A Date with the Rain: Indoor Activities in Pacific Grove

I like rain. I like the methodical, calming sound as it taps against window glass and roof tiles, I like how it feels against my skin on a warm day, and I appreciate how it is comprised of an indispensable element for all living things, water. I relish the scent of freshly rain-cleansed air and earth. Rainy days, especially on a weekend, are essentially a memo from the universe that reads: You can be lazy today. I got your back. I’m not much of a napper, but when I do indulge, it’s on a rainy weekend day.

The rain also nudges people indoors and offers an opportunity to do things differently. To go to the movies or see that exhibit everyone’s been talking about.

But we have a problem. Pacific Grove does not get a lot of rain, only about 20 inches a year, so here in PG, folks are relegated to being outdoors a lot. Which is fine, I s’pose. All the sunny weather gives me a ton to write about for outdoor activities here. And there’s always fog, which is kind of like a rainy day only without the falling water drops.  So, rainy or not, here I come with some suggestions for you and your family during those rainy day visits to Pacific Grove.

Start by checking out the calendar of events.

Pacific Grove Art Center
568 Lighthouse Avenue
831-375-2208

During my recent visit to the Pacific Grove Art Center, I happened upon a class of young artists engrossed in their talents. The facilitator, a most helpful woman named Julie, provided information about the center. I also met a local artist, Sheila Delimont, who indulged me in taking a photograph of her newest creation. You can see more of Sheila’s stunning work here.

Check the Pacific Grove Art Center’s site to see the many activities available to you like fabulous exhibits and fun classes. You can also enjoy a healing yoga session with Karen Dowdell, a certified yoga therapist. Working with all ages, Karen’s holds private sessions to help folks with injuries and illnesses. Her group classes are gentle yoga, focusing on proper alignment and helping the spine and the rest of the body (and mind) stay in good condition. 

Museum of Natural History
165 Forest Avenue
Check here for admission information

The Museum of Natural History is a groovy place and makes for an exceptional venue to spend the day. Whether you are a birder, an otter enthusiast (check out the webcam), a geologist wannabe, or are passionate about being a volunteer for the Monarchs, the Museum of Natural History has you covered. More than 130 years old, this museum has been a pillar in the community of caring for native flora and fauna. They are the epicenter of Pacific Grove’s Monarch educational program and Monarch conservation.

I’m quite thrilled about their seed distribution program. You can stop by and pick up seeds – gratis – to grow milkweed or nectar plants to help the Monarchs survive and maybe if we all pull together, they may thrive. Be sure to check out the Native Plant Garden.

Patrick Whitehurst, Communications and Marketing Coordinator for the Museum, describes it as “a place where history comes alive, where the natural world awaits, and a local Museum nearly everyone in the Monterey Peninsula has visited at some point in their life.”

Hang at the Local Bookstore and Café

BookWorks is one of those hip coffee house bookish places enticing one to while away time. Grab a cup of joe and cozy up to a good book.

Pacific Grove Library

With views of the gorgeous Pacific Ocean and warm, Mission-style architecture that on many days is set against a brilliant blue backdrop, the Pacific Grove Library boasts a rich history dating back to 1886. With the peaceful ambiance of a village chapel, the Pacific Grove Library is literally a literary haven. Peruse their unique Steinbeck section and learn more about the area through the eyes of one of the greatest writers of all time. AND I’m proud to say that unlike BookWorks, they own a copy of Well Earth Well Me! AND I’ll be delivering a reading there on Earth Day, April 22. Learn more about that here and check out their calendar of events.

Lighthouse Cinemas
525 Lighthouse Avenue

You should go to the Lighthouse Cinemas just so you can tell all your friends you went to a cinema in a  Lighthouse even if that is kind of a mistruth. Check their website for discounts and specials like $5.00 Tuesdays or free popcorn on Mondays.

Animal Friends Rescue Project

Stop by AFRP on 560 Lighthouse Avenue to visit some of the love bunnies, which aren’t bunnies at all, they’re cats and dogs that need your attention and a place in your home.

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One must know the so-called ‘lesson of a downpour.’ A man, caught in a sudden rain en route, dashes along the road not to get wet or drenched. Once one takes it for granted that in rain he naturally gets wet, he can be in a tranquil frame of mind even when soaked to the skin. This lesson applies to everything.~
Yamamoto Tsunetomo

Don’t threaten me with love, baby. Let’s just go walking in the rain.
~Billie Holiday

Many a man curses the rain that falls upon his head, and knows not that it brings abundance to drive away the hunger.
~Saint Basil

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