The Top 10 Things to Do in Fremont, Seattle

The Fremont Troll is one of the most famous landmarks in Seattle. Located under the Aurora Bridge (any self-respecting troll should be located under a bridge), the Fremont Troll is an 18-foot-tall sculpture of a troll grasping a full Volkswagen Beetle (which used to be a time capsule for Elvis memorabilia) in its hand. It’s a unique, ideal photo spot.

The Fremont Troll is just one of several quirky landmarks in Fremont. All within close proximity of each other are the Fremont Rocket (a 53-foot Cold War rocket fuselage mounted on top of a building on North 36th Street and Evanston Avenue North), a statue of Vladimir Lenin that was originally on display in Czechoslovakia (located at the same intersection as the rocket), and a sign post that marks the alleged center of the universe and tells you how far it is to many locations around the globe. That sign is located at North Fremont Avenue and North 35th Street.

Theo Chocolate is a Seattle company worth a visit. The shop is all about fair trade organic chocolate that comes in every variety under the rainbow, including some you never would have thought existed. Stopping by the shop anytime is fun on its own as you can taste your way through most of the bars and chocolatey treats Theo makes, but you can also join up with a tour and get up close and personal with the factory process.

Like most places in Seattle, Fremont is a great area to enjoy a snack or a meal. Most of the restaurants are situated along North 36th Street and include Revel (a Korean bistro), Jai Thai, Red Star Taco Bar, and plenty of others. Really, you can’t go wrong. Stroll your way through the neighborhood, and choose what sounds best to you. Or stop by PCC Community Market (a market not unlike Whole Foods) to grab something to eat and possibly take it elsewhere for a picnic.

Fremont also packs a lot into a small space in regards to watering holes. You’ll find plenty of places to enjoy a microbrew, like Fremont Brewing (it’s both dog and kid friendly!), George & Dragon Pub or stop by Brouwer’s Cafe to enjoy Belgian cuisine and a beer. If beer is not your thing, you’re in luck as the Schilling Cider House offers up cider tastings.

All year round on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Fremont Sunday Market fills the streets at the corner of 3410 Evanston Avenue North with a bit of everything—crafts, food, vintage clothes, antiques and more. Patterned after European street markets, it’s a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Beyond the street market, Fremont is a different sort of place to shop. You won’t find big box stores or even oodles of shops. You will find a pleasant array of locally owned stores to explore. Check out the Fremont Vintage Mall; PCC Community Market for food items, beer and wine, and health items; or peruse Jive Time Records if you’re into vinyl.

The Burke-Gilman Trail cuts right through Fremont along the edges of the ship canal. If you want to enjoy a short walk along the water, it’s perfect. It’s also great if you want to use Fremont as a launchpad for a longer journey along this 27-mile, multi-use trail.

In a city with no shortage of artsy things to do, Fremont adds to the scene with the events at Fremont Abbey. This smaller venue aims to serve up an eclectic mix of arts, including local musicians, visual art, storytelling, spoken word performances and dance. So you can expect a bit of everything. Watch for an act or artist you’re already familiar with, or delve in and experience something new. Events take place throughout the year and every month lines up something new.

Fremont is a carefree and fun neighborhood, and its festivals are too. Keep an eye on what's going on in this area throughout the year, but some major annual happenings include Fremont Oktoberfest in the fall and the Fremont Solstice Parade (known for naked, body-painted bike riders!) in June.