Road Scholar : Home
The Upper Left Hand Corner for Grandparents and Grandkids

Program Number: 20554RJ
Start and End Dates:
6/23/2013 - 6/28/2013; 7/28/2013 - 8/2/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Seattle, Washington
Price starting at: $915.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Intergenerational; Science & Nature
Intergenerational
Meals: 12; 5 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners    
Meal Options: Gluten Free; Low Salt; Low Fat; Vegetarian    

Program intended for grandchildren from 10 - 14 years of age.

Journey with your grandchild to Seattle, bustling cultural hub of the Pacific Northwest and gateway to the wonders of Mount Rainier National Park. Explore the Chittenden Locks, fly kites in Gasworks Park and visit otters and octopuses at the Seattle Aquarium. Ride among herds of bison and elk at a wild animal park and hike the trails of Mount Rainier National Park. Cruise through Puget Sound on a Washington State ferry, go behind the scenes at Safeco Field, pick blueberries at a working farm and look out on all you’ve experienced from atop the Space Needle.




Highlights

• Hike amid the waterfalls, wildflowers and glaciers of 14,410-foot Mount Rainier.
• Learn about the history and operation of the Chittenden Locks from an Army Corps of Engineers interpreter and visit the botanical gardens, locks and fish ladder.
• Ride a Washington State ferry to Vashon Island in Puget Sound to visit the Point Robinson lighthouse.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to 15 blocks on city streets. Optional walking in meadows, around waterfalls, on maintained trails.




Date Specific Information

6-23-2013

On this date, instead of a trip to Mt. Rainier and the visit to NW Treks, spend a day in Tacoma with visits to the Washington State History Museum, the LeMay Car Museum and the Chihuly Bridge of Glass. This date will visit the Theo Chocolate Factory instead of going berry picking.
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



7-28-2013

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
Located in the heart of Seattle's vibrant, bustling downtown; three blocks to the Pike Place Market. One-and-a-half blocks to light-rail terminal to SeaTac Airport. Stunning views, fitness center, parking available for a fee.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
David Williams
David Williams is a freelance natural history writer. Based on the western edge of the North American plate in Seattle, he has taught geology to students of all ages. His books include “Stories in Stone: Travels in Urban Geology,” “A Street-Smart Naturalist: Field Notes from Seattle” and “A Naturalist’s Guide to Canyon Country.” He has written for numerous periodicals including Smithsonian Magazine, Popular Mechanics and National Wildlife, and is a regular contributor to Earth Magazine.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   The Red Lion Hotel on 5th Avenue
  Seattle, Washington 5 nights
 The Red Lion Hotel on 5th Avenue
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: Located in the heart of downtown Seattle, close to the Pike Place Market, the central library, the Seattle Art Museum, the Seattle Aquarium, Benaroya (symphony) Hall, sports stadiums, restaurants, shopping, theaters and the monorail to the Seattle Center and the Space Needle.
  Contact info: 1415 5th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101 USA
phone: 206-917-8000
web: redlion5thavenue.com
  Room amenities: Flat screen TV, coffeemaker, refrigerator, terry robes, Bath & Bodyworks amenities, iron/ironing board.
  Facility amenities: Newly-redecorated guestrooms, restaurant/lounge/terrace, fitness facility, free wireless internet, dataports, $15/night guest parking (6'2" clearance).
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Rates vary seasonally. Contact Red Lion Central Reservations at 1-800-325-4000 or seattleredliononfifthavenue.com
  Check in time: 4:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Rates vary seasonally. Contact Red Lion Central Reservations at 1-800-325-4000 or seattleredliononfifthavenue.com
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Any time between 4:00 -5:00 pm in posted meeting room. You will be staying at The Red Lion Hotel on 5th Avenue that night.
  End of Program:
Program ends by noon after Space Needle visit unless you choose to enjoy optional activities at the Seattle Center. You will be staying at The Red Lion Hotel on 5th Avenue the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
$15 + tax/night, subject to change. 6'2" height restriction in garage--no RVs or trucks.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Seattle, Washington
  Nearest highway: I-5
  Nearest airport:  Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
  From End of Program
  Location: Seattle, Washington
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Seattle

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
LINK light rail

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$.75/person/senior/child rate; $2.50 adult rate/each way
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

16 miles
   

Board LINK light rail at SeaTac airport. Ride to the Westlake Station. Get off train; ride elevator to street level. Walk 1.5 blocks south on 5th Ave. to the Red Lion Hotel, 1415 5th Ave.
 

Seattle

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Stita
phone: NA -00---

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

For one-four persons, about $35-40, suject to change
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

one 
 

Distance:

 

16 miles
 

Seattle

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Shuttle Express

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

about $15, subject to change
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

less than one hour 
   

Reservations are not always necessary but may be made at 425-981-7000.
 

King Street Station

 

From Train Station

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Under $10 to hotel
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

15 minutes 
 
Driving Directions
  From the north From I-5 southbound, exit at Stewart Street (exit # 166). Follow Stewart to 5th Avenue. Turn left onto 5th Avenue. Drive 3.5 blocks to the Red Lion Hotel; the cross street before the hotel entrance is Pike Street.The hotel entrance is on the right side of the street.
  South, including SeaTac Airport Drive north on I-5. Exit at Seneca St (exit# 165). Follow Seneca St. to 4th Ave. Turn right onto 4th Ave.Drive 3 blocks, turn right onto Pike St. Drive the length of that block, turn right onto 5th Ave. At the first opportunity turn right down into the Red Lion Hotel's parking garage. Best parking is near the elevator, which will take you to the lobby. If you are not using the hotel's parking garage there is a loading zone in front of the hotel for a brief unloading stop.
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: Registration, reception, group dinner, and introductions. Make a kite tonight to fly tomorrow at the park.
(Sunday, June 23)
   
 Arrive To: Check into hotel room, then at meeting room (posted on readerboard in lobby) any time between 4:00-5:00 pm to pick up program materials and name tag.
 Afternoon: Hosted reception at 5:00 pm; welcome and discussion of agenda 5:30-6:00 pm.
 Dinner: Dinner in our meeting room at 6:00 pm.
 Evening: Introductions of all attendees, short snapshot of Seattle and constructing kites to fly tomorrow.
   
Accommodations: The Red Lion Hotel on 5th Avenue
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Exploring Seattle--see lots of boats and salmon as you learn about the Chittenden Locks; a picnic and kite-flying at Gasworks Park; a behind-the-scenes tour of the Seattle Mariners' Safeco Field; an evening history presentation.
(Monday, June 24)
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast in the hotel restaurant. Enjoy scrambled eggs, cold cereals, fruit/ juices, assorted breakfast breads, breakfast meats, potatoes, pancakes, toast, yogurt, coffe/decaf/tea.
 Morning: Learn about the history and operation of the Chittenden Locks, where a Corps of Engineers interpreter will lecture on the history of the Locks, then lead a walk of the botanical gardens, locks and fish ladder.
 Lunch: Lunch is a picnic at Gasworks Park on Lake Union, under a shelter or in the sun. Fly kites from Kite Hill and admire its distinctive sundial.
 Afternoon: Go behind the scenes at the Seattle Mariners' Safeco field. See the press box, locker rooms and more!
 Dinner: Dinner in our meeting room this evening..
 Evening: Learn about area/natural history with materials from Seattle's Museum of History and Industry..
   
Accommodations: The Red Lion Hotel on 5th Avenue
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Board a Washington State ferry for a ride across Puget Sound to Bainbridge Island. Visit their history museum. Take a behind-the-scenes stroll through the Pike Place Market; eat lunch in one of the Market's many cafes. Visit the Seattle Aquarium.
(Tuesday, June 25)
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast in the hotel restaurant.
 Morning: Board a Washington State ferry to ride across Puget Sound to Bainbridge Island. Visit their free history museum and stroll the streets of this charming little town. Ride back to Seattle and the Pike Place Market for a behind-the-scenes tour.
 Lunch: Choose lunch on your own from among 60 cafes and restaurants at the Pike Place Market.
 Afternoon: Stroll down to the Seattle Aquarium for a look at octopuses, otters, sea birds and lots of fish.
 Dinner: Dinner will be in the hotel this evening.
 Evening: After dinner play board games with your family. Maybe you'll win a prize!
   
Accommodations: The Red Lion Hotel on 5th Avenue
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Theo Chocolate Factory tour. Free lunch, afternoon, dinner and evening.
(Wednesday, June 26)
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast in the hote restaurant.
 Morning: Jump onto a Metro bus to ride to the Fremont neighborhood. Enjoy its quirky street art. Then tour the Theo Chocolate Factory to learn how delicius treats are made.
 Lunch: Fremont has such good restaurants! We'll recommend some for a tasty lunch with your family.
 Afternoon: Return to downtown Seattle for a free afternoon.
 Dinner: The remainder of the evening is free for you to enjoy dinner with your family this evening.
   
Accommodations: The Red Lion Hotel on 5th Avenue
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5: Travel south of Seattle to Tacoma to visit the LeMay Car Museum, showing exotic and antique vehicles from the largest private car collection in the US, the Washington State History Museum and the Chihuly Bridge of Glass.
(Thursday, June 27)

Note: .
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast in the hotel restaurant.
 Morning: Drive south of Seattle to Tacoma. See the new LeMay Car Museum and its many exotic and antique vehicles on display. If you like cars, this is the place for you!
 Lunch: Lunch today in downtown Tacoma at a casual resturant with delicious food.
 Afternoon: You will love the fascinating exhibits at the Washington State History Museum. Learn about Washington's geologic, Native American, natural and cultural history in engaging displays. Then see shimmering examples of handmade glass art on the Chihuly Bridge of Glass.
 Dinner: It's a pizza party tonight to celebrate this week together.
 Evening: Live entertainment after dinner this evening.
   
Accommodations: The Red Lion Hotel on 5th Avenue
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: View a video detailing the construction of the 405' Space Needle. Ride the monorail to the Seattle Center and the glass-fronted elevator to the 360-degree observation deck. Optional: the new Chihuly Garden & Glass exhibit, adjacent to the Space Needle.
(Friday, June 28)
   
 Depart From: Program ends after the morning's activities.
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast in the hotel restaurant.
 Morning: View a video of the 1962 construction of the Space Needle before we ride the monorail to the Seattle Center and the glass-fronted elevator up to the observation deck of the landmark structure. Stay as long as you like, spotting many of the places we've visited this busy week in the upper left-hand corner. Our program concludes at this point. You may linger longer or return to the hotel with the group. You may be interested in visiting on your own the new Chihuly Garden & Glass exhibit adjacent to the Space Needle. Allow about one hour for that visit.Thank you for coming to Seattle!
 Lunch: Bon voyage!
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Seattle, Washington Chihuly Gardens & Glass
View marvelous glass art by legendary glass-master Dale Chihuly in a new permanent exhibit adjacent to the Space Needle at the Seattle Center. Projected to open Spring 2012; ticket prices not yet announced. For additional information, visit chihulygardenandglass.com
  LeMay Car Museum
See vintage and exotic cars in the distinctive building housing the new LeMay Car Museum, part of the world's largest private car collection. Convenient public transportation from Seattle; terminates at the Museum. Ticket prices not yet available.
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 Egg and I


Author: Betty MacDonald


Description: Lightly fictionalized account of the author and her husband's attempt to raise eggs on a farm near Pt. Townsend, with Ma and Pa Kettle as neighbors.



Winter Brothers


Author: Ivan Doig


Description: Recounting of Swan's time in the early NW, focusing on Pt. Townsend and its plans for great things.



Snow Falling on Cedars


Author: David Guterson


Description: Set on Bainbridge Island, a story of intolerance and survival after WWII. Portrays many true events and actual citizens of the area. Fiction.



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.



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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