Attractions where the weather is front and center
There’s nothing quite like one of Mother Nature’s atmospheric tantrums to remind us who’s really in charge. And as frightening as weather can be, it’s equally compelling and inspires great emotions (especially in that special breed of wing nut known as storm chasers). But you don’t have to live in Tornado Alley or hurricane country to get the full experience. In the West, here are five meteorologically minded outposts for experiencing weather and its tempestuous side.
1. Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino, British Columbia
There aren’t many hotels purpose-built for storm-watching (sane folks would build somewhere, well, calmer), but this inn on Victoria Island’s wild west coast features rain gear in every room and floorto-ceiling windows of high-impact hurricane glass. What’s to see? From November to March, 10 to 15 howling storms plow into the coast here each month — which explains why most of the town’s annual average rainfall of 16 feet arrives horizontally, according to locals. 500 Osprey Lane, (250) 725-3100, www.wickinn.com.
2. Science on a Sphere exhibit, Seattle
This newish permanent exhibit at the Pacific Science Center is a 6-foot-diameter glowing ball hanging from the ceiling that uses computers and video projectors to “display dynamic, animated images of the atmosphere, oceans and land” on the surface, according to the Center. Interactive programming helps illustrate and explain environmental conditions. Pacific Science Center, 200 Second Ave., (206) 443-2001, www.pacificsciencecenter.org.
3. Coco Palms Tour, Kauai
Best known as a hot spot for tropical-style weddings ( thanks to scenes from Elvis’ “Blue Hawaii”), the Coco Palms Resort was left almost unrecognizable after being smacked by Hurricane Iniki in 1992. While most of the island has recovered, the remains of the Coco Palms are the subject of a tour that covers the history ( of Kauai and the hotel), the celebrities, the romance and, naturally, the meteorology that flattened it all. Tours start 2 p.m. on weekdays; $20 per person ( cash). ( 808) 346-2048, cocopalmstours.com.
4. West Coast Weather Vanes, Santa Cruz
Want to follow the weather with a little style? This tiny shop produces handcrafted copper weather vanes in hundreds of different designs, covering a host of mythological, astronomical and zoological themes, and even a wine bottle that pours into glasses atop the compass points as it turns. It’s a small, independent shop, so call ahead to visit. 377 Westdale Drive, (831) 425-5505, westcoastweathervanes.com.
5. Hurricane Cafe, Seattle
Never mind that Seattle has never experienced a real hurricane (although the Columbus Day storm of 1962 had hurricane-force winds), you can always escape to the Hurricane Cafe, a no-frills diner where the menu includes a Hurricane Burger and breakfast plates called Storm and Typhoon. Want more weather than that? It’s Seattle: Step outside. 2230 Seventh Ave. (in Belltown neighborhood), (206) 6825858, www.facebook.com/ the-hurricane-cafe.