In the freakish off chance that we happen to have one of those teaser, sunny days during our normally rainy spring season, let’s maximize our use of that glowing ball of light in the sky. Cheers! to an evening of enjoying the beauty of Ballard on Seaview Avenue.

Even non-Ballardites trek to our neck of the woods to visit Ray’s Boathouse, Café and Catering for its scenic location and proximity to Golden Gardens. At the bar of the café is one of the city’s most favored happy hours. Arrive on time, as on nice days Ray’s happy hour is popular and seating is in high demand.

The happy hour menu applies to only the bar area, and the regular café menu is served outside on the deck. However, seated inside, the opening and closing of doors bring in a drift from the sound – cool, breezy wind and light shines through. Everyone is merrily chattering and eating.

If you’re ready to move on from seafood appetizers, walk across the street to Paseo. The tasty Fremont Cuban sandwich shop opened a Ballard location, a small cash-only sandwich shack. The most popular sandwich is the Cuban Roast, a delicious pulled pork sandwich.

Add a yummy side dish or two. Then walk along Shilshole Bay Marina to gaze at all the lovely sailboats, giant toothpick-like masts reaching toward the sky. Your nostrils take in the smell of the sound. You feel proud to be a Seattleite.

Next stop is dessert – Little Coney for an ice cream cone. If you still have room in your tummy, this beachside stand offers burgers, fries, shakes, and beverages. The only dining spot right at Golden Gardens, just grab a meal to-go and enjoy next door at the park.

Walk on over to the nearby dock where you’ll see a slow procession of sailboats going in and out of the marina. If you’re lucky you’ll hear the clamor of sea lions with their boisterous sea-barking.

Along the pavement of Golden Gardens you’ll see parked cars, people inside their cars just sitting, taking in the view, some are reading, some are napping. It’s like everyone is lined up at the drive-in to watch nature’s movie.

On the sand and at the fire pits children are laughing, playing, convinced summer has arrived. Sit on a bench to watch the sunset against the backdrop of the Olympics, glass-shard sparkling water and sailboats floating atop the horizon.

In Seattle, the few months of sun is what we live for. Enjoy every moment of sunshine that you can, as Ballard offers great outdoor activities, happy hour spots, and a beautiful view of the Northwest to remind us why we patiently wait through the torturous fall and winter – because sun is just around the corner.

What:
Ray’s Café

Where:
6049 Seaview Ave. N.W.
www.rays.com
782-0094 (Ray’s Café)

When:
Happy Hour Daily 4 – 6 p.m., Sun. – Thu. 9 – 10 p.m., Fri. – Sat. 9 – 11 p.m.

What:
Paseo

Where:
6226 Seaview Ave. N.W.
789-3100

When:
Tue. – Sat. 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

What:
Little Coney

Where:
8001 Seaview Ave NW
782-6598

When:
Daily 10 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.