Thanks to Public Market Tours, I was able to learn more about one of Seattle’s most iconic attractions – Pike Place Market.
This market is one of the oldest public farmers markets open year round in the US.
While there are hundreds (maybe thousands) of Starbucks in Seattle, the very first shop was opened in 1971 in Pike Place Market.
This store still has it’s original look and is for people who want to buy coffee or souvenirs.
There are no comfy sofas or any chair for that matter in this shop so don’t expect to to sit and people watch here.
Line up for drinks and souvenirs were both out the door the day I visited. There are several mugs and cups that are sold only at this location – you will be unable to find them at other stores in Seattle.
Located in Post Alley, you will find a single wall decorated with chewed gum of every colour and size.
Gross or Gorgeous? You decide.
Tyler, our tour guide, shared this interesting tidbit – the Seattle Gum Wall is the SECOND “germiest” tourist attraction in the world.
Only a bit “cleaner” than The Blarney Stone in Ireland. I did not add anything to the gum wall and kept my arms at my side (and on my phone) while walking down Post Alley.
Tables upon tables of fresh flowers and bouquets are available for sale at the market.
If I had an empty vase lying around in my hotel room, I would have shopped for flowers everyday! Bouquets for $5 at Pike Place would run me at least $20 in Toronto.
Tyler took us to one of the lower levels of the market where I spotted a few things that made me LMAO.
Anyone need One Direction life size cutouts? Notice how Bieber is off to the side – does this mean he is on clearance?
We are about to start the potty training process at our house. Maybe I should have purchased these books from Lion Heart Book Store.
I would highly recommend this one hour walking tour if you want to learn about Pike Place Market’s history. Tyler was enthusiastic, extremely knowledgeable and funny.
Wear comfy walking shoes because you will be going up and down hills and over cobblestone roads the entire time!
And pack wipes too – see gum wall photo above if you need a reminder.
Gum wall?! My first thought was that’s gross, but then, I HAVE kissed the Blarney stone in Ireland, many many years ago, so I can’t really say a thing… 🙂 We don’t have any markets here in this small Norwegian town, definitely something I miss from the city life. Thanks for sharing, if I get to visit Seattle at some point this will be on my to-do list for sure!
Well if you’ve kissed the Blarney stone I guess there is nothing wrong with looking at the gum wall. 😉
I love exploring markets too, and those prices I’d also be buying flowers all the time!! Our little town has a market twice a week, but no fun surprises there – mainly food and jewellery…
Food and jewellery is good too 😉 HA HA HA!
lovely pictures about the gum not sure if it is gross or creative 🙂
Half and Half maybe.
I loved the market when I visited. Thanks so much for linking up today with us.
We are headed to Seattle in the fall, I think. I’ve been wanting to visit Pike Place Market for a long time. Great post!
You must visit Pike Place Katie! It’s always busy so if you want to avoid the crowds it better to go early in the morning than later on during the day
I have never been to Seattle but have always wanted to go…although Vancouver is a close contender if I am heading out in that direction 🙂
Oh that is a difficult decision, Elena. Both are great cities. If I had more vacation time I probably would have tried to drive up to Vancouver.
My husband is born and raised in Seattle so whenever we go back I make sure to see every tourist spot I can since we spend most of the time off the beaten path anyway. It’s one of my favorite spots to visit, but I can’t stay long because I’m not a fan of the rain. That’s why I love the summers in Seattle so much!
Nicole, I feel the same way when I am in Seattle. I love doing the touristy stuff but the rain gets to me by midweek. I haven’t visited Seattle in the summer yet but one day I will have to if it means more sun and less rain!
Gum wall?! How crazy is that!! Would love to see this!
Looking at the gum wall makes me want to wash my hands. 😉
My family loved visiting the Pike Place Market. I really think if I lived in Seattle, I’d shop there. We stood and watched the fish guys forever. They were so entertaining.
Did you see the paper made from “poo”? We found the journals along the water front, but with the books you referenced, I’d think someone would sell poo paper too. There is an entire line of recycled poo. It kind of grossed me out a little but not so much that I didn’t snap a picture of it.
I love farmers markets, this looks like so much fun! and ewww to the gum wall!
Looks like an interesting market to visit. Not sure about that gum wall though, thinking it is a little gross.