Editor's Note. Lori Hinton has written this column for over three years and once in a while it is a good idea to take a breath and look back at the long view. Here is a checklist of 101 Things to Do from her now famous West Seattle Herald column titled "101 Things to Do in West Seattle." Don't miss Seattle's first ever neighborhood guidebook: West Seattle 101.

By Lori Hinton

You don't have to be Magellan to consider yourself an explorer and there's no limitation on how close to home your exploration can begin.

How about in your own backyard?

Want to go sea kayaking? There's no need to spend hours in ferry lines traveling to far off islands. Want to try your hand at fly-fishing? Creeks abound and run into the Puget Sound that surrounds our diverse peninsula. How about a night out on the town-in town-with free parking and a lower price tag? Or a live music experience that's free altogether!

We've got it all in West Seattle. With well over 101 things to do, West Seattleites of all ages and interests can stay thoroughly entertained all while supporting the local economy, reducing the use of gas, and discovering (or rediscovering) new adventures in the neighborhood.

Use this list to inspire and excite newcomers to West Seattle. Use it to entertain your out of town visitors. And use it to open doors to opportunities in your own community-even if you're a third generation 70-year Westside veteran.

Your "101 Things to Do" checklist*:

Recreation

1. Sea Kayak with Alki Kayak Tours

2. Greet the Coho at Fauntleroy Creek

3. Build a Beach Bonfire on Alki

4. Fly Fish Westside Waters

5. Greet the Argosy Christmas Ship

6. Play Disc Golf at Lake Wood Park

7. Go on the Garden Tour

8. Dive into Colman Pool

9. SCUBA Dive in Elliott Bay

10. Picnic in our Parks

11. Storm Watch

12. Go Geocaching

13. Salmon Fish off Seacrest

14. Birdwatch in Schmitz Park

15. Stargaze at Constellation Park

16. Discover the Dog Park at Westcrest

17. Play in the Snow

18. Rockclimb Indoors at Allstar

19. Kite Surf on Alki

20. Scoot via Segway

21. Go on a Walkabout

22. Skim Board at Anchor Park

23. Go Beach Cruising from Coastal

24. Visit the South Seattle Community College Chinese Garden

25. Trail Run at Area Parks

26. Roller Skate at Alki Community Center

27. Go Four Wheelin' on Harbor Ave.

Dining & Drinks

28. Alki Homestead

29. Salty's Brunch

30. West 5 Lounge

31. Bamboo Bar

32. Buddha Ruksa Thai

33. Hotwire Coffeehouse

34. Endolyne Joe's

35. Dine Out for Life

36. Matador

37. Was Ovio Bistro (now closed)

38. Salvadorian Bakery

39. Celtic Swell

40. Maharaja of India

41. Elliott Bay Brewery

42. Luna Park Caf