Fremont & Wallingford

Explore

Search for Fremont’s world-famous Fremont Troll, gripping an old Volkswagen Beetle, underneath the Aurora Bridge—that’s just the start of this neighborhood’s quirky public art. Along the Lake Washington Ship Canal you can access the Burke-Gilman Trail, a popular 20-mile walking and biking path extending between Ballard and Kenmore. Picnic among the industrial relics and grassy slopes of Gas Works Park and watch floatplanes glide by on Lake Union. Find the beat at live music hot spots Nectar Lounge and Hidden Hall. Fremont Abbey Arts Center hosts dance, music, and spoken word in a 1914 building.

Eat and Drink

In Wallingford, Atoma chef Johnny Courtney snagged a James Beard Award nomination in 2026 for his inventive, shareable dishes, such as the addictive rosette cookie starter, with farmer’s cheese and Walla Walla onion jam. Grab a slice at Paper Cake, a delicious collab between renowned pastry chef Gabby Park and chef Rachel Yang, who whip up everyday-indulgence buttercream-and-sponge sheet cakes. Soak in the maritime vibe with a cocktail at The Octopus Bar, and a sandwich or street-style hot dog at sister kitchen The Salty Shack. In Fremont, check out Tavolàta for modern Italian, and the excellent daily happy hour at Purple Café & Wine Bar. Fremont Mischief Distillery makes small-batch whiskey, gin, vodka, and brandy. Order up a few small plates, like raw oysters on the half-shell, Creole-style Dungeness crab cakes, wild Carolina prawns, and more at RockCreek Seafood & Spirits.

Shop

Peruse the Fremont Sunday Market, one of the city’s longest-running year-round markets, with more than 150 crafts, clothing, art, and food vendors. Bellefleur Lingerie has tasteful European and designer delicates. Eames NW aims for minimalist and PNW-functional men’s clothing. Sfingiday sells eco-friendly artisan gifts, art, and jewelry. In Wallingford, Pacific Northwest Shop stocks one-of-a-kind home decor, gifts, and foods made in Washington and neighboring regions.