Seattle: What to See [II]

If you have a few days to explore Seattle- and can tear yourself away from all the edible and collectible wonders at Pike Place Market- there are some lesser known, and certainly less conventional places that I think are more than worth visiting. If you're a curious traveller who wants to experience the city they're visiting in a more in-depth and authentic way, these sites are not to be missed.

When you're in Seattle, investigate these unusual gems...

Elliott Bay Book Company

This store is heaven for book lovers. Open since 1973, Elliot Bay Book Company is not just a book store, but an institution. Looking for a particular book that's proving hard to find? It just might be on one of the never-ending shelves here. (And if not, don't despair- special order service is available.) Even if you rarely feel inclined to read anything that isn't posted online, this store is an experience. And if you're travelling with a group of book lovers, never fear; there's a café in the basement where you can relax and have a snack while they fawn over obscure titles on the upper floors.

Note: The Pioneer Square store has recently been closed... You can now visit Elliott Bay Book Company at 1521 Tenth Avenue.

Starbucks - Pike Place Market

I know, I know. Starbucks is an obnoxious chain that has been bombarding the world- and the West Coast of North America in particular- with overpriced, sub par but extremely caffeinated beverages for far too long. I shudder a little when I see the green sign, too. But this is where it all began. The first Starbucks location opened at 2000 Western avenue in Seattle in 1971. It has been at 1912 Pike Place since 1976. I won't lie and tell you that the drinks are any different here. This is still Starbucks- if you love it, you'll love this; if you don't, this is a little like going into the belly of the beast. And that makes it all the more interesting, because there is absolutely nothing to distinguish this coffee shop from any other coffee shop on earth. You won't be able to help wondering how they managed to take over the world.

Uwajimaya

For a grocery store, this place has an incredible history. Starting in 1928, Fujimatsu Moriguchi, a Japanese immigrant, began selling fish cakes out of the back of his truck in Tacoma. His customers were mainly Japanese laborers in Puget Sound. Business continued until 1942, when Mr. Moriguchi and his family were placed in an internment camp in California. After the war, they relocated to Seattle and re-opened the Uwajimaya business as a retail store ans fish cake manufacturer in Seattle's pre-war Japantown. They began importing food and gifts from Japan, cementing themselves in the community. When the World's Fair came to Seattle in 1962, Uwajimaya came out to greet the world, offering Asian cooking classes and expanding their stock to include various Asian grocery items. Today, Uwajimaya has expanded into a 66,000 square foot retail complex that includes a bank, Asian food court, bookstore and apartment complex in addition to the groceteria. Pretty impressive for something that started in the back of a truck!

Pigs on Parade

You might wonder, Why pigs? I did. The fact is, in 1971, Pike Place Market was set for demolition. Seattle citizens voted to save it, and along with it, vital social services for low-income residents of the area. In order to raise the needed funds, a piggy bank was established. Literally. A large, gold-coloured pig designed by Gloria Gerber has lived at Pike Place Market ever since. In honour of the anniversary of this event- and the hundredth anniversary of the still-standing Pike Place Market- one hundred local artists designed their own pigs. Many of the pigs were removed from their homes around the city and auctioned off to local bidders, but a few still remain, gleefully adorning sidewalks and hotel lobbies. See how many you can find while you're exploring the city!

Know of a fabulous Seattle attraction that I've missed? Don't keep it to yourself... leave a comment!