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Ballard is the shining star of the north end when it comes to shopping. Packed with cute home stores, great clothing boutiques, locally made gifts, and just about every genre of store imaginable, this neighborhood is a must-visit locale. Their Saturday Farmers’ Market is one of the best in the city, and it operates year-round for a dependably fun outing. Pick up smoked salmon, artisanal cheese, and vegan baked goods, and pop into the shops listed here if the rain starts.
Best shopping: Ballard Avenue between 22nd Avenue NW and 20th Avenue NW; N.E. Market Street between 20th and 24th Avenues.
Every Sunday, rain or shine, loads of vendors come to Ballard Avenue to set up colorful, welcoming stands to sell produce and all types of local, artisanal foods, as well as gift items like candles and hats. Meanwhile, local buskers entertain foodies and families, and vendors cook up pizzas, crepes, dumplings, and more.
"A little bit country, a little bit rock and roll," Horseshoe offers girlie Western wear and hipster styles. Comfy, sassy shirts and dresses are available from designers like Sanctuary, Lovestitch, and Amuse Society. Premium denim, cowboy boots, and unique jewelry are among the wares.
One of the best all-purpose shoe stores in town, Market Street stocks so many styles and brands that you're sure to find something up your alley. Shoes for men, women, and children prioritize comfort, so you'll see sensible picks from Dansko, Hoka, and Blundstone, but there are plenty of fun options by Eric Michael, Pendleton, and Bueno, as well.
Stocking cool but comfortable women's and men's shoes from Karhu, Clae, Miz Mooz, and the like, this hip space offers a small selection of crazy fashionable boots, shoes, sneaks, and high heels. In keeping with the "little bit of everything" trend popular with Seattle boutiques, re-souL also sells great jewelry pieces, accessories, and some clothes. Everything is a bit pricey, but not excessively so, and the service earns the price tag.
Named after the Francis Hodgson Burnett classic, this cozy shop has delighted readers for decades. It stocks a wide array of imaginative literature and thoughtful nonfiction for all ages, but their children's section is particularly noteworthy.
Venue is the chic version of the Made In Washington stores. You won't find the usual souvenirs here, only goods made by local artists (some of whom have their studios in the sleek bilevel space). Watch the designers at work, chat with the staff (most are artists taking shifts), or just browse through artisanal chocolates, custom handbags, handmade soaps, baby wear, and colorful prints and mosaics.
Taking cues from the neighborhood's Nordic roots, this boutique embraces the minimalist mindset of modern Scandinavian design. High-quality and timeless home goods, art in mostly neutral tones, and useful gifts fill the shelves. And the staff also has a friendly (and nonaggressive) Scandinavian sensibility, making shopping a delightful and calming experience.
