www.nickicallahan.com
Ballard also offers decent schools, parks
and play spaces for the crowd that is more
play date than happy hour. Ballard is known
for its cozy residential blocks with traditional
bungalows, mid century dwellings, and
Victorian doll houses. Within recent years,
a plethora of modern condos have been
popping up as well near downtown.
Historically Ballard is the traditional
center of Seattle's ethnically Scandinavian
seafaring community, who were drawn to
the area because of the salmon fishing
opportunities. Celebrations honoring this by-
gone era are abundant in the summertime.
Don't miss the Ballard SeafoodFest (now
offering a Beer Garden as well) and the
B
ordered by Puget Sound,
Shilshole Bay and
Salmon Bay Ballard has a rich
history filled with maritime
and Scandinavia connections.
Originally home to mill workers,
fishermen and boat builders,
today Ballard maintains its
character as a small town
within a big city, blessed
with varied architecture, and
a mix of families as well as
20-something hipsters. Market
Street is the center of it all with
Ballard Ave. coming in a close
second. In this vibrant downtown
area you will find quaint
eateries, hip boutiques and
shops, pubs and a movie theater.
Norwegian Constitution Day (also called
Syttende Mai) on May 17 to commemorate
the signing of the Norwegian Constitution.
The tight-knit artist community often
puts on special shopping events (keep an
eye on trusty myballard.com for dates);
some boutiques also offer special sales
and discounts during Ballard's Second
Saturday Art Walk (ballardchamber.com),
held the second weekend of each month
from 6 to 9 p.m.
Below you will find a few other 'can't miss
spots' if you are thinking of spending a day
in Ballard or even making this area your
new home.
Ballard
Spotlight on
