Russo's Realm

Pictures - January 2005

January 15, 2005, Charlie and I went on a little getway to the southern part of Seattle. Namely we went to Tacoma and American Lake.

First, because we were starving, we ate at Harmon's Brewery and had their lightest blonde pilsner, a Pinnacle Peak Pale Ale, the Ortega Turkey Melt and Tacoma Cobb salad. Then we headed to the the Museum of Glass in Tacoma (MoG). The Hot Shop was my primary interest. That was really cool...well not really! It was hot in there, but what they were making was pretty cool. There were a couple exhibits and the most interesting was the exhibit with the strobe light called Solid Cinema. We went to the store and Charlie loved the book Phaidon Atlas of Contemporary World Architecture (the largest coffee book of all time) which I'm sure costs $500, but it's only $160. He thinks he designs like a Swede.

We headed to Thornewood Castle (a B&B) on American Lake close to Lakewood, exit 123 on I-5, Logistics Center, American Lake. I've always wondered what that exit was. Really still don't know what the Logistics Center is. The castle is an awsome place! Check out their website and our pictures.

After lounging for a bit, we headed back to Tacoma and had dinner at Stanley and Seaforts, which is a place I've always wanted to go to. It's on the hill overlooking Tacoma. Charlie had the Filet Mignon and I had the Seafood Combo of scallops, Alaskan King Crab legs and King Salmon. Of course I had dessert, Key Lime pie. The view was phenomenal!

We headed back to the castle. Charlie was pooped and went to bed while I watched The Diary of Ellen Rimbauer which was filmed at the castle. Big mistake! The castle is reputed to be haunted and the movie was made by Stephen King, so needless to say, I didn't sleep well. I have to remember to rent Rose Red which is another movie that was filmed at the castle. Breakfast the next day was great, egg souffle, bacon, fruit and toast. A nice way to end our visit.

All in all, a 45 minute drive from our house and was a perfect 24-hour getaway! Will be exploring more of the southern Puget Sound to see if it's a viable retirement spot.