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This is a commercial strip - it's not a place for walking around and window shopping. You'll find Best Buy, Home Depot, big music shops, mattress stores, and more. If you look carefully, though, you'll also find a few gems. Peanut Sauce is a great little Thai restaurant and East/West Cafe is one of Tacoma's great family restaurants. Of course, you have to get past Jack in the Box, Hooters, and Tacoma's largest adult entertainment store to get to them.

The University of Washington's Tacoma campus and the museums breathed new life into this part of downtown. I love eating at the Harmon brewpub - great garlic fries and fun decor. We came very close to getting an apartment at the Harmon Lofts but decided against the high rents and opted to buy a house instead. Still, we like coming down here for the great museums (Museum of Glass, Washington State History Museum, Tacoma Art Museum), food (Indochine - yum, Melting Pot), and shops. I always get Valentine's Day, Mothers' Day, and birthday flowers for my wife at Grassi's. Living in this neighborhood? Well, it's priced out of my range. Great place to visit.

Lots of variety here. Tacoma's best Indian restaurant? Check (Gateway to India). Wine bar? Check. College bars and clubs? Check. Import gift shops? Check. Heck, there's even a doggy day care place. Like hanging out at coffee shops? Make sure you check out Shakabra. There are vinyl record shops, gourmet kitchen stores, and loads more. Homes on the south side of the street are lower priced but head north and the prices rise quickly. There are some great schools nearby (Grant Elementary) and nice little neighborhoods. I love this part of town.

The downtown portion of Broadway is where you'll find Tacoma's great old and new theaters. The old Pantages and Rialto sit just a block from the Broadway Center for the Performing Arts. Antique Row is just a few short blocks away. You'll also find great places to eat, like Ravenous. The downtown bar scene is just down the hill. Access is easy by car, bus, or light rail. I've always loved the Pantages. The architecture is fun and the seats are comfy. Don't miss the view from Tully's or the oddball finds at Sanford and Son.

One of Tacoma's gems. Proctor is located in a lovely North End neighborhood and has a nice mix of small eateries, shops, a bowling alley, post office, library, and 2 great grocery stores. Don't miss the summer farmers' market and the Halloween festivities. My favorite shops? The toy store, Made In Washington, and the Irish shop.