Go Off-Season!
What are you waiting for? Traveling off-season can be very rewarding.
I live in the Pacific Northwest, near Seattle, where it rains… a bit. Let’s face it, Washington has a bad reputation when it comes to rain. Talk to anyone who’s never been here and that’s the first thing they ask, “doesn’t it rain a lot?” Personally, that question always receives an eye roll, and this answer, “depends on where you are and what time of the year it is, just like anywhere else in the world.” In fact, on average, there are 203 sunny days per year in Washington, and the US average is 205. Yet, regardless of where you are, there may come a day when the rain outside makes it challenging to follow through with your sunny day plans. Or maybe it’s snowing, blowing, or just plain dreary outside. Which typically means staying home and waiting for the skies to clear, school to let out, and summer vacations.
However, there are many aspects to traveling off-season worth considering, like long walks on deserted beaches and trails, no traffic or crowds, off-season rates and discounts. There are also excursions you might not have considered that could end up being some of your favorite adventures. Here are a few ideas to get you started. Go off-season! You won’t regret it.
Rent A Campervan
There are a variety of packages for decked-out camper vans, jeeps, trucks, etc. These rentals are a great choice for couples, small families, or small groups of friends. The rental options range in size and price and typically include a sink, refrigerator, and stove to make road trips more enjoyable. Some are customizable, and many feature retro touches or unique décor.
Go to a Rainforest
Wait, what? This may sound counterintuitive, but the rainforests of Western WA are home to moss-draped, old-growth trees and abundant wildlife, which are lushest when it’s damp and raining. Once on the trail the big trees and overgrowth keep wetness to a minimum. The Hoh Rain Forest (one of four rain forests on the Olympic Peninsula) is a World Heritage Site, and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and its unique ecosystem has remained unchanged for thousands of years. It is now the most carefully preserved rainforest in the northern hemisphere. The only important item you MUST bring - is rain gear! I also recommend dry clothes in your vehicle to change into, a towel or two, and a place for very wet muddy clothes.
A picnic in the pouring rain. on the Spider Lake Trail, WA
Watch A Storm
Some of the most romantic and relaxing times I’ve had in the Pacific Northwest were when we got “stuck inside.” There is nothing more dramatic than watching a storm roll in across the sea, mountains, or valley. Grab a blanket, light some candles, and enjoy a day of rest as nature puts on a show. If you’re lucky, you’ll be greeted by a rainbow for your patience.
Go to a Museum or Catch a Show
Washington is home to dozens of museums. Some small, some historical, some unique (such as The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) in Seattle). At WashingtonMuseumAssociation.org you can find a full directory of all museums in the state. You might want to check out Idaho too (home to the Potato Museum). You can find a listing of museums, galleries, and other great indoor attractions at VisitIdaho.org. For a full listing of shows and live theater events in WA go to Seattle-Theater.com, for Idaho visit Boise-Theater.com. For museums anywhere in the world, be sure to explore Joy of Museums here you can find lists of museums with virtual tours.
Shop Vintage and Vinyl
No matter where you go in WA you’ll find antique, thrift, and vintage shops, but if you’re looking for vinyl (those funky old records) here are a few places worth checking out: Metropolis, Resurrection Records, and Total Trash Records in Spokane; Rat City Records, Wall of Sound, Sonic Boom and Selector in Seattle; Hi-Voltage and Turntable Treasures in Tacoma; Somewhere In Time in Union Gap; Stash Records in Longview; AU Records in Richland; or The Business in Anacortes. If you want to map out your trip, check out RecordStores.love, where you can find record stores in any city.
Visit the Zoo
Believe it or not, the worst time to go see animals is when it’s hot and sunny. Also, zoos and animal parks are busiest when it’s nice out. When it’s raining the animals are out and more apt to show off. A few less popular options to explore in the Northwest are the Wallaby Ranch in Fall City, WA, Northwest Trek in Eatonville, WA, Cat Tales in Mead, WA, the Reptile Zoo in Monroe, WA, or the World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise, ID.
Hot Springs and Caves
Often found in natural surroundings, there’s nothing more relaxing than hot springs – especially when it’s raining. You’ll find them sprinkled across the Northwest. The best way to search for them is on Google Maps or AllTrails.com. You may have to hike in, but it’s worth it. The same goes for caves. Washington has an incredible collection of caves, including lava tubes, ice caves, and limestone. Many of these are not accessible in the winter months. The nation’s longest limestone cave, Gardner Cave, sits within Crawford State Park in the state’s northeastern corner.
Visit A Library or Bookstore – It’s Free!
There’s nothing better than curling up with a good book when it’s raining, but if you need to get out, try exploring a library or local bookstore. For example, Seattle Central Library is listed as one of the most beautiful library buildings in the country, with 11 stories of glass and steel. The Talking Book and Braille Library in Seattle is an amazing resource, bringing the world to your fingertips. The Roslyn Public Library features pioneer women of the West and the Suzzallo Library at the University of Washington is reminiscent of a European cathedral. Bookstores are also fun, with areas for leisurely reading, special children’s sections, and sometimes a café. Top choices are Giant Nerd Books or Aunties in Spokane, WA, Elliot Bay in Seattle, WA, Encore Books in Yakima, WA, King’s Books in Tacoma, WA, or Village Books in Bellingham, WA.
Take A Factory Tour
Factory tours are a great way to learn more about how some of your favorite products are made. Whether you’re a local, or visiting from afar, here are some great factory tours to check out in Washington state:
Located about 25 miles north of Seattle, The Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Factory Tour is the only public tour of a commercial jet assembly plant in North America.
The Theo Chocolate Experience in Seattle, is delicious in every way.
The Glasshouse Studio is the oldest blown-glass studio in the Northwest.
Located on the Cascade Loop scenic drive is Liberty Orchard in Cashmere, makers of a Northwest favorite Aplets (apple-walnut) and Cotlets (apricot-walnut).
The Buck Knives factory in Post Falls, Idaho is known for making everything from hunting knives to scissors.
Other Suggestions:
Take a Spa Day
Visit Wineries or Breweries
Visit Ghost Towns or Haunted Tours
Visit a Casino
Go Bowling
Ride Indoor Go-Karts
Visit a Trampoline Park
Try Roller Skating
Jump around in a Bouncy House
Give indoor climbing a go
Do a Paint n’ Sip
Find a hands-on Science Center/Lab, Children’s Museum, or creative reuse store, like Tinkertopia in Tacoma, WA.
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