We Americans are now going on “staycations”, saving money by vacationing closer to home.  We’re not going to Monterey to play golf at Pebble Beach, we’re not flying to the resort hotel on Maui.
A recent issue of “Golf Digest” suggested a trip to the Tacoma area to play the new Chambers Bay golf course, staying at the trendy-yet-affordable Murcano Hotel, and dining at Tacoma’s best seafood restaurant, The Sea Grill.  Vicki and I did all three, and the Sea Grill manager told us he’d encountered many travelers who were also doing the magazine’s itinerary.  Here’s what we found:

-Chambers Bay Golf Course:  There’s a reason this golf course was only in business for 8 months before the USGA awarded it a U.S. Open in 2015 and a U.S. Amateur in 2010.  It’s AMAZING!  I never thought I’d say that about a golf course which has only one tree and was constructed in a massive sand and rock mine pit.  Its size and scale is difficult to comprehend – until you try to see the people in my photos!  (Can you find them?)

-The Murano Hotel:  Ultra contemporary design...unique glass art on every floor...wonderful views of Tacoma’s downtown and the Puget Sound...and all very affordable.  Oh, and virtually every room is pet friendly – where have you heard that about a hotel before?  Emmy, the little white dog, loved it.

-The Sea Grill:  Golf Digest was right.  You have to try the seafood chowder.  (And go to Duke’s Chowder House if you have another free night!)

The photos tell the story.  I’m not a salesman, this isn’t a commercial, but if you’re a golfer...head for Tacoma!  Today.