Want to escape the hustle of Pacific Avenue or the bustle of Sixth Avenue, but still hang in T-town? The Proctor District, in Tacoma's historic North End area, can provide a day's worth of distraction, from cooking classes to memorable movie moments.

Food for thought

The Metropolitan Market, which has six locations around the Sound, tempts shoppers with an expansive selection of wines, foods and unique house wares and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Better yet, it offers complimentary cooking classes, tastings for everything from bread to cheese and book signings from chefs and fitness experts. Visit metropolitan-market.com/events for the upcoming schedule.

Metropolitan Market, 2420 N. Proctor St., (253) 761-3663

Selective shopping

The Pacific Northwest Shop specializes in everything that the PNW is known for, all under one roof. It sells lots of custom sampler selection boxes (the Seattle Sampler is a favorite), which are packed in recyclable, eco-friendly materials and can be shipped or picked up in the store.

If you're looking for something more unique, Flourish stocks its shelves with handcrafted jewelry, baubles and breakables, not to mention soaps and other delicate necessities, all made by local artists. Likewise, Culpepper Books, located just across the street, is the best local spot to find that rare, out-of-print edition of your favorite children's book or poetry collection.

Rather shop for stylish shoes, purses and clothing? Upscale resale at Megs & Mo makes it easy. Moreover, staff is always looking for new items to sell on consignment, so you can even make money in this store.

Lastly, the tiny and colorful Sugar shop caters to those with a sweet tooth and offers up both retro candy as well as the latest and greatest brands. Note: staff can also create custom confectionary party favors for any occasion, so keep them in mind for showers, birthday parties or weddings.

Pacific Northwest Shop, 2702 N. Proctor St., (253) 752-2242; Flourish, 2605 N. Proctor St., (253) 752-7807; Culpepper Books, 2521 N. Proctor St., (253) 761-9000; Megs & Mo, 3920 N. Proctor St.,(253) 677-8285; Sugar, 3901 N. 27th St., (253) 759.0461.

Mark your calendar

Despite the chill in the air, the Proctor Farmers Market still operates on a few days during the winter. It will be open Feb. 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and again on March 10. Then, starting March 26, the market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Nov. 19.

Proctors Farmer Market, N. 27^th St., between N. Proctor and N. Madison.

Stay for a show

The Blue Mouse Theatre is one of the oldest continually operated movie theatres in the country. Although it only plays one film at a time, seats are often full of moviegoers looking for a deal (tickets are $5 or less) and a piece of history. The hotspot also draws a crowd every Saturday night at midnight when it shows the Rocky Horror Picture Show and encourages audiences to get involved. 

Blue Mouse Theatre, 2611 North Proctor St., (253) 752-9500, bluemousetheatre.com for show times.