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City Highlights Weekend in Seattle

Program Number: 20776RJ
Start and End Dates:
9/27/2012 - 9/30/2012;
Duration: 3 nights
Location: Seattle, Washington
Price starting at: $623.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: History & Culture; Signature Cities Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 5; 3 Breakfasts, 0 Lunches, 2 Dinners    
Meal Options: Gluten Free; Low Salt; Low Fat; Vegetarian    

In view of the Space Needle glitters the eagerly-awaited Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit. Pike Place Market puts buyer and producer in face-to-face contact amid craftspeople, street performers and more than 60 cafés and restaurants. The English Gothic, Beaux Arts and modernist architecture of downtown Seattle creates a sense of movement through time, while the nation’s first monorail system still seem futuristic more than 50 years after its construction. Immerse yourself in the many cultural and civic enchantments of the Emerald City.




Highlights

• Experts lead field trips to Pike Place Market, Seattle Center and the fascinating City Center Glass Art Collection.
• Visit the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, among the most powerful charitable organizations in the world, and visit Dale Chihuly’s recently unveiled Garden and Glass exhibit.
• In a special event, attend the Seattle Repertory Theater for a performance of "Boeing, Boeing," a fast-paced comedy.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to 12 blocks on city sidewalks, some uneven terrain, a few stairs.




Date Specific Information

9-27-2012

Enjoy a Pops concert at beautiful Benaroya Hall, performed by the acclaimed Seattle Symphony Orchestra presenting "Cocktail Time: Music of The Mad Men Era".
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by Evergreen Adventures.




Seattle

Seattle is a visual gem, set amid saltwater, lakes and mountains. International influences abound in this congenial city. Unique neighborhoods, world-class cultural institutions, parks and the landmark Space Needle are just the beginning.
Accommodations
Vibrant urban hotel with fitness center in heart of Seattle’s bustling downtown.
Meals and Lodgings
   The Red Lion Hotel on Fifth Avenue
  Seattle 3 nights
 The Red Lion Hotel on Fifth Avenue
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Contact info: 1415 Fifth Avenue
Seattle WA
Seattle, WA 98191 USA
phone: 206-971-8000
web: redlionon5thavenue.com
  Room amenities: Coffeemaker, refrigerator, flat-screen TV, robes, high-end toiletries, comfortable armchair w/ottoman.
  Facility amenities: Fitness facility; underground parking for a fee; 2 restaurants with lounges.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Rates vary. Contact Red Lion Reservations at 1-855-515-1144 and specify that you will be attending a Road Scholar program.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Rates vary. Contact Red Lion Reservations at 1-855-515-1144 and specify that you will be attending a Road Scholar program.
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Registration any time between 4:00-5:00 pm You will be staying at The Red Lion Hotel on Fifth Avenue that night.
  End of Program:
Program concludes by 10:30 am on Sunday You will be staying at The Red Lion Hotel on Fifth Avenue the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. No
  Parking availability:
Underground garage parking at $15 + tax/night. Maximum height limit is 6'2"--no exceptions.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Seattle
  Nearest city or town:  Seattle
  Nearest highway: I-5
  Nearest airport:  SeaTac Int'l. Airport
  From End of Program
  Location: Seattle
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Seattle

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
LINK light rail
phone: NA0-0 0-0-00 x---

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$2.50 adult one-way/$.75 senior one-way/subject to change
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

16 miles
   

Walk through the parking garage, following signs to the LINK terminal, about 1100' from the baggage claim area. Ride LINK to the Westlake Station. Get off and ride elevator to street level. Walk 1.5 blocks south on 5th Avenue to the Red Lion Hotel.
 

Seattle

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Grayline
phone: NA -00---

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

About $15 but it changes without notice
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

1 hour or less 
 

Distance:

 

16 miles
   

Grayline shuttles are on the third floor of the parking garage; this location changes occasionally so verify it before walking all the way there. Buy ticket from booth.
 

Seattle

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
first available
phone: NA--

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

About $35-40
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

16 miles
 
Driving Directions
  From the north From I-5 southbound exit at Stewart Street (exit #166). Follow Stewart Street to Fifth Avenue. Turn left onto Fifth Avenue. Drive 3.5 blocks to The Red Lion Hotel. The cross street before the hotel entrance is Pike Street.The underground garage entrance occurs before the main hotel entrance.
  From the south, including SeaTac Airport Take I-5 northbound. Exit at Seneca Street (exit#165). Follow Seneca to 4th Avenue. Turn right onto 4th Avenue, drive 3 blocks, turn right onto Pike Street, drive the length of that block, turn right onto 5th Avenue and drive 1/3 block to the underground parking garage entrance, which occurs before the main hotel entrance.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Arrival & Hotel Check-in, Registration & Orientation, Welcome Reception & Introduction to Seattle
(Thursday, September 27)
   
 Afternoon: HOTEL CHECK-IN: Available from 4:00pm.

PROGRAM REGISTRATION: After you have checked in at the hotel's Front Desk come up to our meeting room, noted on a sign in the lobby, to pick up your arrival packet containing your name tag, the up-to-date schedule, and to confirm the time of the orientation session. Please be aware that program activities and scheduled times could change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

ORIENTATION & WELCOME RECEPTION: We'll review the schedule and any changes; discuss responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures; and answer any questions you may have. You'll also have an opportunity to meet the program staff and your fellow participants during a get-acquainted reception.

This City Highlights Weekend in Seattle is a new Road Scholar "Flex" program. It is different from other programs with more opportunities for you to dine out and explore on your own. Several meals have been excluded from the program cost and you will have a large block of free time for personal independent exploration. We hope you enjoy this new "Flex" program and the highlights of what's on in Seattle this weekend.

 Dinner: In our private dining room, enjoy a delectable fresh salmon dinner with salad, side dishes, dessert, and beverages. Salmon and the Pacific Northwest have been virtually synonymous for centuries. From native cultures to coastal fishing communities, and recreational fisheries that draw anglers from around the country, salmon in all its varieties is one the most prominent symbols of our spirit and culture.
 Evening: PRESENTATION: "Introducing Washington's History", a richly-illustrated, lively presentation that will provide an overview of the history of Washington Territory and Washington State, from 1853 through to the present day, by Dr. Lorraine McConaghy. Dr. McConaghy lectures in the Museum Studies program at the University of Washington and is the public historian at Seattle's Museum of History and Industry. In 2010, she received the Robert Gray Medal, the highest honor awarded by the Washington State Historical Society.
   
Accommodations: The Red Lion Hotel on Fifth Avenue
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Pike Place Market, Seattle Architecture, Benihana, Seattle Symphony Pops Concert
(Friday, September 28)
   
 Breakfast: Enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast in the hotel dining room. Choices include fresh fruit, juices, hot and cold cereals, eggs, meats, potatoes, pancakes, toast and muffins, yogurt, coffee/decaf/tea.
 Morning: PRESENTATION: Pike Place Market. Learn about the history and operations of this renowned farmer's market that opened in 1907 and is today known as the ?Soul of Seattle.?

FIELD TRIP: Pike Place Market. We?ll walk 3 blocks from the hotel to the Market for a guided exploration of areas most visitors never see. You?ll then have free time to explore further on your own. Internationally recognized as America's premier farmers' market, Pike Place is where customers meet producers directly. It is now home to approximately 100 farmers who rent table space by the day, 190 craftspeople, 240 street performers and musicians, more than 200 year-round commercial businesses, and more than 300 apartment units. The Market attracts 10 million visitors a year, making it one of Washington state's most popular destinations.

 Lunch: Lunch is on your own to choose from among more than 60 cafes and restaurants. You might want to assemble a picnic from the countless delectable choices available at the Market or choose an eatery such as the Steelhead Diner, a popular restaurant right in the middle of the Market. You're also welcome to join the Group Leader (at your cost).
 Afternoon: PRESENTATION: Seattle Architecture. We'll rendezvous after lunch and walk back to the hotel for a fascinating presentation on Seattle architecture by Mimi Sheridan, a widely-respected architectural historian, educator, planner, urbanist, and consultant on historic preservation projects.

FIELD TRIP: Mimi leads an entertaining and informative walking field trip to observe and learn about the architecture of downtown Seattle, from English Gothic to Beaux Arts to Modernism and more.

 Dinner: We'll stroll 1.5 blocks to Benihana, a Seattle landmark for over 40 years, with lovely Japanese gardens creating a delightfully tranquil atmosphere. Watch your personal chef perform the ancient art of "Teppanyaki" with blades slicing and dicing as savory foods sizzle before your eyes.
 Evening: SPECIAL EVENT: Seattle Symphony Pops Concert. It's just a few blocks down the hill to Benaroya Hall, home of the acclaimed Seattle Symphony. Snap your fingers and tap your toes as the orchestra performs cool, swinging tunes of the 50s and 60s in a program titled, "The Cocktail Hour: Music of the Mad Men Era" conducted by Steven Reineke who is also Principal Pops Conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra at The Kennedy Center for the Arts in Washington DC and Music Director of The New York Pops at Carnegie Hall.
   
Accommodations: The Red Lion Hotel on Fifth Avenue
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Monorail to Seattle Center, Space Needle, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Visitor Center
(Saturday, September 29)
   
 Breakfast: Enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast in the hotel dining room. Choices include fresh fruit, juices, hot and cold cereals, eggs, meats, potatoes, pancakes, toast and muffins, yogurt, coffee/decaf/tea.
 Morning: PRESENTATION: The 1962 Space Needle Story. See a video detailing construction of the Space Needle, one of the Pacific Northwest's major landmarks and a symbol of Seattle, built for the Century 21 World's Fair.

FIELD TRIP: Seattle Center. Just beyond the hotel, we'll hop aboard the Monorail, America's first full-scale commercial monorail system that provides a fun, quick, convenient link between downtown Seattle and Seattle Center, where we'll zip to the top of "The Needle." Hard to believe this iconic landmark is 50 years old! Enjoy the most amazing view anywhere as you review the past, check out the present, and imagine what's ahead for the future.

We'll then walk across the street to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Visitor Center. Find out about the people who make up the foundation and learn about some of the world's toughest local and global challenges. After a hosted exploration, you'll have some time to look around on your own.

 Lunch: Your free afternoon begins with lunch on your own. Make your choice from among the many casual Seattle Center cafés or you're welcome to accompany the Group Leader (at your cost).
 Afternoon: FREE AFTERNOON: There's so much to see and do your head may spin, but we'll have recommendations for you. You might want to see the sparkling Chihuly Garden & Glass exhibit adjacent to the Space Needle, housing stunning new work by this legendary glass master. The Experience Music Project, also adjacent to the Needle, is a rock & roll museum and sci-fi museum combined. You can also see a display of photos and items from the 1962 World's Fair throughout this 50th anniversary year on the Seattle Center grounds. When you're ready to return downtown it's a quick and easy trip on the Monorail.
 Dinner: Dinner is on your own to enjoy your preferences among Seattle's wonderful restaurants; suggestions provided. You may also join the Group Leader (at your cost) who will dine downtown.
 Evening: FREE EVENING: The hotel is perfectly situated in the heart of downtown Seattle, so you have many options for an enjoyable night out here in the Emerald City. Check local listings (information provided in preparatory materials sent following enrollment) for information on a variety of activities and events. You are also welcome to join the Group Leader to view an excellent display of glass art produced by artists affiliated with Pilchuck Glass School, directly across 5th Avenue from our hotel.
   
Accommodations: The Red Lion Hotel on Fifth Avenue
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4: State of Washington Art Collection at the Convention Center, Freeway Park, Program Concludes
(Sunday, September 30)
   
 Breakfast: Enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast in the hotel dining room. Choices include fresh fruit, juices, hot and cold cereals, eggs, meats, potatoes, pancakes, toast and muffins, yogurt, coffee/decaf /tea.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Washington State Convention Center & Freeway Park. We'll walk to the nearby Convention Center to peruse the current exhibition of an impressive rotating collection of art owned by the State of Washington as well as permanent installations from world-class artists.

Stepping right outside, we'll enter Freeway Park, one of Seattle's favorite green spaces where residents, workers, and visitors come together. The park design is meant to encourage thought, reflection, and stimulate the senses, incorporating nature into the built environment with an abundance of trees, flowers, grassy lawns, and benches to enjoy diverse views of the cityscape.

Our return walk to the hotel takes us by a delightful, newly-installed creation by glass and metal artist Ginny Ruffner, "The Urban Garden."

PROGRAM CONCLUDES: The program concludes with our return at approximately 10:30am. Hotel check-out time is noon.

We trust you have enjoyed this new City Highlights Weekend "Flex" program and will join us for other rewarding Road Scholar learning adventures in the future. Best wishes for all your journeys!
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet


Author: Jamie Ford


Description: Set in the Seattle of WWII, the story of a Chinese-American boy and a Japanese-American girl in a world beyond their control.



Snow Falling on Cedars


Author: David Guterson


Description: A study of how people respond to the tides of war, set on Bainbridge Island across Puget Sound from Seattle.



Warship Under Sail: The USS Decatur in the Pacific West


Author: Dr. Lorraine McConaghy


Description: The detailed and lively story of the US Navy in the Pacific Northwest during the transition from sail to steam.





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