Traveling to conferences often allows attendees the opportunity to explore new places. National Council for the Social Studies moves their conference each year to a different part of the country allowing social studies teachers to learn geography as well as history, civics, economics and all the social studies. In Seattle I ate in some top Diners and Dives restaurants, rode to the top of the Space Needle, got lost in downtown several times, and best of all, went to the Pike Place Market.
Outside the market you needed an umbrella, which I had left at the top of the Space Needle the night before, but inside, the weather was perfect. I hadn’t carried my Canon in the rain, so these pictures all came from my iPhone.
Since we had just eaten lunch, the flowers attracted us at first. Bouquets ranged from $5 – $15. This one was $10, I think. We wondered how they sustained themselves, but would have bought at least one bouquet if we weren’t going on the plane hours later.
Honey Crisp apple grown in Washington
Free samples abounded, and these Honey Crisp apples were sweet and crunchy, just the way I like apples. All the varieties of apples came from Washington, but other fruits and vegetables came from all over. One item we asked about came from Delano, just south of us in Kern County, California.
Although fruits and vegetables provided the most color, while fish throwing attracted the biggest followers. I tried to capture the fish in motion, but clicking at exactly the right time challenged me.
We saw lots of fish eyes, oozy clams, live oysters, and tasted smoked salmon jerky at $39 + a pound.
Razor clams oozing out of their shells brushed with sand.
Mary advocates for purchasing sustainable fish, and organic vegetables.
After the fish festival, Mary wanted to experience the shoe museum which meant a pay a quarter, peek through a lit window for about a minute, and have your picture taken outside the painted window display.
Robert Wadlow’s size 37AA shoe
Come one. Come all. Step right up, and put your quarters in. These shoes will astound you.
You can buy anything you might need at this outdoor market, and people come from around the world to do so. How does this compare to markets in your city or town? Did you like it?
That day was so cool! I just wish I had gone back to buy some apples!
Me too. I could use one now!!!
This market looks fantastic, Marsha (I love the look of those berries). The town I have just moved to has a weekly market, but I haven’t had a chance to get there yet
But I’m looking forward to exploring it.
I know, the berries look great. I just wanted to pilfer them! I knew I couldn’t take them on the plane. Have a great Thanksgiving. Hope you are doing something with family or friends or both!
Wow what an abundance……It looks fantstic and so big and so much and so colourful. Everything seems to be so much bigger than here, where I live. Amazing!
I think most of what is there is organic, too. There is so much discussion about use of hormones, pesticides, etc.
Fabulous, MUST go here!! I have been to some lovely markets down South in Miami-land, but I must say, with incredible bouquets like that and “sustainable” signs AND Shoes of Mystery with tall men, I must say Pike Place Market wins!!
You would have loved it. You would have enjoyed my friends as well. Mary has your sparkle and enthusiasm for life and adventure. It was a great time!
Oh I know I would have. We’ll all have to get together sometime at some such place when I’m on the West Coast lass!!
You got it! There are lots of places to see and photograph, and we’d have a blast!
Fabulous!!!
totally
I guess my response didn’t post. If you get two … Anyway, come on out when you can. There’s lots to see and photograph here.
Just imagine the adventures we might have
Hi Marsha, you did a great job capturing the color and fun of the Pike Place Market.
Hi Natalie, It was a lot of fun. Although we did hit Seattle during the torrential rain storm. Good to have you back. You’ve been busy, and I totally understand. You’ll have to email me and tell me how everything is going. Marsha