What is the big dark Seattle?
Unveiling the Mystery of Seattle's Big Dark
Abundant in vibrant greenery, rich in a coffee-saturated culture, and home to a Space Needleᅳan icon of the Seattle skylineᅳare what have come to define the Emerald City. But Seattleites are on first-name terms with "The Big Dark" like no other. What they are talking about is that long period of gloomy, overcast weather that blankets the city from late fall through early spring. If you've always wanted to see this city around this time, might as well check it out and experience The Big Dark the best way a Seattleite knows how.
When Does the Big Dark Occur in Seattle?
The great darkness of the year normally descends in the month of November and wanes as it reaches into February, with the dimmest, shortest days clustering around the winter solstice in December. So, during this period, the city sinks into an apparently limitless vista of graying skies, with just a momentary appearance of the sun beaming through the all-pervading cover of clouds. They say the frequent rainfall and drizzles vary from a fine mist, which native people even apply the name "Seattle mist" to, to a heavy downpour where everything gets soaked through.
But don't let the dreary weather fool you - because really, the Seattleites have adapted and even celebrate The Big Dark. They rejoice at the occasional "sunbreak", a short-lived opening in the clouds that feels like a gift from heaven. When the clouds finally dissipate, usually by mid-morning, the city comes alive as people head outside to soak up some much-needed vitamin D.
Exploring Seattle's Iconic Neighborhoods in the Big Dark
Just to cope with these long stretches of gloom, Seattle is chock full of indoor cozy activities. You can take a tour of the city's iconic neighborhoods. Each has its own unique flavor. For instance, Fremont is a den for many oddball art displays—one of them being the Fremont troll who hides under the Aurora Bridge. Capitol Hill manages to be the fashionable, nightlife-consuming heartbeat of the city while maintaining a down-to-earth attitude that refuses to get too big for its britches. Home to some of Seattle's best bars and restaurants, there is probably no better place to thaw into after having spent the day browsing downtown. Just don't call it "Cap Hill" if you want to blend in. And while you enjoy the local sights, consider green cleaning Seattle services to keep your home fresh and eco-friendly.
How to Embrace the Big Dark in Seattle
If you want to see the city lights twinkle through the fog, head over to Kerry Park on Queen Anne Hill. The steep climb up to the view point is well worth the effort when you're rewarded with a stunning panorama of the Space Needle, Elliot Bay, and hopefully, on a nice weather day, Mount Rainier.
Seattleites also embrace The Big Dark by making the inside warm and cozy. They light candles, get a good book, and savor the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee. The growing coffee culture in town is clear evidence that this long, dark month should just be all about staying both warm and caffeinated.
Conclusion
In a word, The Big Dark is us and defines what Seattle is. We may be intimidating to outsiders, but that only gives visitors a chance to commune with the city as it really is, not as sold in some brochure. Welcome, embrace the gloom, find the little hidden treasures of the city, and revel in the microscopic good things, and you will realize that the Big Dark is just one of those things that make Seattle very uniquely and enigmatically itself. So pack your rain gear, grab a cup of coffee, and let's soak in the mysteries of The Big Dark. And for those cozy days indoors, consider using a Seattle maid service to keep your home comfortable and clean.