What to Do When it is Raining in Seattle
For those who live in Seattle, rain is an accepted part of life. After all, Seattle sees more rainfall than just about anywhere else in the country, and its residents have in turn developed thick skins against dreary weather. Those who have just recently moved to the city, however, are often not mentally prepared for the rainy weather that often plagues the city. Many people end up leaving the city shortly after moving there simply because the rain bothers them too much. However, the fact is that Seattle is one of the most interesting cities in the country, and there are endless possibilities in terms of things that can be done when it is raining. By keeping busy, you can learn to enjoy Seattle for the culturally-diverse city that it is, and accepting the rain as a natural part of the culture's landscape.
Here are a few things you can do in Seattle that will help to keep the rain at bay.
GO TO CONCERTS
Seattle and the Pacific Northwest in general is home to one of the richest music scenes in the country, and there is always some music that is worth seeing. Whether you're interested in jazz, rock, blues, discount broadway tickets or any other genre, Seattle has a venue that is well worth your time. The venues where you'll find music range from small coffee shops that bring in nightly acts of experimental music to large rooms that cater to some of the biggest bands in the world. When you live in Seattle, there's always music right around the corner, and sometimes the rain can make it even more enjoyable. Check out the Triple Door, Studio Seven and Wildrose Bar for some of the city's most interesting venues.
GO TO A MUSEUM
One of the best ways to beat the rain is to go to one of Seattle's many museums. Seattle has some of the best museums in the country, and with constantly rotating installations, there's always something new to see. For art loves, the Seattle Art Museum and the Frye Art Museum are two of the best options in the area. If you're looking to check out something a little bit different than an art museum, Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture is an excellent solution. Use the rain to your advantage and consider it a sign that you should get out and educate yourself in one of the city's many museums.
GO ON A FOOD CRAWL
Seattle is home to some of the best restaurants in the country, and is naturally a city full of foodies. One of the most enjoyable things you can do on a rainy day if you enjoy good food is to go on a food crawl in the city. Since there are so many restaurants that are worth trying, you can pretty much guarantee that you can throw together a good list of places to eat at within an evening. Going on a food crawl is all about hitting as many restaurants in the city as possible within an evening, ordering one or two plates of food at each place. For some of the best fine dining in the area, check out Wild Ginger or Pink Door. Those who are looking for a more affordable solution to the food crawl would do well to check out Salumi and Agua Verde.
CHECK OUT SOME THEATER
The theater scene in Seattle is alive and well, and checking out a show is one of the best ways to get out of the rain. Since there is such variety in the city, there is usually a play or show for everyone, depending upon which night of the week it is and where in the city you live. For some of the best in the city's theater scene, be sure to check out ACT and STG Presents.
GO TO THE GYM
Many people find that rainy, dreary weather can actually cause or trigger depression. This is similar to the phenomenon known as SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder. One of the best ways to fight depression and to keep the chemicals in your brain in balance is to get exercise on an everyday basis; in fact, doctors and scientists alike agree that exercise can be just as if not more effective than antidepressants when it comes to battling depression. If the rain has got you down, spend some time on a treadmill. Not only is exercise good for your mental health, being in shape is one of the best ways to maintain your physical health as well.
TAKE A BUS TOUR
For those who are new to the city, Seattle can easily feel a bit overwhelming. One of the best ways to get to know the city a little bit better is to take a bus tour, and there's no better time to do so than when it's raining out. Taking a bus tour is an inexpensive and fun way to be a tourist if only for an hour or so and learn the city a little bit better. The more you get to know the ins and outs of the city, the more content you will feel when it is raining outside, as you'll have plenty of options in terms of places to go.