Sign of Seattle public fish market. Pike Place Market is a public market overlooking the Elliott Bay waterfront in Seattle, Washington, United States. The Market, which opened August 17, 1907, is one of the oldest continually operated public farmers' markets in the United States. It is a place of business for many small farmers, craftspeople and merchants. It is also one of Seattle's most popular tourist destinations. Located in Downtown, it occupies over 9 acres (3. 6 ha). It is named after its central street, Pike Place, which runs northwest from Pike Street to Virginia Street. The Market is built on the edge of a steep hill. It has several lower levels below the main level, featuring a variety of unique shops. Antique dealers, comic book sellers, and small family-owned restaurants are joined by one of the few remaining head shops in Seattle. The upper street level features fishmongers, fresh produce stands, and craft stalls operating in the covered arcades. Local farmers and craftspeople sell year-round in the arcades from tables they rent from the Market on a daily basis, in accordance with the Market's mission and founding goal: allowing consumers to Meet the Producer. The Market is also home to nearly 500 low income residents who live in 8 different buildings throughout the Market.
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