Seattle's '''Fremont''' district, which bills itself as "The Center of the Universe", is known for its quirky atmosphere (although the recent arrival of several major corporate tenants, including Adobe Systems, has somewhat undercut its bohemian image).
See
"The Artists' Republic of Fremont" (another of neighborhood's self-proclaimed titles) has some of the most distinctive public art of any city in the U.S.
'''Waiting for the Interurban''' is a statue of five people (and a dog) waiting for the trolley that has not existed since the 1930s. The statue is frequently clothed by local residents. There was a time when this work was considered offbeat, imagine that! N. 34th St. at Fremont Ave., at the north approach to the Fremont Bridge.
The '''Fremont Rocket''', a 53' Cold War rocket improved with neon space blasters and a smoke generator in the engine bay, towers over the corner of N. 35th St. and Evanston Ave.
The '''Fremont Troll''' (under the Aurora Bridge, officially called the "George Washington Memorial Bridge" but no one will know what you're talking about if you call it that.) The Troll is a concrete statue eating a full size Volkswagen Bug. It even gets its own street name - just off of N. 36th St. on Troll Ave.
The bronze '''statue of Lenin''' peers out over the street below, oblivious to the continuing controversy over its display. It was salvaged and brought over from Slovakia, and went up in 1995 at N. 36th St. and Evanston Ave.
Buy
'''Glamorama''', 3414 Fremont Ave N. Wild clothing and gifts.
[http://www.dustystrings.com '''Dusty Strings'''], 3406 Fremont Ave. N. Lots of acoustic, and mostly stringed, musical instruments. Go on in and try out a hammer dulcimer.
Do
'''Solstice Parade''': If you happen to be in Seattle around the Summer Solstice, on the weekend closest to the solstice, Fremont has one of the city's best '''street fairs''' and (Saturday, around noon) a truly great '''parade''', with hundreds, perhaps thousands, of elaborately costumed participants, with no signage (strongly discouraging commercial participation), and with only human-powered floats. '''The Fremont Art's Council''' just celebrated its 20th year of hosting this arts-only parade. A contingent of nude and painted bicyclists traditionally show up, and ride before the parade begins. '''Delilah's Billion Belly March''' contingent annually brings over 100 belly dancers and drummers to the parade.
The neighborhood also hosts '''outdoor movies''' on Friday and Saturday evenings in the summer.
There is a '''Sunday crafts market''' that is usually outdoors in the summer and in a covered parking lot in the winter.
There is an excellent '''outdoor market''' on Sundays.
Theo Chocolate factory tours. 400 Phinney Ave. N.. 1-(206) 632-5100. kemmerling@theochocolate.com. at-Sun 11:00, 13:00, 15:00h; Mon-Fri 13:00, 15:00h.. 5 per person ages 5 and older. ttp://www.theochocolate.com/. Theo Chocolate is a local producer of organically- grown, fair-trade, and exquisitely delicious chocolate. During the two-hour factory tour you learn about making of chocolate and get to see their factory at work, all the while munching on free samples. "I think it should be a law that everyone has to visit this place", writes one visitor. Private factory tours are available, although at a $100 minimum charge; contact Dana Kemmerling at the phone number or email address given. The factory store is open every day from 11:00-17:00h, and Theo products are also at local grocery stores.
Delilah's Belly Dance Studio. 128 Fremont Ave North. 1-206-632-2353. ttp://www.visionarydance.com. Offers Belly Dance classes, workshops, and parties. Led by Delilah, an internationally famous belly dancer and Fremont resident. Also houses a video production studio and online store for Delilah's belly dance instructional DVD's, music, and paraphernalia.
Eat
'''[http://www.35bistro.com/ 35th Street Bistro]''', European Bistro serving fresh, seasonal cuisine, lovely hand-picked wines and a full bar.
'''Jai Thai''', 3423 Fremont Ave N.
'''Taco del Mar''' in Lenin's shadow.
'''[http://www.asteroidcafe.com/ Asteroid Cafe]''', Italian institution moved from Wallingford. Great food and wine list.
Tawon Thai. 410 Fremont Ave. N.. 1-(206) 633-4545. nfo@tawonthai.com. 1-(206) 632-3046. un-Thu 11:00-22:00h; Fri-Sat 11:00-22:30h. 10-15. ttp://www.tawonthai.com/. One of the best of the many Thai restaurants in the neighborhood. A favourite of the software developers from Adobe Systems down the street. Offers a wide range of $10 lunch specials, and most of the dishes have a vegetarian option.
Fremont Oktoberfest. 06-633-0422. remontoktoberfest.com. 20. The Fremont Oktoberfest is an annual microbrew tasting in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle. The event takes place the third week of September and features the Texas Chainsaw Pumpkin Carving Contest, live music, three beer gardens, a dog day event, the Brew HA-HA 5K, a comedy show, and the Miss Buxom Contest. Tickets cost $20 at entrance or $15 in advance.
Sushi
[http://www.bluecsushi.com/ '''Blue C'''], 3411 Fremont Avenue N. Good sushi on a conveyor belt. Hip place to have lunch.
'''Chiso''', 3520 Fremont Ave N. Extremely good but costly sushi.
Drink
'''Buckaroo Tavern''' As featured several movies listed on their [http://www.buckarootavern.com/ website].
'''Triangle Pub'''
'''Trolley Pub'''
'''George and Dragon'''. Great for soccer. See their [http://www.georgeanddragonpub.com/ website] for more information.
'''Dubliner'''
'''Dad Watson's'''. [http://www.mcmenamins.com/ McMenamins] food, beer and hospitality.
'''[http://www.reddoorseattle.com/ Red Door]''' has a good beer and cocktail selection as well as very good food. The mussels are great.
'''[http://www.brouwerscafe.com/bier.html Brouwer's Cafe]''' is a Belgian restaurant and bar most noted for their huge draught beer selection (menu printed daily). The food is reasonably good but the main reason to visit is the beer selection.
'''Norm's Eatery & Ale House''' is a relaxed bar with good food. Dogs are allowed. Buy a 40oz PBR in a paper bag.
'''Hi-dive'''
'''Nectar'''. Great happy hour specials.
'''Geneve Cafe & P.S.C.''' is regrettably no longer located in Geneva. It has been scaled down and relocated to the United States, now located at 4459 Fremont Ave N. Seattle, WA 98103 ph 206 5470570. Graciously serving Bunderfleisch Panini and fine Swiss Wine. Serves high end Imported Attibassi Traditional Espresso. Very small and cozy. Free WiFi is still available. Rumoured that they will still accept Swiss Francs. Swisscom is obviously no longer necessary.
Sleep