Fitzgerald-35th SE - Bothell, WA Area Guide

Originally inhabited by the Sammamish tribe, Europeans claimed the Bothell area along the Sammamish River in 1870. In 1876, logging began and brought the construction of buildings. David Bothell bought 80 acres in 1885, and the postmaster named the town after Bothell in 1888. It was then incorporated in 1909.

Diverting the river soon after incorporation gradually caused logging to slow and eventually cease, while farming took over. After World War II, road construction began, and by 2006, the population had risen to 30,000. Late in the 20th century, technology jobs spread to Bothell, and the University of Washington opened a branch there.

The Bothell Historical Museum on Northeast 180th Street provides a glimpse into the past with exhibits from the area.

The Fitzgerald neighborhood lies close to many restaurants and opportunities for exciting nightlife. Cuisine offerings run from classic American to Japanese, Mexican, and many others. To listen to live jazz on the weekends in a restaurant full of charm, visit Grazie Restaurant on Bothell Everett Highway. Try one of the house specialties, pollo saltimbocca, and be transported to Italy with every bite. The upscale Russell’s on Monte Villa Parkway features Chef Russell Lowell, one of the best in the Pacific Northwest, and his incredible talent. Located in a high-ceilinged converted barn loaded with rustic elegance, you may wish to dine on the New Bedford Sea Scallops, one of the chef’s specialties. Sushi Hana on Maltbi Road serves food techno-style with a conveyor belt, so you can see what you want before you choose it. The many options of fusion-style and traditional sushi make it a difficult choice, but the Hana Bento gives you a good range of the types of dishes available in the restaurant.

Foundation Nightclub, considered one of the best nightclubs in the Seattle area, is on Western Avenue about 22 miles south. While it is a bit of a hike, taking I-5 makes it an easy jaunt. Live DJs, headline acts, reasonable prices, and good parking keep you coming back for more.

For a more casual bar atmosphere, check out Thrasher’s Corner Sports Pub on Bothell-Everett Highway. Food and beer combine with big-screen sports, pool tables, arcade games and darts for a fun evening. Local sports fans love Ringers Pub & Grill, located on 44th Avenue West, to enjoy a brew and watch a game. It also hosts many events and has a great menu, pool tables, and darts. The Three Lions Pub on Main Street serves traditional British pub food and pints.

Sound Transit provides bus and train service between Bothell and the Seattle metro area as well as adjacent counties with multiple terminals, well-planned routes and an easy-to-use online map. Fares depend on the destination, but average about $3 to $4 dollars for an adult. Multiple bus routes connect the University of Washington at Bothell for students. Cab service available through Yellow and Orange Cabs receives high ratings, but Uber isn't available in the Fitzgerald-35th SE neighborhood.

The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport brings air travel to the region, and the Shuttle Express provides service from the airport to Bothell. A shared van costs about $40 one way.

Public parking may require a permit depending on the location, but it stays good for as long as the driver remains at the address. The area around Bothell receives a high walkability score despite some hilly areas. The Bothell-Everett Highway and U.S. Highway 405 make for easy access to the neighborhood.

As the mainstay of the park system in the area, the Park at Bothell Landing covers about 6 acres and has a community center, restrooms and historic buildings such as the Lytle House, often booked for weddings. Admission to the park is free, and dogs are allowed. The amphitheater at Bothell Landing, used for community events, provides space for family gatherings, weddings or meetings. A play area for young children consists of appropriately sized swing sets, and barbecue grills and picnic tables attract family parties. Non-motorized boat launches provide easy access to the river.

Blyth Park, a popular picnic spot, also has volleyball, hiking and running trails. Located on West Riverside Drive, Blyth Park has over 40 acres and access to barbecues on site. Blyth Park and the Park at Bothell Landing both have bike trails for exercise.

Annual events include the lighting of the Bothell Christmas Tree and the annual Freedom Festival, complete with a pancake breakfast and a parade on Main Street. The Music in the Park Series runs for about one month in the summer.

A one-bedroom residence in the Fitzgerald area of Bothell costs $1,262 – somewhat higher than the city average. Fares for the 535 King County Metro bus to downtown cost $2.50 for a regular ticket, 75 cents for reduced fare riders and $1.25 for students from ages 6 to 18. A bottle of domestic beer costs around $2.40 at the local pub, and gasoline costs about 13 percent more than the national average.

For a day of shopping, try Alderwood Mall, which contains everything from Macy’s to an Apple store. Located about 6 miles north on I-405, the mall boasts movie theaters, retail stores and restaurants and often holds special events.

Samila Boutique on Redmond Way, about 12 miles south on I-405, stocks more than 5,000 dresses for special events and weddings. For more specialty shopping, check out Country Village Shops on Bothell Everett Highway. This outdoor venue contains dozens of upscale, trendy shops that carry everything from clothing to children’s toys. You can shop for the perfect handbag at Country Blend, which sells accessories from hats to handbags. Tickled Pink Spa, another Country Village tenant, specializes in themed party packages for girls.

Make grocery shopping easy with QFC Supermarkets on Northeast Bothell Way, which also runs a coffee bar for your convenience. Two Safeway stores located along Bothell Everett Highway also provide you with convenience and great selections. For locally grown produce, visit Woodinville Farmers Market, about 6 miles south of Fitzgerald and open on Saturdays. It carries fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, honey, flowers and local crafts.