Over the past year, downtown Seattle has suffered under the impact of the COVID shutdown, coupled with political and civil unrest that left once thriving highlights of a fabulous city closed. Many Tri-Citians frequented the city (an easy three-hour drive) and enjoyed window shopping, visiting popular stores like Nordstrom, and enjoying the multitudes of restaurants serving tastes diverse from those in the Tri-Cities. Hopefully the jewel that is Seattle will soon recover and open its doors once again to those seeking the big city experience.
Until that time, people looking for an exciting time on the west side of the Cascades should book a trip to the small town of Ballard, just north of Seattle’s downtown. It is a thriving environment that offers an eclectic experience, much like existed in Seattle’s earlier years when the import shops crowded the waterfront’s piers.
Ballard lies only six miles to the north of downtown Seattle. Its famous landmark has always been the Ballard Locks, or more precisely the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks. Tourists can watch the working of the locks that allow shipping between the Puget Sound and Lake Washington. Besides watching the ships make their way inland via the waterway, salmon and steelhead climb a fish ladder to head toward their spawning grounds. Kids in particular enjoy watching the variety of fish that flop and squirm up the ladders through windows from June to October each year.
Besides the tourist attractions of the Ballard Locks, the flavor of the small, Pacific Northwest-flavored town is evident from the storefronts, wide sidewalks, and unique restaurants, and craft breweries. The town has a newfound or possibly regained vibrancy. What was once an industrial, shipping focused area is now a mecca for brew masters. There are over a dozen breweries that visitors can walk between to sample the creative specialties. Unlike the rules that Germany has instituted to keep the beer “pure”, brewers in Ballard will try anything. It’s reported that anything and everything is game to make an ingredient in beer, including the PNW spruce tree in the Spruce Tip IPA!
In the Norse tradition that prevails in historic Ballard is the Skal Beer Hall located in the center of town at 5429 Ballard Ave. NW. With a Viking helmet atop a face created by the hop, this experience offers it all. It offers rotating beer selections, a wide selection of mead, Brennivin spirits of the north, various wines and the most interesting and sometimes thematic dining delicacies, unless you hail from the north of Europe, you may not recognize the food as delicious treats, but you should give some traditional foods a try: Pickled herring? Farikal? Pickled eggs? Duck hearts? Just do it! Of course, if you are of the lesser adventurous kind, salmon, chicken, and fries are available for the asking.
After enjoying the local spirits, the shop owners that line the streets will enjoy your business. There are several gift shops, a consignment store, boutiques, and clothing stores. After a day exploring the maritime town, you’ll need a place to drop your packages and spend the night without driving. The Ballard Inn and Hotel Ballard are two highly-rated accommodations, both with indoor pools.
Ballard offers a old, but new destination for Tri-Citians yearning for a few days on the west side of the state where water surrounds you, seafood abounds, and the scent of pine trees fills the air. Seattle’s outer lying areas like Ballard are alive, open, vibrant and waiting for your next visit!