The leaves have not quite changed colors so this photo is admittedly taken from Mother Nature's 2016 display, but it is officially Autumn. It is a favorite time of year for many and for some a feeling of dread comes over them as it signals the beginning of the season of gray. No matter what your opinion of Fall is, it brings with it some great community events in Ballard. 

New flavors and inspirations emerge from our restaurants, bars and coffee shops. Our talented chefs, bartenders and baristas make the pumpkin spice latte look like child's play. Take Ethan Stowell for instance, his team over at Marine Hardware has created a risotto with pumpkin, burgundy black truffle and grana padano. Are you hungry yet? How about trying a butternut squash gelato soon, from D'Ambrosio Gelato, made with caramelized seasonal squash and fall spices? It is never too cold for gelato. Ballard beer lover? Peddle on over to Peddler Brewing for a Pumpkin Spice Ale. 

Now that you are hungry and thirsty for all things Ballard, let's talk about our shopping. Ballard offers such a variety of gift giving or self-indulgent shopping opportunities at our many boutiques and shops. 

But more importantly, it provides an experience. Strolling down our beautiful streets and having that tangible moment in each store, with their clever window displays and quality products, creates a destination worth experiencing. And speaking of strolling, the Ballard Food Bank's 11th annual Turkey Trot is right around the corner on Thanksgiving Day. But before you think about exercising, let's talk candy. 

Year-round you can pretend you are Charlie Bucket or Violet Beauregarde at Sweet Mickey's, but on Halloween you can take the kids to meet all the shop owners by Trick or Treating in Ballard. While you are filling your jack-o-lantern shaped tub up be sure to grab a passport to travel on the Tomte Trail! Ballard businesses have a little /Scandinavian helper hiding in their store for you to find. Fill up your passport and then you can look forward to enjoying the free music, popcorn, hot cocoa, treats and Santa at HolidayFest on November 25th in Bergen Place Park. 

As the leaves fall from the trees, we have a special holiday lighting treat in store for you this year. Those leaves won't stick to the sidewalks for too long, thanks to the Ballard Improvement Area project of fall leaf cleanup. No matter what you think about the new season, Ballard has something for you to do to make it enjoyable.