Seattle, WA

lodging

Fairmont Olympic Hotel

It may be dark outside, but the Fairmont Olympic pool downtown offers a warm space to welcome the day

Houston, TX

other

James Turrell's "Twilight Epiphany" Skyspace

The James Turrell Skyspace, called “Light Reign,” landed at the Henry Art Gallery ($6–$10) on the University of Washington campus in 2003 and has been a part of the museum’s experience ever since. A cylindrical room of vertical glass panels embedded with computer-controlled LED lights, the installation is a vivid, glowing spectacle from the outside after dark; inside, you’ll get a new perspective when you look up—the oval opening at the top frames the changeable Seattle sky and plays with the light inside.

Seattle, WA

other

Pacific Science Center

Tropical Butterfly House ($11.75–$19.75), a 4,000-square-foot habitat for imported and locally raised butterflies, where it’s always warm and humid. Don’t be surprised, as you walk among them, if a few butterflies touch down on your arm or shoulder. Then watch as butterflies emerge from their chrysalises behind a window; new butterflies are released into the house daily.

Seattle, WA

other

Volunteer Park Conservatory

($2–$4), stroll through a literal glass house, where artfully arranged exotic plants, tropical and otherwise, dwell in the polar opposite of winter’s damp chill. Rooms are set up according to plant types: bromeliads, palms, cacti and seasonal plants.

Seattle, WA

cafe

Chocolati

Chocolati’s signature hot chocolates may not be dessert (no spoon required!), but the decadent drinks are certainly more than you’ll find at your neighborhood coffee shop. Sure, you can order a basic, whipped-cream-topped hot chocolate, made here with melted chocolate rather than powdered cocoa, but the half dozen or so chocolate drinks with exotic ingredients ($3.30–$4.45) are the real treats. Cayenne, for example, has a wicked after-burn that hits the back of your throat and makes for an addictive, if slightly masochistic, experience. Sweet plus heat equals a surefire cure for the winter-morning blues.

Bellevue, WA

cafe

Cafe Trophy / Trophy Cupcakes

this glittery dessert den on The Bravern’s ground floor is the perfect stop after a leisurely window-shopping excursion through Bellevue’s ultraluxe shopping center. There are savory foods, too—a first for the Trophy Cupcakes empire—but the sweets are where it’s at. Choose a glass of bubbly from the half dozen options and settle in with a colorful pastry (or three). Although the cupcakes are a safe bet, we’re particularly fond of the jewel-like macarons—such as the sprinkle-adorned PB&J flavor—and stunning square tarts. For a moment, you can almost forget the rain outside.

Everett, WA

other

Everett Silvertips

While Seattle doesn’t have an NHL team (yet!), we do have the Everett Silvertips hockey team. There’s nothing like getting some popcorn while watching grown men get into fights! Everett is about 30 minutes north of Seattle, but you can easily take the train from the King Street Station downtown if you don’t have a car.

Seattle, WA

other

Chihuly Garden and Glass

showcases some of the best of this. There’s nothing like spending a rainy afternoon in Seattle in the winter under the shadow of the Space Needle walking around an assortment of colorful glass.

Seattle, WA

other

Metsker Maps of Seattle

f you’re a traveler or just love maps, you can easily spend an hour in this store. I personally have to restrict myself to not buy everything I see here! The store is located just around the corner from Pike Place Market.

Seattle, WA

restaurants

Pike Place Chowder

Located in the heart of Pike Place Market, this restaurant always has a line for people waiting to get a steaming cup of chowder. With items on their menu such as smoked salmon chowder and crab and oyster chowder, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. No winter in Seattle is complete without having a cup of warm chowder.