Ah, St. Patrick's Day. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I can appreciate a good drinking holiday. I mean, most holidays have morphed from gatherings to commemorate iconic people or moments that have impacted us as a species to consumer indulgences like a good sale or an excuse to feast, mightily. When it comes down to it though, holidays are about tradition. Maybe you go to an Irish pub where you wet the shamrock, adorn yourself in green from head to toe, guzzle green beer and devour all the corned beef your belly will allow you. Or, maybe you're looking for a little something different. Here are a few less obvious choices for those looking to celebrate all things four leaf clovers and leprechauns.

The right way to start any holiday is with doughnuts. They're delicious for any occasion and Legendary Donuts has some of the yummiest concoctions. As it happens, St. Paddy's falls during Girl Scout Cookie season, so their seasonal selection reflects as much with Thin Mint and Samoas goodies but they also adorn their frosted treats with green for St. Patrick's and for me, that's a good enough reason to indulge. Plus, their Boozy Balls are delightful little bites with a brown sugar bourbon sweet crème. 5604 176th St. E., Puyallup; 2602 6th Ave., Tacoma; 32079 Pacific Hwy. S., Federal Way

If doughnuts aren't your bag, maybe cinnamon rolls are. Gig Harbor's NetShed No. 9 makes some of the best cast iron skillet rolls on this good green earth. To commemorate the holiday, Chef Will will adorn these tasty delights with a "grasshopper" cream cheese frosting and that little leprechaun's favorite breakfast cereal, Lucky Charms. They're magically delicious. 3313 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor

The Sons of Norway host a St. Patrick's Day Dinner and Social at Norden Lodge #2, Saturday, March 17, from 5-11 p.m. Margie Kellogg whips up corned beef and cabbage, complete with carrots, potatoes, salad and soda bread. There's dessert and live music and a bar serving up their special "The Fuzzy Leprechaun," which will undoubtedly leave things a little fuzzy, I imagine. This is a kid-friendly shindig. RSVP and find out more by emailing Social Director Pam Larsen at sweninga@comcast.net. 1106 S. 15th St., Tacoma

Traditions steeped in good deeds are the best sort. Olympia Country and Golf Club will be hosting St. Patrick's Day Shenanigans from 5-9 p.m. Festivities include dinner, a no-host bar and games. Bonus, the fun here is also family friendly and open to members and non-members alike. Bonus, proceeds benefit the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Southwest Washington. 3636 Country Club Dr. NW, Olympia

Tired of corned beef and cabbage? Join the Tacoma Narrows Rotary for their annual St. Patrick's Day Crab Feed. This event is adults-only, 21 and up, and another fabulous way to make your good time a good deed. Tickets cost $50 and include a fresh Dungeness crab dinner with green beer, wine and cocktails. There will be live music and a raffle with proceeds benefitting a local Fircrest project, children's literacy and youth services. 555 Contra Costa Ave., Fircrest, tacomanarrowsrotary.org

Maybe this falls in line with some expected festivities, but Ruston's newest addition, Fish Brewing, will release a special Dry Irish Stout paired with a menu featuring some spins on traditional Irish fare, for the day. 5108 Grand Loop, Ruston

Another local brewery, Dunagan's, will have loads of festive shenanigans including the release of Tacoma Ranger Ale, where $1 of every pint sold will benefit the Tacoma Rangers, in support of local Gaelic athletes. Their !BARRELS! Dry Irish Stout will also be in the house paired with, (you guessed it) corned beef and cabbage. Doors open at noon; cover is $8 after 8 p.m. 1126 Commerce St., Tacoma