Historical Pike Place Market in Seattle WA
Pike Place Market in Seattle, WA is not your run of the mill public market. Originally opened back in August 1907, Pike Place Market was created as a solution to the ever increasing costs of buying produce though a middleman. On its opening day, there were an estimated 10,000 people who showed up to buy directly off the wagons of only a handful of farmers. Needless to say, the farmers sold out in no time.
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But that was the beginning of the Seattle legend known as Pike Place Market. By the end of 1907 the first official Pike Place Market building was complete and of course every single space was filled with farmers and/or craftsmen who wanted to sell their products directly to the public.
That was over 100 years ago and Seattle’s Pike Place Market is still going strong. There are hundred of shops, farmers, craftsmen and performers occupying the many levels of the Pike Place Market.
Let me tell you though, if you haven’t been there you are missing out. It is a champion amongst public markets and even that title doesn’t do it justice. From the smell of fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers and baked goods to the famous fish-mongers tossing fish at Pike Place Fish, Seattle’s Pike Place Market really delivers on its whole “Meet the Producer” slogan.
A few interesting tidbits about Pike Place Market….the first Starbucks store (before it was even a chain) opened in 1971 in Pike Place Market. There is a Market Heritage Tour available, full of great anecdotes and shopping tips, if you’re up to it. Oh and if you happen to see a ghost or two while you are walking around, don’t be alarmed, Pike Place Market is considered by many as one of the most haunted places in Seattle. Hope we didn’t scare you off….
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