BALLARD

Ballard, a few miles north of downtown Seattle, retains a funky, working-class charm that hints strongly of its Scandinavian heritage. Ballard is the place for a growing number of bistros, pubs, music venues, and art galleries. Farther south, along the Ship Canal, are steel fishing boats, giant crab pots in huge stacks, and in off-season, much of the Alaska salmon fishing fleet rests dock-side at Fisherman’s Terminal. Market Street is full of restaurants, shops, bars and a few music venues. Majestic Bay Theatre is a small, neighborhood theatre often playing the newest releases. The rapid ride bus lines from Ballard are an easy commute to downtown and South Lake Union.