Tee Off, Cast Off, and Raise a Glass: The Best of Northwest Living

By Christine Hall

There’s something magical about a day that begins with morning mist over the fairways, shifts to sparkling sunlight on Puget Sound and ends with laughter over a glass of locally crafted wine or beer. It’s the kind of day that captures the essence of South Sound life…active, social and surrounded by natural beauty.

Nestled along Tacoma’s stunning waterfront, Franke Tobey Jones offers seniors a lifestyle where recreation, relaxation and rich community connections come together. For golfers, boaters and those who savor a good vintage or a well-crafted pint, life here delivers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and vibrant social energy. 

Tee Off in Style: World-Class Golf Within Minutes

Golfers at FTJ enjoy proximity to some of the region’s most scenic and celebrated courses all less than a half hour from campus.

Chambers Bay Golf Course, just 15 minutes away, is a golfer’s paradise with sweeping views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. This Robert Trent Jones Jr. masterpiece, host of the 2015 U.S. Open, offers a challenge for every skill level plus a picturesque clubhouse and walking trails for those who simply love the view.

Prefer a private club? Fircrest Golf Club, established in 1924, the same year as Franke Tobey Jones, features beautifully maintained greens and a welcoming social calendar. For more casual play, Allenmore and Meadow Park offer walkable accessible courses ideal for relaxed rounds with friends.

No matter where you play, living at Franke Tobey Jones means every tee time is close at hand. Mornings might start on the fairway and end back on campus with friends, a glass of wine and stories of that near-perfect putt. 

A Boater’s Dream: Adventures on the Sound

For those who feel most at home on the water, Franke Tobey Jones is perfectly situated. The campus sits minutes from the Tacoma Yacht Club where members enjoy deep-water moorage, lively cruises and unbeatable views of Commencement Bay. The Foss Harbor Marina, just ten minutes away, provides easy access to downtown dining, museums and events…ideal for day trips or sunset sails.

Weekend excursions might take you to Gig Harbor, a quaint coastal town with waterfront restaurants and boutique shopping, or to Vashon Island for a leisurely cruise through serene coves and harbors. From short day sails to longer adventures through the San Juan Islands or Gulf Islands of British Columbia, Puget Sound offers endless exploration.

Living at FTJ means you can be on your boat in minutes or enjoy views of passing sailboats from your Parkside View apartment. It’s a lifestyle that celebrates the best of Northwest living: fresh air, natural beauty and endless opportunities for connection.

Raise a Glass: Tacoma’s Craft Beer and Wine Scene

After a day on the water or the course, what could be better than unwinding with friends over something local and exceptional? Fortunately, Tacoma’s growing craft beverage scene offers just that.

A short drive from FTJ brings you to Tacoma’s Brewery Row, a vibrant corridor lined with independent breweries and taprooms. 7 Seas Brewing serves bold, sustainable brews by the Foss Waterway, while E9 Firehouse & Gastropub, Tacoma’s oldest brewery, combines history and craftsmanship in a beautifully restored firehouse. Adventurous palates love Black Fleet Brewing and Sig Brewing Co., both known for creative flavors and lively events.

Prefer wine to beer? Tacoma’s emerging wine culture has you covered. Browne Family Vineyards and Structure Cellars offer inviting tasting rooms near the waterfront ideal for sampling bold reds and crisp whites. Water from Wine pairs fine vintages with philanthropy while Buried Bottle provides a speakeasy-inspired atmosphere and global selections.

Together, Tacoma’s breweries and wineries form a social scene as diverse as the city itself—vibrant, welcoming and full of flavor. Or simply relax at the Parkside View bistro/bar with friends. 

The Perfect Pairing: Active Days, Relaxed Evenings

At Franke Tobey Jones, the good life is lived in balance where recreation, culture and community blend seamlessly. Whether you’re teeing off at dawn, casting off at noon or raising a glass at sunset, life at Franke Tobey Jones offers the ultimate Northwest experience defined by connection, natural beauty and the joy of living well.

Register today for an upcoming informational meeting about Franke Tobey Jones’ Parkside View expansion offering 59 new luxury senior apartments: November 13 at the Bellevue Club in Bellevue, or on January 28 at the Tacoma Golf and Country Club in Tacoma. Or call (253) 218-4482.