pike place market

No trip to Seattle is complete without a visit to Pike Place Market.  And I’m not the only one who thinks so, considering the Market sees about 10 million visitors a year.   

How Onions Changed a City

Pike Place Market started over 100 years ago in 1907, and all because of onions.  No seriously, onions.  See, the price of onions went up tenfold between 1906-1907 and the people of Seattle were pissed.  They didn’t see the point in paying all that extra money considering it was going to the middlemen.  So local councilman Thomas Revelle came up with the idea of a street market.  The theory was that people would be able to “Meet the Producer” (something the market does to this day).

Little did they know what would happen.  The first day 8 farmers showed up with their wares on the corner of 1st and Pike.  Along with 10,000 customers.  Everything had been sold by 11 a.m. and thousands left with nothing.  By the end of the year the first building of the Market was opened and every space in it filled.

the Apple Boys

What I love about going to the Market isn’t just the fact that you find something new every time you go.  It’s that the vendors take such pride in their product.  How do I know this?  The Apple Boys. 

I’ve been to a lot of food markets, but Pike Place is the only one that has the Apple Boys.  When there are 10 different stalls selling produce you’ve got to do something to set you apart.  So why not let them test your wares?  At the corner of the Market where Pike ends, you can usually find 2 guys in aprons plucking apples from their stand and slicing them for passers-by to eat.  Both from different produce stands, and both trying to win your love.  They’re outgoing and funny and might be one of the best marketing tools I’ve ever seen.  Also, they’re cute, so that helps. 

The Apple Boys are just one example of the friendly & helpful people you’ll find at the Market.  All of the vendors take pride in their stands, and are willing to sit and talk to you about their product.  They care about what they’re selling you, and they want you to be happy.  It’s a form of customer service that is so often overlooked these days with our big box stores.  And even though it’s in the heart of downtown Seattle, it’s a way for you to connect with where your food is being grown.

What To See

You could spend the better part of the day strolling around the market looking at things.  Here are a couple of places I’d recommend you see.   

First, pay a little homage to the original Starbucks on Pike & Stewart.  After you’ve been sufficiently caffeinated, go around the corner to Sur La Table.  It may be one of my favorite stores of all time.  Gorgeous kitchenware and all the little bits you never knew you wanted until you walked in their door.  This store makes me want to have more money to buy all their lovely things.

Also at the corner of Pike & Stewart is Le Panier.  Which is French for, “Oh my god do you smell that? It’s delicious!”  If you’re wanting to cheat and eat something sinful, I recommend the pain au chocolat.  If you’re wanting a healthier alternative, however, I’d recommend crossing the street to Pike & Pine and checking out Cinnamon Works.  They offer vegan, wheat/gluten-free & sugar-free cookies, scones, muffins et cetera.

For those looking for something in the cheese family, Beecher’s Handmade Cheese is a must stop.  In fact you’d probably stop anyway just to watch them stir the cheese curds through the big glass windows.  I figure, if you’re going to eat cheese, you should eat fresh, hand crafted, delicious cheese.  At Beechers they care about what they put into their product.  They search out organic ingredients, foods free of artificial preservatives, flavour enchancements, sweeteners & trans fats.  They call it their commitment to “Pure Food”.  I call it yummy.  The also have an in-house cafe in case you need a lunch break.

Now one of the other things that Pike Place is known for is the fish throwing guys.  Otherwise known as Pike Place Fish.  If you ever saw the Real World: Seattle, you know what I’m talking about.  Sadly, I have never seen it myself.  In all the times that I’ve travelled to Seattle and visited the Market, I have yet to catch a fish being thrown.  My parents have seen it, my friends have seen it, and yet I have never seen it.  Maybe I get distracted by the sugar-free cookies & caffeine, I don’t know.  But if you do end up at the Market check it out, it’s at the corner of Pike & 1st.  I swear the next time I’m in Seattle I’m going to stake out the place until someone throws a fish at me.

On top of all the regular excitement of the Market, I’d also suggest that you take a minute to check out their website.  There’s always events going on and it’s good to know what you’re walking into.  Especially when it’s Busker celebration day.  I had the chance to see some amazing street performances while I was down there, including this guy who juggled a machete, a bowling pin and an apple (which he ate at the same time), all whilst riding a unicycle.  

Pike Place Market isn’t just a place to buy food, it’s an experience.  Once you’ve been there, you’ll understand why it’s one of the most visited places in Washington.

Getting There

If you’re driving in to Seattle, here are my suggestions.  First of all, plan some good road trip playlists ahead of time.  If you’re coming in from Vancouver, it’s about 2 hours or more depending on the border traffic, so you need something to keep you awake.  This trip I had an 80s rock-revival playlist for the way down, and on the way back I listened to The Black Ghosts, White Lies - To Lose My Life & The Bravery - The Sun and the Moon.  Both will get you in a very west coast mood.

As for parking, I always park in the lot under Barnes & Noble on 6th & Pine.  Their rates aren’t bad & they have security, so I feel safe leaving my car there.  And if you’re feeling fancy, they also have valet.  You could park at the Market, but I like to walk down.  Seattle’s a really beautiful and chill city, and walking through downtown is nice.  Plus you’re already on Pine, so you just have to go 5 blocks down to get there.

Enjoy your trip!