Only the evening before boarding a plane to Seattle did I realize that the Emerald City is home to infamous Pike Place Fish Market (well known for their Team Building model). Further research revealed the city housed America’s premier farmer’s market, Pike Place Market, also called “The Soul of Seattle.” The challenge was that by the time I landed in Sea-Tac Airport, hopped the convenient Link Light Rail downtown, walk a couple of blocks to check into the Hotel Monaco, then head out to find Pike Market, there would be less than two hours to explore because the IFBC evening reception and registration started at 5:00 pm. The conference itinerary was jammed packed with activities and no time for sight-seeing until the conference was over.
Arriving at the hotel, I didn’t dare stay long enough to look around at my guest room for the next three evenings. Without unpacking an embarrassingly over-sized suitcase (needed room for swag bag goodies!) I was back outside to capture sights of downtown Seattle with no time to waste! There’s something exciting about exploring new cities on foot and just walking into a direction where I hope to find what I’m looking for.
Trying not to look like the quintessential tourist and failing miserably at the charade, I wore my trusty camera like a necklace. Happiness, is the smell and sensation of a cool and crisp Seattle breeze gently whisping by my face. Loved the weather! Walking only a couple of blocks without turning into another street, I must have passed at least six different coffee houses. This city loves their coffee and teas!
Less than two hours to explore and wanting to see more, I was on the phone with Southwest Airlines to arrange a later flight out of Seattle. I had to revisit Pike Place Market and experience more of it before heading back to Southern California.
Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market, or referred to as “The Market” by locals, overlooks Elliott Bay waterfront, is about nine acres and has been a part of Seattle since 1907. Over 200 local farmers and businesses rent space year-round. The Market’s goal is for consumers to “Meet the Producer.” Over 10 million visitors a year visit this infamous market, making it the state of Washington’s most visited destination.
I was in awe of the colorful displays of healthy, gorgeous fruit and vegetables. The varieties and produce I have never seen in my own local markets back home. Seafood markets, lavish flower stands, various eateries and food markets and craftspeople throughout the market. How could anyone tire of this or take this accumulation of fine offerings for granted? My first visit was on a Friday late afternoon and it was so compacted with visitors I could barely walk through. Returning for the second visit, early morning on a Monday, proved to be a different experience in which I was able to more calmly and leisurely walk the market and actually talk to some of the owners and workers.
The Market is rich with stories of it’s founders, growing pains and development. It’s currently being renovated during the next years, but will remain operational throughout the various upgrade phases. Read more about Pike Place Market and make plans to visit this remarkable community when you’re in Seattle.
1912 Pike Place Starbucks
I enjoy my Starbucks. I’m a patron of hot, tall, non-fat chai latte’s with whip, mini-vanilla scones or seasonal pumpkin cream-cheese muffins (btw – check out my copy-cat recipe…after much trial and error!). Little did I realize as I was meandering down Pike Place that I was walking towards the relocated iconic locale of the original Starbucks! It became obvious that the 1912 Pike Place location was something special by way folks were clamouring around it, taking pictures in front of the address and under the originally designed logo (the bare-breasted siren).
It’s mid-morning, the air is crisp and the sun is out. Friendly people all about and the hustle and bustle of The Market preparing to open. A little bit of nostalgia, friendly patrons, cozy surroundings…I’m at Starbucks. That first sip of my hot chai latte – Aaaaah. Comfort in a cup! It was that extra special at Pike Place.
There’s no place to stand and meander at this location’s coffee house. No seats for the weary or Wi-Fi hookups. As I skillfully bobbed-and-weaved between people to get out the door with my hot cup of latte, I can smell various temptations of sweetness filling the air. Now it’s time to explore a small sampling of the gorgeous bakeries lining this side of the street alone. I’m looking forward to breakfast!
Bakeries and Shops
The street across from The Market, is lined with various bakeries, eateries and specialty foods. There just wasn’t enough time to see and taste everything! I made my way down the street, peering into windows and strolling into shops, wishing I could bring some of these delectables and treats home to share with Hubby. No way to get these perishables on the plane.
Places like:
- Beecher’s Handmade Cheese – They make their cheese right there in the store. You can watch them mixing a massive vat of cheese products. There’s a little area for you to sit and enjoy cheeses and sandwiches.
- Piroshky, Piroshky – A Russian bakery. On Friday late afternoon, the line was ridiculous, but impressively long. The aroma of sweet confections perfumed the street and you had to take a peek just to see what all the fuss was about.
- Le Panier This bakery made my heart stop with a slice or two of their Tarte aux pommes. The crust was flaky goodness with a custard-like filling topped with caramelized apples. I’m inspired, just loved it!
- Sotto Voce – Gourmet flavored spiced and herbed olive oils and vinegars, bottled by hand.
- The Confectional – This is cheesecake heaven and not for the faint of heart. Baked cheesecakes and cheesecake truffles created in the cutest mini sizes or full party size.
- Mee Sum Pastry – Chinese goodies recognized for their humbows and barbecue pork skewers.
I could go on and on about what was experienced in the Pike Place Market area. The day won’t come soon enough if I have the opportunity to visit again and enjoy more of this fine city, the sights and foodie experiences with my true better-half.
This was an inspiring piece of Tarte aux pommes from the Le Panier bakery.
Doesn’t it kinda look like the apples are arranged as a sad face?
Maybe it was sad because it knew I was going to eat it.
And I did. Every last bit of it! :o)
Shelley says
Great site, your information on the market is right on, I was there last summer and loved it.
Lauren says
I was in Seattle for a couple of days a few years back, and I loved Pike Place Market, it really was an amazing and vibrant place to be. Although I was particularly scared by the flying fish!
Wish I had taken my camera with me cause there are so many opportunities for photos around there. Hopefully I will get a chance to go back out there sometime soon!
City Share says
I have never been to Seattle, but I would love to go. Thanks for the beautiful photos.
Shree says
oooh love Pike place. Have visited most of the places u’ve mentioned. Not the Chinese place yet..
Anna says
Your post brought back such fond memories of my visit to Seattle and Pike Place Market. It makes me long for another visit. Thanks so much for sharing such beautiful photos and allowing me to revisit your lovely city via your blog post.
Anna
mangiabella says
I have never been to Seattle, have always wanted to visit, and if I can make it up there, this will DEFINITELY be on my “to see” list without question! thank you for taking us out for a lovely stroll through the market, I felt as though I was right there with you taking in the sights!! much love and thanks to you for the delightful anniversary wishes, have a most lovely week sweet bella
denise @ quickies on the dinner table says
I’ve read SO MUCH about Pike Place Market that it’s fast becoming one of my must visit foodie destinations LOL Can’t say I’m a Starbucks fan though it would be interesting to see the very place where the tidal wave of designer caffeine started
Love the guided tour – the Confectional would have me on my knees, begging for mercy *yikes*
Melanie says
I’m a huge fan of Starbucks, and love reading about the Pike Place!
Marisa says
I’ve always wanted to go to the pike place market and fish market. I hope I get to someday! I loved reading about your tip. I had no idea the original Starbucks was in Seattle–pretty cool! And homemade cheese!? Omg I need to go to Seattle! All of those bakeries look awesome too..that’s so funny how the tarte aux pommes does look like it’s sad lol.
5 Star Foodie says
A fun visit to Seattle! Pike Place Market is really terrific. Would love to check out that Russian bakery next time I’m in Seattle!
Debbie says
Oh I love Pike’s Place Market! Makes me wish I lived in Seattle
Simply Life says
I used to live in Seattle and this is making me miss it!
Jeanne says
Ever since I visited that cheese shop, I’ve been wanting to go back to Seattle just for the cheese curds! The whole market is such an incredible experience, thanks for bringing back some fun memories!
Barbara Bakes says
I visited Pike Place a couple of years ago and felt the same way. I’d love to make a second trip. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
Monet says
That tart got me…so beautiful! It reminds me of a french apple tart that my best friend and I made before moving to Austin. I want to visit Seattle so badly and seeing all of these pictures and hearing your experiences makes me want to visit even more. Thank you for sharing a bit of your adventure with us!
The Rowdy Chowgirl says
So glad you got to have a weekday Pike Place Market experience while you were here! It really is different when the throngs from the cruise ships aren’t there. And you hit all the my favorites–especially Piroshky Piroshky and the Humbow place!
Nicole @ The Dirty Oven says
Glad you enjoyed yourself. My sister lives in Seattle and I love visiting her and eating up tons of food. Was just up there over labor day weekend and enjoyed the Ballard Street fair and the custom crapes… and had a great dinner at How to Cook a Wolf…. just to die for. I hope you make it back someday. Thanks for sharing.
Magic of Spice says
I have always wanted to see Pike Place Market…Everything looks wonderful
Angie's Recipes says
I have never been to a Russian bakery…..looks quite interesting from the photo.