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The Wallingford Neighborhood
Wallingford is a multicultural neighborhood in Seattle. Once predominantly Irish, Italian, Norwegian, and Jewish, this diverse district has transformed into an easy-going space for people of all backgrounds to coexist. Wallingford’s ethnic diversity allows residents to learn about different cultures by interacting with other people from different parts of the world. The food here reflects that diversity as well!
The Wallingford neighborhood in Seattle has changed since its predominantly Irish, Italian, Norwegian, and Jewish roots. The ethnic diversity of this district offers residents an opportunity for cultural exchange with people from other parts of the globe. Restaurants reflect that diversity with their choice of food, which ranges from Ethiopian to Mexican fare. There are many restaurants here offering cuisine from all over the world. From Indian to Thai, Mexican, or Ethiopian, there is no limit on what you can taste at these eateries!
About the Wallingford Neighborhood
The Wallingford neighborhood is located in north Seattle, just off Lake Union. It was named after John Noble Wallingford, who was the grandfather of a Seattle founder. Today, Wallingford has grown into Seattle’s most multicultural neighborhoods and many Asian, Indian, and Middle Eastern restaurants.
Wallingford is also the home of some famous landmarks like Gas Works Park, which was once an old gas plant that has since been turned into a public park. Gas Works Park contains fantastic views of downtown Seattle, Lake Union, and the Cascade Mountains.
With Seattle’s growing population in recent years, Wallingford has become a popular choice for young professionals and families alike. It continues to be one of Seattle’s fastest-growing neighborhoods because of its walkable streets lined with trendy shops and restaurants. Wallingford is also known for its local music scene. There has been a growing number of live music venues that have popped up over the years. Some of these venues include The Tractor Tavern, Conor Byrne Pub, and Nectar Lounge.
The neighborhood has a reputation as a very welcoming community for gay and lesbian couples, seniors, families with children, and other folks who don’t fit the mold of “young urban professionals.” In 1974 Wallingford was one of four neighborhoods to take part in Seattle’s first-ever neighborhood festival celebrating its centennial year. The event included:
- An orchard tour, historical exhibits from UW Special Collections on display throughout the town, street dancing sponsored by North End merchants, and food booths lining both sides of Wallingford Ave.
- Folk music concert at Gas Works Park led by Mary featuring members of Malachai.
- A vintage car show at NE 42nd Street & Meridian Ave N. and the Wallingford Outdoor Art Show on the grounds of St Joseph School, which has been in operation since 1894.
Wallingford Neighborhood Facts:
The area is named after Benjamin Franklin Wallingford (1858–1953). Bainbridge Island native Bjo Trimble grew up in Wallingford center; she later became famous as campaign leader in saving the television series Star Trek. Seattle’s first African American mayor, Norman B. Rice, grew up in Wallingford during the 1940s and 50s at Latona Avenue and 45th Street.
The Wallingford neighborhood in Seattle was once occupied by Irish, Italian, Norwegian, and Jewish citizens, but it now embraces multiculturalism through its diverse community population. This area also boasts some great foods representing different cultures that you can try out.
In 1984, Seattle’s new recycling mascot “Recycle Rex” was unveiled during a parade from Gas Works Park along with other celebrations marking this event, including an old fashioned block party held until midnight at Lowell Elementary School, where students had been busy making decorations for weeks readying themselves as well their parent’s teachers and neighbors to celebrate daylong festivities. In 1991 Wallingford Ave N was designated as part of the historic Pacific Highway autoroute, which ran north-south between Canada and Mexico.
The Wallingford neighborhood is home to several public murals, including “The Wallingford Welcome Mural” painted on a brick wall at N 46th Street & Woodlawn Avenue North and other works created through community participation as part of the City Artist Murals Program administered by the Arts Commission for ten years ending August 1979.
The walled-off “Wallingford Center” shopping district on Stone Way North was created in 1970 by local merchants who wanted to revive this area that had fallen into neglect following World War II as well its reputation for crime, particularly rowdy bars along with other unruly establishments such as pool halls dicing groceries gambling dens restaurants “beer gardens” antique shops junk stores pawn shops auto supply retailers tire dealers service stations used car lots drive-in theaters bottling works and the infamous “Bucket of Blood” tavern.
The Wallingford branch opened in 1907 on 40th Street just west of Stone Way North, while a replacement facility at Meridian Avenue N & Bagley Place was dedicated in 1994. However, it closed four years later due to budget cuts, and all operations were transferred to nearby Greenwood Branch, which had been extensively remodeled since 1988.
Wallingford Neighborhood’s Community:
Wallingford Seattle Neighborhood:
Diverse housing types include apartment buildings, condominiums, townhomes detached homes including bungalows, Craftsman cottages, Spanish Colonial Revival Cape Cod Revivals Queen Anne Victorians, Tudor English Norman French Norman German-Swiss Italianate flats and apartments, as well as converted former industrial warehouses, commercial office space restaurants nightclub bars cafes laundromat video rental outlet bike shop recycling center grocery markets pharmacies art galleries gift shops butcher produce hardware store health club dry cleaners pet supply stores veterinary hospital florist coffeehouse bookstore travel agency insurance agent computer consulting service hair stylists chiropractor gym shoe dealer pawnshop sports bar flower stand bookstores deli/bar flower stand bookstores shoe dealer pawnshop travel agency insurance agent computer consulting service hair stylists chiropractor gym pet supply stores veterinary hospital.
The neighborhood is home to several public murals, including “The Wallingford Welcome Mural” painted on a brick wall at N 46th Street & Woodlawn Avenue North and other works created through community participation as part of the City Artist Murals Program administered by the Arts Commission for ten years ending August 1979. Wallingford Seattle Neighborhood.
Wallingford Seattle Neighborhood’s Schools:
The area is served by several public school options, including five elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools (one public and one private). There are also three parochial schools nearby. Ridley Creek runs through the Wallingford neighborhood, named after Benjamin Franklin’s hometown of Wallingford, Connecticut.
Wallingford Seattle Neighborhood’s Attractions:
Gas Works Park: An old gas plant, the park offers some of Seattle’s best views. The park also has a more modern playground and some unusual sculptures.
Washington Water Trails Association: A non-profit organization dedicated to creating a hiking trail along Puget Sound.
Gas Work – Lake ViewPoint: Lake View Point on Lake Union offers a view of the Seattle skyline.
Meridian Playground: This park has a larger than average play area and several family-friendly restaurants.
Kite Hill: This park has some great views of the Seattle skyline and is an excellent place for a picnic.
Asian markets: With a large number of residents from both China and Korea, it’s hard to miss the many Asian markets and taquerias that makeup Wallingford’s diverse community. But you’ll also find plenty of other exciting things to do in this area, such as visiting Gas Works Park or hiking along the Puget Sound.
Community Events in Wallingford Neighborhood
Seattle is the home of many community events. There are local festivals throughout the year, including Seafair, Bite of Seattle, and Bumbershoot. In August, the Wallingford neighborhood hosts its annual block party with music, food vendors, and carnival games for children. While it might not be as large as some other citywide or nearby area celebrations like those already mentioned here, there’s still plenty to do during your stay at our Wallingford hotel in Seattle.
If you’re looking for a more low-key gathering where you can spend time outdoors sipping on local beers while enjoying live tunes from talented musicians, then look no further than Ballard Beer Festival happening this June. It will take place right in the heart of the Ballard district and will highlight more than 50 breweries from across Washington State, each bringing their best brews to share with you.
Seattle is a city that’s not shy about its love for local beer. Beer lovers can also enjoy Seattle International Beerfest in July, which features over 150 varieties from all around the world! You may even get lucky enough to catch one of our hotel guests bartending at an event during your stay here in the Wallingford Seattle neighborhood. So make sure to add these popular events to your list while planning your trip!
In August, the Wallingford Seattle neighborhood hosts its annual block party with music, food vendors, and carnival games for children. While it might not be as large as some other citywide or nearby area celebrations like those already mentioned here, there’s still plenty to do during your stay at our Wallingford hotel in Seattle.
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