Bonney Lake is a compelling combination of a blissful retreat-like environment and thriving business community. When driving through, you can spy heavily wooded serenity, take in the view and still find modern societal necessities like an Applebee's, Target and Wal-Mart surrounded by idyllic residential communities. And though many of the Bonney Lake attractions tend to be large corporate chains, there are a few that are not. If you're driving to visit Lake Tapps or taking a trip to Mount Rainier, here are a few finds along the way.

[Uptown Nibbles]

Those looking for a bite or a cocktail before or after catching a flick in Bonney Lake will likely hit up Midtown Grill. This establishment boasts both a family friendly dining atmosphere featuring a menu full of burgers, sammies and hearty entrees as well as an accompanying lounge with a decent hops selection and all of your basic cocktail concoction needs. What makes it an especially nice spot to stop and sip during the summer months is its outdoor patio, which is "tucked" away from the high-traffic highway nearby and surrounded by potted plants so you don't necessarily feel like you're dining in the parking lot. 20609 State Route 410 East, Bonney Lake, 253.862.3767. Open Mondays to Fridays, 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 1 a.m

[Nifty Fifties and Adorable Dogs]

A visit to Mad Dogs Diner is like walking into an episode of Happy Days. The checkered tile floors, comfy booths and "oldies" tunes make this place the epitome of diners. The menu is pretty typical, serving up breakfast fare all day, every day and down-home faves that include staples like gravy with each meal. You wonder why the place is called Mad Dogs until you step inside and see that the walls are lined with photos of man's best friend. Staff encourages visitors to bring their own doggie portraits to join the others, though dogs are not dining there, naturally. 21185 State Route 410 East, Bonney Lake, 253.891.8818. Open Mondays to Wednesdays and Sundays, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursdays to Saturdays, 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

[Tee Off]

Emerald Links, A Driving Range is, well, a driving range. And though it isn't much to look at, it is open, secluded and a nice quiet pit stop for anyone who wants to practice their swing. On-site staff offers club repair and lessons, or one can simply find his or her golfer's Zen and hit a few balls. 22719 State Route 410 East, Bonney Lake, 253.891.8300. Open Mondays to Fridays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m

[Burger Devotion]

Though the Whitehouse Restaurant and Lounge is slim on ambiance and could stand to add some flair and personality to its minimalistic interior, the burgers it serves up know what's up! They're meaty, juicy and large and are of the "stuffed" variety with ingredients like cheeses, bacon and veggies. Rumor has it breakfast isn't too shabby either. 9902 219th Ave. Court E., Bonney Lake, 253.862.4436. Call for hours as it is currently going through a transition.

[Lakeside Lovers]

Allan Yorke Park tends to be the destination for out of towners visiting Bonney Lake. Lake Tapps is a popular go-to for boaters and swimmers alike, and the park itself has loads of outdoor activities for the family from a boat launch, baseball diamonds, tennis courts, a playground for the kiddies and picnic space. There's even a decent-sized skate park for the big kids that just want to venture away from the parents and younger siblings because they are just too cool. 7203 West Tapps Highway, Bonney Lake. Open Dawn until Dusk.

Graceful Go-Tos: Dancemakers Northwest, Lake Tapps Gymnastics, Hot Revive Yoga

Eats and Drinks: Trapper's Sushi, Hop Jacks, BLT, Frankie's Pizza, Babalouies