The sky’s the limit when it’s a cloudless, sun-splashed day. It permits you to traipse carte-blanche through your vacation, serendipitously exploring without a care in the world. But when rain is in the forecast, you’ll do better to have a few indoor sights in mind to ensure fun-filled and memorable experiences that the entire crew is sure to enjoy. One of the best things to do on a rainy day in any vacation destination is wander a fun museum together. Discover a few museum trips and other things to do on a rainy day in a few popular spots across the country.
Rainy Day Activities In Williamsburg, Virginia
Did you know that Ella Fitzgerald, Patsy Cline, and current sensation Pharrell Williams, best known for his infectious hit song Happy, all hail from Virginia? Get to know Virginia’s Hall of Fame celebrities by visiting the hidden gem Virginia Musical Museum. The small folksy museum also showcases unique artifacts and musical odds and ends, which trace the evolution of the piano, music boxes, and circus and amusement park tunes — seriously! But those wanting to get a deep sense of the town’s Colonial history would do well to experience the Governor’s Palace, part of Colonial Williamsburg. Nine Virginia governors resided in the mansion, with Thomas Jefferson being the last before the state capital moved to Richmond.
Rainy Day Activities In Portland, Oregon
Portland has never apologized for its quirky reputation and the Puppet Museum truly falls into this unique category. This off-beat museum boasts an exhibit of globe-trotting puppets, which come from all over the world. If the puppeteering bug bites, purchase a puppet building kit to take home. Portland, however, is dubbed the City of Roses, not puppets, so on a rainy day, in the name of all-things-cultural, learn about this singular connection, hear gardening tips from the pros, and, naturally, shop for rose merch at the Rose Garden Store on the grounds of the International Rose Test Garden. Operated by the 114-year-old Portland Rose Festival Foundation it’s a place where everything smells, looks, tastes like roses, displays roses, or is simply emblazoned with roses.
Rainy Day Activities In Atlanta, Georgia
On a rainy day in Atlanta, step back in time and feel history come alive by visiting the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church where civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King worshipped, preached, and, upon his untimely death in 1968, was mourned. The noteworthy church is in King’s Sweet Auburn neighborhood, steps from his boyhood home which offers an entertaining and informative 30-minute tour. Then, switch things up and take a walk on the fizzy side because Atlanta is the birthplace of Coca-Cola. The welcome at World of Coca-Cola will bring out the wows, with its multi-faceted interactive exhibits and displays covering all aspects of producing the globally renowned, magical drink. You’ll get agonizingly close to uncovering the 125-year-old secret recipe when you step into the Vault of the Secret Formula, but alas, it continues to be a well-guarded secret.
Rainy Day Activities In Sedona, Arizona
Enter one of Sedona’s sacred vortexes when you visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross, an iconic structure built into the energy-emanating red rocks. This chapel, designed by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright in 1956, will help you authentically connect with Sedona’s acclaimed mystical energy, which produces rejuvenating healing powers. Come full circle with your visit to Village Gallery, celebrating local artists producing jewelry, paintings, sculptures, and Native-American crafts. Whether it’s a ceremonial dream catcher, piece of pottery, or T-shirt with batik cloud-rock-sky designs, you’re invited to observe, marvel, and leave with mementos guaranteed to ever-after evoke the mysteries of Sedona.