Pike Place Markets in Seattle
Seattle might be rainy, but nothing dampens the mood of the bustling and lively Pike Place markets in Seattle that run along the river. We arrived to explore in the late afternoon so we could stroll around and finish with the sunset.
As tacky as it may be, we couldn’t resist ducking into the original Starbucks, the first ever store of the now massively global brand. We had to wait a long time for our coffees which started to wear thin on our patience, but we amused ourselves looking at the weird & crappy logo that Starbucks used to have.
Coffees acquired, we began to meander through the famous Pike Place markets.
From handmade wooden goods and jewellery to homemade jams of weird & wonderful flavours and lots of fresh produce you can certainly fill a few quality hours investigating Pike Place.
So much fresh amazingness.
The sun began to set lighting up the area in gorgeous hues of orange, purple and red. Walking along Pike Place allows you great views of the water and it was the perfect time to do it. I snapped a few shots of the sunset as a ferry was drifting lazily past in the harbour. A local walked up to me and said ‘You can’t get more Seattle than that’. I couldn’t agree more and it was beautiful.
Our friend Jane who was showing us around the North West is a Seattle local and is incredibly proud of her friendly city. She positioned us in front of the Pike Place Fish Market to witness the famous fish throwing in action. I had studied the Fish Philosophy at work a couple of years back so it was a lot of fun to see the energetic fishmongers at work.
Let’s hope the other guys catches it!
Us with our lovely friend Jane – a Seattlite born and bred.
We finished the market adventure by ducking into Beecher’s, which was an awesome store that made it’s own cheese (with wide glass windows to show you the machines and cheese makers at work). It’s also an iconic Pike Place store, having been there for such a long time.
We couldn’t resist grabbing the “World’s Best Mac & Cheese” – and you know what? It was damn tasty (maybe it IS the world’s best?).
A busker marvelled us by simultaneously balancing a guitar on his chin, playing harmonica, singing, playing ANOTHER guitar across his chest and doing the odd strum and flip on the guitar balanced on his chin…oh, all whilst doing the Hoola Hoop! Sounds crazy right? We snapped a pic – was a random fun sighting, that’s for sure!
Seattle has a laidback, genuine vibe that to be honest won us over more than it’s trendy neighbour Portland. This city makes you feel like you can be whatever you want to be and you will be accepted. On a chilly winters afternoon we felt like a relaxing wander through a market with a wonderful friend and that’s exactly what Pike Place provided.
Click the photos below and above for the super HD version. Go on, you know you want to! 😉
5 Responses to “Pike Place Markets in Seattle”
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I feel like as much as Seattleites transplant around, as a bunch, we still have a lot of hometown pride. Or maybe it’s just me. I’m glad you had a great time at the market! That area has a bunch of amazing little stores hidden in alleyways and basements if you just venture in 🙂
I’ve always wanted to go to Seattle, just not managed to get that far West in the USA yet! Nice pictures btw.
Thanks Forest!
My dad told me about them throwing fish and I have been to Seattle to see the action but its been awhile.
Very cool, I’ve driven through Seattle a few times, but never had time to explore the city. When I do get to finally explore the city I’ll have to make sure to check out Pike Place.