Welcome to the newest weekly column on MLTnews.com, “Single in the Suburb”. I’m Kelly, a 20something rental-dwelling resident of Mountlake Terrace. I’ve lived here for two years – a transplant of another 425 neighbor. I’m still exploring the area and when I’m not working my 9-5 in the big city, I enjoy keeping it local with a sunny day in the park and a good drink on a Friday night.
However, like most of you, I’m on a budget…and not trying to break the bank trying to find a good time in my spare time. With that in mind, I set out to find a few things to do this summer that would leave enough funds left over for the necessities of life….like that car payment and WSG bill. Here are eight ideas, all under $8 dollars, to keep your single selves occupied this summer.
1. Go for a Swim
If you’re lucky enough to have a friend who lives in one of MLT’s awesome apartment complexes with a pool, drop by for a visit and go for a swim…or, you know, to just check out the cuties soaking up some sun. Opt for a weekday and sneak out of the office for a kiddie-free experience.
Cost: FREE
2. BBQ in Terrace Creek Park (aka Candy Cane Park)
The best park in town (https://www.cityofmlt.com/cityServices/parks/terraceCreekPark.htm), it is also free with plenty of grass, tables, and bbq grills to use on a warm summer afternoon. Round up your friends and potluck the picnic for a BBQ on a budget!
Cost: Approx $5/person
3. Burgers and Beer
We have a real gem in Mountlake Terrace – a full service restaurant with burgers AND beer. (Really, what could be better?) Stop by Red Onion (https://www.redonionburgers.com/) Monday thru Friday, 2-4, for their version of “happy hour”, or check out their amazing burger menu between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily. The “average” burger (though there’s nothing average about these delicious bites) is around $6, and the menu also offers salads, soups, ribs, fish…and even breakfast, if your hangover so craves it.
Cost: $8 or under, depending on what you order
4. Late Night Out
If It’s a Friday night and you’re itching to go out but stay local, you are just in luck. MLT has several options to get your drink on; On the east side of I-5, you can check out Ringers in the QFC complex, and on the other side of the “tracks” you can stop by O’Houlie’s, across from Azteca (which is another good option, too.) But please, leave the car at home – all these great watering holes are within walking distance for most of us. You’re trying to watch your budget, the last thing you want is an expensive DUI. (They’re really no fun for anyone else, anyways.)
Cost: approx $3/beer
5. Watch a Movie
If you’re 21+ you have not seen a movie until you see one at Cinnebarre (https://cinebarre.com/). Located at the southend of the city, by Lake Forest Park, this experience provides alcoholic drinks and delicious food in a kid-free environment while you watch a show.
Cost: $8 matinee (plus food)
6. Grab a Cup of Joe
You can’t miss them. They’re everywhere. There’s one on every corner – sometimes, if we’re lucky, there’s 3 (if you count a stand with scantily clad “women” selling “coffee” as a “coffee stand.”) Find one of our dozen or so coffee stands or Starbucks, and inudlge in your specialty coffee drink of choice.
Cost: A 16oz mocha: about $3 – but don’t forget the tip!
7. Have a Lunch Date
Single yet ready to mingle? Have a midafternoon date! However, finding that perfect combination of environment and activity can be difficult. Lunch is a great way to accomplish this. To avoid the threat of idle conversation, pick up some bento teriyaki from MLT’s Bento Teryaki (how appropriately named, I know) on the corner of 66th and 220th (next to O’Houlie’s, across from Azteca,) and bring it down to the waterfront for a great date. Trust me, this one’s a winner in the summertime.
Cost: $8
8. Disc (Frisbee) Golf
I’ll be honest, this is not my cup of tea, but during my weekend runs up 48th Ave W. I see plenty of people enjoying this sport. Start out across from the swingsets at Candy Cane Park and work your way through the woods. The full 18 holes will take you about two hours. It’s free to play and BYOD (that’s Bring Your Own Disc). However, should you lose your set, there’s always plenty of nice guys that sell spares on the side of the course. If I were you, I’d make friends with them before you start.
Cost: Free
Have ideas for other things to do in MLT for under $8? Let us know in the comments.
Wading at Lake Ballinger.nWalking/Biking along the Interurban Trail.nRedbox DVD rentals at 7-11 and QFC.n
Great ideas! I’m always a fan of staying in and watching a movie – especially since the weather refuses to adjust to “summer.”
Nice article, Kelly. However, you have overlooked Mountlake Terraces long time favorite and most cost effective restaurant – Sorelli Pizza. Inexpensive food and extremely cheap beer/cocktails. A salad, which feeds 2 people is under $4.00; A slice of pizza (actually 2 slices) is under $6.00; A 32oz domestic beer is under $5.00 and 32oz micro beer is under $6.00; Cocktails are always a double and are $6.00 for a well and $8.00 for a premium. The food and beverages are outstanding and nicely priced. Also, have a kid’s menu with wide variety of options for under $5.00. And, outdoor seating, and 4 51 inch plasma’s with sports playing around the clock, and a kid’s corner (play area inside), and much much more. I am co-owner of the place, so obviously, I am biased, but I am not deceiving you. Check it out for youself – Sorelli Pizza – 22402 44th Ave W Mountlake Terrace. Appreciate you taking the time to scout out other good places in MLT, all of those you listed are great places/options, as well.
Yep.nnwhat Dougan said…
Oh and don’t forget, you have karaoke nights every last Saturday of the month. Unless you guys aren’t doing that anymore…
Thanks Kelly! I would be biased too if I had such a great place to grab pizza and beer (with killer prices to show for it.) As I mentioned, I’m still exploring the area, but I will make a point to stop by for a slice and check out the bar as well. nnDo you have any events or specials that cater to the 21+ crowd of the area?
Wading at Lake Ballinger.Walking/Biking along the Interurban Trail.Redbox DVD rentals at 7-11 and QFC.
Nice article, Kelly. However, you have overlooked Mountlake Terraces long time favorite and most cost effective restaurant – Sorelli Pizza. Inexpensive food and extremely cheap beer/cocktails. A salad, which feeds 2 people is under $4.00; A slice of pizza (actually 2 slices) is under $6.00; A 32oz domestic beer is under $5.00 and 32oz micro beer is under $6.00; Cocktails are always a double and are $6.00 for a well and $8.00 for a premium. The food and beverages are outstanding and nicely priced. Also, have a kid's menu with wide variety of options for under $5.00. And, outdoor seating, and 4 51 inch plasma's with sports playing around the clock, and a kid's corner (play area inside), and much much more. I am co-owner of the place, so obviously, I am biased, but I am not deceiving you. Check it out for youself – Sorelli Pizza – 22402 44th Ave W Mountlake Terrace. Appreciate you taking the time to scout out other good places in MLT, all of those you listed are great places/options, as well.
Yep.what Dougan said…
Oh and don't forget, you have karaoke nights every last Saturday of the month. Unless you guys aren't doing that anymore…
Great ideas! I'm always a fan of staying in and watching a movie – especially since the weather refuses to adjust to “summer.”
Thanks Kelly! I would be biased too if I had such a great place to grab pizza and beer (with killer prices to show for it.) As I mentioned, I'm still exploring the area, but I will make a point to stop by for a slice and check out the bar as well. Do you have any events or specials that cater to the 21+ crowd of the area?
Good stuff. Thanks for the column and post. I guess many people who are single and on a single income are often looking for fun and inexpensive stuff to do. Amd meet others.
Good stuff. Thanks for the column and post. I guess many people who are single and on a single income are often looking for fun and inexpensive stuff to do. Amd meet others.
Technically we’re not in MLT, but lots of MLTers come our way… the Lynnwood Bowl And Skate has Adult Skate nights twice a week, Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:30pm to 10:30pm, for $6pp (skate rentals included). It’s a really good way to get active AND out on the town, especially on a weeknight. Through the summer we’ll be doing late night Adult Skates too, on some Saturdays – usually it’s $7pp, 11:30pm – 2am.
Technically we're not in MLT, but lots of MLTers come our way… the Lynnwood Bowl And Skate has Adult Skate nights twice a week, Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:30pm to 10:30pm, for $6pp (skate rentals included). It's a really good way to get active AND out on the town, especially on a weeknight. Through the summer we'll be doing late night Adult Skates too, on some Saturdays – usually it's $7pp, 11:30pm – 2am.