Chocolate Caramels and Space Needles

It was a wonderful walk through Pike Place Market. I love this entire city and sure do enjoy spending time here on a day off.

You can see the market down below, with the beautiful ocean right behind.

But just one block up from the market are even more adorable shops. I had never really wandered through these streets before, but you’ll soon see why I was particularly glad today that I did.

They call all of these tangents from the main Pike Place Market “Post Alley.” And there are lots of them!

But, for some unknown reason, one wonderful little shop in particular really drew me in. Any idea why?

“Tractor beam. Sucked me right in.” (Name that movie)!

I have been so good on my new eating-healthy goals that I decided that a treat could happen. A mini splurge, if you will. So I walked into this chocolate shop to see what all the fuss was about.

Stamp of approval here, folks. But I usually always get the same thing in places like this!

I was a little daring by having the sea salt added on top of this milk chocolate caramel. It was so delicious and sweet and salty.

What a treat indeed! I grabbed a chair and ate tiny bites to make it last forever.

Five minutes later, it was time to be on my way!

I decided to walk back towards the north side of Pike Place Market to visit one of my favorite parks. There are always tons of people here on a nice day, and, as you can plainly see, it was a very nice day!

Goodbye, little ferry!

The park, which is called the Victor Steinbruek Park, is just north of Pike Place, which is how so many people find it.

It used to house an old National Guard Armory before it was torn down in 1968. The land was then purchased by the city and transformed into a park in 1972.

I had a lovely bench that I enjoyed while watching some very interesting people.

It was a nice afternoon to sit outside and enjoy some sun.

Until…

The three kids (maybe twenty years old and not productive members of society, obviously) next to me had been talking about pot the entire time I sat there. Then, to my utter shock and horror, they lit up right next to me!

In broad daylight!

In a public park!

I couldn’t believe it.

So I kindly asked them to leave, and they did.

But, unfortunately, I now know what that awful stuff smells like. And it smells terrible, like a skunk. Who would want that in his body?!

After they moved far, far away from me with their stupid drugs, I once again enjoyed the view of the shipping harbor and ferris wheel.

As you can see, graffiti artists have even managed to climb this sign to leave their magical touch.

Crazy!

This keyboard guy was hilarious. He wasn’t very good, but he was very intensely into his music.

Apparently, he had some fans. Look at that cute little couple in the background enjoying his tunes!

If standing next to the park near the freeway, this was the view when I turned around to see towards the east. Lots of shops and condos.

After leaving the sunny park behind, I decided to head next towards the Space Needle. I always visit it on every trip. It’s a fun place.

As I walked, I passed a little bar that had these strict requirements for what their guests wore. I thought that it was very comprehensive and funny.

Boy, am I glad that I left my dew rag at the hotel!

One road was completely torn up. They are always improving this city, which I love. It’s very well-maintained.

Seattle is just so nice. Please go.

I try to walk a different route every time to the Space Needle. This particular day, I passed this cute little bakery.

Next time that I’m in town, I think that I will grab lunch here. For the rest of my day, I saw people carrying Macrina Bakery bags, so it must be quite a popular place!

Don’t look at their menu if you’re hungry!

I continued plunking along 1st Avenue and passed some pretty residential buildings that had recently undergone a facelift. It would be so much fun to live in this part of town!

And the street was surprisingly quiet for such a busy place just a few blocks away!

But oh these blossoms that were in bloom!

And they smelled so good!

When I was here with Hubby last Labor Day, we passed this Lucky Diner after eating at the Steelhead Diner near Pike Place Market.

We decided that next time that we are in town, we will eat here for a meal. So I’m going to wait for him to do it!

Their menu was adorable and looked pretty tasty, too.

Now I can’t wait!

I think a high-rise would be just perfect here, to take advantage of the awesome views all around. The Puget Sound on one side, the Space Needle towards the north, downtown Seattle just to the south, and Pike Place Market just in front.

Can you imagine? I do all the time.

My suspicions were confirmed! They did paint the Space Needle since last I came here!

It used to be orange, but I love this bright aqua mint green much more! I wonder how often they paint it?

What a gorgeous day to explore the Seattle Center area today!

In fact, I made a graphic to hang up in the guest bedroom. Want to see it?

Poor things. Like you have any choice!

Chihuly Garden and Glass is such a beautiful building. I’ve seen his work on display here in Phoenix before at the Desert Botanical Gardens.

Dale Chihuly does some pretty incredible things with glass!

I walked past the glass museum to see the rear entrance to the Pacific Science Center.

They made it look like giant orca whales were swimming in the courtyard. What a cool idea!

And totally believable, with a little imagination!

I also loved the surrounding gardens, which were immaculately maintained, with this bronze whale fin sticking out for all the world to see.

Shouldn’t he be a little embarrassed?! That’s not the best angle for him.

There was a little park back in this area, too, which provided a beautiful view of the Space Needle.

But, let’s be honest here. Every view of the Space Needle is beautiful!

I kept seeing people walking around holding giant sticks of chocolate-covered strawberries. And then I found this.

It’s a strawberry trailer! Isn’t that cute?!

And they make any flavor imaginable of chocolate-covered strawberries. What a brilliant and healthy idea!

Their menu was cute, but my favorite part was this disclaimer: “All calories have been extracted from Shiskaberry’s utilizing the latest in wishful thinking technology.”

Dang! They’re on to me!

Can you believe that I didn’t purchase one of these babies? I had already had my treat with that incredible sea-salted milk chocolate caramel.

I’ll come back tomorrow to enjoy one of these, though, so don’t you fret!

How have I missed all of this previously?!

There is a gorgeous park with a giant fountain! I’ve never even come back this far before, and it seems that I have been missing out for sure!

Aren’t those houses cute behind the park? I would never turn down a chance to live here.

I even plopped down on a bench to watch a skate park in action!

Ironically, these were all grown men. Or, at least, they looked like they were in the mid-twenties.

Who knew?

Some little kids showed up later with razors and skateboards, and these guys were all nice to them. So that made me happy.

Though I’ve never been inside, this little shop just across from the Space Needle is one of my favorite sights. I think that it is so cute!

I’m afraid that if I go inside, I’ll buy something.

So I admire from afar, thankyouverymuch.

This building is pretty stinkin’ awesome. If you come to Seattle, it’s a must. Of course.

There are more museums at the Seattle Center. They are so pretty from the outside, too!

I started walking south out of the park today and passed the usual totem pole. I love how much the local culture sneaks into to so many aspects of Seattle landmarks!

I got so excited when the monorail went overhead!

I waved and smiled and waved some more.

And then I realized that I wasn’t at Disneyland. And that it wasn’t the Disneyland Monorail.

But guess what?! We’ll be there next week!

Eeeeeeeek!

What are some of your favorite spots in Seattle?