Pike Place Market in Seattle, Wash., Is a Must-See (Watch Out for Flying Fish)! by Elisa Schmitz

Pike Place Market in the heart of Seattle, Wash., is a wonderfully inviting place to take your family, or to stroll with your partner or a dear friend. Open 363 days a year, Pike Place was founded in 1907 to connect citizens and farmers. Today, its “Meet the Producer” tradition boasts a year-round farmers' market, owner-operated bakeries, fish markets, butcher shops, produce stands and specialty food stores. By cutting out the middlemen, you deal directly with the producers of locally grown produce and seafood. Bonus: They're super friendly and you may make a new friend!

Warning: Don't go there if you're hungry (unless you want to eat a ton)! With more than 200 vendors and 80 restaurants ranging from take-out to fine dining, you'll leave with your belly (and shopping bag) full.

But the absolute must-see are the fish throwers. Yes, they actually throw fresh-caught fish – to each other and to shoppers looking to buy their catch of the day. Don't worry if you try to grab one and it slips right through your hands. Flying fish aren't so easy to catch (unless you do this every day)!

So plan on spending a lovely day walking the market, eating well and taking home some amazing food finds. Oh, and the first Starbucks is right down the street, so make sure you stop by for a post-shopping coffee. Learn more about Pike Place!

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