Former mortuary and graveyard? No wonder Pike Place has ghosts

Wander the hallways, alleys, restaurants and shops of the Pike Place Market in search of the ghosts said to be haunting there on guided Ghosts in the Market tours. Hear stories and try to catch a glimpse of ghostly characters including a young boy in the Bead Shop, a running high-heeled woman, victims of Doctor Hazzard, and even Mae West, along with Chief Seattle's daughter Princess Angeline and others who lived on the site before the market was built.

The market celebrates its 100th anniversary next year, and besides its own rich history, the area is home to Seattle's first mortuary and the remnants of a Native American graveyard, providing a wealth of interesting and eccentric local history. Tour guide Mercedes Yaeger, daughter of honorary Pike Place Market mayor Michael Yaeger, describes herself as a "Market Baby" raised on local lore, with an interest in the supernatural since her first ghostly encounter at age 12. Market Ghost tours are at 6 and 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and include colorful history too raunchy for young audiences. Kids' tours at 10 a.m. Sundays are appropriate for all ages. Be prepared for stairs and walking, and call for reservations; times and meeting places vary and space is limited, 206-322-1218 or www.marketghost.com.

For more ghosts and history, the Washington State Ghost Society hosts a Snohomish Spirit Walk tour and tales of historic downtown Snohomish Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 27. For more information, call 360-420-7738.