Seattle, WA + Add a trip

Madison Market on Capitol Hill is the best year round local market.

In the summer, each neighborhood has a weekly farmers market, shop there if you can.

The "world famous" Pike Place market is touristy, skuzzy, overpriced, and smells of piss.

Ballard Sunday Farmers Market‎ (206) 781-6776 farmers-market.org

For visitors, I would recommend the Public Market as a fun place to visit, but there are better places to shop.

I recommend visiting Old Ballard and checking out the shops along Ballard Avenue, as well along Market Street from 24th Ave NW over to about 20th Ave NW. The shops in this area tend towards handmade or distinctive items. The Ballard Sunday Market is held along Ballard Ave, and most of the shops are open, making this an ideal day to vist, but a difficult day to park. It's also a short walk over to the popular Ballard Locks.

You can also get a feel for Seattle by visiting the shopping districts of Fremont (aong N 36th street, from Fremont Ave N west to about 1st Ave NW, and south to the Ship Canal), Georgetown (along Airport Way South) and Capitol Hill (along Pike & Pine, and up Broadway).

My wife and I have several favorites. Already mentioned are Madison Market (Capitol Hill), and the Sunday Ballard Farmer's Market. But we also highly recommend any of the PCCs (especially the West Seatte and Fremont ones). At all of these places, you will find ONLY organic, and mostly local produce. I am so grateful for these stores!!!

Pike Place Market. Great selection of local foods and crafts.