Some of the more famous neighbourhoods include the funky Fremont (famous for its massive, under-the-bridge troll), the hip-but-family-friendly Ballard, and Queen Anne, named for its stately 1850s-era houses.

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In league with the rocket is the 17-foot hideous-yet-endearing troll under the Aurora Bridge, as is the raucous Summer Solstice Parade in all its stilted, puppet bearing, naked cyclist glory that drums to the beat of its own whacked-out marching band.

BBC: Seattle��s Fremont neighbourhood