Blacow - Fremont, CA

Fremont got its name from explorer John C. Fremont in 1846, when he mapped a trail through Mission Pass so that settlers could access the southeastern part of the Bay Area. Later, the Niles District became the first home of the movie industry. The five townships, including Irvington, merged to form the city of Fremont in 1956, and each still bears its own cultural identity.

Fremont parents can take their children to the Children’s Natural History Museum so they can interact with various exhibits. The Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum attracts movie buffs. Color Me Mine and Green Forest Art Studio provide artistic outlets for painting and drawing fans in Fremont.

Locals stick around in the area to attend annual events, like the massive Fremont Festival of the Arts and June’s Fremont Fair.

Though Blacow functions mostly as a residential neighborhood close to the coast of the Bay, a few restaurants lie just outside off the main drag, Auto Mall Parkway. In Fremont, the Asian majority population has made their mark with many authentic eateries featuring a variety of food from the continent. This includes halal, brought to Fremont by Afghan immigrants. Those who want to go out for a drink have a few local options in the center of Fremont or north in Hayward.

Start off the night with fresh halal grub at Falafel Corner near the edge of Blacow. Try the halal bacon cheeseburger and prepare to be impressed. Customers also order falafel plates and Philly gyro, which gives the meal a Philly Cheesesteak flavor or the Afghan pizza with beef pepperoni.

Blaze Fast Fire’d Pizza on Pacific Commons Boulevard gives Blacow residents a chance to customize their own pizza toppings for an affordable price. Those who like having freedom to choose any toppings on a thin-crust pizza love Blaze Fast. The restaurant spreads out the toppings evenly and allows people to order all toppings for less than $10.

Seafood lovers have an opportunity to enjoy their favorite food at Cut the Crab off Stevenson Boulevard. Try the fresh crab udon, or order some authentic, well-cooked lobster. Make sure to get a side of the garlic noodles — garlic fans definitely feel satisfied after they eat a serving. Wash down the meal with a mojito with Cajun spice on the rim.

For late-night shenanigans, drive to central Fremont and visit Jack’s Brewing Company. Go there for local beer and a bite to eat — definitely order the fish and chips. Live music fans head to places like The Mojo Lounge. Check out the bands on weekend nights and drink some affordably priced concoctions. One of Fremont’s few dance options, The Saddle Rack, spreads around its reputation as a country bar with country groups performing during the weekend and line dancing.

Though public transit serves much of the Bay Area, Blacow residents prefer to get around in cars. However, the neighborhoods continue to become more pedestrian-friendly and bike-friendly over the years.

BART trains, AC Transit and even Santa Clara Valley VTA come through Fremont. Several bus lines run through Fremont, but they generally center on the main roads. As a result, a few bus lines go around Blacow, but locals still prefer to drive. BART still proves to be a great commuter option for those who work in Oakland or San Francisco. Most Silicon Valley commuters commute by car.

Located right next to Interstate 880, drivers in Blacow find it easy to hop on a major highway to get to other places in California. In addition, Lyft and Uber provide ridesharing services in town, as well as local taxis. Most drivers can park anywhere in Fremont, but the strip malls and large shopping centers become crowded during peak hours.

Blacow residents exercise easily in the neighborhood by biking and walking to do errands. However, most locals conduct major errands by driving. Numerous bike lanes make bicycling simpler every year for bicycle enthusiasts, and the flat land around Blacow facilitates the sport.

Fremont Central Park, locally known as Lake Elizabeth, draws in many Fremont locals due to its status as Fremont’s largest and best-known park. Residents get in for free and can get some exercise on the two-mile walking path or on the 1.5-mile exercise course. Kids love the athletic fields and the Aqua Adventure Waterpark, open in the summer. Take your dog to Lake Elizabeth’s dog park and let him run free, but stick to the dog park rules. Keep your dogs on-leash outside the dog park. Locals like to come by Lake Elizabeth for annual events like Leprechaun Land, job fairs and summer concerts.

Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area, located just a few miles away, provides kids the chance of a lifetime — to swim in the summer in a lake. Exercise fans can take a hike and view wildlife or take a swim during the fitness swimming times. Travelers can also go boating and fishing. Expect to pay $5 for a vehicle entry fee and $2 to take a dog inside.

The Quarry Lakes area holds special events year-round, like marathons and other sports. Check out the park schedule online to learn more about the park’s happenings.

Residents in Fremont have an average higher cost of living than the national average. Travelers to San Francisco generally pay about $6 for a one-way trip from the Fremont BART station to central San Francisco. The price of monthly and weekly BART tickets depends on the distance traveled each trip.

An average one-bedroom apartment in Blacow costs about $1,770 per month in rent. A typical glass of beer at a bar around Blacow costs $4, and the average price of gas costs 8 percent more than the national average.

The largest shopping center near Blacow, Pacific Commons Shopping Center, houses retailers that include Old Navy, Kohl's, Target and Costco. Restaurants, such as Claim Jumper and P.F. Chang's, have also set up camp at Union Landing. High-end shoppers can find designer handbags, jewelry and more at Nordstrom Rack, also in Pacific Commons.

Women shop at Stay Winning Boutique for the latest fashions with a side of excellent customer service. This store carries both name and local brands, and the staff is quick to help you pick out an outfit with a flattering fit and whatever accessories you need to go with it.

Visit NewPark Mall to buy cards, collectibles and more at 316 Collectibles. Gamers can play in card and board game tournaments to hone their skills at 316 Collectibles. Those looking for cultural stores find plenty of them in the Fremont and Union City areas. Roshni Fabrics & Indian Groceries gives Union City residents and Fremont locals a chance to look through fresh food and also pick up Indian fabrics and spices.

Grocery stores, including Trader Joe's, Lucky and Grocery Outlet, attract Blacow shoppers, but smaller groceries, such as Zam Zam Halal Supermarket, sell Afghan and other groceries from the Middle East. The Irvington Farmers' Market sets up during the weekends to display produce, homemade foods and other homegrown items, including farm fresh eggs.