SEATTLE, WAWhen you live on a rural island 60 miles north of Seattle a visit to the "big city" can be classified as a travel event. We usually drive in for an overnight a couple of times a year--usually to meet friends or relatives who are passing through and can't make the long trip to the island for one reason or another, but even if we aren't meeting anyone we like to take advantage of special promotions offered by our favorite hotel, The Vintage Park, a four-star boutique hotel right in the center of the city. It's a nice romantic getaway with a little shopping thrown in.
Market's a fun place worth exploring
The Pike Place Market tops my list for fun shopping, with excellent produce, fish and hundreds of interesting products to browse through. We followed that with a leisurely dinner at Tulio's downstairs in the hotel before hitting those luxurious sheets that feel like silk. (There are also excellent restaurants and hotels in the Market neighborhood.) The Pike Place Fish Market can deliver your selected fresh seafood to your home, or, you can order online or by phone (800-542-7732). Shipping charges can be prohibitive, however, depending on where you live. The Wall Street Journal recently reviewed 4 businesses in different parts of the country that shipped fresh fish and found The Pike Place Fish Market to be one of the best ones.
Renovations imminent
It was great seeing the old Market as it is once more before it gets a $75 million face lift financed by the taxpayers. The city administration promises to preserve the architecture while making improvements to the electrical and heating systems, as well as adding restrooms and handicapped accessibility. We can only hope they don't change too much. It's a very special place that everyone wants to keep just the way it is. Over 100 years old, the Market is packed with everything you can imagine and some of the most colorful characters you'll ever see. And besides, I have a floor tile there with my name on it that I like to check on once in awhile. I was told by several of the vendors that people even bring cleaning supplies to brighten up their personal tiles, but I don't go that far!
Fresh flower displays and finger food always popular
The Market is teeming with people no matter what time of the year you choose, but if you can hit it early in the day you'll be able to walk through easily and if it's summer it's worth the visit just to see the mountains of beautiful fresh flower displays for sale. I put off buying some until I stuff myself with finger food purchased at some of the many small stands in the covered market itself or across the street. (The sweet peas are particularly magnificent!)
Market has 200 year-round businesses; craftspeople, farmer & street performers
One day is never enough to explore this one-of-a-kind market place that has nearly 200 year round commercial businesses, including the original Starbucks store, 190 crafts people, 120 farmers, 240 street performers (you won't see performers early in the morning, so plan accordingly). Tours are available, but not necessary. See the Market office at the corner of lst & Pike Street. Whatever you do, don't forget to go downstairs--it's easy to miss the signs--where you'll find warrens of specialty shops in a maze of hallways.
Photos, top to bottom:
Entrance to Market, office at the left side of photo
An eye catching display of strung peppers
One of the fresh fish vendors
A beautifully arranged vegetable table
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