In a big "duh" moment, USA Today names Ballard one of America's best 10 neighborhoods that tourists haven't found yet.

Here's what they say in their opening:

"Seattle's historic Ballard neighborhood offers views of the North Pacific Fishing Fleet, the Olympic Mountains and water, water everywhere. Hipsters will find the components they expect of an urban adventure, but Ballard also appeals to beer lovers and trend-seeking shoppers. Factor in its Scandinavian culture, and you've got several reasons to ride the wave."

Today gives some shoutouts to a lot of our local joints. To spare time, let's just list them in bullet point form:

• Ray's Boathouse and Cafe
• The Sexton
• Bastille Cafe & Bar
• The Walrus and The Carpenter
• Peddler
• Populuxe
• Hilliard's
• Northwest Peak
• Hale's Ales
• Maritime Pacific
• Reuben's Brews
• Bad Jimmy's (Imminent, they say)
• The BalMar
• Tractor Tavern
• Conor Byrne Pub
• Bergen Place Park
• Sunset Hill Park
• Nordic Heritage Museum
• Coppergate Restaurant
• Ballard Locks

Phew, that's quite a breathless list. But we all know there's more to Ballard than that.

Of course, we could name everything that makes Ballard awesome (we are your premier Ballard news source, after all), but that would be no fun. Let's have you, our lovely readers, do the work: What do you love about Ballard? What are some of your favorite joints? List them in the comments below.

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