Pike Place Market Run — Kaity Roses

Pike place market is one of those destinations that every newcomer has to visit... they have to see the gum wall, the fish-throwing, the food, the flowers, the yogurt, the cheese....the chowder.... the cinnamon rolls.... holy cow. Like any touristy destination, it can be very busy, overcrowded and noisy, but unlike most, I actually think Pike's Place is legitimately amazing! It is not only for newbies, the old faithful Seattle locals come here too. Not because of the oldest standing (not the first) Starbucks to date, or the howling swarthy sea-men, no. Because when you hit the market bright and early before anyone else is up on a summer saturday morning and vendors are settling into their booths and the first batch of buns are pulled out, the world sort of stops for a minute before the crazy. Tim and I love Pike's because, unlike many tourist destinations it actually lives up to the hype.

Pike's: You're O.K.

I went a couple weeks ago during the day and although it was a mess of hats and sunglasses, I knew straight where to go to grab the loot I wanted.

Here is what my run of Pike's Place Market looks like, as per usual, take it or leave it!

Start at Storyville Coffee and peer below at the market from the locations high window, you might find the shop owners just beginning their day or see the flurry of the ever changing crowd. I recommend the latte and I'm just going to say, its my favorite in Seattle.
Hit Ellenos yogurt. The Seattle original is so filling, grab a small one to share and walk around the market with it. I love the passionfruit flavor but the plain is perfectly satisfying for way less sugar bright and early in the morning!
FLOWERS. Breathe in the blooms, snap a couple photos and for the heck of it, buy some! Do not expect them to be the cheapest, but they do last you quite some time and all the vender ladies are so wonderful! I made the mistake of passing up these pussy willows... next time!
Stop by the smoked salmon area and ask for the "Squaw Candy" don't ask them how much it costs, best to ignore that little detail! YEESH, but I tell you, this stuff is gold.
Hit the olive oil and balsamic tasting area. Fresh bread from the bakery across the way to dip into a multi-option spinning wheel of some of my favorite things on planet earth. Oils and vinegars are one of God's common graces to us!! I love the herb infused olive oil and the blueberry balsamic. Perfect for snacking slowly at home for the next year...alone.
I like the bagels too, and head into that big storeroom holding more oils and pastas and jars of goodness.