Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Leaving the city (almost) and exploring on foot inside the verdant ocean-side oasis
NW on a weekend evening.
Explore: Ballard & Discovery Park
Though just a bridge away from its big metro brother, Ballard is probably the most dis-
tinct and independent of Seattle's neighborhoods, whatever libertine Fremonters or
Capitol Hillers might say. There's a self-contained music and drinking scene here and a
tangible neighborhood identity, forged out of Ballard's history as a separate city. Foun-
ded by hard-working Swedish, Norwegian and Danish fishermen, it was incorporated in
1890 and annexed by Seattle in 1907.
Though the neighborhood's now quite spread out, the heart of old Ballard is con-
tained within Ballard Ave NW. This is where you'll find Ballard's notable live-music
venues - the Tractor Tavern and Sunset Tavern - and some eclectic bars and pubs
where you can warm up first. Seven redbrick blocks have been named a Historic Land-
mark District, but fortunately the buildings have not been thoughtlessly glamorized: the
structures in this district are old, not 'olde.' Pick up a copy of the
Historic Ballard Ave
Walking Tour
pamphlet for background on the buildings.
NW Avenue is the other main drag, with a good stash of boutique shops and one-off
restaurants, but you've really only seen half of Ballard unless you head west to the
Hiram M Chittenden Locks, a beautiful melding of fine engineering and watery Pacific
Northwest beauty. Continue on the Burke-Gilman Trail to Golden Gardens Park for
more expansive Elliott Bay views.
Discovery Park is 534 acres of urban wilderness northwest of downtown Seattle and
just southwest of the mouth of Chittenden Locks. Locals love to come here to escape
the ever-present manicure of city gardens and get windswept along the park's many
trails. Though it's easy to reach, it feels utterly remote.
