The Pacific Northwest is known for its fresh produce and independent art and creations. These markets bring together a combination of both.
When visiting the Pacific Northwest, shopping at one of the award-winning markets is a quintessential experience. At these three markets, there are limitless options and each offer a whole-day experience that echoes the character of the Pacific Northwest.
Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA
Known throughout the world for its fish throwing, Pike Place Market is more than just a fish market. It's become its own district in downtown Seattle and features all kinds of unique vendors and fresh flowers, food and ideas.
This market takes up a massive nine acres and has been around for 101 years, meaning it's one of downtown Seattle's most historical places and since celebrating their 100th anniversary in 2007, they're proud to share their history and heritage with visitors. From bakeries and berries to vegetables and wine, there is literally something for everyone at Pike Place.
Surrounding the market are a second layer of stores and vendors, with coffee shops and restaurants offering endless entertainment. Pike Place organizes live music most weekend days and there are regular events on tap, from family days to street festivals.
Pike Place Market is open seven days a week, and hours vary by vendor. Restaurants are open fairly typical hours throughout the week.
Olympia Farmers Market, Olympia, WA
With a goal of making the purchase of fresh, local produce available to anyone in the Olympia area, this farmer's market aims to please. With an emphasis on sustainability, organic food and produce and fine crafts, there is a definite family atmosphere at this market which sits in a picturesque spot along the south Puget Sound.
On weekends there is live music during the summer and large barrels of apples and pears sit, sweetening in the sun. One of the great family-friendly features of the farmer's market is the diverse range of restaurants, which all keep permanent stalls at the market. They offer cuisine from around the world and many inspired choices for those who want to eat in the middle of the market and people watch.
The Olympia Farmers Market is open from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. in season, from April through October on Thursdays through Sundays and November and December on Saturday and Sunday.
This market has food, but isn't a farmer's market. Instead, it was started as an artists' market, and continues to hold true to that tradition today.
The art one can find at Saturday Market is almost endless: jewelry, fine art prints, clothing, paper and journals, photography, sculpture, wood arts, toys, glass art and more fill the aisles of this always-bustling market, which is located underneath the Burnside bridge's west end.
Saturday Market is as much as place to shop as it is a place to hang out, walk leisurely down the aisles of quality art, eat and simply sit and enjoy the vibe. Live music is a regular feature on the main stage, and kids' activities have been more prominently introduced in recent years as the market became a more kid-friendly spot.
You'll be able to find many natural products like soaps and clothing throughout the market, as well. The Saturday Market, contrary to its name, is open on Saturdays (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and Sundays (11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) from March until Dec. 24 each year.
