Seattle Tourists

Had a wonderful time visiting Seattle and playing tourist this past week.  My kids thought it was pretty hilarious to be taking pictures in our hometown, but I just could not resist the temptation!  Besides, I don't live in Seattle anymore, so that makes ME a bona-fide tourist.  

We started out on the waterfront at Ivar's Fish House - famous for many things; "Acres of Clams" humour, the best clam chowder in the Northwest, for great views of Elliott Bay, the Washington State Ferries and views of Olympic Mountain sunsets. And, of course for hungry sea gulls...

Thought that this bowl of clams was absolutely the funniest thing in the "Exclusively Washington" gift shop connected to Ivar's!  Look at their crazy eyeballs and teeth! Everything in this store is made in Washington by local artisans, including my friend Susan Butler's cool local pottery - check out her website for her special Seattle and coastal images.  http://susanbutlerstudio.com/

Also can find my friend Maggie's Washington related charms from Burning at Both Ends http://www.burningatbothends.com/tabletop.htm (Caron's Beach House carries the wine charms)

The "Curiosity Shop" is right next door.... the kids would not let me go in. This is a once a year MUST for all Seattlelites...

Next stop, "Pirate's Plunder". We've all been in these kinds of stores - total tourista heaven!  Lots of "Twilight" memorabilia, polished rocks, plastic sea life, pirate hats, shirts, shells, Seattle postcards, I think you get the picture.   Could not resist taking this photo of this pirate sentinel as we walked in the door.

I really wish we had planned better, would have liked to have had the time to  go to the revamped, and remodeled, Seattle Aquarium.  Next time I am requesting  that we do make time to go.  Loved loved loved this pretty red octopus bike rack standing outside!

Then up to walk through the Pike Place Market!

Pappardelle's Specialty Pasta - cannot even begin to describe how wonderful this pasta looks! Every flavor and every combination imaginable. I can personally vouch for their handcrafted "Bistro Blends" - extra virgin olive oils and heirloom balsamic vinegars.  YUM!

Tulips and Peonies!

And no trip through the market is complete without a show at Flying Fish 

Monk Fish - kind of disgusting!

Allison just had to show me the famous gum wall. Have to admit sort of fascinating, but very gross!

Alex posing outside of the North Face store on 1st Avenue.. pretty funny really! 

Leaving you all with a few pictures from one of my favorite stores in Seattle  - "Watson Kennedy",  I always have to buy a little something in here.  Love the old jazz, the french touches, the displays, the candles, soap, martini glasses....

(P.S.  I have the oyster plates too, on the Caron's site - check them out!

 http://www.caronsbeachhouse.com/servlet/the-251/seafood-platter,-oyster-plate,/Detail

Gotta run!  Having friends over for dinner at our apartment tonight, and I think that I will attempt to make Gumbo.  Will let you all know how it turns out...