Five Fun Ways to Spend the Last Weekend in February

Just when we thought an early spring was here to stay, the rains returned, along with the comforting feeling that things are normal. But around here we never let a little moisture stop us from enjoying the "Good Life" in the Northwest. Like the tiny primroses blooming in my garden, the kind slugs ignore and nothing can kill, those of us who grew up here still thrive. This week I'm offering a few of my favorite ideas for fun, in no particular order:

1. Treat yourself to a meal at the Adriatic Grill here in Tacoma. My husband and I visited this restaurant for the first time last Monday. What a find. We WILL be back to eventually try everything on the menu. We both thought the Five Cheese Pizza had a just-right crust, a most pleasing sauce, and like the regular customer at the table next to us said, (the one almost moaning over the homemade mushroom soup,) it had "the perfect marriage of cheeses." The Chop Chop Salad beats any I've ever had anywhere. Did I mention the relaxing atmosphere and excellent service?

This weekend wraps up the celebration of the Adriatic Grill's 2nd anniversary and you still have a few days left to enjoy the Daily Dining Bonus. Chef Bill Trudnowski is giving away special free gifts and discounts. Find out what kind of surprise that sealed envelope at your table holds. If you want to attend their Anniversary Gala, 6:30-11pm Saturday, Feb. 27th, you need to make your reservation NOW by calling 352-475-6000 because space is limited. The cost is $100 per person for plentiful food and drink at this party, with proceeds going to a new culinary arts scholarship at Clover Park Technical College. Call for details.

2. Take in Wintergrass. It's too bad Tacoma lost this Blue Grass Festival, a destination for top notch bands and their followers around the country. Now Tacoma's loss is Bellevue's gain. It runs Feb. 25-28 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Bellevue, WA. Check out their site for all it has to offer in the way of concerts, classes, vendors, jamming, etc.

3. The weekend of February 25-28 also means it's time for Sew Expo at the Puyallup Fairgrounds. Okay, okay, I know that just as Blue Grass isn't for everyone, maybe you don't sew, quilt, knit, or do other needle crafts. But if you took a look at the crowds it draws every year, you might wonder if you're missing out by not enjoying these hobbies. Sew Expo in Puyallup is the largest event of its kind in the nation, offering classes, demonstrations, fashion shows, and (here's the best part) all the vendors you could ever want if you love sewing, quilting, knitting, or other stitchery.

4. Visit the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma or the associated State Capital Museum in Olympia, located in the historic Lord Mansion. I recently took an afternoon seminar there and learned all about Northwest Native American basket weaving traditions of various tribes in Washington State. If you are not already a member of the Washington State Historical Society, considered joining. It's well worth the modest fee. You can learn about both museums and the Society through the link above.

5. Head north on Pearl Street and visit Pt. Defiance Park where spring flowers are beginning to bloom and the zoo, aquarium, and beach offer families or individuals a chance to reconnect with nature. Rain or shine, it always makes you feel good to hear those birds singing, smell the salt air, lean on a railing and watch the boats go by, take the Five Mile Drive with its forest and Sound views, or get some exercise walking.

This February brought us so many gorgeous days, the first signs of color in the yard, and for me personally, plenty of reasons to be optimistic, inspired, and full of energy. Now I'm ready for March and even more good things to come. I hope you are too. Have fun, stay positive, and enjoy every day.

All the best,
Candace