September 27 is World Tourism Day, a time to celebrate all the benefits of travel, exploration and discovery. Designated in 1980 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, the purpose of World Tourism Day is to raise awareness of the role of tourism within the international community and how it affects social, cultural, political and economic values across the globe.
No need to spend a dozen hours in the air to celebrate World Tourism Day. Here are five things to do in Kent to get your fix.
- Cheer for the home team
Fast-paced action, top-notch competition, easy access, free parking, fun and frugal promotions. What more could you ask for? The Seattle Thunderbirds Western Hockey league ice hockey team kicks off their 2018-19 season September 22 at accesso ShoWare Center. Catch a home game in this intimate arena that puts you close to all the action on the ice.
- Do some museum hopping
- The Greater Kent Historical Society Museum offers a look inside Kent’s rich history, from displays about the region’s early hops and lettuce days to development of the Lunar Rover. Period rooms provide a glimpse of life in days gone by.
- If you’re a fan of (or curious about) power boats, head to Kent’s Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum. This one-of-a-kind spot offers memorabilia, rare racing footage and lots of vintage hydroplanes.
- Find out what’s pouring
- Check out Airways Brewing’s tap room or cozy downtown bistro and discover out why this local brewer keeps bringing home big awards.
- Find out what happens when you put the bounty from the farm into a bottle. Sidetrack Distillery produces a dozen world-class cordials, specialty spirits and brandies using pure Portuguese copper stills, Italian stainless-steel aging tanks and their own harvest.
- Get back to nature
- Kent has more than 70 parks, playfields and open spaces, so the possibilities are nearly endless. Kayak Lake Meridian, stroll Clark Lake Park or make your pup a tourist at Lake Fenwick Park.
- Put in some time in the saddle on more than 30 miles of bike trails in Kent, including the Kent Valley Loop Trails and Soos Creek Trail. If you want to log some miles beyond the city limits, Kent offers easy access to the Green River Trail and Interurban Trail.
- Taste your way across town
Ranked by WalletHub in 2018 as the ninth most diverse midsize city in the U.S., Kent’s vibrant global character truly shows in its international eateries. Choose from a cornucopia of international dinner (and shopping) options at the Great Wall Shopping Mall.
Be a tourist in your own community. And find out about more things to do in Kent.