pike place market

Seattle is virtually the thumbtack that holds up the upper left-hand side of the United States. Nestled between the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, it’s a trendy city with a lot to do. I think the best place to start is Pike Place Market. But first we need to make a quick stop that involves caffeine…

Original Starbucks

…And what better place to go? The original Starbucks. Walking up to this small shop really makes you believe in the American dream. I know there are books written about their road to success, but truly it is amazing when you see it. I always get a grande in a vente since I require extra cream (and refuse to pour my precious coffee out or ask for “extra room”). Get whatever you’d like and then we’ll be on our way. The original Starbucks sits on the edge of Pike Place Market so it’s an easy walk from there.

Pike Place Market

From the original Starbucks we’ll head up the street to Pike Place Market. There are tons of shops outside of the market so we’ll take our time and check them out.

One of my favorite stores is Beecher’s Handmade Cheese Shop where you can sample some pretty amazing cheese. Just drop down on a handy milk jug to enjoy some of their gourmet food.

After our cheese tasting experience, we’ll cross the street over to the Market. Pike Place Market started because of the price of an onion in 1906. Long story short – onions were super expensive so the outraged citizens proposed a public street market that would connect farmers directly with consumers. On August 17, 1907 Pike Place Market was born. You cannot believe the incredible selection you’ll find of fresh produce, seafood, and other merchandise. There are restaurants with waterfront views inside the market too. Look for the fish throwers. One guy stands out front by the customers, when you order he literally throws the fish back to another guy who wraps it up. A lot of fun for the on-lookers but I’m sure a lot of work for the doers.

And in front of the fish throwers is Rachael the Pig which you have to take your picture on. If you’ve read any of my blogs you know I’m a huge bacon lover. If you’d like to learn more about good ol Rachael here’s an earlier blog about her: https://photogirltravels.com/2013/02/04/me-and-rachel-the-pig/

More to come…

Next I’ll show you the Space Needle, Seattle Great Wheel, Chihuly Glass Exhibition (mind-blowing), the library (seriously, it’s impressive), we’ll don a bib eat a pile of seafood with an ice cold beer(s) and stay at the only hotel that literally sits on the water, the elegant Edgewater Hotel. And finally, we’ll take the Ferry over to visit a few quaint coastal towns including Bainbridge Island and Gig Harbor. Please click the follow button over on the right if you’d like to receive email notifications of these posts. I hope you’ll join me!