Author Event: Peggy Cleveland and Chris Staudinger

Invitation Bookshop welcomes Peggy Cleveland and Chris Staudinger in conversation.

This event includes time for audience questions and an author signing. Doors open 15 minutes prior to event start.

ABOUT THE BOOKS:

Explore Tacoma like never before with the updated 100 Things To Do in Tacoma Before You Die. This guide is packed with fresh recommendations and highlights of the best local experiences. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, there’s something for everyone. Start your day with a fresh bagel at Howdy Bagel or enjoy a bison burger at Tatanka Take-Out. Catch a film at the historic Blue Mouse Theatre or relax with a tiki drink at Devil’s Reef. For outdoor enthusiasts, embark on a Destiny Harbor Tour or stroll the McKinley Park boardwalk to observe wetlands and wildlife. Dive into Tacoma’s history with a visit to Griot’s Garage, a unique collection of classic cars and memorabilia. Join author Peggy Cleveland to discover Tacoma and the surrounding cities in Pierce County. This updated edition ensures you won’t miss out on any of the area’s iconic experiences. Whether you’re relaxing or exploring, this book will help you make the most of your time in Tacoma.

Secret Tacoma is a celebration of the best parts of Tacoma. This book is a champion for a city with an underdog reputation. The city wasn’t always the underdog, though. Tacoma was once the most important city on the west side of Washington, and it served as the terminus for the transcontinental railroad’s northern route. Now you can discover all the hidden clues about this wonderful city’s past. From outlandish mansions to the largest private collection of cast iron in the world, there are so many hidden parts of Tacoma that should be cherished. Discover why there is a Liberty Bell hidden in a bush and a coffee pot-shaped building that used to have monkeys inside. Tacoma once hosted some of the most exciting innovations, like the world’s longest wheat warehouse and the first police crime lab in the nation. It also welcomed visionaries like Mark Twain and George Francis Train, the man who inspired Around the World in 80 Days. All of these incredible people left behind clues and hidden hangouts today, like the abandoned bathhouse beneath a family restaurant; you just need to know where to look to find them. This book is your treasure map to Tacoma’s best secrets.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Peggy Cleveland is a Tacoma-based writer, explorer, and advocate for all things local. With a deep love for her city, she has spent years discovering its authentic experiences and sharing them through her writing. Peggy’s work reflects her passion for Tacoma’s vibrant culture, rich history, and unique experiences, making her the perfect guide to help you uncover the best the city has to offer.

Chris Staudinger is a native of Washington State. Hailing originally from the east side of Washington, he fell in love with Tacoma and started a tour company there in 2016. For the first 10 years of his professional career, he was a travel writer for Expedia, USA Today, BBC, and more. With his wife and two kids, he continues to travel the world and cover the most interesting hidden locations he can find.