Joint Base Lewis-McChord calls Lakewood home, so it is very likely one of the areas you've already had the opportunity to explore. It's a diverse community that beholds a variety of pocketed neighborhoods including residential communities, historical buildings, lakes, parks and a slew of strip malls. I could have just visited parks and recreation sites, as there are a number of fabulous go-tos in Lakewood with the outdoorsy in mind, but instead I had dinner and a show on the noggin ... or at least nibbles and a show in mind. Here are just a handful of must-try bites in the heart of Lakewood.

[Best Breakfast in Town]

Carrs Restaurant is hands down some of the best breakfast in the South Sound. It's true. It's not fancy grub pub fare, rather just good ole greasy spoon staples like hot cakes, eggs and bacon and SOS. And the biscuits and gravy are some of the largest you may encounter - they are more of a thing to conquer than a meal. Any local will tell you that Carrs is the place to be for breakfast, or breakfast for dinner. 11006 Bridgeport Way, Lakewood, 253.584.4622. Open Mondays to Thursdays, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

[Mama Mia!]

Tucked away on Ponders Corner, Pizza Casa is easily bypassed during your daily commute. This place isn't so much your average local family friendly pizza joint as it is a culinary institution, having been in place and family owned for more than 50 years now. The sauces are rich and delicious, and though you won't experience an extra-large pizza pie here, the crusts are perfectly crispy breadiness topped with quality ingredients. 12924 Pacific Hwy. SW,, Lakewood, 253.588.8135. Open Mondays to Thursdays, 4 to 10 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 4 to 11 p.m. and Sundays, 2 to 10 p.m.

[Show Stoppers]

Approaching its 75th anniversary, Lakewood Playhouse's season brings a little bit of Shakespeare, a touch of Sherlock and a few scares with The Woman in Black, just to name a few. 5729 Lakewood Towne Center Boulevard, Lakewood, 253.588.0042. Visit www.lakewoodplayhouse.org for box office hours and showtime information.

[If You Miss Street Tacos]

Tijuana Taco brings authentic street taco fare to Lakewood in a sit down "fast food" atmosphere. Skip the big chain "Mexican" food nibbles; these are cheap eats and damn tasty. There's a reason they've been around since 1969.10005 Bristol Ave., Lakewood, 253.588.4621. Open Mondays to Fridays, 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.  

[For the DoughNuts]

We all have a little inner Homer (who sometimes may even make outer appearances in our well-earned Buddha bellies), but for those who drool at the mere idea of doughnutty goodness, House of Donuts is a must visit. This little drive-thru spot has been serving fresh, delicious doughnuts since 1959! 9638 Gravelly Lake Drive Southwest, Lakewood, 253.588.2647. Open Mondays to Sundays, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.  

Play Time: American Lake, Fort Steilacoom Park

Brewskis and Pool: The Schooner

Underwater Adventurers: Underwater Sports