Wallingford, Seattle

I feel like there’s always a lot of people riding bikes in Wallingford. I’m not sure if it’s because I tend to visit on nice days or because the people of Wallingford prefer to stay fit and protect the environment at the same time. Either way watch for the bikers while you drive through the area because they demand their share of the road. The area is lined with smaller businesses and shops, with more of a pub feel for its nightlife.

Gasworks Park is in the area so Wallingford is hopping during the 4th of July as this is the place to be during our nations holiday. However, my favorite destination in Wallingford is it's closeness to Woodland Park Zoo where for a small admission fee you can wonder around and view wildlife like a flock of Flamencos, African wildlife and so much more. Overall, Wallingford is a really fun place to visit, but bring your bike if you want to be able to blend in with the locals.

The Wallingford neighborhood, a few miles north of downtown Seattle, is bordered by Stone Way N on the west, Lake Union to the south, Interstate 5 to the east, and NE 60th Street to the north.

Many Wallingford residents consider QFC, at the corner of 45th and Wallingford Avenue, to be the center of their neighborhood, thanks in part to its large neon sign reading "WALLINGFORD." Along North 45th Street, the main route through the neighborhood, you'll find the original Dick's Drive-In Restaurant, along with numerous other shops, banks, theaters, and shopping destinations.

The southeast corner of Wallingford is near the University District, so you'll find lots of bars, restaurants, and stores targeted to college students here. In fact, much of Wallingford feels like a college town, but with a bit more grown-up appeal, making it ideal for young couples looking to settle down and start a family. Because of its proximity to the University District, many college students also choose to settle here.

Wallingford is full of beautiful historic bungalows, most of which are well-kept, with carefully manicured lawns and flowering gardens. This friendly and safe neighborhood is known for great schools and lots of pedestrian activity, even in the residential areas, giving the area a very relaxed and inviting feeling.

There are plenty of green spaces in Wallingford, including the Wallingford Playground, the Meridian Playground, and the Burke-Gilman Trail. Woodland Park is just off the northern edge of Wallingford, and Gasworks Park is at the southern tip. Many Wallingford community organizations host well-known annual outdoor events, including the Wallingford Kiddie Parade, part of the Seafair festivities.

My wife and I searched diligently for an ice cream shop open past 9pm on Sunday evenings. Molly Moon's Homemade Ice Cream on 45th Street was one such place. Arriving about 9:30, we were shocked to see so many sharing our idea! We stood, along with many other young adults, to enjoy the flavor of the day served up in a generous waffle cone.

Wallingford offers a plethora of shops along the main strip (on 45th). It is one of the most broad spectrum in dining we have seen. You can explore everything from Dick's Hamburgers to Rain Modern Japanese Cuisine. How about the Pequena Havana Cuban Restaurant or Kabul Afghan Cuisine.

If you want a place to enjoy off the beaten path, then try Cantinetta on Wallingford Avenue It opened last year and features a great young chef, Brian A. Cartenuto. One other location that brings an experience as unique as the culinary skill is Art of the Table on 39th Street. A friend of ours raved about the four hour, multiple course meal he and his wife enjoyed behind closed doors. They arrived at 7pm and the doors were literally locked at 7:30pm to begin the "in house" feasting experience. If you have heard of the Herb Farm in Woodinville, WA, this is very similar, and right in our backyard.

There is ambiguity as to the boundaries of this progressive neighborhood. Some state it includes the "Tangletown" area near Meridian Avenue and 55th Street. Others here are proud to call Gas Works Park home. In fact, tomorrow, which is July 4th, will feature the city's premier fireworks display on the North side of Lake Union. The park is your best view of this spectacle. In fact, if you arrive early enough at Gas Works for the Holiday, you can ascend the hill and sit near the inflatable head of Lady Liberty.

The streets between Gas Works and the commercial district on 45th contain quaint residential streets, ideal for any lifestyle. The architecture is fascinating and proves to be great eye candy for leisurely walks. Good schools provide an ideal place to put down roots as a family. Perks include walking distance to two lakes, the zoo and a couple of spectacular parks. The Wallingford Playfield contains an elaborate play structure uniquely designed for two to five-year-olds. There is even a wading pool for those hot summer days (which are mainly in July/August).

Transportation is another strength of this locale, with easy access to the urban core and bike-friendly routes galore. In fact, the famous Burke-Gilman trail passes through Southern Wallingford on its way to Fremont or to the University District. For that matter, many university students choose to settle here.

If you are fortunate, you may run into musician Dave Matthews who frequents a couple of coffee shops, including Fuel Coffee on the main drag. If you miss him over coffee, he may very well be pulling weeds in the yard of his modest home a few blocks away.

Everyone thinks of Wallingford as the area near 45th - near QFC, the Wallingford Center etc be we extend our view of Wallingford all the way to the banks of Greenlake. Even though Greenlake is technically a different area the two are so interconnected that I believe Wallingford can claim all the wonderful benefits of Greenlake and Tangeltown in addition to its own great neighborhood.

Located between the University District, Fremont and north of Lake Union and downtown, Wallingford is known for its gorgeous bungalows and craftsman-style homes. There are also condominiums, modern designs and apartment buildings sprinkled amidst the early- to mid-century houses. Corners seem to sprout some enormous magnificent houses and a few Victorians were spotted as well. The new construction is tasteful, and respects the going style.

Many of the homes are propped up off the street, seeming to reach for views that can go east or west, north and south: to Lake Union, Green Lake, or to either of the mountain ranges. Steep and curved cement stairways run up to porch entrances.

Two main arteries run through Wallingford: 45th Street and 50th Street. The main downtown district is the always-bustling 45th Street, a busy thoroughfare that runs east-west and is filled with pedestrians. People from all over the city come here for the wide array of restaurants, coffee shops, a tea house, movie theaters and funky retail stores.

Wallingford is packed with good schools, and has been a tight-knit community for years. Another main thoroughfare is the Burke-Gilman Trail, a paved recreational path for bicyclists, runners and walkers. The trail begins at the nearby Gas Works Park, off Lake Union. And the zoo, in nearby Woodland Park is a short drive or manageable walk for those north of 45th.