I've always been a fan of dinner and a show. There is something about the combination of a good meal and good entertainment all wrapped into one evening with a partner of choice. I'm equally fond of a weekend breakfast out where I can relax from the chores at home, put the stress of the weekly grind behind me, and enjoy a morning meal that I'm not likely to make myself. Fortunately, Tugboat Annies takes it up a notch and offers its patrons a meal and an adventure!

Located on the West Bay of Budd Inlet, diners for the past 20 years have enjoyed sweeping water views in an affordable and casual environment. Additionally, the menu is equally casual offering anything from local seafood, burgers, sandwiches and other traditional comfort foods; each of which is complemented by the creative bar selections.

It's not difficult to find tasty food in a casual dining atmosphere in Olympia, but what Tugboat Annies offers is direct access to the water by the way of kayak rentals. Any waterfront place can offer views, or even a dock for a closer look, but compared to Annies, it hardly seems like access at all.

Kayaks are available for rental daily for between $20-$30 for a few hours from spring through fall. These are especially popular on sunny days, or on Mondays and Tuesdays when it is half price, as there are several opportunities to explore the area's sites for a vantage unavailable by foot. One such popular spot is the log boom which is generally packed with the local seal population out sunning themselves. These also grant access to many of the little coves like near the Olympia Golf and Country Club or Priest Point where you can beach the kayak to catch your breath or stretch the legs a bit.

My recommendation is to go for the full boat, so to speak. For just $55 on the weekends, you can rent two kayaks for two hours, either at 9 a.m. or 11 a.m., and enjoy any two breakfasts on the menu with coffee, at either 9 a.m. or 11 a.m., depending on if your preference is to eat before or after you paddle around.

There are plenty of breakfast choices for nearly every preference. The omelets range from a meat lover packed with bacon, ham, sausage and cheese to the vegetarian option filled with cheese, mushrooms, onions and green peppers, as well as two seafood options -- bay shrimp or crab. Another popular option is the breakfast burrito, also available in either a veggie or meat version. You can also expect all the standard griddle selections as simple as bacon and eggs, pancakes, or French toast. One of my favorites is the Almond Toast breakfast that partners bacon, ham or sausage, and country potatoes with sourdough bread that is soaked in a vanilla, cinnamon, and orange zest egg wash, then rolled in sliced almonds and brown sugar, which is then grilled and served with butter and syrup.

However you choose to go about it, grab a friend, grab a kayak, and grab some great comfort food while you enjoy the view, and you are sure to enjoy one of the best meal experiences for any active lifestyle.

TUGBOAT ANNIES, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday; 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday; 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Sunday; 2100 West Bay Dr. NW, Olympia, 360.943.1850, tugboatannies.com