Seattle winters aren’t just gray — they’re an excuse to find warmth in every corner of the city. From slurping pho and wandering a garden show, to gondola rides with mountain views, here’s how to make the most of the chill and maybe even love it.

Photo courtesy of Pho Bac

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Bowl Goals. Nothing beats a steaming bowl of pho on a chilly winter day. The hot broth and the aroma of herbs, spices, and meat can be incredibly soothing. Seattle has no shortage of delicious options, but look no further than one of the restaurants under the Pho Bac umbrella, including Pho Bac Sup Shop on South Jackson Street or Pho Bac Downtown on Seventh Avenue. Sisters Quynh-Vy and Yenvy Pham have been nominated as James Beard Award finalists the past two years. Try the Pho Tron Chay, a veggie and tofu dish featuring turmeric noodles, peanuts, and fried shallots with your choice of broth.

Photo courtesy of Wa Na Wari

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Celebrate February.  February is Black History Month, and Seattle has plenty of ways to support and celebrate Black culture. Check out Black arts programming at Langston, stop by Wa Na Wari — a Black-owned cultural space reclaiming community through art — or shop local through the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle’s Black Business Directory. It’s also Museum Month, with up to half-price admission at more than 40 museums when you book a participating hotel.

Photo courtesy of The Northwest Flower & Garden Festival

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Spring starts early. Need a little spring in your winter? The Northwest Flower & Garden Festival takes over the Seattle Convention Center Feb. 19–23 with lush show gardens, a bustling plant market with greenery from more than 60 nurseries, and more than 100 seminars. Sip tea while listening to stories about dreamy gardens from England to Japan at Traveler’s Tea. Party at the Botanical Bash, or pick up tips at the free Plant Academy.

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Comfort food, meet craft beer. Warm up with a hearty sandwich and a craft beer at two Seattle Black-owned favorites. Lil’ Brown Girl, which opened in Métier Brewing Co.’s Cherry Street taproom last October, serves quick, comforting dishes from Chef Kristi Brown (you know her from Communion). Try the blackened catfish po’ mi — seared, juicy catfish on a toasted banh mi bun with remoulade, pickled veggies, cilantro, and jalapeños. Pair it with Métier’s award-winning beers, like Black Stripe coconut porter or Italian pilsner.

Photo courtesy of Crystal Mountain

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Sky high. Float 2,400 feet above the snow on the Mt. Rainier Gondola at Crystal Mountain Resort. The views of Mount Rainier and the Cascade Range are stunning. At the top, visit the Summit House, Washington’s highest-elevation restaurant at 6,872 feet. It features locally sourced, Pacific Northwest-inspired dishes. Gondola tickets start at $35.