Popular Pierce County cafe closes. Here are other eateries on the way to Mount Rainier
A well-known coffee shop along State Route 165 just at the edge of Pierce County and on the way to Mount Rainier National Park has shut its doors for good.
Nomad PNW opened its doors in 2018 in Wilkeson and was owned and operated by Felisha and Jeff Ford. The coffee shop, which was known for its homemade pastries and empanadas, usually closed for the winter season but would reopen every spring.
Just seven years after its opening, the cafe’s owners announced on May 31 via their social media platforms that Nomad PNW would not be reopening and would be closing indefinitely.
“After proudly serving this community for the past seven years, Nomad PNW will not be reopening,” the Facebook post read. “This will go down as one of the most incredible seasons of our lives. We are beyond grateful for each and every one of you who have supported us along the way.”
The couple previously told The News Tribune that they made their way from California after deciding to live like nomads. They were initially planning to settle in Maple Valley but decided they wanted something more rural. They fell in love with Wilkeson after accidentally stumbling upon the town while on their way to look at Enumclaw real estate.
They bought a house with a Buckley address, but as Felisha previously told The News Tribune, “We’re closer to downtown Wilkeson than Buckley.” They then bought the building where their cafe was located.
Although Wilkeson lost a staple cafe in their community, there are still several other eateries, shops and attractions that you can visit.
Other shops and restaurants in Wilkeson
If you’re planning to visit Mount Rainier National Park via Route 165 and are looking for things to do along the way, here are a few restaurants and shops in Wilkeson to visit.
Simple Goodness Soda Shop
Simple Goodness Soda Shop is owned by two sisters and operates out of a an original historic building in Wilkeson. The restaurant is a farm to table cafe and tasting room that serves drinks with syrups crafted by the sisters.
Where: 533 Church St., Wilkeson
Hours: Thursday through Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 7 p.m.
The Carlson Block
The Carlson Block is a family-owned and operated pizza restaurant that has been open since 2017 and has been recognized for serving up some of the best pizza in the Pacific Northwest. Pizza usually sells out quickly, so it’s best to get there early.
Where: 531 Church St., Wilkeson
Hours: Thursday through Sunday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. (or sellout)
Pick & Shovel
The Pick & Shovel is a bar and restaurant about 16 miles from the Carbonado River.
Where: 527 Church St., Wilkeson
Hours: Restaurant hours are Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and the bar is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight.
HSC Boutique and Gift Shop
HSC Boutique and Gift Shop is a store front that carries a majority of products from woman-owned, BIPOC-owned and Pacific Northwest-owned businesses. The boutique is size inclusive and carries sizes ranging from extra small to 4XL/5XL.
- Where: 521 Church St., Wilkeson
- Hours: Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5:30 p.m.
Bacon & Eggs skate park
Bacon & Eggs skate park is located in Wilkeson and, as its name suggests, is a breakfast-themed skate park that features a pair of sunnyside up eggs and a piece of bacon in a pan.
- Where: Washington 398, Carbonado South Prairie Road, Buckley
Carbonado Saloon
Carbonado Saloon is in a building that used to house the town’s barber shop, dentist office and post office and is filled with a ton of memorabilia to look at while enjoying a cold beer or some food.
Where: 91 Pershing Ave. (off Route 165)
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday and Sundays from noon to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from noon to 2 a.m.
This story was originally published August 5, 2024 at 9:30 AM with the headline "Popular Pierce County cafe closes. Here are other eateries on the way to Mount Rainier."
