While visiting Seattle last year for IFBC, Heather and I walked around Pike Place Market in between conference sessions. Gorgeously packed with fresh vegetables, flowers, and local vendors, it made me fall in love with the city!
Seattle’s original farmers market, established in 1907. If you’re visiting Seattle and love getting to meet food producers, Pike Place Market is a must on your visit! All your senses will be challenged: the bright colors, the sounds of a working market, the smells of the fresh flowers, and of course, the tastes you’ll pick up while you walk down the market.
On the morning of Saturday, August 17, 1907, hundreds of shoppers converged upon a few dozen farmers’ carts at the foot of downtown’s Pike Street (named for Seattle pioneer and builder John Pike). This first “public market” was founded to cut out the middlemen who drove up the prices of local produce, and it was an instant hit with farmers and Seattle residents. – Market History
You won’t be able to miss the world famous Pike Place Fish Market, made popular by the fish mongers that throw fresh fish all day long. Literally throwing fish as you’d expect football players to throw balls. It’s a fun way to start walking around the market!
Quite possibly the largest about of fresh flower bouquets I’ve ever seen in my life, the market boosts some amazing colors thanks to them! And some bouquets were only $5, so you basically see everyone walking out of the market with them. I was this close to buying a bouquet for my hotel room!
The fresh produce blew my away, specifically the fresh wild mushrooms. Chanterelles were in season and I stopped at a vendor stand and bought every single chanterelle you see in the photo below, I am not kidding you. I asked for three pounds of chanterelles and it was basically everything she had. I can’t find chanterelles in New England, so I had to stock up! I saved two pounds for myself and sent my best friend in Missouri another pound – nothing better than pan fried chanterelles in butter!
Orzo, you ask? The stand below had all kinds of pastas and I stocked up on orzo, since it’s my husband’s favorite pasta shape. They came in some awesome flavors like Thai Curry – spicy and delicious!
1st Ave and Pike St.
Seattle, WA 98101
Open Daily (variety of hours; check their site for updated times)