One of Seattle's most famous landmarks, Pike Place Market is the oldest continuously working public market in the United States and one of the world's top 50 most visited attractions. Pike Place opened in 1907 as the city's first public market, expanding to keep up with its growing popularity as a convenient option for both shoppers and merchants. The market remains a veritable cornucopia of culinary and artisanal options, its crowded aisles and bustling halls thronged with customers jostled between vendors of fresh produce and gourmet eats, alongside fishmongers and craftsmen. The street level is dominated by the food and produce stalls, while the lower levels house a fantastic variety of shops including antique dealers, head shops, florists, and local artisans. A whirlwind of sights, sounds and aromas, Pike Place Market is nothing short of paradise for foodies and connoisseurs of unique wares.
Fremont, which up until 1891 used to be a city in itself, is now a neighborhood of Seattle bordered by others like Queen Anne and Ballard. The statue of Lenin and the Fremont Troll are two of the main attractions of this area, and there is lots more to see and do as well. If you're in the mood to shop, you would definitely like to check out the many, varied stores in the area. The Sunday street market is another highlight of the area.
Opened as a shoe store in 1901, Nordstrom is now one of the nation's leading fashion retailers, offering fine apparel and accessories for everyone in the family. Nordstrom Rack Downtown Seattle, located in Seattle's Downtown neighborhood, is surely a one stop destination for fashion lovers and shopaholics, with many brand names housed on their shelves. Shoes remain the specialty, with a huge selection that includes unusual sizes. Designer labels like Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan and Calvin Klein fill the clothing racks. You're sure to find something suitable for every occasion.
Here, where the streets of downtown's business district angle down around Elliott Bay to the south, are the flatlands where Seattle was first built. Nightclubs, art galleries, tourist shops, design firms and restaurants dominate Pioneer Square. The area's First Thursday art walk draws huge crowds to the studios, galleries and street performers, and the nightclubs keep the neighbourhood buzzing with activity till wee hours of the morn'. The kitschy Underground Tour explaining Seattle's early history is a perennial tourist favorite, as is the more sober Klondike Gold Rush Museum, which details the Yukon gold fever that made Seattle richer. Yesler Way, which slices the neighbourhood in half, has a footnote in history as the original "skid row". There are also several small parks in the area, including the quiet Waterfall Park, the shady cobblestones of Occidental Park, and the totem-pole decorated triangle at First and Yesler, Pioneer Place Park. The neighbourhood also marks the popular shopping destination of the city, famous for all kinds of knickknacks such as tapestries, rare artworks, books and what-nots!
Located about 10 minutes from downtown Seattle, immediately off Interstate 5, this mall features major department stores that include Nordstrom, the Bon Marche, Gottschalks and JC Penney, as well as a large variety of smaller retail shops. In addition, the mall has a large food court and a cinema with one of Seattle's largest screens. You can park the car for free and spend the day indoors without worrying about inclement weather.
Nestled in downtown, Westlake Center is a pure delight for any shopaholic. As you enter through the doors of this mall, you can wander around the light, airy floors and browse for clothing, books, jewelry and other accessories. From designer labels to department stores, all kinds of shops are housed under one roof. When hunger pangs set in, ride the escalators to the top floor and gorge on meals at the food court with its views of the city. This is a great place to spend a rainy day.
With more than 20 branches across the globe, the Rochester Big & Tall has been serving patrons for nearly a century now. Like the name suggests, it caters only to big-made gents who have a problem finding clothing in their sizes. Reputed brands like Levi's, Dockers and Ralph Lauren feature at this store, and accessories and shoes are also on offer. Whether it's loungewear, smart casuals or a stylish suit you're after, you're sure to find it here. The quality and fits of these products are their two biggest draws. If you are unsure of anything, seek advice from the friendly and knowledgeable staff. Visit the website for information regarding upcoming sales, gift ideas, and best-selling items.
Kiko, a renowned designer from Manila, uses his expert skills to dress up brides in his gorgeous creations. Fabrics with the best texture go into the creation of any attire. Apart from bridal wear, you can also get a splendid evening gown designed by Kiko. Every tiny detail of the garment, right from the lace to the bead work, is stitched with extreme care. Though the store is open daily, schedule an appointment before your visit.
When looking for bags in Seattle, Tom Bihn is one store that will not water down your expectations. This specialty shop has a whole line of backpacks, messenger bags, laptop bags and travel bags. A commitment to detail and quality-control, comfort and sharp designs make Tom Bihn bags a winner in every aspect. Intelligent design and durability is a feature that many Tom Bihn users will vouch for. Tom Bihn bags are truly top class an testament to what an ideal bag should be like.
Meadow Boutique stocks a charming range of cute tops, skirts and dresses from their Queen Anne location. The space may be small, but it is packed to the brim with colorful patterns, stylish knits and a range of cute accessories like zip up wallets and miscellaneous jewelry. Decidedly girl yet still upscale, Meadow Boutique is the perfect destination for travelers seeking some stylish new clothes in Queen Anne.
Offering great, innovative wine and bar accessories, True Fabrications is located in Fremont. It is True Fabrication that makes cute treasures like the Corkatoo, a cockatoo-headed corkscrew and several other humorous items like bottle holders, decanters and such. Not only do these products add a charm to your private bar but also make for fantastic gift ideas.
This store houses what is probably the Northwest's largest collection of books on Hinduism. Find volumes on yoga, spiritual practices, meditation, the philosophy of Hinduism, the ancient scriptures and lives of Hindu saints. Vedanta Society Bookshop also sells gifts, posters, incense, statues, jewelry, meditation and music tapes and just about everything connected with this subject. Talks and classes are held regularly on various subjects. Call for further details.