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Bordered by both Puget Sound and Salmon Bay, water is a critical element in Ballard's past, present and future.
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| SeafoodFest |
Today, Ballard's working waterfront provides views of a thriving maritime industry, including Fisherman's Terminal, home base to Northwest fishing vessels. SeafoodFest, held the last weekend of July, is a celebration of this heritage. The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, an engineering marvel built in 1916, enables boats to move from fresh water lakes to the salt water of Puget Sound, a 26-foot grade change. During certain times of the year, to the amazement of visitors, salmon use the fish ladders located here to return to their spawning grounds.
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| Golden Gardens |
Heading west to Shilshole Bay Marina, Ballard's waterways become more recreational. In addition to moorage for 1,500 pleasure boats, it also offers a boat ramp, sailing schools and public art featuring Leif Erikson. A waterfront promenade, with beautiful views of Puget Sound and the mountains, leads to Golden Gardens, an expansive beachfront park. Canine visitors love the off-leash play area up the hill.
While recent development has turned this one time blue-collar enclave into a hip, urban village, Ballard still maintains its quaint storefronts and pedestrian-friendly atmosphere. Ballard Avenue, a nationally registered historic district, takes visitors back to the time when Ballard was "The Shingle Capital of the World." Metal plaques with historic pictures and stories guide you.
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| Seafood Fest |
Walk down this tree-lined street and you'll find great restaurants, boutiques, home décor shops, gift stores and an active nightlife.
Up on Market Street and the surrounds is Ballard's "modern" business district. Easily walkable, it too features charming brick storefronts, great stores, theatre, urban parks and a host of restaurants, many featuring sidewalk cafés. Once a month, the Second Saturday ArtWalks showcase work by local artists in numerous galleries, studios and shops.
No visit to Ballard is complete without some Scandinavian culture. Don't miss the internationally acclaimed Nordic Heritage Museum with its historic and fine art exhibits, as well as musical performances, children's activities and two major cultural events.
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| Bergen Place Park |
The Leif Erikson Lodge (the Sons of Norway), specialty gift and food establishments and Bergen Place Park all add to the Nordic experience. And once a year on May 17th, all of Ballard celebrates Syttende Mai, or Norwegian Constitution Day. The parade, considered the largest of its kind outside Norway, is a favorite.
These are just some of the great things Ballard has to offer. With a variety of unique and interesting activities there's something for everyone. We guarantee you'll be entertained, exercised, enlightened and fed - all in a historic place with a Scandinavian flavor and friendly, small town feel!
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