In November, we had a fortuitous opportunity to visit Seattle/Tacoma for a long weekend. John has been for work and I’ve been for play, but never had the chance to explore together.
My playmate
As we were in town for VetsAid 2018, we decided to stay near the Tacoma Dome, but we discovered if you’re a senior citizen (sigh), it’s just $1 bus ride from Tacoma to downtown Seattle, home of the famous Pike Place Market. Seattle’s original farmers market was established in 1907 and is still a very happening place and top tourist destination. Pike Place Market Historical District covers 9 areas stretching from mid-block south of Pike Street, north to Virginia Street, and Western to First Avenues. It is an incredibly vibrant neighborhood comprised of hundreds of farmers, craftspeople, artisans, buskers, small businesses and residents.
If you don’t mind crowds, Saturday is the best day to visit,
when there is non-stop entertainment,
the original Starbucks,
fish markets,
craft tables, boutique shopping, and Post Alley,
Robot vs. Sloth Shop
and tables and table of gorgeous flower bouquets for just $10.
DeLaurenti’s Food Market located inside the market, draws you in their entrance with a couple walls of chocolate from all over the world and all of the favorites from Italy that you could imagine filling your suitcase… wine, cheese, coffee, pasta and more.
Snacking cannot be avoided, especially at Le Panier, conveniently located a few doors down from Starbucks.
John’s favorite
Almond Chocolate croissants
After a few hours of wandering, caffeinating, snacking and shopping, we celebrated choosing such a sunny day to visit Seattle with lunch at Place Pigalle, a tiny hidden gem in a corner of the market, with a view of the water.
Fresh crab cakes…but you had me at baguette!
View from Place Pigalle
We enjoyed the view and relaxed with a lovely glass of Sancerre, then decided to explore the Pioneer Square area before heading back to Tacoma.
Pioneer Square was once the heart of Seattle and settled in 1852. The original wooden buildings were burned in the Great Seattle Fire of 1889. The replacement brick and stone buildings erected in the 1890s are mostly examples of Richardsonian Romanesque, and quite stunning to gaze up at reaching for the sky.
It’s a hilly walk from Pike Place Market to Pioneer Square with a lot of attractive architecture and colorful street art, and boutiques, dining and hotels.
Besides visiting our friends in the area, there are so many more attractions on our Seattle to do list, such as Chihuly Garden and Glass, Space Needle, Museum of Flight, and a trip to Mt. Ranier. We tasted just a little of what Seattle offers and plan to visit again soon…C’est tout!