About

About Us

Pretty Gritty Tours was founded in 2016 by Chris Staudinger and Tawny Clark. Having spent 10 years as professional travel journalists, they finally returned home to the PNW. Tacoma has suffered a long time under a somewhat seedy reputation but it continues to be one of the most incredible and history-rich cities in the US. Chris and Tawny began working with a group of guides, artists, and historians who feel that the South Sound is one of the most beautiful and underrepresented parts of the world.

Since then, the team at Pretty Gritty Tours has been digging deep into the stories, the businesses, and the buildings that make this such an incredible place to visit and hope to share those treasures with all of you.

This exciting and dynamic team has worked in the travel industry for more than 15 years and has distilled their favorite parts of the travel and tourism industry down to a fun loving company that just wants you to have the best time possible, whether you are life-long resident or just here for a weekend.

Come with us and explore the pretty and the gritty!

We pride ourselves in the quality and attention to detail with each tour. Our knowledgeable guides are happy to welcome any and all questions. Should you require a private tour, please choose that option under the "Tours" menu. We are happy to cater to all needs and desires.

Virtual Tours and Education

Beginning in the first week of the pandemic, we shifted to providing free educational and entertaining content for people to get to understand and love this region. As journalists, historians, and guides it has been our privilege and pleasure to work with the Foss Waterway Seaport, the City of Tacoma, the Heritage League of Pierce County, Grave Concerns, the City of Seattle, and others to help ensure a love of the region and a sincere understanding of the history that has formed this area. Today, we have led more than 160 (and counting) free virtual tours of the area and we don't plan to stop. These hour-long programs remain online as a resource for anyone to get to know the area a little bit deeper. If you have any areas you want to know more about or local legends you want us to chase down just let us know.

You can watch all of these tours at anytime on our YouTube Channel.