The 57,000 residents of Lakewood enjoy a moderate climate and the city’s central location allows easy year round access to everything in the South Puget Sound region. There is plenty to see in and around Lakewood. Lakewood, one of the finest estate gardens in the nation, is located on ten acres, overlooking Gravelly Lake. A giant Douglas fir creates its own shade garden, a medieval Knot Garden features unusual plants, and formal topiaries share space with an 18th century lion fountain. Other features include a reflecting pool, a tea house, Japanese maples, rhododendrons, and cherry trees. High Tea for Mother’s Day and summer concerts are annual events.

Thornwood Castle, the “house that love built,” was constructed 100 years ago brick by brick from a 400 year old English manor that was dismantled and shipped to Lakewood to be rebuilt exactly as it was. Now 500 years old, Thornwood Castle has starred as Rose Red in a movie and television mini-series. Today this magical castle is a bed and breakfast and features mystery nights, themed evenings, masquerade balls, film screenings, Shakespeare readings and romantic dinners.

Northwest Trek is a 615-acre park with lakes, trails, meadows and more than 200 North American animals including bighorn sheep, deer, elk, caribou, mountain goats, bison, bears, wolves, bobcats, lynx, cougars, owls and eagles in free-roaming areas and natural exhibits. There are five miles of trails and a discovery center. Mt. Rainer National Park is home to Mount Rainier, the tallest volcano in the contiguous United States, and the highest mountain in Washington. There are glaciers, waterfalls, lakes and 600-year old forests in the park, and activities include hiking, camping, backpacking, and mountain climbing. In winter, cross-county skiing and snowshoeing are popular.