Updated October 2024
Hello, Innkeeper Linsy here to share some of my favorite quirky things about the Fremont neighborhood, located just a 15-minute drive from Greenlake Guest House. This quaint part of town has a variety to offer if you are looking for some off the beaten path activities. Spend a few hours to enjoy the sights, shopping, and food.
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Fremont Attractions
Interspersed through the area you will find a few off-the-wall sight-seeing places. Gas Works Park is located on the north side of Lake Union. You will love the great views of the Seattle skyline (including the Space Needle) on the site of a former coal gasification plant. There is a small parking lot which can get busy on a weekend afternoon, but within the park you’ll find an homage to the industrial past of the city.
Or perhaps you will want to get a photo at the Troll under the Bridge, which has been featured in films and tv shows. The troll is located on North 36th Street and Troll Avenue North, just under the Aurora Bridge. It is a 15-minute walk or a quick drive from either Gas Works Park or the Fremont shops. Look for other unique art in the neighborhood, including the Fremont Rocket and a statue of Vladimir Lenin.
Fremont Canal Park is a scenic spot adjacent to the Burke-Gilman Trail for walking or jogging along the north side of the Ship Canal waterway. This waterway links Lake Washington and Lake Union to the Puget Sound.
Additionally, the Theo Chocolate flagship store offers tastings and classes where you’ll taste their samples and learn about the organic chocolate making process. This spot is great for any chocolate enthusiast! Space is limited and sells out, so it’s best to purchase these tickets in advance.
The Fremont Sunday Market is a huge, year-round outdoor market with antiques, handmade gifts, clothing, food, and "junk" of all kinds. Every June, the neighborhood organizes the unique and locally famous Fremont Festival and Solstice Parade.
Fremont Shopping
Wandering through the Fremont shops is always an afternoon well spent. Within a 3-4 block radius around North 36th Street and Fremont Avenue, there are quite a few quirky, local stores which feature a variety of goods. I love window shopping with friends or picking up some homemade goods to support local artists. You can find some old vintage finds at the Fremont Vintage Mall on the corner, wander through some homemade clothing stores, and take a look at some kitchen pottery and local funky stationary. Many of these small businesses close around 5, so get a start in the afternoon and grab a drink or dinner in the evening.
Fremont Vintage Mall (lots of eclectic vintage knick-knacks)
Sfingiday (Supports local artists, kitchen ware, art work, jewelry)
Portage Bay Goods (quirky cards, magnets, and goods)
Fremont Sunday Market (year-round, weekly flea market with food trucks)
Eating & Drinking in Fremont
When you finish perusing the shops, there are quite a few relaxed restaurant options. The Red Star Taco Bar is always a treat for some quick, tasty options. This area also has a few other casual spots you’ll find on your walk, so pop up to the door and view the menus. If you are in the mood for a picnic by the waterfront simply stop into PCC Market, a fresh local store with plentiful of to-go options. And for a truly unique Seattle experience, there is a speak-easy style lounge called the Backdoor to grab a cocktail and bites at while you take in the eclectic décor.
For a special, more upscale dining option in Fremont, we would definitely recommend Rock Creek Seafood and Le Coin.
Suggested Itinerary
Begin your day at Gasworks Park.
Stop at the Troll Under the Bridge. (Parking can troublesome on a busy sunny afternoon so either plan to park a few blocks away or walk on over.)
Drive over to the Fremont shops and window shop through the stores, or get settled into the area for a chocolate tour.
Grab dinner at a neighborhood restaurant or picnic along the waterfront at Fremont Canal Park.
NOTE: Much of the on-street parking is free but is zoned hourly. Make sure you plan to move your car accordingly within the time limit.
