Spouses are invited every month to enjoy a fun and free trip to Seattle or Tacoma, and get to meet each other thanks to Joint Base Lewis-McChord officials. Once a month, JBLM AFCS (Armed Forces Community Service) hosts a Spouse's Out on the Town Tour. This month they headed to Seattle, and I had the pleasure of riding along.

Tour attendees traveled in style in a comfy, air-conditioned, 15-passenger van.  The first stop was the Starbucks Reserve Roastery and Tasting Room.  I have to admit, I've been wanting to go since it opened in December, but I was concerned about parking and crowds. Luckily, everything was set up in advance, and we arrived in the morning before the crowds. Tour participants were given a private tour of the beautiful roaster, then we had time to hang, order coffee and breakfast, or peruse the gift shop.  

Next on the agenda was a drive through the University of Washington, around Green Lake Park, and a stop at the Fremont Troll under the Aurora Bridge in the Freemont neighborhood of Seattle.  Everyone hopped out and took turns taking pictures in front of the giant concrete troll sculpture. The tour continued with a drive through Ballard and a stop at The Ballard Locks.  Officially called the "Hiram M. Chittenden Locks," this system allows boats to travel between the Puget Sound and Lake Union.  The locks also feature a fish ladder with viewing area and a beautiful botanical garden.

I was super-excited to learn that our next destination was Kerry Park.  Located in the Queen Anne neighborhood, this park has picturesque views of the Seattle skyline with the Space Needle in the foreground. Besides the amazing view, this park also features a unique sculpture titled "Changing Form," and a play area for kids.

The tour then headed through the Seattle waterfront pier area and by the Space Needle.  The final stop for the day was the famous Pike Place Market.  Participants were given a scheduled meet-up time at a pre-arranged location and everyone headed out to explore the market, check out the shops and grab a quick lunch.  The group then headed back to JBLM, returning around 4:30 p.m.

Tours are held once a month and feature a trip to Tacoma or Seattle.  There are two pick-up locations, one on JBLM-Main at Waller Hall and another on McChord at the Servicemember Family Readiness Center. The next tour will go to Seattle, Aug.18 and then Tacoma on Sept. 22. Sign up online at http://jblmafcs.checkappointments.com/#WELCOME or call 253.967.3633.

• Starbucks Reserve Roastery and Tasting Room, 1124 Pike St., Seattle. Open Daily, 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., 206.642.0173, www.roastery.starbucks.com

• Ballard Locks, 3015 NW 54th St., Seattle. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, www.myballard.com

• Kerry Park, 211 W. Highland Dr., Seattle. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, www.Seattle.gov.com

• Pike Place Market, 85 Pike St. Hillclimb, Seattle. Open daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., www.pikeplacemarket.org