Ballard Ave is the cobble stone street tucked just south of Market in "downtown" Ballard. Sundays the street is blocked off for a great little farmers market. The farmers market is a great place to get your fresh fruit & veggies. And if you like to eat while you shop, you're in luck too...yummy organic baked goods, crepes made on the spot, fresh juices and homemade caramel popcorn are all available! Plus it's fun to people watch. Lots of families with dogs and people out enjoying their day.

During the rest of the week, there are also plenty of places to eat, including The Other Coast Cafe which has my favorite sandwich - The Rajun Cajun. It's a hot, sloppy, spicy mess of turkey & mayo & tomatoes & cheese on toasted bread. Yum! If you want your pizza served up with some sass, go to Madame K's. Thaiku has pretty decent Thai food but it's their drinks (especially the Oolong-tini and the Yohimbe drinks) that keep me coming back! Hattie's Hat is great for food that will stick to your ribs. Whether it's a hearty breakfast/brunch or a bowl of salmon chowder or sweet potato fries, you won't be leaving hungry. Plus they have two bars!

Speaking of bars, Ballard Ave has many to choose from...among them Sunset Tavern & Tractor Tavern where you can get your fill of live music along with your beer (or wine or liquor). Or if an Irish pub is more your scene, go down to Conor Byrne and The Lock & Keel.

If you're looking for outdoor gear - there's a KAVU store and Second Ascent. The guys at Second Ascent also do good work if you need your bike fixed up.

There are also lots of cute little boutique shops selling clothes and plants and furniture. And maybe an art gallery or two. If you've been to Ballard but you haven't hung out on Ballard Ave, you're missing out!