind us how lucky we are to now fully see this life through sober eyes.
About @SOBERINTACOMA Instagram
My name is Mariana & I’ve been sober for over three years. I’ve lived in Washington my whole life. I went without AA for the first 2.5 years. I was content not drinking, but I didn’t have that community of friends to lean on and support in return. When a considerable part of my life turned upside down, I found myself in the rooms. But it isn’t for everyone & I completely understand why.
The biggest challenge I’ve faced is learning that not everyone is out to get me. I put myself in situations that I could easily blame on others if they were wrong so that I didn’t have to hold myself accountable. I wasn’t growing to my full potential—and potential is just wasted energy. No one is going to hold your hand, and no one is going to save you. You have to want it.
Follow me on IG: @soberintacoma (personal: @tigerlilylovee)
Sober in Tacoma is part of the @sobercitymovement
Music of Tacoma
Fun fact, Kurt Cobain played his first significant show in Tacoma, WA. He grew up in Aberdeen, about 2.5 hours southwest of us, in a small logging town. His childhood home is still there, and the park next to the water where he used to sit and write songs is now a memorial site. Sober Curator Pro Tip: If you visit Aberdeen, make sure to come as you are to the new Nirvana Coffee Co. Shop
My favorite Nirvana song is: Come as You Are
Tacoma Resources:
- Tacoma Alcoholics Anonymous
- Puget Sound A.A. (pugetsoundaa.org)
- Sober Housing Tacoma, WA Transitional Housing, Sober Housing,
- Multicultural Child + Family Hope Center
- Tacoma Recovery Center
SOBRIETY IN THE CITY: Attention Sober in the City Instagram Account Managers and anyone that wants to share with us how to have the perfect sober day in YOUR city!
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Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
