Last week I talked about the heart of my time in Seattle – friends and people who touched my life while I was there. Just as that was the heart of my time in Seattle, Pike Place Market is the heart of Seattle itself.
Pike Place is what people often think about when they think of Seattle (aside from rain of course). There is a reason for it. This place is what Seattle is all about. It’s a stellar representation of a lot of things that make this city so great.
The history, the vendors, the hills, the food, the flowers, the water, the parking, the coffee, the gum. (yes, the gum)
Every time someone came to visit me in Seattle, this was obviously a place we would go. I didn’t mind one bit. It’s not a place you get tired of (in my opinion.) There is always something fun to see, something yummy to eat, something exciting to experience.
Its also a great place to meet husbands.
I haven’t done a full post on how Paul and I got together although I have mentioned bits and pieces throughout various past posts. Our first date took place at Pike Place (as well as my first date with two other guys but obviously I didn’t marry them so thats really unimportant) 
Pike Place- not Pike(s) Place- will always hold a special place in my heart. Not only because Paul and I shared our humble beginning there, but because of its Seattle charm and nostalgia as well as all the precious memories of mine that will always live there. Not just for me, but for millions of Seattleites and tourists alike.
Luckily I don’t have to just depend on the ‘ol noggin for the memories. Cameras help with that!
(photo by Eric Walley)
In 1985, Pike Place needed a new floor. Personalized tiles were sold for $35 to anyone who wanted to buy one. You could engrave your name or message on the tile to be forever remembered. The only reason I know this is because I did a food tour once at the market and they told us. Otherwise I don’t even know how many people even notice the floor! Such a cool bit of history about the market.
Market Spice is one of the hidden gems at the market. This is where you can get the best tea in all the land…the Cinnamon Orange. Of course its the best, just look at the name!
Flowers are fresh during the summer months and dried during the winter. You can ALWAYS get a beautiful bunch of flowers any time of year.
The famous fish throwers. They throw often and often throw big fake fish to freak people out. Don’t say you weren’t warned.
Not sure why I can’t find a pic of the amazing fruits vegetables etc… that the have at the market. All I can find is this pic of these ginormous avocados. Actually I’m not all that surprised, considering my love of the green goodies.
(picture by Eric Walley)
The unofficial mascot of the market, Rachel the pig. Bronze piggy bank right under the big sign and the fish throwers.
Me and Amanda
Me, Amanda and her sweetie, Allan
Amanda amongst all the hustle and bustle.
Me, Allan and Amanda’s sister Meghann at the gum wall
Friends Eric and Faith
The kiddos
Me and honeybunches
(photo by Eric Walley)
The infamous gum wall. Up close and personal.
Voted one of the top 5 “germiest” attractions in 2009 by the Blarney Stone.
We were positive that this was saying “I heart HR” which was very close to my and Amandas heart, given our HR careers.
The original Starbucks. First one of all time. Lines are usually ridiculous, but we braved it once and went and got a coffee. Can’t pass up that opportunity.
See, we were inside!
The exact spot where Paul and I saw each other in person for the first time. Right in front of the Hard Rock Cafe which is one block up from the entrance to the Market.
Fittingly, our engagement photos had to be take throughout this iconic spot.
Probably my favorite pics of us ever. (so far…)
As we were doing our photo shoot for our engagement photos we made our way to the little grass hill at Steinbrueck park where Paul and I sat and chatted during our first date. Randomly we ran into good friends Darby, Garrick and their boy Luke during the photo shoot. #whataretheodds?
One of my favorite stores in the market. Cinnamon Works. Paul agrees.
Inside the hustle and bustle of the market.
I feel like I barely scratched the surface of just how great Pike Place Market is. Even though I was there often during my Seattle time, I wish I would have gone more. I already can’t wait to go again.
Have you been to the market? If so, what is your favorite thing about it?
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
Ok I’m totally going to be stalking all your Seattle Sunday posts because I would like to visit the northern washington area (again after I graduate and apply for community college jobs in the are) because I totally would love to go to Pike Place! I think I might print out this post as ‘places to see’, not from a romantic point of view, but just the original starbucks, the places in the market etc…!
I’d also be interested in visiting Whidbey island (my uncle and aunt have a cabin there), Sequim (gma has a friend that I grew up knowing who lives there) and port angeles (because peninsula college is SO BEAUTIFUL!). I’d love to end up in any of those areas
We could have a tripawd meet up! Assuming my pup is still around 
she’s almost 12!
P.S. I think maybe people get confused by Colordado Springs Pike’s Peak, Pike Place, Pike’s peak…
Nicole recently posted..Believe I Am Goal Update #2
you will be so lucky to end up in any of those places and I will be totally jealous!! They are all so incredibly beautiful indeed. I never made it to Whidbey Island, but I have heard that it is gorgeous! You will absolutely LOVE pike place. It is one of my favorite places in the whole world!
I like how every time I go I find something new to try.
Aly recently posted..Mock Baked Cannelloni
I love those pictures!!! Gorgeous. The tiles in the market are so fun!
Corrie Anne recently posted..Just Did It!
Yay! Love this piece on all of Pike Place’s glory! I love, love the market but we don’t visit nearly as much as I would like to. I am always intrigued by the “ghosts” on the lower floors of the market. When I was a kid I was so scared of that place! All the little shops are so amazing, and the fish throwers always have huge crowds of happy people. Ohhh the donuts! The crazy long line so worth it!
Love your engagement photos, you two are such beautiful, happy heads!
Nicole recently posted..On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand
ohhh yeah the ghosts! Ha! forgot about those. I never did one of those ghost tours…the shops are amazing and yes those donuts!! Love. Thanks for the compliment on our engagement photos….we love them!!
Your pictures are beautiful and the Market seems gorgeous!
Carine recently posted..Fall Colors before the Storm – Riverside Park
Thanks Carine! It is such a beautiful place for sure.
wow I would love to visit there, looks like it has so much to offer
Alex @ therunwithin recently posted..Oh Looky Here
something new every time!
I absolutely LOVED Pike Place! I could have spent hours in there! My one big disappointment was that we were staying in a hotel, so much of the stuff (fruit, veggies, breads, meats) were not purchasable for me because I had no where to store them or even consume them. I did, however, buy a ridiculously large bouquet of flowers for my mother
I hope to make it back one day.
yeah that is the hard part for pretty much all tourists. You can’t really buy any of the food stuff unless you are staying with someone or leaving right then and can just take it on the airplane with you. BUT, the rest of the market makes up for it!
You look so gorgeous in all of those pictures!! I’ve never been to Seattle, but I would love to visit. Especially seeing all of your pictures. Hopefully one day!
Kristen @ notsodomesticated recently posted..Pumpkin Chip Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting.
awww thanks lady! And yes, you should totally put it on a must visit list for someday.
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