Puyallup, Washington

The Ezra Meeker Mansion is a historic building dating back to 1886 that was once owned by Ezra Meeker, American pioneer and the first mayor of Puyallup. The mansion was the second home owned by the Meeker family, the first of which was a wooden cabin built on the site of what is now Pioneer Park and commemorated with a statue of Meeker in its place. The mansion became the social and political center of the valley, and today stands as an excellent example of Meeker’s life as mayor in the late 1800s. The mansion features hand-painted ceilings, period antiques, and stained-glass windows, and visitors can explore the house on guided tours.

312 Spring St, Puyallup, WA 98372, Phone: 253-848-1770

The 3rd Street Antiques is a 15,000 square-foot antique mall the Puyallup Antique District that houses over 85 vendors selling a wealth of antiques, vintage items and objects, collectibles, and one-of-a-kind treasures. The market offers a mind-boggling selection of items from ceramics and pottery to antique furniture, vintage toys, original costumes, collectible cars, estate jewelry, Orientalia, arts and crafts, prints, paintings, and retro clothing.

201 3rd St SE, Puyallup, WA 98372, Phone: 253-445-1435

The Karshner Memorial Museum and Centre for Cultural Arts was established in 1930 by Dr. Paul H. Karshner and his wife, to honor the short life of their son Paul Hibbert Karshner who died from polio at the age of 17. In the beginning, the museum was filled with artifacts from Mr. Karsner’s private collection. Today it includes many Native American and South Pacific items, showcased in several permanent exhibits and a Dale Chihuly glass exhibit. The museum is probably the only one of its kind in the country to be owned by the local school district, and it is used extensively for educational and cultural arts purposes.

309 4th Street NE, Puyallup, WA 98372, 253 841 8748, website

Attractions for Couples

Cockrell Hard Cider is an award-winning, locally owned cidery owned by two brothers that has been producing handcrafted beer and cider for the past 25 years. The brothers bought Gwyndon Farms in 1967 and used to the two dozen varieties of apples grown on the farm’s 1,500 apple trees to produce exceptional cider. The production facility is located on the farm and surrounded by the apple trees that provide the fruit for the cider and The Roost Tasting Room offers visitors the chance to sample the handcrafted ciders in a lovely setting in the orchard.

613 114th Ave Ct E, Puyallup, WA 98372, Phone: 253-905-5800

The South Hill Mall is a large regional shopping mall with more than 100 stores, a state-of-the-art movie theater, and a large food court with a variety of fast-food outlets. Opened in 1988, the mall has four anchor stores, including Macy’s, JCPenney, Target, and Dick’s Sporting Goods, along with other well-known brand stores like Old Navy and DSW. The mall offers a range of services including modern restrooms, baby-changing facilities, a community conference room for up to 75 people with private restrooms, and a kitchen and on-site catering available from the food court.

3500 S Meridian Unit 494, Puyallup, WA 98373

The Palmer/Wirfs Expo is an annual antique show managed by Christine Palmer & Associates that is renowned for being a treasure trove for collectors, bargain hunters, and antique sellers. The show specializes in high-end antique, retro, and vintage collectibles up to 1970 and are no longer manufactured or produced. Typical items at these shows include decorative items, furnishings, retro kitchenware, paintings and prints, handmade frames, estate jewelry, vintage trunks, Western Americana, militaria, mechanical banks, slot machines, and vintage toys.

4001 NE Halsey St, Portland, OR 97232, Phone: 503-282-0877

Where to Eat

Karma Indian Cuisine is a locally owned, family-run eatery that specializes in Northern Indian food and serves a menu of traditional Indian dishes in a warm and welcoming setting. Hailed as one of the top Indian restaurants in the South Sound, Karma Indian Cuisine serves a rich and varied menu of authentic Indian fare with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Signature dishes include mild and hot curries, chicken tikka masala, vindaloo, chicken korma, lamb boti masala, makhana, and onion bhaji, all of which are prepared using high-quality ingredients, handmade sauces, and house-toasted spices and traditional spice mixes. Karma Indian Cuisine is open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.

12623 Meridian, South Hill, WA 98373, Phone: 253-770-6276

The Original Pancake House is a classic American diner chain with stores around the country that serves signature pancakes with over 30 toppings and other breakfast classics. The family-oriented breakfast restaurant serves heaving stacks of pancakes with an array of syrups and toppings, as well as standard breakfast dishes and specialties like vegetarian omelets, corned beef hash, Danish Kijafa cherry crepes, and strawberry waffles. The menu also features a variety of waffles, egg dishes, and cereals, along with fresh fruit juices, teas, and freshly brewed coffee. The Original Pancake House is open for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, daily.

16116 Meridian E, Puyallup, WA 98375, Phone: 253-604-0791

The Powerhouse Restaurant & Brewery takes dining to new levels in a unique setting that once housed the Puyallup Substation. Set in the converted powerhouse, the local brewpub serves creative New American cuisine and a range of handcrafted house beers, signature cocktails, and casual wines. Built in 1907, the Puyallup Substation was constructed for the Puget Sound Electric Railroad to supply electricity for the Interurban Electric Trolley. The station became a storage facility in 1957 and later fell into disrepair before being lovingly restored to its former glory to create a one-of-a-kind setting for a restaurant. Now managed by the Tweten family, the Powerhouse brews a small range of handcrafted beers and serves exceptional cuisine in a laid-back and friendly atmosphere.

454 E Main Ave, Puyallup, WA 98372, Phone: 253-845-1370