We are asking for your input so that we can build a large database of ideas you and others can do in and around Joint Base Lewis McChord. Ideas for soldiers, spouses, those with kids, those without kids, pet owners, retirees - the entire spectrum.
Leave your comments below - give us your tips and suggestions. We will take those ideas and write stories for our newspapers and email magazines, plus post them below - you'll be helping to do your part to pass on great tips to your fellow military neighbors.
Thanks for participating.
Explore
Everyone needs a change of scenery and to get out of his or her office or house once in awhile, but that doesn't necessarily mean you want to go offline. At the same time, who wants to pay for Internet service that isn't in your own residence?...
Explore
The classroom wasn't the only place Capt. Dianna Le learned how to become a good officer at the United States Military Academy at West Point. She learned quite a bit on the pitch as well. While attending West Point, Le played rugby on the...
Explore
Those looking for their fill of crumpets, scones, sweets and an authentic British tea room experience need only travel as far as T-4-2 etc., a British tea room, shop and restaurant nestled in the heart of Puyallup's antique district. Owner...
Explore
Growing up in Lakewood, basketball and tennis were my sports of choice. It wasn't until college that I fell in love with the game of golf. I found it the perfect sport for the highly competitive, playing both against my partners and old man...
Explore
For a city of only about 200,000 people, Tacoma boasts far more than its fair share of urban atmosphere. There's a reason why locals still refer to it as "Grit City," despite all the refurbishment of the last few years and its current...
Neighborhoods
The Weekly Volcano has been known to have an opinion or two about local drinking, dining, and entertainment. Some of us have even become self-declared "foodies". As much as we'd like to think we know it all, there are some things about food we...
Explore
Welcome to the Pacific Northwest, which offers a plethora of scenic, outdoors adventures and activities. Hiking and running trails can be found throughout the area, including those in the Point Defiance Park. And located less than 25 miles north...
Resources
Forbes.com 2007's top 10 list of pet-friendly cities included both Portland, Ore. and Seattle, placing the Pacific Northwest in the top-tier. The list (which hasn't been repeated by the magazine since) was based on a variety of factors, including...
Focus
Joint Base Lewis-McChord spouses Christina Hardin and Katy Silverman had already started a successful Facebook page aimed especially at Army wives and spouses. They could have just sat back and continued to update the page and respond to...
Explore
Like any family new to the South Sound, when Army spouse Mimi Eng and her family PCSed to Joint Base Lewis-McChord a little more than two years ago, they wanted to get to know the area and all the great places it has to offer. Eng and her...
Comments for "HIDDEN GEMS" (13)
Northwest Military is not responsible for the content of these comments. Northwest Military reserves the right to remove comments at their discretion.
RangerKen said on Mar. 06, 2011 at 6:44pm
Let me get things started. The Donut House in Lakewood on Gravelly Lake - no one can beat it. The best!!
Christian said on Mar. 06, 2011 at 8:52pm
Christian Hamilton Photography offers free photo sessions for families through Operation: Love Reunited. The sessions are for families that have a service member deploying or about to return from a deployment. Christian is himself a SSG in the US Army so has a unique perspective on the importance of these photos.
nicole said on Mar. 07, 2011 at 10:46am
If you'd like ideas on what to do with young children I recommend the blog at www.soundsfunmom.com. Maegan lists so many great ideas around the area and many are free!
Holly Reed said on Mar. 07, 2011 at 12:22pm
I love the bunkhouse B-B-Q and Burgers in Mckenna.(just take the 7[pacific ave] through parkland and spanaway till you get to the 507 towards roy/centralia. McKenna is shortly after roy) . They are the home of the trail boss, a maasive burger that inspires a lot of competition usually from men between the ages of 18-30. Best burgers ANYWHERE! I like the black and blue burger, black angus beef, thick slices of bacon, and bleu cheese crumbles.
Keeley said on Mar. 09, 2011 at 8:23am
My family loves Annette's Grind Espresso on Bridgeport in Lakewood. It is a drive up espresso shack, but NO, it is not a bikini one, haha. Not only do they have coffee drinks they have delicious smoothies. They have a huge menu of drinks, they are super friendly, and kids drinks are free on Sunday's with the purchase of an adult drink! I highly recommend an Orenthal with strawberries! YUM!
RangerKen said on Mar. 12, 2011 at 12:54pm
Pick up the March 17th Ranger/Airlifter - in it, we'll do a complete Welcome Guide of Hidden Gems.
Meghan F. said on Mar. 12, 2011 at 11:45pm
The Grand Cinema, in downtown Tacoma is a throwback to the old time movie theater experience. The seats are comfy and the theater is clean. They play indie and foreign films that you won't find in most other theaters and w/ valid military ID, tickets are only $6.50 each for evening movies--great deal!
Carrie said on Mar. 18, 2011 at 4:08pm
The best yogurt in Tacoma is at "Black Bear Yogurt" in Lakewood.
Natalie said on Mar. 19, 2011 at 11:27am
The German Pastry and Coffee Shop is downright spectacular. 6108 Mt. Tacoma Dr - Lakewood. Go early, once they sell out of pastries they won't make more! They are also closed on Sundays, FYI.
I'm glad I saw the post about Black Bear Yogurt, I've been craving some lately!!
Jen said on Mar. 22, 2011 at 11:04pm
Hello. Well we have been here since 2007 and are from the East Coast. And I miss markets with fresh food so much. Well recently we found Tacoma Boys market and we LOVE it! They have three locations. They offer fresh meats, fruits, veges, wine, dairy, fresh fudge, fresh flowers and even organic foods. We just love it!!! Thanks
Tia said on Mar. 23, 2011 at 10:20am
Raindrops and Rainbows on JBLM North.It's a great place to take your young children they have tons of different play areas and activities for you to do with your children and best of all it is free!
Brittany said on Mar. 27, 2011 at 3:18pm
Jumping Jacks in lacey. They offer a military discount too. Fun and cheap for the kids, they get to bounce for as long as they want, and its hardly ever really crowded.
Laura said on Apr. 07, 2011 at 12:54am
I love shopping at Hand Me Round Children's Resale. They have the best prices and the items they sell are in great condition. Plus they always have sales going on and a military discount to top it off. They are located at 9105 Bridgeport Way SW, Lakewood. Also I love going to Point Defiance. It's a little bit of a drive but it is in Tacoma. They have a flower garden, zoo/aquarium, lots of grass, and the walk along the Pudget Sound is breathe-taking. It works for people who have kids, dogs, want to bbq, or just get out. You can take highway 16 to the 6th avenue exit (exit 3) & follow the signs!
Leave A Comment
Respond on Your Blog
Create an Account
or
Login
If you have an account you can not only post comments, but you can also respond to articles in your own blog. It's just another way to make your voice heard.