Tee off, cast off and raise a glass: The best of Northwest living

By The Seattle Times

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, beer or cider. 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 in this community delivers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and vibrant social energy.

Tee off in style: World-class golf

Golfers at FTJ enjoy proximity to some of the region’s most scenic 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, challenges every skill level and offers walking trails for those who simply love the view.

Prefer a private club? Fircrest Golf Club, established in 1924, the same year as FTJ, features beautifully maintained greens and a welcoming social calendar. Allenmore and Meadow Park offer walkable courses for relaxed rounds with friends.

No matter where you play, living at FTJ 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.

The FTJ campus is minutes from the Tacoma Yacht Club and Foss Harbor Marina. (Getty Images)

A boater’s dream: Adventures on the Sound

For those who feel most at home on the water, FTJ is perfectly situated. The campus sits minutes from the Tacoma Yacht Club, where members enjoy deep-water moorage, cruises and views of Commencement Bay. Foss Harbor Marina, just 10 minutes away, offers easy access to downtown dining, museums and events — ideal for day trips or sunset sails.

Weekend excursions might take you to Gig Harbor for waterfront dining and boutique shopping or to Vashon Island for a leisurely cruise through serene coves. From short day sails to longer adventures through the San Juan or Gulf Islands, 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.

Nearby Brewery Row is lined with independent breweries and taprooms. (Getty Images)

Raise a glass: Tacoma’s craft beer, wine and cider scene

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

Brewery Row, a short drive from FTJ, is lined with independent breweries and taprooms. 7 Seas Brewing serves bold, sustainable brews, while E9 Firehouse & Gastropub, Tacoma’s oldest brewery, combines history and craftsmanship. Adventurous palates love Black Fleet and Sig Brewing Co., known for creative flavors and lively events.

Prefer wine? Browne Family Vineyards and Structure Cellars offer inviting tasting rooms near the waterfront, Water from Wine pairs fine vintages with philanthropy and Buried Bottle adds a speakeasy-inspired flair.

Tacoma’s cider scene adds a fresh, fruit-forward layer. Local gems like Cider & Cedar and Incline Cider House spotlight small-batch ciders made with Northwest apples — crisp, aromatic and seasonally inspired. Together, breweries, wineries and cideries form a social scene as diverse as the city itself or simply relax with friends at the Parkside View bistro/bar.

The perfect pairing: Active days, relaxed evenings

At Franke Tobey Jones, 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 FTJ offers the ultimate Northwest experience — defined by connection, natural beauty and the joy of living well.

Register today for an informational meeting about Parkside View’s 59 new luxury senior apartments: Nov. 13 at the Bellevue Club in Bellevue, or Jan. 28 at the Tacoma Golf and Country Club in Tacoma. Or call 253-218-4482.