Neighborhood Spotlight: Puyallup

The vibe

Nestled in the shadow of Mount Rainier and famed for the Washington State Fair and The Daffodil Festival, Puyallup is a delightful blend of history, nature and community charm, with deep roots.

Puyallup means “the generous people,” derived from the Indigenous people of the same name, who are known for their hospitable spirit and have called this area home for thousands of years.

In the early 1830s, Dr. Tolmie, the first European settler to document his travels, passed through what he called the “Poyallipa”' valley. Then, in the late 1800s, pioneer Ezra Meeker, later known as the “Hop King of the World” and for being Puyallup’s first mayor, laid out the city of Puyallup amid the valley’s fertile hop plants and berry bushes, becoming a wealthy farmer in the process. His legacy lives on in Meeker Mansion, which was built in 1890 for $26,000, an extraordinary sum at the time. The mansion is an essential visit for history-buff parents and curious kids.

Play and explore

For a fun-filled family day, start your adventure at Bradley Lake Park. This beautiful park is home to a playground and a 12-acre lake that’s perfect for year-round fishing — but only for the kids and grandparents! Fishing is currently restricted to kids younger than 15, seniors and disabled persons who possess a designated harvester companion card.

If you visit between Aug. 30 and Sept. 22, don’t miss the Washington State Fair for a full day of fun. The Pavilion is the epicenter of excitement, with rides, an animal-petting farm, carnival games and deep-fried everything. A day at the fair is a rite of passage for any Pacific Northwest family, as well as a great way to tire out the kids.

For a high-energy indoor adventure, you won’t want to pass up Round1. Located in the South Hill Mall, this entertainment complex is a kid’s dream come true. With bowling, karaoke, arcade games and a kids play zone, it’s easy to lose track of time here. The King Family Fun Center is a great place for families looking to play 18 holes of miniature golf. The course challenges everyone to hit a hole in one and is open daily in the summer months. The schedule changes to weekend-only hours after Labor Day.

Eats and treats

Start your Puyallup culinary journey at Melody Boba House. This cozy spot offers a variety of bubble teas that are perfect for a sweet pick-me-up. Its strawberries and cream liquid dessert is especially tantalizing, with its fresh strawberries, chocolate sandwich cookies and vanilla ice cream.

For something a little heartier, head over to Elements. This cute, family-friendly coffeehouse and cafe offers a health-conscious menu that caters to all tastes, from avocado naan toast and breakfast sandwiches with pesto aioli to fro-yo and freshly pressed juice. The laid-back atmosphere makes it a great place to relax and refuel before your next adventure.

If you’re looking for more of a mom-and-pop vibe, Mrs. Turner’s Hometown Café is the perfect place for diner classics, such as chicken-fried steak, pancakes and chili burgers, served in generous portions by friendly staff who feel like old friends.

Lick Homemade Ice Cream is another local favorite. This gem serves classic and creative flavors, such as Butterfinger and peanut-butter-banana-brownie, that will appeal to ice cream aficionados of all ages. Pro tip: Definitely order your scoops in Lick’s amazing house-made waffle cones.