We arrived in Seattle around 4:45 and quickly found our hotel- The Courtyard Seattle Downtown, Pioneer Square. After checking in and getting settled in our room (which was a great corner room), we made our way to Pikes Place Market, a 15 minute walk.
Of course we had seen pictures and read up on the market, but really those do not do it justice. We were on a mission while we were there but we had NO idea where to go. Wanting to get the full experience, we wandered around the market while looking for 4 main things:
1. Piroshky, Piroshky
2. The Original Starbucks
3. The Flying Fish
4. The Bubble Gum Wall
As we wandered we noticed that many vendors had already packed up. Most of the seafood vendors had closed for the day. Most of the vendors that remained were the flower vendors and vegetable vendors. The flowers were gorgeous and one could get a bouquet for a great price (as compared to our prices at home). We wandered for a bit more, then tried using google maps to help us find Piroshky, Piroshky. We kept getting turned all around so decided to go to the information booth at the front entrance and ask for directions.
We received directions to Piroshky, Piroshky but were informed they were already closed. We were bummed, but decided to walk in that direction anyway. We were super excited when we realized they were not yet closed. We jumped in line....line was outside about 15 people deep and began studying the menu. We quickly settled on the Beef and Cheddar, Potato and Cheese, Chocolate Cream Hazelnut, and Orange Cream.
Take note, there are 2 picnic tables outside of Piroshky, Piroshky and no indoor seating options. You simply walk in the door and straight to the counter to order. No frills. We took our bag of piroshky to the outdoor seating area at the Market. It was a warm afternoon so we took cover under one of the umbrellas.
The savory pirosky were our favorites. They had the perfect balance of fillings and bread. They were warm and simply melted in our mouths. The sweet piroshky seemed not sweet enough. Still good, but not what we would order in the future. A trip to the Market would not be complete without a stop at Piroshky, Piroshky.
While at Piroshky, Piroshky we realized that the original Starbucks was just a few doors down. So, after finishing our piroshky, we went to Starbucks and got in the pretty long line. Despite the line, it was managed well. An employee was at the door managing the number of people coming and going. Once we got inside we were told to go to the counter to place our order or go to the left if we wanted to look at the merchandise. The merchandise on the left was only for display and to buy you would place your order at the counter by pointing to what you wanted on a laminated menu. If you went to the left, the person at the door would work you back into the line to check-out and/or to order drinks. It was an efficient process. The merchandise was all typical Starbucks offerings except some of the merch was labeled as "the original" with original logos.
We ordered our usual Starbucks drinks, all iced because, again, it was warm. Our drinks were on par with all other Starbuck drinks. One may think there would be original equipment or a glimpse into the past, but everything had been modernized.
After Starbucks we wandered around Post Alley. We had reservations at The Pink Door later in the week so we wanted to make sure we could easily find it. The Pink Door is a delicious Italian Restaurant yet it has no signage. One would simply pass it if you weren't looking for the pink door. (read more here).
Next we were on a journey to find the Gum Wall. If you are looking at the main entrance, go forward and left. You will go downhill and under the building. There you will see the wall....once you know where it is, it is hard to miss. Each time we passed by, the corridor was full of people taking photos and adding their own gum.
I thought it was iconic. My family, however, thought it was gross and they couldn't stand being near it. But I don't think any first time visit to Pike Place Market is complete without seeing the gum wall.
The only thing we didn't see that was on our list for the market was the flying fish. Again, we arrived late in the day and all the seafood vendors had already closed up shop. We were hopeful that we would experience this on another visit to the Market.
Later in the evening we walked the piers, taking in the sights and sounds, including an unforgettable sunset.
It was a great few hours in the city and we were certainly looking forward to the next day.
The Travel Gritty: Have a plan when you go into the market....even if your plan is to wander, have a plan. It's a big place and can feel overwhelming.
Commenti