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closeone day vacations: Exploring waterfronts in unique locations
Sally Zeiger Hanson / guest columnist
Destination: Steilacoom
We spend too much time acting like we are land-locked and not enough time taking advantage of all the fabulous waterfront to which we have access here in the Northwest. As a result, we recently spent a sunny Saturday in Steilacoom.
Taking the long way to Steilacoom turned out to be the highlight of the day. The road we took becomes cool and shaded by tall trees and then as you come over the crest of a hill, the serene and charming town of Steilacoom lies ahead framed by miles of sparkling Puget Sound waters.
Our immediate response to being in town was to take a relaxing breath and to slow our pace. It is hard to convey the extent to which just being in this seaside town soothes and relaxes. It appears that maybe there is a citywide ordinance requiring immaculate yards and freshly painted houses for everyone. Everything seems to be in a little sharper focus and the colors seem brighter than anywhere else.
Walking is the way to explore this small town. As the first incorporated city in the state, Steilacoom has plenty of history and several museums showcasing that history. We started our exploration at the Steilacoom Historical Museum. Steilacoom boasts of many “firsts” in the Washington Territory. The first library, jail, gas station, newspaper and post office were in Steilacoom. Because Steilacoom was also home to the first brewery in the territory, the town had connections to Ezra Meeker, who was the largest hop grower in the region. Meeker is featured in the museum and there is a street named Puyallup in town.
From there we strolled to Pioneer Orchard Park, the greenbelt that sits on a ridge above the Puget Sound and runs the length of town. There was a wedding underway in the park and without coming across as wedding crashers we managed to find out that the reception was being held later in the Town Hall. When we saw the picturesque Town Hall we understood why someone would choose it for their wedding. Continuing our walk, we climbed up the wooden stairs known as Charlie’s Park that provides several decks and benches for enjoying the view on your way up to the tribal museum. In the museum, we learned about the Steilacoom Tribe’s efforts to become a nationally recognized tribe. This museum is housed in an old church and nicely combines tribal and regional history with information about traditions and culture of the current tribal members who still live in the area.
We got back in our car and headed a short distance to Sunnyside Beach on the north end of town. Overlooking the sound, the park features swings and a playground, a sand volleyball court and plenty of views to enjoy while you are picnicking. Steilacoom maintains 12 spectacular public parks. We visited three of them without even trying very hard. Probably the best way to enjoy this town is with a picnic in hand. Because we were flying by the seat of our pants and therefore hadn’t packed a picnic, we headed to Jake’s for lunch. A brand new bistro, Jake’s offered modern pub food in a bright, sunny atmosphere. Jake’s is an expansion of the small place previously known as Steilacoom Wine & Brew. We got the impression that everything in Steilacoom is either 150 years old or two months old. They are preserving and honoring their history while moving forward with new construction and new businesses.
It was hard to leave since Steilacoom seems to exert a sort of sleepy vibe that invites you to stay awhile. We felt like our day brought us a step closer to meeting our goal of getting more water views and more deck sitting into our lives. We reluctantly left this resort-like town in our rearview mirror and headed back towards the “army stuff” and our land-locked daily lives.
Trip details:
> Steilacoom’s Parks
www.townofsteilacoom.com/activities/parks_recreation.htm
> Steilacoom Historical Museum
1801 Rainer Ave.
Steilacoom, WA 98388
253-584-4133
www.steilacoomhistorical.org/
> Steilacoom Tribal Cultural Center & Museum
1515 Lafayette Street
Steilacoom, WA 98388
253-584-6308
www.steilacoomtribe.com/
> Jake’s Bar and Bistro
215 Wilkes St., Steilacoom, WA, 98388
253-581-3300
http://jakesbarandbistro.com/main.html
Upcoming events in/near Steilacoom
> Fourth of July 2008
Annual Old Fashioned, Hometown, Independence Day Parade, Street Fair, and Fireworks
www.steilacoom.com/4july.html
> McChord Air Expo 2008 - July 19 and 20
McChord Air Force Base is hosting its first air show in three years on July 19 and 20, opening its gates to the public to commemorate the history of air power and showcase aircraft currently engaged in the Global War on Terrorism. This free air show features the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds along with other military fighters, bombers and airlifters, as well as vintage military aircraft. More information on the event will be available closer to the dates on at http://public.mcchord.amc.af.mil/
> Salmon Bake - Last Sunday in July, Noon - 4 p.m.
In 1971 the Steilacoom Historical Museum’s annual Salmon Bake needed something to make it distinctive. Colonel Don provided a marinade and called it Secret Salmon Sauce. It has been used every year since and the Steilacoom Salmon Bake is now the premier bake in the Great Northwest. Colonel Don’s World Famous Secret Salmon Sauce: http://waverlyproducts.com/