More really cheap things to do in Seattle

Because I semi-sorta keep track of these things, I know you really liked my article "Really cheap things to do in Seattle." And I know that even though there's still a recession, we don't mind doing our bit to help stimulate the economy. We don't, however, have $800 billion to spend. In my case, it's more like $8. With $8 or less in mind, I present you with another list of really cheap things to do in Seattle.

UW Waterfront Activities Center  
For $7.50 an hour the general public can rent a canoe or rowboat and paddle around Lake Washington or over the Montlake Cut into the Arboretum. It's a great deal and costs even less if you're a UW student, alumni, or faculty/staff member ($4/hour). It's a busy, busy place on a sunny, summer day so get there early, but you don't have to wait for summer if you bundle up. They only close November through January. You can fit up to 3 people in a canoe and up to 4 people in a rowboat but you'll still only pay $7.50 per hour. Check the website for hours. Cash or check only. Take a picnic lunch.

Theo Chocolate Factory Tour
I periodically write about special events at Theo Chocolate, but you should know you can take an hour long tour of the factory every day of the week for only $6. You learn everything about the chocolate process, from growing and gathering to conching and cooling. You get to sample lots of chocolate along the way, including nibs, and see big machines like ball mills and stone mills close up. As a chocoholic I'd say this was even better than any wine tour I've ever been on. And the aroma in the factory is heavenly. If you go during the week you may even see the machines actually working at producing chocolate. Check the website for tour times and information on how to make a reservation.

Crest Cinema
Movies for $3. No, that's not a typo. This Landmark Theatre in North Seattle shows second-run movies on four screens for only $3. That price never changes. Showing right now at the Crest: He's Just Not That Into You, The Wrestler, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Reader, Milk. For $3 I can wait until opening fever is over to see a movie.

Banh Cuon Deli and Waterfall Garden
There are plenty of places to get banh mi sandwiches in Little Saigon, but this is one of my favorites. $2.25 for a sandwich with an adequate amount of pork and jalapenos and other fixings, and $1.50 for iced Vietnamese coffee. Nothing is written in English and there are plenty of hot dishes steaming away and shelves of prepackaged snack foods and lots of plastic wrapped trays filled with things like, well, I don't know. Taro? Meat? Custard? They looked good. Get your sandwich, coffee and maybe a cheap bag of shrimp chips and start walking. Bahn Cuon Deli is located at 1212 S Main St, so walk a block south on 12th to S. Jackson St. Take a right onto Jackson and walk to 7th Ave S. Take a right and then a left on S. Main St. and you'll be walking by Kobe Terrace Park. Enjoy the view but keep walking until you get to 2nd Ave. S. (not the 2nd Ave S. Ext.) and the entrance to Waterfall Garden and your magical picnic. It's a tranquil place to relax in the middle of the city, and considering where you are the waterfall really is spectacular. Go in the morning or afternoon. Other people know about this place at lunchtime. They also have power outlets.

King County Water Taxi
The Water Taxi resumed service on April 5 and will ferry passengers until October 31 this year. On a sunny day, nearly everyone goes straight upstairs to the open air deck with the cooling breeze and views, so if you're late you're going to be stuck downstairs. Nice big windows down there and views too, but come on, fresh air...! It's a quick trip and worth 3 bucks to be out on the water and end up on Alki. And the walk from Seacrest Park to all the happenin' spots on Alki isn't that bad. All right, they do have a shuttle bus to take you there. Check the official website for the schedule. If you have a Metro transfer the fare is considerably cheaper. Starting in 2010, the Water Taxi will be year round transportation and entertainment.

Farmers Markets
Don't overlook our local Farmers Markets as a source of entertainment. The University District, West Seattle, Ballard and Fremont markets are open year round. Particularly in summer all of the city markets often have live music, chef demonstrations and plenty of samples.

Pay What You Can Theater
And finally, check out my article on upcoming shows at area theaters that offer pay-what-you-can nights. This is an excellent deal for budget theater-goers. And the title means exactly that - you pay what you can afford to see first-rate theater.