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Memories in Motion: Marquee Collections of American Automotive and Aviation Achievement

Program Number: 20259RJ
Start and End Dates:
9/16/2013 - 9/20/2013; 11/11/2013 - 11/15/2013;
Duration: 4 nights
Location: Tacoma, Washington
Price starting at: $858.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: History & Culture Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 11; 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners    
Meal Options: Low Fat; Low Salt; Vegetarian    

Take a ride through American history and explore deep inside amazing private collections and stunning museums dedicated to American innovation. Experts tell stories and reveal details of the Harold LeMay Auto collection, the world’s most complete anthology of the American automobile. Survey a century of flight at Seattle’s Museum of Flight, visit the Boeing aircraft factory, talk one-on-one with restoration experts as they restore vintage aircraft with passionate dedication, and discuss the impacts of transportation innovation on American travel and culture.




Highlights

• Explore Paul Allen’s Flight Heritage Center, exhibiting incredibly rare vintage aircraft restored to authentic flying condition.
• Learn the story of collector Harold LeMay, a local refuse businessman who took an automobile-hobbyist mentality beyond imagination.
• Marvel at the massive scale of Boeing Dreamliner 787s rolling through production in the world’s largest building.



Activity Particulars

Frequent on and off motorcoach without lifts. Walking up to 10 blocks at museums and a Boeing assembly plant over the course of a day. Program includes exploring museums, standing on your feet for extended portions of the day and a fair amount of walking.




Date Specific Information

9-16-2013, 11-11-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by Skagit Valley College.




Tacoma

Known as the “City of Destiny” for its selection as the western terminus of the Northern Pacific Railroad, Tacoma lies amid bustling Seattle, the state capital, Olympia, and Mount Rainier National Park. It is Washington’s third-largest city, and its port on Commencement Bay makes it a major Pacific Coast stop along international trade routes.
Accommodations
Conference hotel in Tacoma just steps from the gleaming new LeMay American Automobile Museum.
Meals and Lodgings
   Best Western Tacoma Dome
  Tacoma 4 nights
 Best Western Tacoma Dome
Type: Hotel
  Description: Enjoy the best of Tacoma at this newly-renovated comfortable conference hotel just steps from the gleaming new LeMay American Automobile Museum. Conveniently located close to the Tacoma Dome Event Center, Museum of Glass, Tacoma Art Museum, and Washington State Historical Museum, amenities at this hotel include on-site restaurant and lounge, full service conference venue, fitness center, business center, free parking, complimentary local shuttle, and over 5000 square feet of full service conference venue.
  Contact info: 2611 E. E Street
Tacoma, WA 98421 USA
phone: 253-272-7737
web: bestwesternwashington.com/hotels/best-western-tacoma-dome-hotel
  Room amenities: In-room guest amenities include cable satellite television, In-room movies, coffee/tea maker, microwave, refrigerator, hairdryer, AM/FM alarm clock with MP3 port.
  Facility amenities: Facility amenities include onsite restaurant and lounge, 24 hour front desk, full service conference venue, fitness center, business center, free parking, complimentary local shuttle, and over 5000 square feet of full service conference venue.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Varies by season Please contact the Best Western Tacoma Dome Hotel directly at 253-272-5919 for extended stay rates and reservations. Be sure to identify yourself as a Road Scholar participant.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Varies by season Please contact the Best Western Tacoma Dome Hotel directly at 253-272-5919 for extended stay rates and reservations. Be sure to identify yourself as a Road Scholar participant.
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
4:30 PM You will be staying at Best Western Tacoma Dome that night.
  End of Program:
9:00 AM You will be staying at Best Western Tacoma Dome the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
Complimentary on -site parking available to Road Scholar guests.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Tacoma
  Nearest highway: I-5
  Nearest airport:  Sea-Tac Airport
  From End of Program
  Location: Tacoma
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Sea-Tac Airport

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
Sound Transit
phone: 888-889-6368

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approx $3.50 Adult/$1.50 Senior
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

1 
 

Distance:

 

22 miles
   

Take Sound Transit Express from Sea-Tac Airport to Tacoma Dome Station. Visit www.soundexpress.org or call 1-888-889-6368 for details and directions. When you arrive at Tacoma Dome Station, call Best Western Tacoma Tacoma Dome (253-272-7737 for free local courtesy shuttle 3 blocks to hotel (available 7 AM - 9 PM daily).
 

SeaTac Airport

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Capital Aeroporter Shuttle
phone: 800-962-3579
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$25-30 per person one way
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

22 miles
   

You can take a Capital Aeroporter shuttle bus. Reservations for this shuttle service can be made on-line at www.capair.com or by calling 1-800-962-3579 for more information. Fares subject to change.
 

Sea-Tac Airport

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Shuttle Express
phone: 425-981-7000
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$71.00 for up to 3 people
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 min 
 

Distance:

 

22 miles
   

Towncar for up to 3 people. Call 425-981-7000 for details and reservations.
 

Amtrak Station-Tacoma

 

From Train Station

 
 

Service:

 

Hotel Shuttle
Best Western Tacoma Dome Shuttle
phone: 253-272-7737

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Comlimentary
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

5 min 
 

Distance:

 

.5 mile
   

The Amtrack station is approximately 1/2 mile from the hotel. When you arrive at Tacoma Dome Station, call Best Western Tacoma Dome 253-272-7737 for free local courtesy shuttle 3 blocks to hotel (available 7 AM - 9 PM daily).
 
Driving Directions
  From Olympia; I-5 Northbound From the south, take Interstate 5 North to Exit 133, follow to the left to East 26th Street. Then exit on 26th Street and turn right on East E Street.
  From Seattle I-5 Southbound From the north, take Interstate 5 South to Tacoma and Exit 133, then exit to East 26th Street and turn right on East E Street.
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: Welcome/Orientation at Best Western / Intro to America's Car Museum and the LeMay collection.
(Monday, September 16)
   
 Afternoon: Welcome and room check in late afternoon. At 4:30, a full program overview sets the stage for the week's travels and adventures, including an overview of Tacoma, Seattle, and Mukulteo where we'll venture out to during field trips. Also, get acquainted with fellow Road Scholar participants.
 Dinner: Welcome Dinner at 6:00 PM in Hotel Conference Room: Enjoy a healthy and delicious meal catered exclusively for Road Scholar.
 Evening: "Harold LeMay: An American Story"; Examine the personal story of Harold LeMay and how this visionary came to have the means, passion and uncommon ability to amass this treasure of a collection. Share your recollections with a passionate expert and enthusiast on the evolution of the American automobile and it's place in our collective culture over the last century.
   
Accommodations: Best Western Tacoma Dome
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: The LeMay Collection- & America's Car Museum
(Tuesday, September 17)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in hotel conference room: Enjoy a healthy and delicious deluxe full continental breakfast including fresh fruit, cereal's, hot scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, waffles, coffee, milk, fresh juices and more.
 Morning: Coach to Marymount Academy to explore the roots of the largest private auto collection in the world. The LeMay Family Foundation has preserved the heritage of collector Harold LeMay, whose love affair with the automobile lead to a world class collection that chronicles American automotive history, giving equal treatment to rare and mundane. Docent guided access reveals the intimate details and hidden stories of hundreds of vehicles integral to LeMay's collection housed throughout the campus of the Marymount Academy.
 Lunch: Enjoy a simple and delicious hot lunch at the hotel.
 Afternoon: Explore the gleaming new "LeMay Museum: America's Car Museum". A crown of American automotive history representing the most complete anthology of cars, this $60 million dollar state-of-the are facility is the worlds largest and the most technologically advanced interactive automobile museum and education center center designed to showcase the cultural importance of cars and celebrate Americas love affair with the automobile. Based on the LeMay Collection, it spans a century of automotive history and the future of our transportation system. Get the insider's expertise to reveal the unique details of the collection, restoration, documentation, and preservation directly from the Collections Manager who knows each vehicle intimately. Then take time to wander the collection independently including interactive exhibits on restoration, engineering and technology, and more.
 Dinner: Dinner in Hotel Conference Room: Enjoy a healthy and delicious meal catered exclusively for Road Scholar.
 Evening: With a local aviation expert, we'll learn about the Boeing Model 40 and it's impact on mail service and American Passenger travel.
   
Accommodations: Best Western Tacoma Dome
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Seattle's Museum of Flight
(Wednesday, September 18)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in hotel conference room: Enjoy a healthy and delicious deluxe full continental breakfast including fresh fruit, cereal's, hot scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, waffles, coffee, milk, fresh juices and more.
 Morning: Coach to the Museum of flight; Begin by exploring the restored 1909 "Red Barn", the headquarters of the original Boeing Airplane Company and North America’s oldest existing aircraft factory. Then, explore the stunning Great Gallery on your own or with a docent. The Great Gallery is a 3 million-cubic-foot, six-story glass-and-steel exhibit hall containing 39 full-size historic aircraft, 23 of which including the nine-ton Douglas DC-3 hang from the space-frame ceiling in flight attitude. These aircraft trace the history of the first century of flight. The Gallery is a stunning architectural achievement.
 Lunch: Lunch at Wings Cafe at the Museum of Flight.
 Afternoon: Next, explore two galleries devoted entirely to the world wars, led by specially trained museum docents who present exclusive segments of the thirty exhibits and hundreds of incredible personal stories, twenty-eight amazing planes, and unique interactive experiences. Known as the J. Elroy McCaw "Personal Courage Wing" here you will find on display you will find the first (and only) WWI purpose-built fighter plane, nearly 100 years old, as well as a Sopwith Camel, and a number of French and German airplanes from the WWI era. Stepping forward in time on display are a P-38, P-40, Spitfire, Corsair, Nakajima, and a Russian YAK.

Our field trip ventures outside to walk among the giants of aviation in the Museum of Flight's Airpark, view the very first Boeing 747 and the original 737. Step on board the west coast's only sleek Concorde, and explore the interior cabin of Kennedy's "Flying Oval Office", the original Air Force One, complete with "state of the art" 60's era communications computers.

 Dinner: Dinner in Hotel Conference Room: Enjoy a healthy and delicious meal catered exclusively for Road Scholar.
 Evening: With a local historian, discuss impacts of aviation and auto industries unique to Puget Sound region, including WWII influences on these industries. Share your insights on the cultural impact of transportation advances on American mobility and lifestyle.
   
Accommodations: Best Western Tacoma Dome
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Boeing Future of Aviation Factory/Flying Heritage Collection/Aviation Restoration in Action
(Thursday, September 19)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in hotel conference room: Enjoy a healthy and delicious deluxe full continental breakfast including fresh fruit, cereal's, hot scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, waffles, coffee, milk, fresh juices and more.
 Morning: Coach to Everett WA to explore Paul Allen's private "Flying Heritage Collection" where rare aircraft significant to WWI & WWII have been artfully and mechanically restored to original authentic flying condition. Almost all (except those that are the last of their kind) are still flown regularly. Loyal and passionate docents share stories from the collection and unique history of many of the planes in the collection. Savor this unique private collection of NW business icon and philanthropist, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.
 Lunch: Enjoy a special Northwest style luncheon at a local restaurant that has been a dining legacy for 75 years!
 Afternoon: Field trip continues to Boeing's Future of Flight Aviation Center and Boeing Factory Tour at Paine Field. This unique learning and interpretive facility is designed to let visitors experience the marvel of commercial jet aviation and production. It celebrates the historic accomplishments of the last 50 years since the first flight of Boeing 707 and highlights the technological possibilities for powered winged flight during the next 50 years. Take this one-of-a-kind opportunity to view 747, 767, 777, and new "Dreamliner" 787 jets being assembled on the Seattle product line before they take to the sky. Escorted by an education docent, venture inside the world's largest building by volume for North America's only commercial jet factory tour. Marvel at methodology unique to each production line and the enormity of scale of the collective operation. Return to hotel in the early evening in time for dinner.
 Dinner: Special Farewell Dinner in Hotel Conference Room: Enjoy a healthy and delicious meal catered exclusively for Road Scholar.
 Evening: Take time to discuss your collection favorites and other insights with your fellow Road Scholar colleagues in a facilitated conversation over dinner.
   
Accommodations: Best Western Tacoma Dome
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Farewell and Departures
(Friday, September 20)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in hotel conference room: Enjoy a healthy and delicious deluxe full continental breakfast including fresh fruit, cereal's, hot scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, waffles, coffee, milk, fresh juices and more.
 Morning: Program concludes after breakfast; Farewell's and Bon Voyage!
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Tacoma Tacoma Visitor's bureau
This one-stop resource reveals events, activities, dining, lodging and an array of cultural and recreational possibilities. For additional information, visit www.traveltacoma.com/
  www.museumofglass.org
Tacoma Museum of Glass; Galleries are dedicated to temporary exhibitions of works executed in glass and permanent collections of 20th- and 21st-century glass. For additional information, visit www.museumofglass.org
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


The Airplane: A History of Its Technology


Author: John D. Anderson


Description: Commissioned in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Powered Flight. The airplane is a system comprising aspects of aerodynamics, propulsion, flight dynamics, and structures. This book outlines the history of the technical development of the airplane. Richly illustrated, it moves the reader through time beginning with Leonardo da Vinci and forward to the present. In each chronological period, the various aspects of the synthesis of aerodynamics, propulsion, flight dynamics, and structures to the design of flying machines is described and critically evaluated.



Flight: The Complete History


Author: R. G. Grant


Description: This sweeping compendium of milestones in 20th-century aviation history is published in association with the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, which may account for its rigorous attention to detail. Grant (The Berlin Wall) offers a wealth of supportive information to complement his engagingly written text. Succinct offset biographies sketch the lives and contributions of aviation's pioneers (both men and women), scientists, promoters, businessmen, barnstormers, racers, designers and manufacturers, aces (from World War I to Vietnam), and astronauts and cosmonauts. Fascinating sidebars also treat early flight, assorted inventions, famous air races (1910-39), the gradual transformation of the role of the fighter pilot, the evolution of aerial weaponry, training programs, navigational technology, aerial exploration, landmark altitude and long-distance flights, Zeppelin travel, power plants, Hitler's jet and rocket programs, the breaking of the sound barrier, the Cold War space race, and America's current shuttle program. The impressive illustrations include over 300 gorgeous, full-color profiles of the world's major military and civilian aircraft and space vehicles.





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