Seattle

Seattle Wholesale Grower's Market

Seattle Wholesale Grower's Market

Ah flowers...is there anything more cheerful and wonderful than flowers? They are the best for sprucing up your room and attitude. We all know that Pike Place Market has the most beautiful and affordable flower bouquets around. However, there is also a lesser known, secret spot in South Seattle where you can get your flower fix in case you want to avoid downtown. If you head to the Georgetown neighborhood, in a brick warehouse that you enter through a loading dock, you'll find the very special Seattle Wholesale Grower's Market

IMG_4426.jpg

The Grower's market is a co-op of flower farmers that run this member-owned market year round. The growers come from all over the PNW (Washington, Oregon, and even Alaska!) to sell seasonal, beautiful flowers along with plants and foliage. The types of flowers the market caries ranges depending on the month and season. For late September/early October, we found amazing dahlias, bright yellow sunflowers, and a range of pumpkins (not your standard pumpkins either but pumpkins in all shapes, sizes, and colors). There was also a temperature controlled room filled with tiny cactus, air plants, orchids, succulents and, our favorite, lavender. Check the website to see what flowers are showing up at the market during the month you want to visit. 

Seattle Wholesale Grower's Market

The market is actually geared toward professional floral buyers and, in fact, you can't even get in most of the time unless you have a buyer's pass. However! Every Friday for 2 hours (10am - noon), it's open to the public and you can shop and buy all the flowers you want. We give you full permission to skip work and head down there. Let us know if you need us to write your boss a note. 

Looking for other things to do in the Georgetown neighborhood while you're down there? Check out our neighborhood guide

Seattle Wholesale Grower's Market
Dahlias!

Dahlias!

Seattle Wholesale Grower's Market
Seattle Wholesale Grower's Market
Seattle Wholesale Grower's Market

Seattle Gem: Unexpected Productions

Market Theater

Tucked away in Post Alley, covered in chewing gum, is a quirky, cool theater that is home to the oldest improv group in Seattle. Most of you are probably aware of the tourist attraction that is Pike Place Market, and you’ve probably visited The Gum Wall, but this little gem is a bit hidden in plain sight and is definitely worth knowing about. We are pleased to present to you the hilarious and talented people of Unexpected Productions.

Gum Wall

Unexpected Productions is an improv theater that has called the historic Market Theater home for 20 years. There are 54 improv artists that make up the company. You’ve probably heard of Joel McHale from the NBC sitcom Community - yep, he got his start right here in Seattle with Unexpected Productions. And did you know that this theater is actually responsible for the creation of the gum wall? Patrons of the theater weren't allowed to chew gum in the theater, so they would stick the gum to the outside wall of the theater to get rid of it. Little did they know it would become the institution it is today.

Unexpected Productions

Unexpected Productions puts on 10 different shows a week (you can read about the different shows here) and tickets are fairly inexpensive for a fun, entertaining night out (around $10-$20). If you haven’t spent some time at Pike Place Market after dark, we highly recommend it. The bars and entertainment are top notch here and the atmosphere once it quiets down is very cool. The theater even has a tiny bar where you can grab a drink pre or post show (we recommend pre-show because that just makes the jokes funnier).

Unexpected Productions

It is incredible to watch as they create stories on the spot, with a level and intelligence and skill that will have your cheeks hurting. The actors take recommendations from the audience, which they then use to create hilarious, personalized stories. Obviously no two shows are the same! Depending on how much you love the show you can also take improv classes to increase your odds of being the one up on stage someday, even if you don’t want to perform, improv is proven to help people with their creativity, public speaking, and problem solving skills.

Unexpected Productions
Unexpected Productions
Unexpected Productions
Unexpected Productions
Unexpected Productions

10 Hidden Gems in the Green Lake Neighborhood

We had the pleasure of connecting with Sarah Lemmon who runs the Seattle Greenlaker, a great blog that shares all the neighborhood news of Green Lake. Since she is so familiar with the area, we asked her if she would write a follow-up to our Green Lake Neighborhood Guide, and she agreed! Keep reading to discover 10 hidden gems in Greenlake! 

Meet Sarah from the Seattle Greenlaker! 

Meet Sarah from the Seattle Greenlaker! 

For being one of the most popular parks in Seattle, Green Lake and its neighborhood still has several hidden gems that might surprise you. Hi, I’m Sarah from Seattle Greenlaker, and I’m excited to show you some of my favorite things about Green Lake, a place I call home and frequently blog about.

Earlier this summer you probably read the Rain or Shine Guide to Green Lake, which showcases some of the best things to do, eat, and experience around Green Lake. Here’s 10 Green Lake gems you might not know about:

You can do yoga in the middle of Green Lake

Yoga on the lake! Photo courtesy of SUP Yoga Seattle.

Yoga on the lake! Photo courtesy of SUP Yoga Seattle.

Throughout the summer months, SUP Yoga Seattle takes a small group of yogis of various levels and skills out onto the lake with only a paddle board, a tiny anchor, and their own courage. Often the yoga practice takes place on the north side of the lake and after dropping anchor (no seriously, tiny anchors hold the boards in place) the instructor talks you through your yoga practice. Yes, people do fall in occasionally. Yes, your board wobbles. But standing on a board in the middle of the lake gives your mind and body a renewed sense of concentrating just on your practice. Classes often start in May and finish for the season the end of September. Sign up for the classes online and meet at the Green Lake Boat House. 

Seattle’s only honky tonk bar is in Green Lake

Across the street from Green Lake Village, home to PCC Natural markets and some of the newest development in Green Lake is Little Red Hen, Seattle’s live country music honky tonk bar.

Free country dance lessons, courtesy of Mary Ann, occur three nights a week (Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday at 8 p.m. if you are interested). Check their calendar for a complete line up of live country music, karaoke, and more.

Green Lake

Internationally renowned table tennis champions play here, and you can too

Green Lake breeds champions of this sport (And it truly is a sport, by the way). Green Lake has sent players across the world to compete in the International championship games. Several times a week, the Green Lake Community Center gym is transformed into a 16 table arena of the “pings and pongs" of back and forth play. Home to Green Lake Table Tennis Club but welcome to newbies, participants drive from all over the state - yes as far as Port Orchard.

Insider tip: Don’t call it ping pong. Just trust us, they don’t like that. But go check this club out. You will have an immediate respect for the sport of table tennis.

Take a pottery class at the Green Lake Community Center

Green Lake Community Center offers pottery classes for all ages from parent and tot classes, teens or adult pottery wheel throwing and more. Classes change seasonally and range in price. For more information, go to the Green Lake Community Center’s website and search for their seasonal brochure of classes.

Find Green Lake’s hidden dog park

Woodland Park Off Leash. Photo by Scott Frostad

Woodland Park Off Leash. Photo by Scott Frostad

It’s likely no surprise that Green Lake is super dog-friendly. But did you know there is also an off leash dog park across the street from Green lake Park? The Woodland Park Off Leash area is a great place for running around with your dog. The one acre park has trails and is tucked between the Lower Woodland Tennis Courts and picnic shelters.

Check out the cutest dogs in Seattle as they parade around Green Lake every Halloween

Corgi Hawloween! Photo by Mike Lemmon

Corgi Hawloween! Photo by Mike Lemmon

While we are talking about dogs, there is one dog event you can’t miss, the annual Corgi Howloween. Every year the corgis march around Green Lake adorned in costumes from ninjas to hot dogs. You can hear the pitter pat (or shuffle shuffle) of the short legged canines as they use their little legs to march around the 2.8 miles of Green Lake path.

Insider tip: the best time to see the dogs is right before they take off for the march at the Green lake Small Craft Center amphitheater/bleachers. The owners often line them up and then they take off around the lake. But they are corgis not Greyhounds, so you can easily snap photos or ogle over their cuteness as they trot on by.

Catch Green Lake all aglow - but only three times a year

Because Green Lake Park Trail is not illuminated at night the crowds tend to dissipate at night. That is, except for three nights a year when honestly, you should be part of those crowds! So mark your calendar now for these special events: Pathway of Lights in December, Hiroshima to Hope in August, and Luminata in September.

Green Lake Pathway of Lights

Green Lake Pathway of Lights

Green Lake Pathway of Lights is one of my favorite times of year. Hundreds of luminaries are placed around the 2.8 mile Green Lake path along with carolers, apple cider, and hot cocoa stations and festive cheer. It’s also part of a huge canned food drive that every year receives loads of food for the homeless.

Lanterns on the lake at Hiroshima to Hope. Photo by Martha Brice.

Lanterns on the lake at Hiroshima to Hope. Photo by Martha Brice.

Hiroshima to Hope honors victims from Hiroshima and nuclear attacks. During the night among music and talks, nearly 2,000 paper lanterns are decorated and one by one lit and set into Green Lake to cast an honorary and mesmerizing glow. An incredibly powerful event that takes place August 6 every year.

Luminata celebrates the last day of summer and coming fall and is always celebrated on the September solstice. The first time we heard this event we had just moved to our house and heard a crazy, but joyous, cacophony of tubas and a mix of instruments coming from the park. We ran over to discover that it was also accompanied by lights and elaborate costumes. The Fremont Arts Council runs this every year.

Eat at Green Lake’s hidden taco truck

This may fall under the category of “you just have to trust us.” There’s a taco truck in Green Lake that has a cult following, but its in a hidden location. If you blink, you will miss it. It’s parked on the north side of the lake off of Aurora on the far end of the Shell station parking lot. Maybe not a huge selling point but El Naranjo has cheap and wonderful tacos, burritos, tortas, and my favorite the sopitos (an open faced taco made with asoft sopito corn shell with meat, cheese, lettuce and avocado inside). You can dine at one of the picnic tables, or do what we do and take it to the park or the wading pool in the summer months. 

Green Lake

Green Lake Loves Gyros (But Here’s The Best One)

You will find there are at least a dozen gyro places in a 2 mile radius around Green Lake. What gives, what's the best one? Our favorite has been in Green Lake since 2010. Mykonos Greek Grill has the tastiest and messiest gyros in town. And if you are extra hungry order their lemon soup. Their phone number is permanently in our phone for takeout orders. (Tell Siri to add their number immediately to your contacts (206) 523-8929).

Find the best dessert at JoDee’s Desserts 

One of the tastiest dessert spots in Green Lake caters to just about any diet. That’s right, JoDee’s Desserts can accommodate vegan, diabetic, gluten free, dairy free - you name it. My cheesecake hating husband says the chocolate cheesecake is one of the tastiest desserts he’d had in a long time - bonus points that you’d never know it’s vegan.

Thanks for letting me share my tips with you. To keep up to date on all things Green Lake be sure to check out Seattle Greenlaker.

24 Hours at Pike Place Market

If we added up all the hours we have spent at Pike Place Market, it would probably amount to years of time. But what do you do if you don't have unlimited hours to explore this epic hub of shopping, dining, and entertainment? Well, the answer is you cram in as much stuff as possible – especially eating – because this is a place you don’t want to just skim through. It's the heart of Seattle, and it has a crazy amount to offer to tourists and locals. Here are our recommendations for absolutely slaying your way through 24 hours at Pike Place Market.

8:00 AM – Get Going with Storyville Coffee

IMG_3065.JPG

Storyville Coffee is located on the upper level of the Corner Market Building and has one of the best views of the iconic red “Public Market” sign hanging over the main entrance to Pike Place Market. Their coffee shop is comfy and inviting, full of great lighting and warm décor, a perfect place to ramp up for the day with one of their many delicious coffees.

9:00 AM – Roll Call

Venders milling around at roll call

Venders milling around at roll call

Roll Call is a market tradition that is open to the public. Every day you can watch the day stall vendors gather to claim their spot for the day. Stall vendors are called upon based on seniority and then they can select their stall location for that day. Because of this tradition, some vendors consistently sit in the same spot, while others have a need to move around. It’s not the most exciting process, but it can give you an insider look into how the market gets set up everyday!

9:30 AM – Breakfast at The Crumpet Shop

Tomato and pesto crumpet at The Crumpet Shop

Tomato and pesto crumpet at The Crumpet Shop

The Crumpet Shop is a place that looks and probably sounds unassuming, but this place happens to have some of the most delicious breakfast pastries on the planet (that's right, the planet we said). They make their crumpets fresh every day and customers can top them with a variety of goodies like nutella, honey, pesto, tomato, jams, eggs, and ham, etc. The line can get long in the mornings, especially on weekends, so plan for a little time there, but we promise these little guys are worth the wait!

10:00 AM – Shop the Main Arcade

All Things Lavender in the Main Arcade

All Things Lavender in the Main Arcade

The Main Arcade is the most well known shopping area at Pike Place Market. It stretches from Pike Place Fish Market all the way down to the day stall vendors. It’s where you will find the beautiful flower vendors, a few fish markets, veggie stands, and tons of unique crafts and goodies. One stall could be selling custom leather goods and the next will be selling lavender products. Further down you might find ceramics or art. The options are endless and ready for you to explore. Some of our favorites in the Main Arcade are All Things Lavender, Ravel and Unravel, and of course all the bright and beautiful flower stands. 

12:00 PM Lunch at El Borracho

El Borracho

El Borracho is the perfect spot for someone with a hungry belly. They serve up great casual Mexican food at a good price and they usually don’t have a wait. We basically love the whole menu, but if we had to call out our favorites they would be the Coca-Cola braised pork burrito (it is the size of a small child, so order the taco version if you aren’t super hungry) and the Tacos de Hongos (mushroom tacos). Pair it all with some chips and guacamole and an ice cold Pacifico and you’ll be full and happy in no time! They also have plenty of vegan options as the owner, Kitty, doesn't eat meat!

Amazing alternatives if you aren't feeling Mexican: Honest Biscuit for some good ole fashioned fried chicken and biscuits, DeLaurenti for some great italian sandwiches, or Pike Place Chowder for a traditional bowl of clam chowder in a giant bread bowl. 

1:00 PM – Explore the Lower Levels and Perimeter Buildings

Lower Level Shops

Most visitors don’t make it past the Main Arcade when it comes to exploring the shops at Pike Place Market. These visitors are missing out on a huge amount of great places though. We recommend setting aside some time to go into the “Lower Levels” and the various other areas with great shops like the Atrium, Marketfront Expansion, First Avenue, and Post Alley.

We wrote a blog on our favorite spots in the Lower Levels and you can also check out all the fun details of the Marketfront Expansion here -- it was the first addition to Pike Place Market in over 40 years! 

3:45 PM – Experience the famous fish toss at Pike Place Fish Market

Fish tossing at Pike Place Fish

Fish tossing at Pike Place Fish

This is a no-brainer. Obviously every visitor to The Market has to watch the crazy lads at Pike Place Fish Market toss that big ole salmon. It’s perfectly done every time and makes for a great boomerang. They toss all day, no schedule needed, just show up and wait for the magic to happen!

4:00 PM – Pike Place Urban Garden with a snack

A chalkboard pig for decorating at Pike Place Market's Urban Garden

A chalkboard pig for decorating at Pike Place Market's Urban Garden

The Market is a busy place. They have 10 million visitors every year (seriously, it gets REALLY busy) and it can feel a little overwhelming at times. We like to have an escape route planned to the wonderful Urban Garden behind Maximilian. This little space overlooks the Puget Sound and offers a quiet getaway from the chaos of the Main Arcade. The garden is cared for by the Pike Place Market Senior Center and all the produce goes to the Pike Place Market Food Bank. It is full of fun art and unique items to discover. Grab a snack from one of our favorite spots and enjoy it here.

Huckleberry ice cream from Shug's - purple, creamy, mouthwatering goodness. 

Huckleberry ice cream from Shug's - purple, creamy, mouthwatering goodness. 

Our favorite snack spots in no particular order are Ellenos Greek Yogurt (Passionfruit or Pumpkin Pie flavor), Shug's ice cream cones (Coconut or Chocolate...or both together), or Piroshky Piroshky pastries (smoked salmon pate).

4:30 PM – Happy Hour at The Athenian

Cold brews await you at The Athenian

Cold brews await you at The Athenian

The Athenian is not only featured in the romantic and life-changing film, Sleepless in Seattle, it is also home to the coldest mugs in Seattle. It’s our favorite spot to grab a cheap, cold beer, along with some cheap, delicious appetizers. When you arrive let the attendant know you’d like to sit in the bar and then head to the back left. You’ll be greeted with an old bar, filled with wooden booths and great views of Puget Sound! Watch the ferries take off, the ferris wheel spin, and take in the views of the Olympic Mountains as you sip your ice cold brew!

6:00 PM – Dinner at The Pink Door

The amazing lasagna at The Pink Door, perfect for Italian food traditionalists. 

The amazing lasagna at The Pink Door, perfect for Italian food traditionalists. 

The Pink Door serves up amazing Italian food in an incredible space. It’s a bit hard to find, with no sign marking their entrance, but if you head to Post Alley with their address plugged into GPS you should be able to locate their salmon-colored door. Enter into a world of amazing cocktails and unbelievable delicious Italian dishes. We love their risottos and lasagna, you can't go wrong with either option. They also have entertainment certain nights, check out their schedule here to see what they have going on!

8:30 PM – Catch a show at Unexpected Productions

Improv hilarity at Unexpected Productions

Improv hilarity at Unexpected Productions

Unexpected Productions is the oldest improv group in Seattle and a great place to end your night. They have 10 different options for shows throughout the week, all of them equally hilarious and full of amazing talent. They have a small bar to help get those laughs a little louder and their location is full of history. You can thank them for the massive wall of gum located directly outside their front door!

10:30 PM – Grab a nightcap

Endless wine options at JarrBar

Endless wine options at JarrBar

Obviously you aren’t done yet! There are still so many bars to try! We love Radiator Whiskey and Jarr Bar for our late night drinks. They both offer housemade cocktails that are to die for and have friendly staff and cool vibes (we wrote about some of them here). Be careful though, they make their drinks stiff!

Ok, now it’s time for bed. Go home and crash hard – you’ve just crammed nine acres of Pike Place Market into one day!