Visiting Museums and galleries at Ballard

Nordic Heritage Museum

3014 NW 67th Street | Seattle, WA 98117
The museum is place to check out everything relating to Nordic history, especially the immigration of Scandinavians to the Pacific Northwest. There are areas devoted to each area in Scandinavia: Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Finland, and Denmark. In addition to this there is a permanent exhibit entitled The Dream of America, which highlights the emigration from Scandinavia to the PNW, as well as rotating gallery exhibits from Scandinavian and local artists.

Hiram M. Chittenden (Ballard) Locks | Museum/Visitor center

3015 NW 54th St | Seattle, WA 98107
The Locks Themselves - It's mesmerizing to watch the water rise and fall as the gigantic doors miraculously open and close. To understand why this is a miraculous feat of engineering be sure to stop by the visitors center and learn the who-what-when-where-why of how it all came to be. While some might say "It's no Panama Canal" let me assure you, our locks are not dwarfed by their more famous brethren. Sure, the boats going through the locks here are pleasure crafts and fishing vessels but who wants tankers disturbing our salmon run anyway?

OKOK Gallery

5107 Ballard Ave NW | Seattle, WA 98107
"If you're a fan of Giant Robot, Uglydolls, Be@rbrick, or KidRobot, OKOK is definitely the place to go. This place is fabulous, and the staff is great. The art exhibitions here never fail to disappoint. OKOK is a great place to find unique items with a sense of wit and nostalgia for the Gen-X set." (Source: Avitania - Yelp reviewer, photo by: Kathleen W)

Blowing Sands Glass Blowing

5805 14th Ave NW | Seattle, WA 98107
"David Smith is a terrific glass artist. If you are in Ballard, you owe it to yourself to stop and take a walk through his shop and studio. We bought two of his hand-blown pendant lights and they were just what we were looking for, and at a very reasonable price. He has some other great pieces that would make wonderful gifts." (Source: Brent A - Yelp Reviewer)

La Tienda Folk Art Gallery

2050 NW Market St | Seattle, WA 98107
La Tienda has always sought to find the finest hand-made crafts by going to the original source, understanding the culture that nurtures them, and then bringing them to our customers at a fair and reasonable price.

Where to Eat, Drink and Be Merry at Ballard?

Food is always the topic that I'm so passionate about. My mom always said, "Food is something you should enjoy!" and I believe that it is true!... as Keith Floyd, the famous British Chef and TV Presenter once said, "Food is life, life is food." So we must celebrate and share the good food around us.

I have been exploring Ballard these days and I have been wanting to share my readers some great eateries around Ballard.

The Top Restaurants:

Ray's Boathouse

Ray's Boathouse is world-renowned for its impeccably fresh Northwest seafood. Complementing Ray's cuisine is their award-winning wine list of more than 700 selections, with an emphasis on Northwest vineyards. Ray's Boathouse is located by the Puget Sound, with the view of the water and close to Golden Garden Park. This is one of the restaurants you must try at Ballard.

Le Gourmand Restaurant

Le Gourmand is a gastronomical pleasure. Chef-Owners Bruce and Sara Naftaly craft organic Northwest ingredients into artful fare. See critic reviews at Urbanspoon.com

The Ethnic Restaurants:

Thai Siam

Thai Siam is indeed a culinary oasis North of Ballard. They work with only the freshest ingredients from local suppliers, providing an uncomplicated approach and strive for purity and the perfect balance between local-grown ingredients and a natural, flavorful, and exotic Thai herbs and spices.

La Carta de Oaxaca

"More often than not, I've had to wait to score a table at La Carta de Oaxaca. Chances are you'll also face a wait if you choose to dine at this small, excellent Ballard eatery." (Source: Seattle P.I - Penelope Corcoran)

India Bistro

"The truth of the matter is we have tried almost everything on the menu at India Bistro and cannot seem to get enough of the satisfying and aromatic stews and sautés." (Source: Gayot.com)

The "One of a Kind" Restaurants:

The Dish

For all of Seattle's hippie-dippiness, it's a real project to find a good tofu scramble in town. Luckily, there's the Dish, home of the Slacker Special—a rich, inventive scramble of cheese, enchilada sauce, more cheese, onions, tortilla chips, and eggs or tofu, topped by a dollop of sour cream and salsa and offered with a side of potatoes and toast.(Source: The Stranger, photo by: Scott K, Yelp Reviewer)

Olsen's Scandinavian Foods

"Much, much love for this place. It's one of the last blatantly Norwegian businesses on Market St. but their offerings are pan-Scandie - plenty here for the expat Swede or Dane as well, despite the tiny space they're in. When I need a Kalles Kaviar fix or have one of my twice-yearly cravings for fiskekaker, I would drive very far for these things - but they're a short walk from home, and that just makes my life indescribably better."(Source: jk w. - yelp reviewer, Photo by: Inballard.com)

Hang Out and Relax:

Verite Coffee & Cupcake Royale

You don't want to miss this place. Delicious gourmet coffee drinks and tastey treats. Located inside Cupcake Royale, just two doors down from the Majestic Bay, Verite Coffee is the perfect spot to grab an espresso before or after a movie. (Source: inballard.com)

Equal Exchange Espresso

Equal Exchange has created Big Change since 1986. Our founders envisioned a food system that empowers farmers and consumers, supports small farmer co-ops, and uses sustainable farming methods. They started with fairly traded coffee from Nicaragua and didn't look back. Today, we continue to find new and powerful ways to build a better food system. We partner with co-operatives of farmers who provide high-quality organic coffees, teas, chocolates and snacks from farmers all over the world, including here in the United States. (Source: Equal Exchange Espresso, Photo By: Meghan H. Yelp Reviewer)

Floating Leaves Tea

"This tea house is as unpretentious as it gets. If you like tea and want someone who can help you find the right tea for an occasion or person. This is the spot." (Source: Ruth M- Yelp Reviewer)

The Happiest Hour:

The Dray
Happy Hour Details: Daily 5-7PM ($1 off pints) | 708 NW 65th St

Ballard Loft
Happy Hour Details: Mon- Fri 4-6PM ($1 off drafts and wells, half off appetizers) | 5105 Ballard Ave NW

The Bal Mar
Happy Hour Details: Daily 5-7PM ($3.50 draft pints, $4 wells, food specials) | 5449 Ballard Ave NW

Exploring Local Shops at Ballard!

Ballard is one of Seattle's neighborhoods that is keep changing. Old Ballard that was once surrounded by salons and bars, is now becoming hip, trendy, and cool. There are many new restaurants and shops around Market St.

Here are some local shops and boutiques in Ballard that has some unique and amazing styles, setting the latest trend in our community.

Blackbird

PHOTO BY: INBALLARD.COM
A men’s fashion boutique, Blackbird sells brands you’re not likely to find elsewhere. A.P.C., Trovata, Uppercut a.p., Steven Alan, Jack Spade, Orthodox, Surface to Air, Earnest Sewn, and Oliver Spencer are just a handful of the many unique designers featured at this location.(source: inballard.com)

Ballard Mail & Dispatch

is the one-stop neighborhood solution shipping and mailing needs. There is also a full service espresso bar, that serves 100% fair trade espresso bar, sandwiches, snacks,and other seasonal delights, plus inspired gifts, cards, stationery and miscellaneous irresistibles.

20 Twenty

PHOTO BY: INBALLARD.COM
This small shop in historic Ballard has a collection of vintage items for men, women and children as well as clothing and accessories from local independent designers. Check out owner Joel Leshefka's screen printed T-shirts and vintage ties featuring retro images of typewriters, cameras and airplanes. (Source by: Kathy Schultz - NWsource shopping columnist)

Show Pony

PHOTO BY: JULIE R
Friend and I wandered in here on President's Day... Super cute store, found nice jeans for 20, yes 20, dollars... Loved the jewelry, fun clothes, some things are pricey, but I was surprised by the amount of reasonably priced stuff. Definitely will go back when I am in Fremont again! - Maddie S (yelp reviewers) -

Dandelion Botanical Company

PHOTO BY: INBALLARD.COM
Dandelion is a natural apothecary (or pharmacy) specializing in quality botanicals. They offer a variety of Chinese, Ayurvedic, and Vadik Herbs as well as teas, oils, and a plethora of other organic wellness products from reputable brands. They also host classes and are a proud supporter of the arts in Seattle. Stop by their new store located on Ballard Avenue. (Source: inballard.com)

More Guides on Ballard Shops | Ballard Boutiques | Ballard Specialty Shops

Exploring Ballard - One of Seattle's Unique Neighborhoods

Ballard is one of Seattle's growing neighborhood. Ballard was once a city before being annexed by city of Seattle. There are many tourist attractions in Ballard area.

Some of the places in Ballard are very historical, such as Shilshole Bay, which was inhabited by the Shilshole Tribe who lived off the plentiful salmon and clams in the region (Wikipedia).

Historic Places in Ballard:
Ballard Avenue Historic District
Ballard Carnegie Library
Fire Station No. 18
Ballard Bridge
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
Lake Washington Ship Canal

Unique Places in Ballard:

Hiram M Chittenden Locks
is also known as Ballard Locks. Ballard Locks maintain the water level of the fresh water Lake Washington and Lake Union, prevent the mixing of sea water from Puget Sound with the fresh water of the lakes, and moving boats from the water level of the lakes to the water level of Puget Sound, and vice versa. At Ballard Locks, they also have the Salmon Ladder, where you can see many salmon in specific season. (Source: myballard.com)

Olsen Scandinavian Foods
Members of the Norwegian, Swedish, Danish and Finnish communities are often found at Olsen's Scandinavian Foods. Besides providing you with many popular Scandinavian gifts and foods, Olsen's dedicates a large portion of their business to producing home made, traditional products. (Source: inballard.com)

Archie McPhee
One of Seattle's most bizarre and beloved shops. Here you can find everything from plastic toy soldiers and rubber chickens to boxing nuns. If you're having trouble finding a unique gadget gift, this is your one-stop shop. Look for the large dragon head on NW Market Street on the right as you head out toward Shilshole marina. You'll never forget a trip to Archie's. (Source: inballard.com)

Port Chatham Smoked Seafood
Port Chatham Smoked Seafood is a leading provider of high quality, wild smoked seafood from the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, since 1935. Portlock smoked seafood rated by the Food Network as “a Top 5 Seafood Sensation.” You’ll find King Salmon, Dungeness Crab, Copper River Sockeye, gift boxes, gift assortment baskets, and more. (Source: inballard.com and myballard.com)

Also check out Ballard Sunday Farmer's Market: It's every Sunday from 10am-3pm. Experience Ballard's Farmer's Market, selling their freshest produce and food, with wide varieties of art and crafts from local Ballard shops and eateries.

Special Thank YOU for inballard.com and myballard.com for providing information about Ballard's upcoming events, local shops, eateries, and news. We appreciate you!

PHOTO CREDITS: INBALLARD.COM AND MYBALLARD.COM