Ballard

Start by visiting the National Nordic Museum (2655 NW Market St), with its compelling exhibits on the area’s rich Scandinavian heritage, and then walk nearby along the Ballard Locks (3015 NW 54th St), which is home to a lovely botanical garden. Next, make your way to Golden Gardens Park (8498 Seaview Pl NW) to soak up the Puget Sound views and saunter along the beach. Ballard abounds with notable eateries. At Pestle Rock (2305 NW Market St) you can savor rich Northeast (Isan) Thai curries, while Stoneburner (5214 Ballard Ave NW) specializes in using farm-fresh ingredients to create their housemade pastas, pizzas, and more. Other great picks for morning sips include Anchored Ship Coffee Bar (5308 Ballard Ave NW) and Floating Leaves Tea (1704 NW Market St), a Taiwanese oolong tea boutique. Satisfy your sweet cravings with a slice of pie and perhaps a marionberry-gin cocktail at Pie Bar (2218 NW Market St) or a hazelnut-brittle ice cream cone at Cupcake Royale (2052 NW Market St). At Percy’s and Co (5233 Ballard Ave NW), mixologists craft creative sips with infused spirits and fresh herbs. Shop for whimsical gifts at Standard Goods (5317 Ballard Ave NW) or Digs (2002 NW Market St; digsshowroom.com). Monster (1716 NW Market St) carries exquisite home goods and clothing from local makers, and you can savor a golden chai latte at Sip and Ship (1752 NW Market St).