Pike Pl, Pike Market

Aside from Starbucks, Microsoft and Boeing, Seattle is best known for it's outdoor market that stretches from Pike Street to Stewart and offers everything from fresh vegetables and seafood to handmade crafts. What started as a farmer's cooperative has grown into a world-renowned market. Shops like the Flying Fish Market have become attractions as well as a great place to get some of the freshest seafood in the city. The rows of flower stands provide bouquets that rival expensive flower shops for a fraction of the cost. Local artisans sell hand crafted wood, glass and fabric products, as well as gorgeous photography, lithographs and paintings. The streets are lined with seasonal flowers and the area has some of Seattle's best restaurants. To add to the attraction, the entire market overlooks the beauty of Puget Sound and is an absolute must-see for any visitor to the Seattle area. Nighttime attractions include fun entertainment, such as music and a cabaret show.

Pikes Place is certainly as iconic as it gets- short of the Space Needle- when it comes to living in Seattle. But the Space Needle doesn't smell like fish and isn't filled with droves and droves and droves of people at all kinds of hours. I couldn't imagine wanting to live here long term.

The actual market is over 100 years old and there are apartments over many of the commercial buildings- but- it's one of those things that might have seemed like a cool idea at first and will slowly become something that drives you to insanity. Unless you can handle the constant crowds, traffic, smells and noise.

From street musicians to actual designated live music in the area, there is always some sort of beat going on. The food choices are absolutely fabulous however. From all the tiny authentic nooks inside the market and along the outside cooridor, to the great produce you can get to make something for yourself- there really is nothing fresher and better than living right in the heart of things.

If you can tolerate the noise, traffic and smells, then this may be just the place- but your wallet had better be pretty deep for this locale where you will not get a ton for you money.

Every one thinks Pike is just the farmers market, but there is much more. This is the main drag for almost all the tourists in Seattle. The convention center is at the opposite end east of 6th, and from there you have almost all major outlets and no more than a block away from the two major malls (Westlake Center and Pacific Place). My favorite non Pike Place is, Game Works. It’s a large arcade with some major video games. Don’t think bowling ally, but more like chucky cheese for adults. If you get the chance, go to PAX (Penny Arcade Expo) it’s a gamers convention and shouldn’t’ be missed.

Looking for my traditional morning pick me up in Seattle led me to the original Starbucks at 1912 Pike Place. Having visited the coffee chain many times before, this visit was unlike any other, as the store is unlike any other. The baristas are more lively than ever, the environment has a little more pep, and I could swear for a moment, my caramel machiato tasted better as well!

Pike place is the place that put Seattle on the map. Starbucks opened it's first store here many years ago. This street ussed to be the seedy underbelly of Seattle. In fact their are still vairous 'shows' and burlesque shops and entertainment available. While still on display, these shops are no longer the main attraction of this street. The Seattle Art Museum, the most amazing candy store you've ever seen (EVER!), and very cool local and native art. There is an amazing Brazillian Bistro there that can't be missed. The famous Pike place market is a nifty spot to shop. While most of the stores cater to either the young or the old, it should still be seen as a matter of principal. No one goes to NY city and missed the Empire State buildin, the same is true of Pike Place Market. Watch the fish mongers toss giant fresh fish or buy some of the freshest produce around. No matter what you do there it is an experience to not be forgotten.

This was one of the coolest places I visited in Seattle. This road is home of the Pike Place Market. This is a huge indoor market area for fresh produce. This place is incredibly large and very action packed of shoppers and sellers. A must see if you are in the area.