Apart from serving as a vast and idyllic expanse for families and children to enjoy a picnic, the Donkey Creek Park pays a fitting tribute to the rich salmon population that returns to the Donkey Creek every fall. Standing tall at the heart of the well-manicured lawns is a sculpture celebrating the diverse aquatic fauna of the region. Ensconced by roads on three sides, this intimate pocket of verdure offers tranquil respite from the concrete jungle and allows for relaxed, aimless people watching. Head down the graveled path below the bridge adjoining the Harbor History Museum to reach this inviting oasis. This well-marked route is studded with snippets of history, which will leave you in awe of the region.
The impressive Thunder Dome Car Museum is a gem of the quaint town of Enumclaw. As the name suggests, the museum is dedicated to cars. Spread across the enormous space of the museum are a host of vintage automotive vehicles. If you are an automobile enthusiast, the mere sight of vibrant glistening bonnets will leave you awestruck and asking for more. The first flight of cars added to the display belonged to a private collector. Over the course of time, however, the collection has only grown, forcing the museum to rotate the collection. While this only tempts car lovers to keep returning, there are a few striking models such as, 1921 Model T Firetruck and a 1964 Falcon Sprint, which stand as permanent attractions.
The African American community has a pronounced presence in the US. Their history and culture is documented and preserved at the Northwest African American Museum (NAAM). Situated in the heart of Seattle, this museum opened its doors to the public in 2008, and has generated wide interest among history & culture researchers and enthusiasts all alike. The museum is sprawled across 17,000 square feet and exhibits the works of eminent African American artists. A five-panel series chronicles the life and times of George Washington Bush, the first African American in the city. Besides its exciting museum pieces, NAAM also houses a beautiful gift shop filled with collectibles. Refresh yourself at the on-site cafe, after taking a round of the museum. NAAM is worth a visit!
If, after visiting the Pacific Planetarium, people are more knowledgeable about astronomy and science in general, then the management will heave a sigh of relief. To inspire people of the Puget Sound region, regardless of age, to take an interest in science and the world around them, is the ultimate goal. The planetarium, with its 28 seats, is a family-friendly venue where being inquisitive is encouraged. There are different categories of shows held here-public, school programs & even private events. Private shows need to be reserved at least two weeks in advance, and can only be held after 5p. This is a great place to discover a whole new world in the sky.
If you are a history buff visiting Enumclaw, or even a curious visitor looking to dig into the rich history of the town, you must head to the Enumclaw History Museum. Run by the Enumclaw Plateau Historical Society, this museum chronicles local history, capturing everything from sporting events to weddings in all their glory. The sepia-toned pictures of the town and the townsfolk will give you a peek into the life and times of early inhabitants, while a patient read of the reference books will shed light on the important episodes of the town’s history.
Built with a steel cone on the top, the Museum of Glass represents the pinnacle of artistic quality in the theater district. The visiting as well as in-house artists here impress the visitors with their creations and glass-blowing skills. The exhibitions held here are educational as well as fun for the whole family. School trips and guided tours are usually organized here for the same reason. Enter the museum to get completely bowled over by the beauty of glass in its different forms. Visit the hot shop for the molten formation process and end it with the cold shop where the final touches are given.
Take the ferry from Seattle on a 50-minute trip to historic Bremerton. Located close to the ferry terminal, this "floating museum" lets you view the configuration of naval destroyers up close. Named for Vice Admiral C. Turner Joy, a leading Korean Armistice Peace negotiator, this ship was involved in the August 1964 Gulf of Tonkin incident, which helped to escalate the Vietnam War. Take an in-depth tour of this historic ship, which is maintained in its original condition.
In 1875, George Ryan converted this one-room cabin into a simple version of a Classic Revival style house. After the family donated this house to the Sumner Public Library, a new one was built. Presently Sumner Historical Society operates from this house. The framework was made of local cedar and Ryan had added an extra story to the cabin consisting of three bedrooms. Over the years, various remodeling attempts were made but the interiors have been restored to retain their original look. The front is adorned with a beautiful veranda inspired by 19th-century millwork style. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Located in the building known as the Arsenal, Washington National Guard Museum is a tribute the National Guard who are our first line of defense in an event where the security of the nation is at risk. This museum is known for its impressive collection of firearms, uniforms, badges, photographs, and land/air military vehicles, such as the AH-1 Cobra multi purpose helicopter, M47 Patton Tank, and the F-101 Voodoo Fighter Jet, which are some its main attractions.
The community of West Seattle centers around this former streetcar crossing at Alaska Street and California Avenue SW, called the 'spine' of West Seattle. The streetcars run no more. Now other cars rule the road, but the intersection itself features the 'Walk All Ways' crossing system, which gives pedestrians a free-for-all moment free from automotive assault. The area boasts famous and award-winning murals, the largest single grouping of murals in Seattle. Long-standing area businesses include Easy Street Records, the Husky Deli, Neilsen Florists and the Classic Barber Shop.
For an impressive set of artifacts from all over the world, take the kids to the Karshner Museum in Puyallup. Mainly collected during the 1930s and 40s, this diverse collection of over 10,000 artifacts has everything: a hunk of the Great Wall of China, World War II replicas and even a severed elephant's foot (complete with touching privileges) are on display. No matter your particular interest, there is sure to be something here that fascinates and activates your imagination. Museum hours often change, so it's best to call for an appointment.
Located on 15th Avenue, the Cadence Winery is known for its incredible Bordeaux vintages. Their in-house wines are Bel Canto, Camerata, Tapteil, Ciel Du Cheval and Coda. The wines are often flavored with other fruits and spices. Dark cherry is the most common fruit used to add flavor along with other ingredients. For instance, the Bel Canto 2012 has a distinct flavor of dark cherries while the Ciel Du Cheval has a herbs and dark cherry flavor.