In many parts of the country, it’s difficult to find cheap date ideas for couples.
In Seattle, it’s easy. Take a look at the Fremont neighborhood. It has Gas Works Park, the Burke Gilman Trail, Ivar’s fish & chips, a kite hill, Lake Union, views to warm the heart of any photo geek, and of course, a Troll.
Biking on Burke Gilman: One of the Best Cheap Date Ideas for Couples
The Burke Gilman Trail is a great free roll (bikes or rollerblades) or stroll. Start out in Fremont and head east towards Ivar’s. If that’s not far enough, keep going on for eternity or Redmond, whichever comes first. However, less accomplished cyclists may feel that pedaling around Fremont and the North Lake Union area is enough. Or maybe just pedal over to Theo's Chocolate Factory. Sounds good, doesn't it?
Gas Works Park: Flying kites and Clicking Snaps
It is an unusual park:
- The park is on Lake Union
- Retains portions of the industrial manufacturing plant
Gas Works Park is along the Burke Gilman Trail and on the Lake Union waterfront. This former Utility “Gasification Plant” has been converted into a grassy knolled getaway for Seattle urbanites. The park turns into a giant mosh pit on the Fourth of July, when people cram in to see fireworks, however most of the time it is a peaceful 19 acre park with phenomenal views of downtown Seattle, swaying houseboats, and the wide open spaces of the water. Gas Works Park is a great place to wander and wonder about the giant ruins of the old rusted plant.
Flying kites at Kite Hill:
- Good childlike fun
- Breathtaking Beauty
Flying kites at Gas Works Park is an eerily beautiful experience, even for adults. Kite Hill is perfectly situated to grab wind from several directions. Some people fly small radio-controlled airplanes, which hang in the air, flying aweather. Buy a kite at Gasworks Park Kite Shop.
Fun for photographers:
- Obviously not good on rainy days
- Take lots of photos to ensure one good one
Riding bikes and flying kites not your thing? Take a camera to the park. If it’s not raining too hard, there are fabulous shots of the Space Needle, the boats, and the sculptural elements of the old industrial machinery. A hint for guys: a photo of a woman with her windblown hair against gorgeous scenery is a nice souvenir. Click a lot of pictures to ensure one great photo. Some women like to know about the camera beforehand to ensure proper female prep time.
Fish & Chips in the Greater Fremont Neighborhood:
- Outdoor waterfront tables
- Funky indoor seating area for rain-out, no view.
- The food is basic, but tasty.
- Two orders with pop are under $20.
Ivar’s Salmon House has a spectacular view rivaling Ray’s Boathouse, Palisades, or Bluwater Bistro. However, most people keep the price down by ordering fish & chips from the outdoor stand, then sitting in the outdoor waterside area behind the restaurant. Ivar’s is almost under the Freeway Bridge, so it’s easy to spot.
The Fremont Troll:
- The origin of the troll concept came from a folk tale
- The troll is holding an actual VW Bug
The Fremont troll is a cool mix of sculpture, folk tale, and social commentary. The idea of a troll living under a bridge is taken from a Scandinavian children’s story called “Three Billy Goats Gruff”, in which the fearsome troll eats anyone who tries to cross. This quirky sculpture captured long-time Seattleites’ feelings about the changes taking place (like terrible traffic) when hordes of Californians and other outsiders moved into the area. This giant troll appears to have just grabbed an actual Volkswagen Beetle (which once had California plates) and seems ready to crush and eat it.
There are scads of free and cheap date ideas for couples in Seattle's Fremont neighborhood. It's a fab place to grab a friend or a date and check out Gas Works Park, the Burke Gilman Trail, Ivar’s fish & chips, or a really cute troll.
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