When deciding what makes a neighborhood a stellar destination, a plethora of attributes have to be put into consideration. Diversity in delectable dining options, walkability, funky fresh retail spaces and quality-of-life service spots are all required components that must be present in abundance.

The Sixth Avenue District, also known simply as The Ave, is lined with businesses of all sorts and surrounded by a charming residential hood that easily takes away the title as Tacoma's Best Neighborhood Vibe for a variety of reasons.

Firstly, The Ave hosts one of the best attended art festivals of the year with Art on the Ave. They shut down the street and fill the space with local creative vendors, several live music stages, artists painting, building and crafting right before your eyes, AND a grub crawl featuring tasty bites to fuel the entire endeavor.

Let's be real, though, this isn't the only time this business district shines. On the daily, you can stroll down The Ave and satiate just about any hankering while checking off the to-do list with ease. Foodie finds abound, which is why several Sixth Avenue staples have been highlighted on a national level with features on the Food Network. Need to start your day off right? Hit Old Milwaukee Cafe, Southern Kitchen or Shakabrah for your morning time fuel. Dig into pizza at Half Pint, El Borracho tacos, or fish n chips at Fish, Fish, Fish on the go. Do date night right with fine dining options like The Table, Asado, and Primo Grill who all provide beautifully executed dishes. Then, wrap it all up at the end of the evening with some nightlife vibes at Jazzbones, Dirty Oscars Annex, Crown Bar and the Triple Knock. Fulfill your sammie needs with the Magic Sandwich Makers. Pair craft brews with delicious dogs at the Red Hot and feel like a kid again with a double scoop of Ice Cream Social in a fresh waffle cone. All of these and more within blocks of each other.

All that noshing aside, you can also indulge in locally roasted bean concoctions, score rad vintage threads, adorn your body with fresh ink, get a massage and your do done all in one fell swoop. What makes The Ave such a desirable destination? More like, what doesn't?! From hot spots that look a little rough around the edges, to locally owned and operated restaurant and retail spaces, the Sixth Avenue Business District has all of the things that make our community such a rad one.