Ballard Ave Northwest, Ballard

Ballard is one of the coolest areas in all of Seattle and Ballard Avenue NW is probably the epitome of cool. Known for its great shopping along this street, there are a number of boutiques sprouting among the red-brick historic buildings that line the area. Ballard Ave NW is the shopping hub and where you will find most businesses and retail shops. The retail shops are locally owned and very few chain stores can be found in Ballard. Some great little restaurants and eateries line Ballard Avenue NW. Watch for pedestrians when driving in the area because there is a lot of foot traffic.

Ballard Avenue has a very East Coast feel to it, which is exceedingly rare in Seattle. The street still has brick/cobblestone visible, and all of the buildings are displaced from another century. Along the strip, one can find great places to shop, eat, and the nightlife is superb. There is a wonderful herb/apothecary shop, which hearkens back to shops more than 100 years ago. Their restorative tea blends are not to be missed! Also, the street comes alive at night, with many places offering live music such as The Sunset and The Tractor. Parking can be a bit rough, but head a street over to Shilshole Avenue to find more parking.

Ballard Avenue NW in Seattle is a fabulous mix of funky boutiques, restaurants and bars; all independent small businesses. You can find everything from artisan jewelry to silkscreened "repurposed" t-shirts, sushi to pub grub, fine wine to belgian beer to $3.00 well drinks. Nightlife offers multiple music venues and hotspots. And Sundays bring the additional fun of one of the largest Farmer's Markets in Seattle. Meet the people who grow your food! You'll also meet your neighbors here as lots of locals do their weekly shopping at this thriving year-round market featureing organics of all sorts along side of handi-crafts and artworks.

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!