Tuesday, January 15, 2013

365 Inspirations—15: Pike Place Market, Seattle WA

"We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time."—T.S. Eliot

The Pike Place Market in Downtown Seattle is not a place to miss if you are ever in the Pacific Northwest. It's a hubbub of activity. I was there with my husband on Saturday! Street musicians are everywhere—from Native American singers to banjo players. There's even a guy who hula hoops while spinning and balancing his guitar on his chin.

The public market is situated overlooking Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains along the downtown waterfront. Ferry boats come and go from several islands along this waterfront.

The very first Starbucks is located in Pike Place Market. Years ago, it was just a local hangout and no one knew what Starbucks was. Musicians still gather in front of this old hot spot.

I love going to the market with my husband. There's so much life there. We like to meander through the market and look at all the beautiful flower arrangements and fresh vegetables. Of course, we always get caught up in the crowds watching the infamous "flying fish". If you go to the market, you must stay and watch someone order fresh fish. There's a lot of hollering that happens and then a fish flies through the air from behind the counter into the hands of a worker on the other side who wraps it up for the customer.

Oh, and you must stop by Market Spice Tea. They have free samples in the back of their delicious cinnamon spice tea. In fact, there are wonderful samples of everything from chocolate to cheeses throughout the market.

We happened to hit Pike Place Market on a very sunny, yet cold, day! The picture above reflects that. I like it because sun is so rare in January here, but it was shining bright last Saturday.

Are there any great places to visit where you live? I'd love to hear about them!

12 comments:

  1. There are two wonderful antique stores in the small town that I live in. They have amazing relics from the past century. I love visiting there on beautiful Sunday afternoons :)

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    1. I love antique stores in small towns! So fun to wander in and look around!

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  2. I live in a northern suburb of Seattle. The only time I get to the Market is when we have visitors we're showing around. I wish it were easier to get there on public transportation from the outlying areas, or the parking were cheaper!

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    1. I'm in a northern suburb of Seattle too! We are probably right around the corner from each other ^_^! Sometimes we take a bus downtown or we park along the waterfront for just an hour or two! Yes, parking is expensive in downtown Seattle. They may extend the link rail to Northgate, so maybe it will be easier and cheaper to get downtown soon!

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  3. Love this post!
    Love your blog!
    www.rsrue.blogspot.com

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  4. I adore a good outdoor market, especially if there are samples.

    I can't wait for the weather to warm up again.

    Pike Place is on my wish list.

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    1. I know it's been pretty cold here, but I do wish we'd see a little snow before it warms up since winters are nice when there is at least one snow!

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  5. Sounds like a wonderful place! There's a park in my small town that my husband and I enjoy visiting. It's right on the river, and it's so nice to go down and sit and just listen to the water.

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    1. I also love rivers. Lots of those in Washington too, but not very many close to the city!

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  6. Thank-you so much for stopping by my blog! Isn't Optimistic Extremist the best? Wish this market was closer, sounds amazing! Cinnamon Spice tea, yum! Will definitely follow along.

    Happy Wednesday.

    ♡ Ashton Belle

    From:Lovelifeandtruthtells.blogspot.com

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    1. It was a pleasure to find your blog and I'm happy I got connected to it. Happy Wednesday to you too!

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