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The ‘Chilling’ History of Tacoma’s “Elf” Storage Building

There was no marketing genius behind turning Tacoma Self Storage into Tacoma “Elf” Storage 11 years ago. It wasn’t a ploy by the company to get free press, or even an enthusiastic holiday reveler looking to spread cheer—it was a happy little accident caused by our feathered friends.

Everything You Need to Know About the Tacoma Night Market’s New Home

The Tacoma Night Market is no longer happening at the Drake building on Pac Ave. But fear not! They got a new permanent spot at Alma Mater and it’s gonna be better than ever.

Flash Giveaway: Who’s Ready for a Free Tacoma Tattoo?

Tacoma has no shortage of tattoo shops but if you're into classic American style tattoos, Homage is one of the best.

RIP Tacoma Thrift: How One 6th Ave Business Has Been Pushed Out

Abruptly the time has come to say goodbye to Tacoma Thrift, the 6th Ave business you've probably walked by or driven past a few dozen times or more.

Downtown Tacoma Penthouse Living: The Views Don’t Suck

Ready to take a peek inside what it looks like to live inside a downtown Tacoma penthouse? Here's an opportunity to gawk, courtesy of the one currently for sale atop 747 St. Helens Ave.

Searching for Tubby: The Tacoma Narrows Bridge Collapse’s Only Victim

It's now been 78 years since the first Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapsed, but it was just a handful a months ago one local resident discovered he's now living in the former home of one of the most notable figures from that day.

How to Avoid a Parking Ticket in 1940s Tacoma

Parking in downtown Tacoma wasn't any easier in the late 1930s than it is today. In fact, that decade was filled with disputes between shop owners who wanted spaces to be available for customers and "parking hog" employees that stayed all day.

A Dome of Our Own: The Tacoma Dome Story

In celebration of the Tacoma Dome’s recent renovation, we were invited to look through the archives at the Tacoma Dome to see what kinds of historical tidbits we could find. From David Bowie to the Backstreet Boys, Truckzilla to RV shows, the archives held all the Dome’s most cherished memories.

Tacoma’s Loch Ness is an Electrified Sea Monster

Every 60 years or so the tale of Tacoma's electrified version of the Loch Ness Monster manages to find a way to be told once more.

“Local Magazine Outed as Total S**tshow”

One year ago this week, our website went live and our first batch of stories were sent off into the City of Destiny. Since that day, dozens of people have enjoyed our photos and stories.

‘Tis the Season for Giant Spiders in Your Bathtub

Every year in late Summer or early Fall an old and wise spider crawls to the top of a large oak tree in Wright Park and proclaims, Rafiki style, “It is time.” Then all the biggest hairiest spiders Tacoma has to offer find the nearest bathtub, crawl inside, and wait patiently for you to come in, turn on the light, and freak the F out.

May We Have Tacoma’s Attention, Please?

Well before the online era, promoters and performers went to great lengths to capture the attention of Tacomans. A look back at some of the creative lengths businesses, and the city itself, have gone to as catalogued and in the Tacoma Public Library's online archives...

A Note on Hard Copy 30

Letter to the Editor: Who Can Afford Death in Times Like These?

Waste Management – of the Human Body

What Does It Mean to Be Patriotic?

Dramatic Photos from the Slamfest Demolition Derby