Summer is gone, fall is here. While the unusually sunny summer gave Ballardites a much needed dose of Vitamin D, Ballard Ave looks best dressed up in autumn. Multicolored leaves strewn about historic buildings, wet cobblestone roads shine in city lights, the old town hall bell keeps ringing, waking us from our summer slumber.

Restaurants and bars on Ballard Ave lend themselves to this season. Some suggestions: Have a cup of hot tea at Miro and claim the pristine window seat. Indulge in a jar of warm molten chocolate cake paired with a full bodied red wine at Hot Cakes. For an intimate date, take advantage of Hazlewood’s cozy loft upstairs complete with comfy couches, and drink their delicious but decently priced cocktails. On a rainy day, if you’re waiting for the bus at Market St and 22nd Ave NW, make a mental note of the time schedule and duck into Sonic Boom and put on the headphones, explore some new music and get lost in your own mind. Heck, while you’re at the intersection, be predictable and warm yourself up with one of Starbucks’ pumpkin spiced lattes.

The season lasts only so long. Enjoy it while you can.

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