Anyone who thinks dragons, sea monsters, gnomes and trolls don’t exist should book a trip to Seattle, where such mythical creatures lurk within the city’s vibrant neighbourhoods. You just have to know where to look…

Credit: Rudy Willingham
The Fremont Troll, also known as the Troll under the Bridge, is a public art installation located in the vibrant and eclectic Fremont neighbourhood. This unique and popular landmark has become an iconic symbol of the community.
This hulking concrete resident of Fremont lives under the Aurora Bridge. Sculpted by a group of local artists, it’s more interested in shiny objects than people; it clutches a vintage VW Beetle, and its good eye is a hubcap. Attempting to scale the troll is encouraged.

Credit: Robert Pakko
Located in Seattle’s Madrona Neighbourhood, The Valley of the Gnomes is a charming pedestrian trestle bridge where visitors can find hidden gnomes (it’s not clear who set up such a fun challenge) throughout the valley.
Situated east of Downtown Seattle and south of Capitol Hill, Madrona is a lovely and picturesque area where visitors can discover boutiques, shops, cafes and the beautiful Madrona Park.

Credit: Port of Seattle
Meet Shilly the Sea Monster, a whimsical and beloved resident of the Shilshole Bay Marina breakwater. Shilshole is a prominent area located in the northwestern part of Seattle, along the shores of Puget Sound, near the vibrant Ballard neighbourhood.
Shilshole Bay is a picturesque body of water that serves as a natural harbour, providing a scenic and tranquil setting for various recreational activities and boating enthusiasts.
Shilly the Sea Monster was born from the creative mind of Al Hughes, a longtime liveaboard tenant, and made its debut as a unique decoration during the Christmas ship festival in 1999. Originally intended as a temporary installation, Shilly’s charm captured the hearts of the public, earning it a permanent place in the community.

Credit: Rachel Jones
Visitors entering Seattle’s Chinatown-International District from South Jackson and South Dearborn streets will find 11 magnificent dragons in striking shades of red, gold, and green, gracefully welcoming visitors and serving a vital purpose in reclaiming the district’s distinct identity, declaring that the spirit of this long-standing neighbourhood remains indomitable and its vibrant legacy will thrive for generations to come.
With a history deeply rooted in Washington State’s Asian community, Chinatown-ID holds a special place in the hearts of its residents and visitors. Located just one mile south of Downtown, this bustling neighbourhood is easily accessible.
Admire traditional architecture, colourful storefronts and sample cuisine from across Asia throughout this district that is proudly listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Credit: Flatstick Pub – South Lake Union
Sasquatch, also known as Bigfoot, is a legendary creature in North American folklore. It is said to be a large, hairy, ape-like humanoid that roams remote wilderness areas, particularly in the forests of the Pacific Northwest of the United States and Canada.
The term ‘Sasquatch’ is derived from the word ‘Sésquac’ used by indigenous people of the Coast Salish language family, meaning ‘wild man’ or ‘hairy man’.
Located in South Lake Union, the Flatstick pub offers nine holes of mini golf that weave between colourful statues created by the local Seattle Artist Ryan Henry Ward. The large dining area in front features additional games, rotating local beers on tap and a menu of salad, snacks and pizza.
South Lake Union is a dynamic and rapidly evolving neighbourhood in the heart of Seattle. Once an industrial area, it has undergone significant revitalisation in recent years, transforming into a thriving tech and innovation hub, headquarters to companies such as Google, Meta and Amazon.
Its proximity to downtown, along with its picturesque views of Lake Union, has attracted a mix of tech companies, biotech firms, trendy restaurants, and modern residential developments.

Credit: Unicorn Narwhal
Unicorn is a popular bar and nightclub situated in the Capitol Hill neighbourhood, which is known for its vibrant nightlife and diverse entertainment options.
The Unicorn is renowned for its quirky and eccentric atmosphere, featuring a whimsical carnival and circus-themed interior.
The bar is adorned with colourful murals, carnival lights, vintage arcade games, and a carousel-themed seating area.
Be sure to try one of their whimsical cocktails like the Americorn, featuring house-made bubblegum vodka.
Home to Seattle’s LGBTQ+ and nightlife scenes, Capitol Hill is a trendy district, just west of downtown, where not-to-be-missed attractions include the Jimi Hendrix statue on Broadway, Elliot Bay Bookstore and the warren of shops inside Melrose Market.
The post Six places in Seattle where you can find mythical creatures appeared first on Travel Gossip.
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#1 The Fremont Troll

Credit: Rudy Willingham
The Fremont Troll, also known as the Troll under the Bridge, is a public art installation located in the vibrant and eclectic Fremont neighbourhood. This unique and popular landmark has become an iconic symbol of the community.
This hulking concrete resident of Fremont lives under the Aurora Bridge. Sculpted by a group of local artists, it’s more interested in shiny objects than people; it clutches a vintage VW Beetle, and its good eye is a hubcap. Attempting to scale the troll is encouraged.
#2 Valley of the Gnomes in Madrona

Credit: Robert Pakko
Located in Seattle’s Madrona Neighbourhood, The Valley of the Gnomes is a charming pedestrian trestle bridge where visitors can find hidden gnomes (it’s not clear who set up such a fun challenge) throughout the valley.
Situated east of Downtown Seattle and south of Capitol Hill, Madrona is a lovely and picturesque area where visitors can discover boutiques, shops, cafes and the beautiful Madrona Park.
#3 Shilly the Sea Monster at Shilshole Marina

Credit: Port of Seattle
Meet Shilly the Sea Monster, a whimsical and beloved resident of the Shilshole Bay Marina breakwater. Shilshole is a prominent area located in the northwestern part of Seattle, along the shores of Puget Sound, near the vibrant Ballard neighbourhood.
Shilshole Bay is a picturesque body of water that serves as a natural harbour, providing a scenic and tranquil setting for various recreational activities and boating enthusiasts.
Shilly the Sea Monster was born from the creative mind of Al Hughes, a longtime liveaboard tenant, and made its debut as a unique decoration during the Christmas ship festival in 1999. Originally intended as a temporary installation, Shilly’s charm captured the hearts of the public, earning it a permanent place in the community.
#4 Colorful Dragons in the Chinatown-International District

Credit: Rachel Jones
Visitors entering Seattle’s Chinatown-International District from South Jackson and South Dearborn streets will find 11 magnificent dragons in striking shades of red, gold, and green, gracefully welcoming visitors and serving a vital purpose in reclaiming the district’s distinct identity, declaring that the spirit of this long-standing neighbourhood remains indomitable and its vibrant legacy will thrive for generations to come.
With a history deeply rooted in Washington State’s Asian community, Chinatown-ID holds a special place in the hearts of its residents and visitors. Located just one mile south of Downtown, this bustling neighbourhood is easily accessible.
Admire traditional architecture, colourful storefronts and sample cuisine from across Asia throughout this district that is proudly listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
#5 Sasquatch at the Flatstick Pub – South Lake Union

Credit: Flatstick Pub – South Lake Union
Sasquatch, also known as Bigfoot, is a legendary creature in North American folklore. It is said to be a large, hairy, ape-like humanoid that roams remote wilderness areas, particularly in the forests of the Pacific Northwest of the United States and Canada.
The term ‘Sasquatch’ is derived from the word ‘Sésquac’ used by indigenous people of the Coast Salish language family, meaning ‘wild man’ or ‘hairy man’.
Located in South Lake Union, the Flatstick pub offers nine holes of mini golf that weave between colourful statues created by the local Seattle Artist Ryan Henry Ward. The large dining area in front features additional games, rotating local beers on tap and a menu of salad, snacks and pizza.
South Lake Union is a dynamic and rapidly evolving neighbourhood in the heart of Seattle. Once an industrial area, it has undergone significant revitalisation in recent years, transforming into a thriving tech and innovation hub, headquarters to companies such as Google, Meta and Amazon.
Its proximity to downtown, along with its picturesque views of Lake Union, has attracted a mix of tech companies, biotech firms, trendy restaurants, and modern residential developments.
#6 Unicorn in Capitol Hill

Credit: Unicorn Narwhal
Unicorn is a popular bar and nightclub situated in the Capitol Hill neighbourhood, which is known for its vibrant nightlife and diverse entertainment options.
The Unicorn is renowned for its quirky and eccentric atmosphere, featuring a whimsical carnival and circus-themed interior.
The bar is adorned with colourful murals, carnival lights, vintage arcade games, and a carousel-themed seating area.
Be sure to try one of their whimsical cocktails like the Americorn, featuring house-made bubblegum vodka.
Home to Seattle’s LGBTQ+ and nightlife scenes, Capitol Hill is a trendy district, just west of downtown, where not-to-be-missed attractions include the Jimi Hendrix statue on Broadway, Elliot Bay Bookstore and the warren of shops inside Melrose Market.
The post Six places in Seattle where you can find mythical creatures appeared first on Travel Gossip.
Continue reading...