When people think Seattle they think Pacific Northwest, coffee, seafood, the Space Needle and Mount Lanier. One of the first things that came to mind also when I found out I’d be spending a little time there was Pike Place Market.
Right along Elliott Bay and Pike Street, in the heart of the city, is a foodie and shopping paradise. It’s one of the oldest public farmers’ markets in the United States.
You’ll find many, many people capturing the signage and clock. It’s almost lunch time.
One thing that will definitely catch the eye right away are the flowers. The assortment of boutiques, arrangements and flower colors at very reasonable prices will make the tourist wish they lived locally.
Being along the water in the Pacific Northwest you’ll definitely find a lot of every kind of seafood imaginable. The size of some of the fish you can buy wow!
Ditto on the produce. One stand after another of colorful vegetables in perfect condition.
Walking outside of the main market area along Pike Street you’ll find shops, restaurants, stands and people lining the streets.
One of the shops is the original Starbucks. Of course I will notice anything coffee related. 🙂 It’s definitely worth a visit, but get there early. If you want to sit inside and/or get a caffeinated coffee beverage, be prepared to stand in line. A good alternative is Local Color Art Coffee and More a few doors down. It’s part coffee shop, part gallery and a good place to people watch and hang out.
There are unique vendors all-around selling something for everyone. One that caught the eye was the tie-dyed t-shirts stand. If you’re looking for a local souvenir to take home check out Mt St Helen’s Ash and get something made of the ash from the 1980 volcanic eruption.
Tip: Hearing a lot from the locals while there, finding a parking spot is a major issue so pack patience or walk/take public transportation.
Whether its people watching, shopping, hanging out in the big city or enjoying coffee and some eats, Pike Place Market in Seattle is definitely worth the time.
What other markets would you recommend that you have come across in your travels?
Like this:
Like Loading...
