Pike’s Place Market is one of the most colorful and interesting places our family has ever visited.
We love the sights, the flavors, the sounds and even the smells as long as it is NOT in the fish market areas!
Pike Place Market was originally started as a four block public market back in 1907.
It started off being primarily a food market, but has expanded to house over 600 vendors with wares ranging from organic produce and dried flowers to textiles, art and toys of all kinds.
Situated near the waterfront, it is a great place to buy VERY fresh fish!
I am not personally a fan of seafood, but my family loves it and my hubby particularly loves the salmon!
Even on the rainiest, gloomiest days the market is teeming with people!
On the day these photos were taken it was even unpleasantly crowded!
Part of the market is semi-enclosed and part of it is exposed to the elements, but around where we live getting wet is just part of daily life!
Musicians and other entertainers share their talents and appreciative listeners often give them loose change or a dollar or two!
We once even saw a man with a trained CAT! He said that his donations all go to a shelter for abandoned kitties!
Shopping for any member of the family is possible there. This silk-screened onsie is one of many available.
Produce abounds and much of it is, happily, organic! I think these are PLUOTS!
That’s a cross between a plum and an apricot. I don’t really care for fruit, but these were delicious!
We love the honey kiosks the best! The children love the flavored honey sticks and the raw honeycomb.
My favorites are the beeswax candles and the jars of fresh, raw honey. We always spend time at these booths and the children often save up their money to bring here!
Samples are available of the many varieties! It is hard to chose what to purchase!
Here are some interesting bags made in the style of a traditional rag rug! Creative!
The view from the market is one of the clean city streets!
I am always amazed at how clean Seattle is even on the most crowded days!
Fresh and dried flowers are offered prolifically. They are not only fragrant, but so beautiful to see!
The delight on the children’s faces is also one of my favorite sites on these trips!
They are so full of awe and always learn many, many new things!
Strolling from booth to booth we usually grab a fruit smoothie from a Japanese vendor or a knish from a traditionally New York deli stand…
… but occasionally we try a sweet treat like candied apples, turkish delight or homemade donuts!
Usually we end up engaging in lively conversations with the people we meet!
We sometimes even glean ideas of projects that we can try at home like beanbag animals!
We always bring home bags full of fruit, veggies, garlic, honey, an occasional piece of art or other keepsake…
and whether soaking wet, or toasty warm…
we always bring home a heartful of memories!
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Love the pictures! What a sweet little red-head you have there.
I miss Washington.
Your daughter is just stunning. What a princess.
Last time I was at Pike’s it just happened to be their 100 year anniversary (so last summer). Boy it was busy, but the kids had a wonderful time. We’re on the dry side of the mountains, and those gray sky photos make my heart ache for the coast.
Thank you for sharing!
What a neat place for an adventure! Thanks for the delightful tour.
Wonderful pix and story! I’ve never been there (well, maybe I have been when I was young and don’t remember). Looks like a very fun and interesting place to go. Thanks for sharing!
I loved your tour! I’ve never been to Washington, but would love to visit this market place in Seattle if I ever do make it that way!
Blessings,
Tammy ~@~
I have always heard of that place and thought that it would be neat….it sure looks like a great time!
Thanks for taking us with you–what a wonderful field trip!
Thank you for sharing! Those photos bring back some fond memories of living in Washington! We had a great time whenever we visited the Pike Market!
We visited Seattle last year, and I just *loved* the market–and the whole downtown area. Your pictures make me wish I was close enough to go back! My favorite purchases were the flavored honey straws, fresh flowers, and the doughnuts.
we were there in june. such a neat place! but i was early in my pregnancy and the fish market areas almost did me in.
Thank you for the delightful trip down memory lane. You take great photos! We just moved from the Seattle area to Maine and seeing such wonderful pictures of home (on earth, anyway) was delightful! I miss the rain, the people, the sights, sounds, colors – everything good there is to miss! I hope God will allow us to move back someday!
Thanks for sharing!
Hello! I stumbled upon your great blog and I’m enjoying reading the archives. This was a fun post and I love the pic of your daughter. Any time I see a little girl who has hair the same color as mine – well, she gets my attention.
Great review and fun pics!
I think the clean streets have something to do with it raining all the time. LOL
My kids’ absolute favorite was the mummy in the big tourist shop (is it called Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe?). It was the creepiest thing for them too, but you know how kids are!