It’s winter and the urge to snuggle with your significant other under a mountain of soft, fluffy blankets while a roaring fire blazes in the background is high. Resist hibernation! After all, there are hand-crafted cocktails, a slew of fascinating exhibits and even a few balmy escapes right here in town that are worth braving the cold. From fabulous dining to inspiring entertainment, here are our picks for eight great ways to cozy up in Seattle and embrace winter!
1. Explore the Arts During Museum Month
Scattered like rain showers around town, the Emerald City’s extensive assortment of museums each offer their own slice of Zen and a quiet break from the city buzz. If you are in need of a quick art fix or want a chance to soak up some historical knowledge about our fair city, be sure to check out Seattle Museum Month in February.
All month long, the region’s top museums offer half-price admission when you stay at one of the participating hotels in downtown Seattle. Talk about a deal! Stop by the Wing Luke Museum and discover more about Bruce Lee’s life in Seattle, view the bright and beautiful blown glass works at the Chihuly Garden and Glass or check the Seattle Art Museum’s rotating collections of ancient and modern art from all corners of the world.
2. Curl Up with a Cup of Joe
On cold winter days, there is nothing better than wrapping your hands around a warm mug of fresh coffee and awakening your senses with a sip of the aromatic brew. Luckily, Seattle has no short supply of this magical elixir. Get your caffeine fix while visiting four unique cafes and roasters on the Seattle Coffee Tour, where you will have the opportunity to see the roasting process in action, join in a coffee cupping and taste rich and flavorful brews.
3. Shop the Bounty of Boutiques in Pioneer Square
If you need to dodge the rain drops for an hour or two, pop inside one of Seattle’s many unique boutiques and indulge in a little retail therapy. Visit Pioneer Square’s E. Smith Mercantile for an abundance of small-batch, handmade goods such as sweet smelling essential oils, candles, American-made denim and stylish home décor with a special Northwest touch.
When it comes to new threads, the open, modern Velouria is a must-visit for small production, independently-made clothing and delicate, handcrafted jewelry. Before calling it day, swing by the small, sophisticated Clementines Boutique and reward yourself with a pair of beautifully crafted shoes that toe the line between stylish and comfortable.
4. Escape to a Tropical Garden
Modeled after London’s Crystal Palace, the glass paned Volunteer Park Conservatory heats up to a toasty 75 degrees Fahrenheit, providing you with a welcome respite from the outdoors. Wander through the tranquil rooms of the greenhouse and check out the world-class botanical collection that ranges from orchids to cactuses. If the garden is not hot enough for you, head to the Pacific Science Center’s Tropical Butterfly House and check out more than 800 colorful butterflies as they flit from flower to flower in 80 degree temperatures.
5. Give In to Seattle’s Sweet Side
Seattle may be notorious for its exceptional java, but coffee isn’t the only crave-worthy bean in town, there’s also chocolate! Soothe your rainy-day blues on the Chocolate Indulgence Tour and treat your taste buds to creamy cheesecakes, cupcakes and cookies from the likes of the Confectional, Frans Chocolates and Cupcake Royal. If this tour wasn’t sweet enough on its own, you’ll also leave armed with insider tips on how to create these tasty goodies at home.
6. Catch a Thrilling Performance
Described as “part circus, part dinner theater, and always magical” Teatro ZinZanni’s Dinner and Show is one of the hottest tickets in town. Housed inside what feels like a gigantic, colorful circus big top, Teatro ZinZanni’s thrilling theatrical performances combine improv comedy, music, dance, acrobatics and sophisticated humor that will keep you on the edge of your seat all night long. A word to the wise, audience participation is factored in as part of the fun, so don’t be surprised if someone twirls down from the ceiling beside you and your pals.
7. Jump on the Craft Distillery Bandwagon
Study up on Seattle’s burgeoning craft brew scene on the Seattle Distillery Tour and get a peek at the inner-workings and giant glistening stills of small-batch producers such as Sound Spirits Distillery, Letterpress Distillery and Copperworks Distillery. Chat with the distillers themselves to pick up some insider knowledge on key local players and the history of the microdistilleries, while sipping your way through a lineup of unique concoctions that will leave you wanting a second tour.
8. Experience the Best Restaurants in Town
Give your feet a rest after hoofing it around the city and refuel with phenomenal eats at one of Seattle’s modern, intimate restaurants. Pop over to the brick-walled Taylor Shellfish to feast on fresh oysters and other seafood creations. Or, follow the locals to the cozy, candlelit Clever Bottle in Belltown, one of our favorite joints for sharing small plates of cheese and salami with friends over well-made cocktails or glasses of wine. For late-night noshing, head over to the casual Tavolata to enjoy amazing house-made pasta paired with meticulously crafted drinks while making some new friends at the giant communal table.
While the weather outside may be still a little frightful, Seattle is filled with an abundance of fun activities and iconic attractions that are delightful. Whether you check out the city’s vibrant arts, amazing scenery or incredible food and drink, there is an endless supply of ways to warm up your winter.
Clipper Recommends:
- If you are in need of another place to cozy up indoors, step inside the Boeing Future of Flight’s 28,000-square-foot Aviation Gallery and check out an array of exhibits that educate you about the design and technological nuances of commercial airplanes.
- Experience Seattle’s vibrant nightlife and catch a rousing show at the Paramount, Moore or Neptune Theatre.