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Five Mini-Escapes Perfect for When Seattle is Too Gloomy
Rain got you down? Try these five springy activities
This article originally appeared in the May 2013 issue of Seattle magazine.
1. Blush among the orchids and other tropical flora in the Volunteer Park Conservatory Palm House—kept at a hair-curling 72 degrees with 60 percent humidity. Prices vary. Capitol Hill, 1400 E Galer St.; 206.684.4743; volunteerparkconservatory.org
2. Bake away all traces of winter on sand heated to 140 degrees in the Sand Room at the Olympus Spa. A $35 day pass includes access to herbal hydrotherapy pools, steam, sauna and more. Women only. Lynnwood, 3815 196th St. SW, Suite 160; 425.697.3000; olympusspa.net
3. Immerse yourself in a tropical rain forest among eye-popping lepidoptera in the lush, light-filled 80-degree Tropical Butterfly House at the Pacific Science Center. $9–$16, includes admission to exhibits. Lower Queen Anne, 200 Second Ave. N; 206.443.2001; pacificsciencecenter.org
4. Discover the antidote to seasonal affective disorder in the last place you’d expect—a library. Eight Verilux HappyLights now illuminate some of the formerly darkest carrels in the North Seattle Community College Library. Licton Springs, 9600 College Way N; 206.934.3607; northseattle.edu
5. Kick off your rain boots and feel the sand between your toes during a game of indoor beach volleyball at Sandbox Sports. Drop-ins welcome Friday and Saturday nights, $12 per player. Georgetown, 5955 Airport Way S; 206.624.2899; sandboxsports.net
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