Chris' house is an ideal base to explore Seattle if you have a car. There were public transport options but as we hired a car we didn't need them. Ballard itself is lovely, Cafe Besalu for pastries and breakfast, Rupee Bar for some excellent Indian small plates, then downtown Ballard for bars aplenty. Very nicely style house, with a comfortable sofa and excellent sound system. It was tuned to KEXP and we absolutely would not recommend changing it! The sunset from Shilshole Bay is gorgeous and walkable too. Would certainly come back.