SeattleMeg July 8th, 2008
Here’s a few small items to spice up the upcoming weeks. Get involved, it’s your neighborhood!
Ballard District Council Meeting, Ballard Library. 5614 22nd Ave. N.W. July 9, 7 p.m. Topics include: a discussion with City Council president Richard Conlin, decision on priority for projects in Ballard proposed for funding from the City’s NSF/CRF program, a discussion of issues associated with the planned Two Way Mercer Street project, and our annual “ice cream in July” event. District Council meetings are open to the public. For more information contact district coordinator Rob Mattson at 684.4060 or rob.mattson@seattle.gov.
Volunteers Needed, Ballard Community Center, 6020 28th Ave. N.W. July 10, 6 – 8 p.m. All ages are welcome for a community dig. Help us get our accessible garden ready. Call 684-4093 for information.
Scandinavian Dance Classes, Phinney Neighborhood Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N. Thursdays, July 10 – August 7, 7:30 – 9 p.m. It’s not directly in Ballard, but come learn a Scandinavian art! Art Hare and Larry Reinert present the Skandia Summer Class with a selection of favorite set and mixer dances. No partner required. Smooth-soled shoes will help with turning. Members, $6/session or $25 for the series; nonmembers, $8/session or $35 for the series.
Garage Sale, Ballard Eagles, 7509 24th Ave. N.W. (Philadelphia Church Parking Lot), Saturday, July 12, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. One day only, huge garage sale event. …
Cameron July 7th, 2008
Edith Macefield (1922-2008), Ballard’s most famous “hold-out”, brought national attention to the community when she refused to sell her property of almost six decades to commercial real estate developers. Just around the corner, Mike’s Chili Parlor is Edith’s retail equivalent.
Crossing the Ballard Bridge, you can see the words “MIKE’S” and “CHILI TO GO” on painted plywood and flickering neon signs, circa 1955, modestly promoting the Parlor’s existence off of 15th and Ballard Way. The same construction monstrosity that bordered Edith’s home also casts a shadow on its north-end over the dusty brick bar. Like two rebel bookends nestled against a bourgeoisie mega-center, the two properties are remnants of Old Ballard, representing a similar struggle against gentrification.
We visited the the Parlor because we’ve heard that it is the home of Seattle’s best chili. And we were thirsty. In the short time that we were there, we immediately felt at home; the bartender was boisterous but called us “honey” and little touches of the “old country” graced the interior of the building.
We ordered the “Big Ass Bowl” of chili (seriously, that’s the name of the size) with onions, cheese and jalapeños, and the chili pasta. The sauce was peppery and not too thick or floury, like the junk that comes in a can. This …
SeattleMeg July 4th, 2008
Here’s a quick peek at some upcoming things to check out. July is a busy month here in the ‘hood…
Check out Market Street Traders on the July 12th Artwalk at 2016 NW Market Street. They’ve got beaded baskets of all sizes from people in Bali. The elders teach the children the craft and the whole economy benefits. Grab on of these shimmering treasures, anywhere from 3 inches to two feet in size!
Drop in to enjoy a pot of your favorite tea at Floating Leaves, Ballard’s first authentic Taiwanese tea house. Chinese antiques, music for the soul, and welcoming employees are sure to give you a bit of respite in your hectic day. Owner Shiuwen draws on her memories of Taiwan to create just the right atmosphere in which to find peace.
Street Cars? In Ballard? It certainly would provide yet another alternative to your car, not to mention giving our town a real flair. July 8, 4 – 6 p.m, there will be a public forum to learn about and discuss the proposed Seattle Street Car Network. Sponsored by Jan Drago and the Seattle Streetcar Alliance. For more info, please contact Drago’s office at 684-8801.
The July 12th Artwalk also will offer the opportunity to make your own unique paperweight at Art by Fire (5465 Leary Ave NW). Come make a red, white and …
SeattleMeg July 2nd, 2008
Forget joining the insane crowds at the Needle or Gasworks Park, stumbling over drunks, and a 2-hour snarl of traffic once it’s over. Stay here and plan your holiday weekend!
Start your day by joing other summer beach naturalists at Carkeek Park to learn about the beach, what lives and grows there, and what washes up. Enjoy nature and learn a little about your local beach. Make sure to wear good sunscreen for the glint off the waters! (I personally love wading in my Crocs; the waves go right through the holes.)
Enjoy a free concert at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks after lunch. The Seattle Civic Band entertains you on the 4th from 2-3pm with patriotic and marching music. Come early to grab a seat or bring your own lawn/folding chair.
At 6pm, you can while away the hours until right before sundown at the Ballard Jam House, 1707 NW Market Street. Playing on the 4th will be the Welch/Stickney Ensemble (Modern original jazz). The best thing about this set is that it’s also a relief fundraiser for a cyclone in Myanmar/Burma! No cover charge, but donations are highly encouraged and all proceeds go to the International Burmese Monks organization for those affected.
Head home just before sunset and watch fireworks from the best seat in the house – your own TV with your friends. Share nibbles and drink responsibly as you get the best view of both the …
Annika July 1st, 2008
ahh…Dining in Ballard. Ballard has become a popular hot spot for a wide variety of restaurants and other eating establishments. 9 times out of 10 my friends want to “meet at my place and walk over to said restaurant.” Lucky for me, I do not have to get in my car, fight traffic and hunt down a parking spot. After living in Ballard for 2 years, I have discovered my favorite hot spots for food at all times of the day.
For breakfast, check out Vera’s (map). It’s a 50s diner/greasy spoon. Looks may be deceiving but the food is yummy! Plus, the service is friendly and efficient. Two perks for early morning eats.
While waiting for the oh-so-popular Ballard Ave stores to open up, why not travel a bit east for your mid-morning coffee. You would never know that Sip n Ship has some of the best coffee beverages. I tend to get their soy chai but I’ve had their other beverages and they were great! They even have a cute store with cards, stationery, and gift wrap. I find myself buying the majority of my cards at this shop! Plus you can address, purchase a stamp, and send out your cards at the mail center. They have plenty of postage deals and a nice, helpful staff.
For your picnic lunch to take to the Locks, I recommend the Great Harvest Bread Company. Their bread is made fresh two times daily, ingredients are fresh, and their …
Scandinavian Dance Classes, Phinney Neighborhood Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N. Thursdays, July 10 – August 7, 7:30 – 9 p.m. It’s not directly in Ballard, but come learn a Scandinavian art! Art Hare and Larry Reinert present the Skandia Summer Class with a selection of favorite set and mixer dances. No partner required. Smooth-soled shoes will help with turning. Members, $6/session or $25 for the series; nonmembers, $8/session or $35 for the series.
