It’s been a week of small but notable changes around the Puyallup Valley: an opening, a closing, and freakish changes in the weather (From the low 30s to the high 60s in one week?!). The end of the week brings a parade and more easter egg hunts. Let’s dive in.
Sponsored by Susan’s Baubles
This week’s sponsor is Susan’s Baubles, an Etsy jewelry shop run by longtime Puyallup resident Susan, who creates custom bracelets, earrings, and necklaces featuring Swarovski crystals. Her shop has a 4.9-star rating with over 600 reviews and nearly 2,000 sales over 12 years. If you’re looking for a unique gift or something custom, check out Susan’s Baubles on Etsy and support a local maker.
What happened last week: a new McDonalds, Shari’s says goodbye, and a traffic change
A new McDonalds opened at 731 Shaw Road East in Puyallup, across from East Town Crossing, a new apartment complex. Yay?
Driving in Orting will be a bit more complicated, as the city just closed Kansas St. SW for a year and a half-long construction project. Only eastbound drivers will be allowed to drive between Calistoga Street West to Harman Way South; Westbound drivers will be redirected to state Route 162 (Washington Avenue South) at Calistoga Street West.
The end of an era: the last Shari’s in the area — on Canyon in Puyallup — closed this week. Only four remain in Washington State, as the company slowly winds down operations after severe financial issues.
Top things to do in the Puyallup Valley this week
The 93rd annual Daffodil Parade will be passing through Puyallup, Sumner and Orting on Saturday. The parade features over 180 entries, including school marching bands, equestrian units, and floats. Afterwards, check out the Beer Garden and Food Truck Court in Sumner. It’s supposed to be sunny and in the 60’s in our area on Saturday!
Free Easter Egg hunts this weekend in Sumner and Edgewood, hosted by the East Pierce County firefighters, and by the town of Bonney Lake at Allan Yorke Park.
Southern Echo, a band playing modern country hits and rock classics , is playing at Purdy’s Public House in Sumner on Friday.
Barnes & Noble in the South Hill Mall is offering Bluey Easter storytime on Thursday.
From the community: a local Trader Joes?
Do you want a Trader Joe’s in Puyallup? A city councilor is trying to get 5k comments on a Facebook post in order to convince the company to bring a store in Puyallup.
I’m on the fence myself — I like shopping at Trader Joe’s because I can pretend the snacks I buy there are healthy, but the traffic in Puyallup is already terrible and this wouldn’t help.
Sarah’s Pick: A Good Book in Sumner
There have been a handful of new bookstores opening in the region in the last few years, which is great. But there’s one that’s been here since 1997: Sumner’s A Good Book (map), which carries both new and used books. Or as they describe it, “Old books, new books, books for kids, books for adults, books for adults that want to be kids, books about squirrels, books that are to be read at the speed of life (or whatever marketing copy James Patterson is flogging this week), mystery books, fantastic books, run-of-the-mill books that have been assigned by local teachers because even the most ‘run-of-the-mill’ book is better than staring at a screen for hours on end, historical books, futuristic books, and if there are genres yet to be invented, you can be assured that we'll have them on our shelves.”
The store is big enough to spend some real time browsing, but not so big that you’ll get lost. The staff are very helpful, and they also have their own newsletter, if you’re looking for reading inspiration.
For more on this topic, read about the Best Bookstores in Puyallup, Sumner and Orting.
Want to make me aware of an upcoming local event, or suggest a hidden gem in the area? Email me at sarah [at] puyallupinsider.com