Seattle Shopping
As with any big city, great stores and shops overflow. The city houses some of the world’s most famous names in shopping. But fashion isn’t the only thing Seattle is interested in. Whether you go downtown, to Pioneer square, or Pike’s Place Market, you will always find something truly original and thus truly Seattle. Beyond strictly fashion Seattle is interested in spreading its culture and thus is home to many local shops fully of handmade jewelry, funky lamps, interesting rugs, and original clothing. The true essence of the Northwest comes alive when you take a day to shop in Seattle.
Downtown: The shopping downtown spans over several blocks and includes 2 indoor malls—Westlake Center Plaza and Pacific Place. Pacific Place houses a favorite jewelry store called Twist, which is a Northwest original. The shop had its beginnings in Oregon and features fun, eclectic jewelry and home décor. Downtown shopping also includes the usual favorite like Nordstrom or Gap. Shopping downtown Seattle among the urban landscape is really fun and makes for a fun girls day out.
Pioneer Square: This is where it gets really funky. If you are looking for something fun and different that possibly no one else has, look no further than Pioneer Square. This massive center for Seattle’s art and music culture also embraces more than 200 unique, locally owned shops. These shops sell anything from organic, handmade makeup to really gorgeous rugs. Not to mention, Pioneer Square is the home of the world’s first Starbucks (it had to start somewhere.) That’s right coffee lovers, if you are feeling like you need to get in touch with your caffeinated roots be sure to stop by the original. The square also offers loads of great restaurants and makes for a really fun day out. Also, for the booklovers out there, The Elliot Bay Book Company is an independently owned bookstore in Pioneer Square. It has its own little café and allows those of us who love books to relax and enjoy the things we love most in the Northwest—literature and coffee.
Pike Place Market: Perhaps made famous by the first ever season of The Real World, Pike Place has a lot more to offer than just fish, but the fish is fantastic! It is located right on the water and did literally begin as a fish trading market. Now the fish market has expanded to include a legitimate fresh produce market, or Farmer’s Market and also lots of novelty shops and locally owned stores as well as stalls selling antique treasures and amazing recipe tips. The Northwest is all about local, fresh, organic and unique and Pike Place is no exception. It is a walk from downtown but it is certainly doable. Walking is preferred as parking is limited.
Queen Anne: This posh neighborhood is located on a hilltop and is full of young, trendy adults. Thus, the shopping imitates that. If you are looking for the most unique clothes and jewelry, Queen Anne is a must. The neighborhood itself is worth a look anyways with its huge Victorian homes and breathtaking view of the gorgeous and iconic Seattle skyline. The people here pride themselves on their trendy and somewhat edgy style, as well as their individuality. It is an interesting place to visit regardless of the shopping but often you will get lucky in Queen Anne and find something that you truly adore and becomes completely unique to you when you go back home.