Luckily, there are some buildings that are protected, but it wouldn’t surprise me if one day these places face their fate (or face lift like the space needle receiving modern qualities). Oh well, it’s the way of the world and all I can do is to express my voice and hope that others can enjoy what’s left of our once beautiful city.
The Pike Place Market opened August 17, 1907. The original idea bridged the gap between soaring food prices placed by the wealthy farmers and the averaged-waged consumers who fished, logged or built ships – you know the peasants who make society. The market in the 20’s and 30’s experienced a flock of struggling artists, eccentrics, wanna-be poets and radicals, which rings true still to this day. While here, visit the Gum Wall located in Post Alley, nearby the entrance.
It’s a place to wander and explore, and don’t forget to rub, or donate to, Rachel the Pig, a 550-pound bronze statue that sits in front of the most famous seafood stand in the city.
The space needle is Seattle’s icon. This 605-foot alien-looking observation tower was created for the 1962 World’s Fair. Something that you may not know is that the needle’s center of gravity lays five feet above ground. That’s a bit unnerving while standing on the observation deck, 520 feet above ground. Sadly, the space needle is getting a face-lift, so enjoy it now before the glass flooring goes in. I guess it’s one way to get over your fear of heights?
Pioneer Square is Seattle’s “Old Town” or the original city since 1852. Many of the old buildings remain, while the city squeezed in one or two bullshit glass boxes, some of which are apartments available for up to $3,000 / month for a one-bedroom. Pioneer Square is where Underground Seattle conducts their tours. Here you’ll discover ghosts and ghoulish legends about the other original city that is underground. It’s a cool tour to learn about our historical roots. One of the most popular buildings is the Arcade Building (see below).
Wandering Pioneer Square is like hiking through the red dirt in Utah or Hawaii. The beauty of the red brick inspires creativity and showcases the heart of real Seattle.
No kids this is not a video-game arcade center. The Arcade is a place where local artists once sold their goods. Today, a yoga studio and used book store still survive, alongside with the Grand Central Bakery, which is a must visit.
The Arcade was once Squire’s Opera House erected in 1879, which burnt down in the Great Fire and rebuilt in 1890 as the Squire-Latimer Building. According to a shop owner, the owner of the Arcade is from and lives in Japan. He kicked out the independent artists in hopes to create a grocery store, preferably a Trader Joes. I am not sure he can succeed in this task because the building is protected, but now the Arcade joins the fellow ghosts that rule this neighborhood, wandering the streets with unfinished business, pissed about #WTF is happening to this city.
Completed in 1917, the Ballard Locks are the heart and the soul to this city. Ballard, once it’s own separate city, was founded and created by hardworking, middleclass fishermen. Completed in 1917, the locks link Seattle’s three bodies of water: Lake Union, The Puget Sound and Lake Washington. The ten to 15-minute process of dropping boats 26 feet to get boats in level with the Sound is interesting especially since there is an exchange between salt and fresh water. Even kayakers must use the locks. The locks are popular with locals and tourists alike, and there’s no better way to get to know the city than by visiting the locks.
Now, don’t get me wrong. Seattle is a beautiful city, but many of us who’ve been here for a while are feeling the change. There is much more history to explore beyond these five places, some of which are now amazing parks. Discover more spots on the following blogs.
9 Shockingly Beautiful Urban Viewpoints in Seattle
Seattle's 7 Best Sunset Spots to Fall in Love With
10 Seattle Parks You Must Visit Today (especially for Photography)
Discover Seattle without getting lost! This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Best Historical Sites to See in Seattle.