An Evening In Seattle & Pike Place Market

Before the year 2013 ended, we had the opportunity to go out for an evening in Seattle.  It was a fun night of food and a comedy show.  Late into the night before heading back to our truck to go home, Bill and I took a long stroll through Pike Place Market.  The night air was cold {in the 20s} with a sense of quietness and not much going on in the area. The stores were closed , no traffic and it felt like we were the only ones out walking.  We walked through alley ways, market place and cobble stone streets.

Many years ago, this was a place I often visited once a week to buy fresh produce, flowers, pastries, imported foods and gifts.  Wonderful memories.  Being here this late into the night was something I haven’t done in a long while.   It was a great night for the two of us.

A little further beyond the large Christmas tree to the right is the famous sign, “Public Market Center” with a clock attached to it and below in the market place is where fishmongers throw fish and entertain visitors at Seattle’s Pike Place Fish Market.

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The man with his back to the camera is Bill.  Along the sidewalk and Post Alley are various shops and eateries.  And just about a block or two further is the first Starbucks coffee shop {opened in 1971} and my favorite French bakery at the market, Le Panier.  I recommend bringing your favorite reading material early in the morning, order a pastry or two {my favorite is their almond croissants} and a hot beverage {double tall latte} and relax, read and enjoy a few moments there before going a few doors further to Starbucks for your your second latte.

Imagine this market place packed with people all summer long and the tables to the left full of fresh produce and flowers.  What a wonderful sight.

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Pike Place Market has changed very little over the years and these green pendent lights could be seen in  a black and white photograph from 1965 archived at the University of Washington Libraries.  In 1971, the people of Seattle established “the soul of Seattle” to preserve the character and physical appearance of the market place.

The ferris wheel, The Seattle Great Wheel is situated right on the edge of the pier next to the ferry terminal.  Just to the right of it, a ferry boat was coming to the dock.  The bright lights beyond the ferry terminal, is the Port of Seattle, a busy place for cargo ships and cruise ships.

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The Seattle Great Wheel is open year round rain or shine and each gondola is fully enclosed.  The two ferris wheel pictures were taken from The Public Market just a few blocks from the waterfront.

The possibility to see many attractions in Seattle is great because of their close proximity to each other. Hope you enjoyed my little night tour of Seattle’s Pike Place Market.

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posted by: Bill & Kay