Biking from Capitol Hill to Ballard is one of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon in Seattle. I like to start at Cal Anderson Park; it’s close to Oddfellows Cafe for a pre-bike cup of coffee and is the perfect place to meet up with friends before heading out. On the destination side of things, I like Hi-Life’s patio for brunch with a lengthy stroll through the Ballard Farmers Market.

Just under a 10 mile bike with most of that on the Burke-Gilman Trail, it’s easy to take it slow on this flat ride. For full directions you can check out the google route here.

Tips & Tricks:

• Broadway and 10th Avenue N have sharrows or bike lanes for the full length of your trip, but traffic can be pretty steady. Don’t forget that you deserve your share of the road.
• Once you cross the Eastlake/University Bridge, follow the first exit to loop onto the trail. This isn’t marked and can be tricky, stay to the right and look for the marked sharrows.
• You lose the trail once you get further into Ballard. Shilshole Avenue is easy enough to ride, but pay attention for cars.

Places to Stop - Capitol Hill:

• Cal Anderson Park - to see and be seen
• Oddfellows Cafe & Bar - breakfast to stay or coffee and a pastry to go
• Nube - sustainable, local goods and gifts
• Elliott Bay Book Company - a Seattle icon, a great collection of printed materials
• Everyday Music - staff picks are a must here, the latest music selection
• Molly Moon Ice Cream - locally made ice cream that will make your heart skip a beat

Places to Stop - Ballard:

• Hi-Life Restaurant - brunch, lunch, or an afternoon cocktail
• Ballard Farmers Market - the best in Seattle
• Horseshoe - clothing and more
• Sonic Boom - more music, great staff picks
• Blackbird - men and women’s clothing
• Field House - Blackbird off-shoot; rustic, hipster finds
• The Palm Room - plants, gorgeous plants

Image via :MPG: