When it comes to summertime, West Seattleites live for the weekend. And while many may try to get their chores and duties of domesticity done during the week in order free up their Saturdays and Sundays for fun and sun, now there's a reason to save your shopping for the weekend and combine it with a day at the beach.

Introducing Alki Open Market.

Just steps away from the mile-plus stretch of sand, south of Coastal Surf Boutique, the Alki Beach Open Market is a fun way to spend a weekend day shopping without crossing the bridge to Pike Place.

From 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. every Saturday starting late spring and running till fall, you can stroll the stalls filled with colorful arts and crafts.

Like an open air invite into their creative studios, the market is a Mecca for a myriad of interesting artists. You'll find everything from embroidered jean jackets to Peruvian pan flutes, handmade soaps to fresh-cut flowers - complimenting the area's other offerings and adding a unique, local flavor to the beach scene.

"It's a great mix of vendors in a prime location," says manager Bryan Pennington. "And the casual, open air atmosphere is only fitting when you're down on the beach. People just wander in and out, from stall to stall, chatting with vendors while soaking up the sun. It's really fun."

In addition to laying out or eating out (at a nearby restaurant), it also gives the beach's swarms of visitors something to do, and something to see - something uniquely Alki Beach.

"We have so many people coming through Alki, walking the beach with coffee in hand, and now on top of the scenery, there is something for people to look at and do," says Pennington.

But shoppers aren't the only ones enjoying the market.

"There's a great feeling in the air because vendors and visitors alike just love being here," continues Pennington. "With the views of the Olympic Mountains and the Sound, there's no better 'office' or shopping environment around."

The Alki Beach Open Market also features a silent auction section where the public can participate by selling furniture, antiques and other quality goods-a great option when you're not up for putting on a full scale garage sale.

Pennington compares it to a live version of eBay, only better.

"Here, it's convenient and you also get to see, touch, and feel the items before you buy them," he says. "It's the perfect opportunity to offload that beautiful end table that you just couldn't give away," he smiles.

A bustling display of sights, sounds and scents, the beach market adds yet another layer of vibrancy, soul and depth to the cultural evolution of West Seattle. So whether you're in the market for stall to stall shopping or you're the silent auction type, the Alki Beach Open Market awaits.

Want your very own collection of all "101 Things to Do?"

Keep your eyes out for Lori Hinton's new guidebook, "West Seattle 101," due out in September!

What:

Alki Beach Open Market

Where:

2530 Alki Ave. S.W.

206.935.0142

When:

Sat. from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. May to Oct.

Cost:

Free to look

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