Best of the Basics (part two) (part one)

For all of you out there waiting with bated breath for the second half of the Best of Seattle's Basics top ten list, the time has finally arrived! Here are five more great ideas for Seattle-area fun that have been tried, tested, and proven to provide entertainment for everyone. Enjoy!

6. Safeco Field

Featuring a retractable roof, extensive views of downtown Seattle and Puget Sound, as well as a great view of the field even from the nosebleed sections and plenty of scrumptious baseball food selections, it's not hard to understand why Safeco Field has such a great reputation among fans and players. Oh, and did I mention the Mariners, one of the American League's best teams, plays there? For those not interested in America's favorite pastime or who are not in town during the playing season, Safeco Field offers tours of the stadium starting at $7 for adults. To receive more information on tours and the playing schedule visit their website.

7. Redhook Beer Brewery and Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery

Located across the street from one and other in Woodinville, the brewery and winery are fantastic ways to spend an afternoon no matter what the weather. Start the day at Ste. Michelle and enjoy a complimentary tour of the winery which includes a wine tasting. In addition to the free wine tasting offered during the tour, there is also a tasting bar featuring select reserve and single vineyard wines for $5. Lush winery grounds make the perfect setting for a picnic, so if the sun is shining bring along your picnic basket.

After spending a few refined hours of amusement at the winery, head over to the Redhook brewery for a more raucous time. For only a buck you get a tour of the facility as well as a free beer tasting and a souvenir tasting glass. For beer lovers, this is definitely a dollar well spent. The brewery also offers a pub-like restaurant, so if you are hungry stop in for a bite and more beer! Both of these facilities also feature concerts during the summer. For more information about these facilities as well as concert information, visit their websites at www.ste-michelle.com and www.redhook.com/brew_woodinville.html.

8. Argosy Cruise

Since much of our city is surrounded by water, one of the best ways to see more of its panoramas is by boat. When Brian and I have out of town guests, a cruise is always on the agenda. The ride never fails to be both fun and informative, and visitors are always impressed. Argosy Cruises offers a wide array of tours throughout the sound and various lakes as well as dinner and lunch cruises. Book your trip online at their website, www.argosycruises.com and save 5% on your tickets! It's a great way to spend the day whether you've lived here for years or it's your first time to the area.

9. Steven's Pass

If you're aching to get away from the city, a drive to the summit of Steven's pass is a terrific way to spend the day. Whether the pass is bathed in sunshine, snow, or the colors of fall, it is always a beautiful drive and a fabulous way to get a better feel for this spectacular state. There are also plenty of excellent pit stops along the way for those of you looking to get a little closer to nature. Deception falls, located about 6 ½ miles east of Skykomish, is among my favorite. The short, yet picturesque, trail is not very difficult, and there are plenty of scenic picture taking opportunities, especially at the falls which are at the height of their beauty during high water periods. Further down the road, near Lake Wenatchee, is an excellent little restaurant, The 59er Diner. Juicy hamburgers, crispy fries, and mouth-watering milk shakes are the specialty of the quaint fifties style diner. Brian is from Wenatchee so we head over the pass quite a bit, and stopping at the diner for lunch or dinner has become a ritual. For more info on the restaurant call (509) 763-2267. To learn more about the many hiking trails on Steven's Pass visit www.wta.org.

10. EMP

Music lovers of all ages will love this hands-on museum. Paul Allen's tribute to all things musical includes interactive exhibits, tons of inimitable artifacts, and even room for live concerts. Rather than follow a herd of tourists through the musuem, you can wander at your own pace and still have the benefit of a tour guide by using EMP's handheld virtual tour guides. For Jimi Hendrix fans, the museum also features an entire exhibit dedicated to the legend. Don't forget the Liquid Louge for live music and concerts. Plan on spending hours in this enormous space known for both its unique architecture and its dedication to honoring music that you, your kids, and your parents listen to. For hours, location and ticket and concert information visit their website at www.emplive.com.