Just South of Lakewood, one will find DuPont, not so much a business district as a thriving town surrounded by scenic landscape and conveniently located near freeway access for a quick commute. Among central downtown, you'll find the basic luxuries of any good town, a fair amount of dining options (whether big chains or otherwise) and services necessary for those with families - such as dentistry practices and the like. This is a good thing, because DuPont is an idyllic residential community full of lovely housing and apartment communities that are perfect for families.

Here are just a few noteworthy locales that I discovered while spelunking:

[History Hounds]

Since 1977, the DuPont Historical Museum has been home to a collection of photos, artifacts and literature that interpret the city's rich history. Delve into DuPont Village, the Hudson Bay Company Fur Traders or inquire about the Native Americans who once resided here. For the kiddies, you can snag some word searches and other academic handouts that make history fun (or as fun as history can be). And naturally it has some lovely gift shop items for those who want a little memorabilia to remember their trip.Open Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, 1 to 4 p.m. and Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 207 Barksdale Ave., DuPont, 253.964.2399

[Bikes n Hikes]

The city of DuPont boasts an impressive amount of walking and bike trails throughout 50 acres of developed land. More than 12 miles of trails, from accessible serene wooded escapes to those ideal for a lunch break stroll, can be found throughout town. Among these trails you'll also find a fair amount of parks perfect for picnic lunches, park play with the kids and benched areas to rest during your jaunt.

[Leprechaun Lunchin' (and dining and brunch, too)]

McNamara's Pub and Eatery, in my humble opinion, is the dining go-to if you're visiting DuPont. Irish-inspired grub for breakfast, lunch and dinner is accompanied by a decent tap list that features the likes of Hoegaarden, Boddington's, Smithwicks and other craft brews. Events include a weekly trivia night for all you smarty pants and loads of flat screens for you lovers of all things sporting. Open Sundays to Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Thursdays to Saturdays, 8 a.m. to midnight. 1595 Wilmington Dr., DuPont, 253.964.9200

[Clubbers of the golfing sort]

The Home Course is a reasonably priced public 18-hole course that calls DuPont home. Ranked second in public golf courses in Washington state, and the self-professed "home of golf in Washington," this course offers family-friendly services including lessons and junior golf clubs. The entrance to the course can be tricky, as you wind through a large collection of residential communities to find it, but it is a lovely location for those who love golf. Visit www.thehomecourse.com for tee times and reservation information. 2300 Golf House Road, DuPont, 253.964.0520

Bobbin' for Bites: Farrelli's Pizza, The Fortune Cookie, Bruceskis Buffalo Wings
Somewhere to Lay Your Noggin': Liberty Inn, Guesthouse Inn