• Explore the Seattle, Washington, neighborhood of Ballard.city image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
  
  Ballard, a neighborhood in Seattle, Washington, is steeped in Scandinavian culture, which can be discovered at the Nordic Heritage Museum and at the annual Norwegian Constitution Day. Visitors can explore its marinas, learn about the historic district known as Ballard Avenue or peruse the goods offered at its weekly Sunday Farmers Market. Folks can even investigate a working fish ladder, walk the shore along Puget Sound or sample a variety of artisan cheeses.
  
  

Hiram M. Chittenden Locks

• Explore the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, also known as the Ballard Locks, which are part of the Lake Washington Ship Canal. The Locks help prevent a marriage between Puget Sound's sea water and the fresh water of lakes Washington and Union and include a fish ladder used by migratory fish. Catch site of young salmon during May and June, steelheads returning to spawn from January to April and the return of adult salmon from June to November. Harbor seals and sea lions can even be seen by the fish ladder from August to May. Visitors may tour the visitor center or the on-site Carl S. English, Jr. Botanical Garden, home to more than 1,000 different botanical species.
  
  The Locks' visitor center and gift shop are open Oct. 1 to April 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, and also from May 1 through Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The grounds, however, are open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Parking for a hourly fee is available at a nearby lot.
  
  Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
  
  3015 NW 54th St.
  
  Seattle, WA 98107
  
  206-783-7059
  
  nws.usace.army.mil
  
  

Golden Gardens Park

• Enjoy a walk or a picnic lunch along the shore of Puget Sound at Golden Gardens Park, which was built at the end of the electric car lines in 1907 by real estate agents hoping to lure city residents to the beach and to promote the available property along the way. Golden Gardens offers views of the Olympic Mountains, three miles of walking and hiking trails, sunbathing on the beach, a boat launch and pier fishing. Visitors can also play volleyball or enjoy a treat from the snack bar or the occasional concert at the Brick House. Folks with dogs will enjoy the off-leash dog section located in the northern section of the park.
  
  The park is free and open daily from 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. There are public restrooms and parking on-site.
  
  Golden Gardens Park
  
  8498 Seaview Place NW
  
  Seattle, WA 98117
  
  206-684-4075
  
  seattle.gov
  
  

Savour

• Indulge your senses at Savour by browsing the aisles and sampling their wares, such as artisan goat and cow milk cheeses from Washington State, Italian cured hams and a variety of condiments such as chutneys, jams, tapenades and vinaigrettes. Visitors can also shop their extensive selection of home goods and gifts, such as cookbooks, table linens and hand-crafted glassware. If you are picking up supper at Savour, do not forget to buy a bottle of Pacific Northwest wine or beer from a local brewer. Savour also serves a variety of sandwiches, salads, soups and desserts either to be enjoyed on the premise or made to go. You can even have your lunch packaged as a picnic basket.
  
  Savour's hours vary according to season. They are open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday and closed on Monday from June 1 to Sept. 30.
  
  Savour
  
  2242 NW Market St.
  
  Seattle, WA 98107
  
  206-789-0775
  
  savourspecialtyfoods.com