Saturday Date: This Little Piggy Went To The Market [Pt. 2]

 

 

 

E here, for part deux of my Saturday date my husband and I spent the afternoon walking around Pike Place Market. The great thing about the waterfront is its proximity to the central downtown area. Everything is located within a leisurely walking distance, so it only took about 10 minutes to climb the stairs up the hill to the market.

Before I discuss the top things to see, I just wanted to give you a quick little blurb about the history of the market. Pike Place opened in 1907, and is the oldest farmer's market still in operation in the U.S. The market remains open year-round and attracts thousands of visitors from around the globe.

 

 

The Pike Place sign is one of the most recognizable and iconic landmarks of Seattle.

 

 It gets pretty crowded this time of year as the tourist season kicks into full gear, so I recommend going on a weekday if you can.
 

Perhaps one of the most popular tourist attractions is the infamous Market Theater gum wall in Post Alley. Its definitely a novelty if anything. If you're wondering, the gum is several inches thick. Talk about gross! To get to the wall, simply follow the alleyway (in the photo above this one) around to the left. Don't forget to bring a pack of gum!



The gum wall also marks the start of the market ghost tour if you're interested. I've actually been on it myself and its pretty fun, especially if you enjoy hearing about some local history. I can't say that I saw any ghosts though! But I won't lie, there's something eerie about walking through the market when its dark and deserted.

I took this picture because it's a very iconic image in Pike Place. Here in the northwest we are known worldwide for our famous salmon, as well as other local seafood such as crab and shellfish.

 

Another popular tourist hotspot is the Pike Place Fish company made famous for its fish throwing spectacle.When I say that its a spectacle I'm not exaggerating. Every time someone makes an order, the "fish mongers" as they're called, toss the fish around to each other until it eventually makes its way down to the customer. If you're in the mood for a free show be sure to check it out.

Mouthwatering isn't it? Definitely a perk of living in the pacific northwest!



Moving on, down on the lower levels there are a lot of great shops and other fun things to see such as the "giant shoe museum."





I love this part of the market because it feels like you're going back in time. The shoe museum is reminiscent of the old travelling sideshow circuses.

 

The Pike Place Magic Shop has been around forever. It's a fun place to poke around if you can spare the time. Like most magic shops, they offer the typical novelty gag gifts and magic tricks for kids. If you like this sort of thing, not too far from the aquarium, down on the waterfront is the Ye Old Curiosity Shop.
 

 

Now moving along, located down on 1st and Pike is the original flagship Starbucks for all of you coffee connoisseurs. This is actually the second original location, however it is still the oldest Starbucks in the world. Another place I recommend checking out is Beecher's Handmade Cheese. The cheese curds are to die for! The macaroni isn't bad either. In fact, the macaroni and cheese is so good that Oprah dubbed it one of her "favorite things." Beecher's is just down the street from Starbucks so you can't miss it.

 

I always enjoy watching street performers in their element, especially the statue people! Its amazing to me that anyone could make a living doing such a thing! 

Our journey ends here with one of the many pigs that you will see throughout the market. Unfortunately it was so crowded that I was unable to get a picture of the original piggy Rachel. To find her, just walk towards the main sign at the gateway of the market and look for the bronze piggy in front of the Pike Place Fish Company. Well that's all for today, I hope you enjoyed the pictures. Check back soon for the details of my first ever thrift haul video with my best friend and fellow blogger Sara from the Blonde Squad. 
-E

Adventure Tuesday: A Trip to the Ballard Locks

 

 

E, here. Today my friend and fellow blogger Sara and I went on a mini adventure to the Ballard Locks (also known as the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks,) which is not too far from my house. It was an unusually sunny and pleasant fall afternoon in Seattle and we wanted to get out of the house. Since it was such a nice day I felt like taking several nature shots because it isn't too likely that we will be able to enjoy such weather for too much longer.

 

 

 

Speaking of the weather, there is a fairly common misconception about Seattle that it rains all 365 days of the year. In reality, it doesn't rain nearly that much. Most of the year its actually quite beautiful. For the most part it rains more frequently in the late fall through the winter, and into early spring. So if you ever think about visiting Seattle don't hesitate because of the weather. In my opinion this is perhaps the best time of the year to visit because of all the lovely fall colors and leaves, not to mention that there are far less tourists in town.

 

 

Its funny because I've been to this park many times, and even took my prom pictures here, but I don't think that I have ever ventured into this part of the park before. Besides the locks themselves, there are several beautiful botanical gardens on the grounds. This is just one of several that we decided to stop and take pictures at.

 

Thrifted items; Tommy Hilfiger $10 (Goodwill,) sweater: Loft $10 (Goodwill.) Non-thrifted items;  jeans: JCPenny's $20, necklace: Charlotte Russe $5, boots: Bandolino $99 (DSW.) *Sunglasses: Ray Ban's (gifted)

  

Great shot of Sara don't you think? She is wearing a tweed jacket with layers underneath, and boots from DSW. Our outfits today are pretty typical of most Seattleites; jeans, several layers, and boots. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining! Fall is actually one of my favorite seasons personally. I enjoy experimenting with layers. I'm certain that Sara would agree with me. Also, did I mention that I love boots? I have a serious obsession with boots! Riding boots, rain boots, fashion boots, booties, etc. I think you get the point. I get excited when fall comes around because I start planning all of the different outfits that I can put together with boots.  I mean who doesn't love a comfy fall outfit complete with jeans, a sweater, (or your fave jacket/vest) and boots?

 

 

I love how perfectly my outfit goes with the scenery! I didn't plan to go to the locks today, but my outfit definitely has a very nautical theme to it. Anyone that knows me is aware of my nautical infatuation (my dad was a sailor,) hence the interest.

 

 

 

 The Ballard locks is a popular tourist destination because you can watch boats travel through the locks from Lake Union out into the ocean. The Locks serve as a special ship canal that allows vessels of all sizes to pass through, and also serves as a fish ladder for local salmon.

 

 

 

 

Today was a unique day because as you can see in this picture, and the picture above this one (in the background behind Sara,) the Locks were drained today which only happens once in a while. Its always interesting to see what sort of items are laying in the bottom of the chambers. There wasn't anything today otherwise I would have taken a picture. In previous visits I've seen everything from tires to cell phones, and random articles of clothing. 

 

 

 

That's all for today. I hope you enjoyed our little adventure. See you next time!

 -E