Pike Place Market in Seattle, WA
A Visit to the City's Historic Indoor Public Market Place
Aug 30, 2008
According to History of the Market at www.pikeplacemarket.org, Pike Place Market got its start in 1906 and 1907 when the cost of onions skyrocketed, enraging Seattle citizens. In response, Seattle city councilman Thomas Revelle proposed a public market where consumers would be able to buy directly from the farmers. This would effectively cut out the middleman, who was largely responsible for the rising prices. On August 17, 1907 eight farmers brought their produce to Pike Place Market and by 11:00 am, were sold old. An estimated 10,000 shoppers had come to the market that day and by the end of 1907, the first market building had opened. Today, Pikes Place Market attracts an estimated 10 million visitors a year.
The market place is huge, bursting out of several buildings. It would be possible to spend a week there and still not see everything there is to see. Its noisy, happy atmosphere is filled with patrons from every walk of life, all wandering in and out of the shops to the accompaniment of one of the many street musicians performing that day. The market place contains over 200 commercial businesses, which sell everything from magic tricks to jewelry in addition to the usual t-shirts, key chains, and coffee mugs. Have your picture taken next to the world’s tallest man, or for a quarter, a wizard in a machine will tell you your fortune.
Stop for lunch at Pike Pub and Brewery, home of the Pike Beers, and outstanding mixed drinks. Be sure to try the highly recommended crab pizza, or sample baked macaroni and cheese, or any of the pub’s entrees.
The farmer’s markets are an adventure in themselves. 190 crafts people and 120 farmers rent table space by the day here (History of the Market , www.pikeplacemarket.org). The scent of fresh flowers is everywhere, mingled with the aroma of fresh fruits and veggies. Try the honey sticks for a special treat. They come plain or flavored with anything from cinnamon to raspberry. Of course, don’t forget to stop in the fish markets. Even if the fresh clams, crab, and catch of day don’t appeal to you, make sure to visit anyways. If you are lucky, you will see workers tossing fish back and forth while they laugh and interact with passing customers.
How to Find the Market Place
Pike Place Market is located on Pike Street near the water front. There is an information booth on Pike Street and 1st Avenue. Look for signs pointing to various entrances into the market buildings. There are public parking garages and lots scattered all around the area, and prices vary widely. The market also has a public parking garage located on Western Avenue, but it does fill up quickly, especially on summer days. Also consider taking the bus.
A visit to this historic bustling market is well-worth making the time for, even if shopping is not on the agenda.
1. "History of the Market," www.pikeplacemarket.org (26 August 2008).
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