Last weekend I had the pleasure of exploring Seattle's newest open-air market located in the heart of Seattle's oldest neighborhood...Pioneer Square. The Seattle Square market is nestled within the quiet oasis of Occidental Park on a shady tree-lined street, just one block over from Pioneer Square's busy main drag. Public art installations mingle with intricately carved totem poles. Masses of flowers tumble from flower pots and hanging baskets. Ivy covered walls beg you to relax and stay a while. This is a really nice place to spend an afternoon.
The market was well curated with top-notch vintage and hand-made goods. You won't find a single import or veggie at this market...it felt more like...well, a living and breathing Etsy. I jumped at the chance to stock up on hand-printed and letterpress cards from fellow Etsians Orange Twist and Ilee Papergoods. I was thrilled to learn that Orange Twist uses 100% recycled PCC papers AND her plastic sleeves are compostable. Amen!

For lunch, I had to visit the market's rotating mobile "food-court" which features an ever changing assortment of the best mobile street food Seattle has to offer. I could not resist the lure of NOLA style red beans and rice from Where Ya At Matt. I was not disappointed, and in fact, took my bowl back for seconds. Laissez les bon temps rouler!
If you are hungry for more scoop on this amazing new market, be sure to visit The Seattle Square website and find your way downtown on Saturdays through September. Public demand will keep this market going, so show some love! And stay tuned for part 2 of this article...I'll be back with some more vendor highlights and tips for planning a unique and personalized wedding via a craft market. XOXO, Cindi