Washington's Wineries

Did you know? Washington State is the second largest producer of wine in the nation, contributing more than $3 billion to the state economy and employing more than 14,000 people.

Prosser’s The Vintner’s Village --

is nestled in the heart of Yakima Valley’s and is one of the most convenient communities of some the of the best wineries in the state. The village is home to 13 award-winningwineries and tasting rooms, all within easy walking distance of each other.

A few key wineries to watch in Vintner’s Village include:

Prosser - Olsen Estates Winery --

100 years of family growing tradition in Yakima Valley and counting. This relatively young winery has been supplying grapes to some of the biggest and best wineries in the state for decades and just recently started holding back the cream of the crop of its grapes to create its own wine. With scores of 91 from Wine Spectator for its very first ever red, the Rouge des Coteaux and winning “Editors Pick” from Wine Enthusiast for its 2006 Chardonnay, the lineup of spring releases will be worth waiting for.

Milbrandt Vineyards Winery --

Like Olsen Estates Winery, Milbrandt Vineyards Winery is family owned and operated producing 18,000 cases. Under the talented direction of winemaker Gordon Hill, the winery crafts signature, award winning wines using selected grapes under the Milbrandt Vineyards Winery, Traditions and Legacy labels.

The Winemaker’s Loft --

Winemaker Michael Haddox had a vision to not only create his own wine but also to help other winemakers realize their dreams. The Winemaker’s Loft is an incubator winery that allows 6 start up wineries to utilizes its production facility and provide tasting room space. The wine incubator method is becoming increasing popular to help small wineries shoulder the costs of creating their first vintages.

What to See & Do

Mt. Baker Region Goes Green

Whatcom County has been named the #1 Environmental Protection Agency Green Power Community in the Nation. Bellingham and Whatcom County earned the top status by the EPA in regards to communities committed to alternative energy resources.

Both the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County purchase 100% green power.

Bellingham was also recognized as the first city in Washington and the most successful community in the country to be designated a Green Power Community.

Community members are doing their part to have less impact on the environment:
Western Washington University started purchasing 100% Green Power in 2005, thanks to a student-led initiative that passed by 84.7%. The Bellingham City Council unanimously voted to purchase 100% Green Power, starting in 2007. The Whatcom County Council voted to purchase 100% Green Power, starting in 2007. it has become the #1 Green Power Community in the nation by purchasing approximately 11% Green Power.

Get On The Water in the Bellingham Mt. Baker Region

Cultural Diversity Appeals to all the Senses

Culinary Hounds Discover Region's Farm Map and Guide

· Art Walks ·

Shopping

Museums

More Great Things to Do

The Puget Sound Navy Museum--

Where to Stay

Alderbrook Resort --

Foxbridge --

Inn at Port Hadlock --

Horseback Riding in Leavenworth

Saddle up and leave your worries behind as you escape to a slower pace of life, no rush hour traffic, no deadlines, just you and your trusty stead exploring the great outdoors.

Horseback Riding Options

How about a cookout with BBQ chicken and freshly baked beans after an entertaining

Hayrides

Barn Beach Reserve & A Book For All Seasons

Rock Climbing

Rock Climbers--Snow Creek Wall Reopened

National Forest managers have reopened Snow Creek Wall, a flagship high crag rock-climbing wall home to the well documented Outer Space route that they closed April 1 to protect raptor nesting sites. Well the chicks have hatched and flown away, so come and climb. The area is located about five miles southwest of Leavenworth along Icicle Creek Road (Forest Service Road #76).
Directions Courtesy of wenatcheeoutdoors.com

Hiking

Red Top Mountain
Watch Hawks And Search For Agates

Come and see the historical  fire lookout, old growth trees and one of the best hawk watching spots in Washington. Teanaway Ridge serves as a handrail for migrating ospreys; golden and bald eagles; Cooper's, sharp-shinned, and red-tailed hawks; and turkey vultures. Other wildlife includes mule deer, Rocky Mountain elk, and a variety of songbirds. It's also a great place for agates and godes (a fine-grained form of quartz that has colored bands of minerals. )

Directions: From Hwy 97, take FS Road 973 (near Mineral Springs). Follow the road W To FS Road 9703 and then follow that road to it's end. From the parking area, follow the old road to where the trail splits. The left fork climbs very steeply to the top of Red Top where the old fire lookout makes a good viewpoint. Near this point is the junction with Blue Creek Trail No. 3364.2 which heads E and downhill 2 miles to end at FS Road 9702. The trail continues N through agate and geode beds.
Trail length: 2.3 miles
Fees: None
Trail Etiquette: Although it's ok to dig for agates or geodes, take only a few samples. It is important to back fill your holes and not to dig around tree roots.
Elevation Gain: 480 feet starting at an elevation of 4,880.

New Wildlife Viewing Map

Leavenworth's Waterfront Park located right behind the shops is home to raccoons, river otters, deer and mink. Osprey fish on summer evenings. Ingall's Creek Trail, 12 miles from Leavenworth look for black bear signs: scratched trees, tracks and scat. The wilderness area is a habitat for cougars, bobcats, wolverines, martens and mountains goats. Walk 1 to 15 miles of backcountry trails during the summer months. For these and other wildlife viewing sites you can come to the Visitor Center at 940 Hwy 2 for a free map or View Online

Family Walk

Mountain Goats, Alphorns, Glockenspiel

What could be more exhilarating than waking up to the sounds of birds and the aroma of mountain air laden with blooming flowers, mixed with enticing scents of restaurants preparing breakfast in Leavenworth. At 8:15 and 9:15 am you can hear the musical prelude of the alphorn. Mountain goats are grazing above the putting course, take a bet on whether the glockenspiel will open and then enjoy the summer music playing in the gazebo as our downtown specialty shops amaze you with gifts from around the world.

Float The River

Kayak, Canoe, Tube, Raft, Swim
The weather is warm and it's a great time to get in the water and have fun! If you haven't already, come find out why Leavenworth is a paddling mecca for Washington. Lakes, scenic flatwater, steep creeks, secluded eddys--come enjoy!

Rafting:

The Athlete:

The Intellectual: Educational and Historical trips.

The Isolationist:

The Foodie: Culinary tours and adventures.

 By reservation only—

Some Interesting Facts About the San Juan Islands

--The flight time from Seattle is 30-60 minutes. 

--There are on average 247 days with sunshine a year and about half the annual rainfall of the Seattle area, Portland, Oregon or Vancouver B.C. The Islands bask in the “rainshadow” of the Olympic Mountains.

--There are no traffic lights anywhere in the islands. People don’t even honk. 

--San Juan County has more miles of marine shoreline (408) than any other county.  It is one of the best places in the world for shore-based whale watching.

--There are no rivers in the islands, but there are several waterfalls (on Orcas Island).

--Shaw Island School is the longest continuously operating school in Washington State.

--Roche Harbor’s business license is one of the first issued in Washington State.  Roche Harbor Lime and Cement Works was established as a business prior to statehood in 1889.

--President Theodore Roosevelt slept at Roche Harbor’s Hotel de Haro twice – 1906 and 1907 

--John Wayne’s custom over-size bathtub is still in use in the Hotel de Haro. Wayne was once an annual visitor to the marina and resort.

--The Pig War (1859 – 1872) on San Juan Island was the last time that Great Britain and the U.S. opposed each in war. Walk the sites of this historic time at both American Camp and English Camp which comprise the San Juan Island National Historical Park.

--General George Pickett, of the famed “Pickett’s Charge” at the Civil War’s Battle of Gettysburg, was a commander of the American forces during the Pig War.

--Construction of the redoubt at the top of a hill in the American Camp, to let the cannon oversee the water approaches to the island, was supervised by engineer Henry Martyn Robert. Later in his military career, Robert discovered a fascination with parliamentary procedure, and went on to author “Robert’s Rules of Order.”

What's New in the San Juan Islands

Washington’s Newest Scenic Byway – Historic Canoe & Ferry Routes 

The State of Washington has a new Scenic Byway – The San Juan Islands ferry routes and rural roads on San Juan and Orcas Islands. Next up is the creation of natural history interpretive resources to integrate stewardship outreach for these marine waterways between islands, originally established hundreds of years ago by the Coast Salish people as canoe routes and in continuous use since then.  State Scenic Byways are eligible for National Scenic Byway status in the future.  www.VisitSanJuans.co 

Friday Harbor: One of America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has named Friday Harbor one of its 2008 Dozen Distinctive Destinations.  From dynamic downtowns and stunning architecture to cultural diversity and commitments to historic preservation, these destinations boast a richness of character and exude an authentic sense of place.

Friday Harbor is a picture-perfect historic seaport surrounded by spectacular mountain and marine views.  With a natural grandeur that combines salty breezes, vibrant blue water, pebbled beaches and fragrant woods, it is a rare, unspoiled retreat ideal for outdoor adventurers, wildlife enthusiasts and history buffs alike. 

Friday Harbor was incorporated in February, 1909 and is still the only incorporated town in the San Juan Islands.  Many Centennial events and activities are being planned for 2008-2009 to celebrate 100 years of community history, development and pride. Friday Harbor is a small, well-preserved community tucked between Seattle, Vancouver B.C. and Victoria B.C.  A year-round destination, it is accessible only by ferry, boat, seaplane or airplane. There are no bridges between the islands or to the mainland. Visitors can easily get around on foot to indulge in the eclectic collection of art galleries, coffeehouses, boutiques and eateries.  Nestled in the center of a “rain shadow” cast by the mountains on the Olympic Peninsula, Friday Harbor enjoys nearly 250 days with sunshine each year and only about half the annual rainfall of the nearby Seattle area, making it a place where kayaking, biking and walking are as common as driving.

Though only one square mile in size, this town boasts nearly 150 historic buildings reflecting the community’s civic, commercial and residential history. It is one of Washington’s few seaport villages to survive the turn-of-the-century fires that engulfed other cities. Its authentic downtown streetscape is the gateway to discovering the rich history, rural character and pristine marine environment of the San Juan archipelago. www.historicfridayharbor.org.

In and near Friday Harbor, there are six National Historic Register sites. These landmarks transport visitors back in time and tell the story of the Territorial Northwest. From the historic village of Roche Harbor to the San Juan Island National Historical Park, where exhibits, historic buildings and re-enactors bring to life The Pig War – a 13-year standoff between British and American troops in the late 1800s – the wealth of historic resources belie the island’s small size.  

Sesquicentennial: The Pig War Crisis of 1859-1872 

A pig and a potato cause conflict between the U.S. and Great Britain:  Well, the Pig War was really more of a 13-year potluck.  Today, 150 years later, we celebrate the peaceful resolution of an international conflict that very easily could have led to war.

Basis for the story:  A boundary dispute between the U.S. and Great Britain led to tension in the San Juan Islands during the mid-19th century when both countries claimed the islands.  Each side sent troops after an American citizen shot a British pig, rooting in his potato patch. This was apparently the last straw, or rather, potato. 

What happened next:  No one died, only the pig.  The opposing troops celebrated holidays together, sharing food and good times with games from 1859 through 1872 when Kaiser Wilhelm I of Germany mediated and awarded the islands to the United States.  It has been reported that he was irritated with his English cousins and seized an opportunity.

Interesting Figures:  George Pickett, commander of the U.S. Troops, later went on to infamy as a Confederate General in the Civil War, leading "Pickett's Charge" at the Battle of Gettysburg.  Henry Martyn Robert went on to write "Robert's Rules of Order."  Which doesn’t necessarily mean that Islanders follow them. 

Today: The Pig War era and the peaceful resolution of the crisis are commemorated each year.  A National Historical Park preserves the two military camps, with several buildings intact, and the “peace fields.”  The musket which probably shot the pig can be seen in a local museum. Extensive research has been done and several books written about the true story, one that needs no embellishment for lack of authentic and colorful details. Descendants of the opposing soldiers serve as re-enactors in the park.  A Visitor Center showcases artifacts from archeological digs in the park.  The National Park Service prepares for the Sesquicentennial of The Pig War crisis, with special events from summer 2008 through summer 2009.  www.nps.gov/sajh 

Island Farms & the Best of Northwest Cuisine

Farm to table, all island grown and prepared, this food is FRESH. The longest transport time between islands is only one hour, so how old could it be?

Many of the restaurants and B&Bs participate in the ICL program, which stands for Islands Certified Local.  These businesses use a minimum of 5% local farm products from the San Juan Islands, such as vegetables, fruits, meats, cheeses, herbs and so on.  Many island chefs have their own organic gardens, walking from the garden to the kitchen as they prepare the evening’s seasonal menu.  Farms abound throughout the islands, providing a large assortment of choices for chefs and guests alike. www.sjcarc.org

Friday Harbor's Island Museum of Art

Changing exhibits of local and regional artists

314 Spring Street, Friday Harbor.

Spring Street Landing Aquarium

Exhibits on the diversity of local marine life.

Located in the Passenger Ferry Terminal

The Whale Museum

In 1979, the Whale Museum became the first museum in the country dedicated to the nterpretation of whales living in the wild. Visit the historic 114-year-old building and dive deeper into the sights and sounds of the whales' world. In the second floor exhibit hall you'll probably feel dwarfed by life-sized whale models and skeletons. See the latest wildlife film in the theater, or read about current scientific research on local species. The exhibit hall is a tapestry of art and science in glass, wood, digitization, and bone. On the ground floor, in the store and gallery, are the resources and tools for serious wildlife viewing in the islands.

Your visit will be even more memorable by participating in a range of fun and engaging programs for children and adults. Hear lectures, pod nods, scholastic programs, and guided museum tours. Visit Lime Kiln Point State Park, the world's first whale watch park and the site of the Museum's Whale Research Laboratory. Watch the orcas from shore and listen to their calls over the underwater microphones broadcast throughout the park. In addition to the whales, other fascinating wildlife abound. At low tide, explore some of the most diverse and accessible tide pools on the island.

Location: The Whale Museum, 62 First Street, N., Friday Harbor, WA; 360-378-4710 or 1-800-946-7227. For more information go to web site www.whalemuseum.org.

Latest Happenings

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

New King Tut Exhibition to Make West Coast Debut at Pacific Science Center

Pacific Science Center will host the West Coast debut of Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs, May 24, 2012 – January 6, 2013. This is the largest King Tut exhibition ever shown on the West Coast, featuring more than 100 objects from both the tomb of King Tut and from royal and private tombs and temples of important rulers throughout 2,000 years of ancient Egyptian history. In addition to these artifacts, many of which have never been seen in North America, the exhibition will offer the opportunity to learn about King Tut’s life and death through recent CT scans of his mummy. Group tickets for this exhibition are now on sale. Individual ticket sales will be available in early 2012.
Pacific Science Center, (206) 443-2879; www.pacificsciencecenter.org.

Seattle Symphony Announces Free Tickets for Kids

The Seattle Symphony now offers free companion tickets for up to two children between the ages of 8 and 18, when accompanied by a paying adult to attend concerts at Benaroya Hall during the 2011-2012 season.
www.seattlesymphony.org.

Nirvana Exhibit Debuts at Seattle’s EMP

Seattle’s EMP Museum features the world’s most extensive exhibit of grunge memorabilia, through April 22, 2013. The exhibit, Nirvana: Taking Punk to the Masses includes 200 artifacts tied to the native Seattle band and tells the public and personal story of Nirvana within the context of the independent, underground music scene in which Kurt Cobain and band mates flourished. The exhibit contains more than 100 new and archived oral histories from key figures in the 1980s and early 1990s independent music scene as well as candid snapshots from the band’s early years, Cobain’s handwritten lyrics for Nirvana songs, numerous instruments, clothes worn by Cobain and stage props used on tour.
www.empmuseum.org.

The 5th Avenue Theatre Announces New Musical Line Up

Tickets to The 5th Avenue’s 2012 season is still available and include an exciting new line up. The current line-up includes Cinderella, First Date, Oklahoma, Damn Yankees and Rent. Exclusive benefits to nearby restaurants are available all season long to ticket holders.
5th Avenue Theatre, (206) 625-1418; www.5thavenue.org.

Chihuly Exhibition Breaks Ground at Seattle Center Campus

The Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibition is being built on Seattle Center’s 74-acre campus. The Chihuly exhibition, expected to open in Spring 2012, will showcase the glass sculpting of Washington-native Dale Chihuly. Artwork including a comprehensive collection of glass, sculpture and other media is slated to be displayed in both interior and exterior exhibits. The interior exhibit will highlight the wide variety of Chihuly’s work; the exterior will feature Chihuly’s Gardens and Glass exhibitions, previously presented at venues throughout the world. The exterior will also include a 40-foot Glass House structure with Chihuly artwork flowing from the ceiling.
Space Needle, (206) 905-2164; www.seattlecenter.com.

Seattle Center Gears Up for the 50th Anniversary of the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair

Seattle will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, a cornerstone in the city’s modern development, April 21 – Oct. 21 2012. The Next Fifty celebration will feature six months of national and international touring artists and other concerts, diverse cultural displays, history and heritage exhibits and much more – all on the 74-acre campus of the Seattle Center, the legacy of the World’s Fair. Surrounding cultural institutions and the Space Needle will also plan corresponding 50th anniversary celebrations.
Seattle Center, (206) 386-1974; www.thenextfifty.org.

Gauguin’s Exotic Works of Polynesian Art Exhibits at Seattle Art Museum in 2012

The Gauguin and Polynesia: South Pacific Encounters exhibit will be on display from Feb. 9 – April 29, 2012 at the Seattle Art Museum (SAM). This is the first exhibit to bring Polynesian studies to the center of an exploration of Paul Gauguin’s art, revealing the dynamic relationship between the work of the great European artist and the Polynesian art that he encountered when he moved to the South Pacific islands in 1891. With approximately 40 paintings, sculptures and works on paper by Paul Gauguin and works from Pacific island cultures, the exhibit will reveal the influence of Polynesian art and culture on Gauguin’s work in unique depth. At the same time, the exhibit will explore a fuller history of Polynesian art as it responded to the dynamic exchanges between Pacific Island peoples and Europeans throughout the nineteenth century. Individual and group tickets for this exhibition are now on sale.
Seattle Art Museum, (206) 654-3158; www.seattleartmuseum.org.

ATTRACTIONS & TOURS

Blake Island’s Tillicum Village Offers Visitors a Unique New Show

Visitors to Seattle can view century old traditions of Native Americans when they visit Blake Island’s Tillicum Village. Argosy Cruises, a family‐owned and locally‐operated Seattle company, recently updated its Tillicum Village experience, a boat trip from the Seattle waterfront to Blake Island in Puget Sound where guests experience Northwest Coast Salish culture in an authentic longhouse. Newly-debuted changes from the menu, stage, sets, lighting, regalia and performance offer an authentic presentation of the customs, beliefs and dances of the Northwest Coast Salish culture. To ensure that visitors have a truly authentic Coast Salish tribes experience, Argosy worked directly with tribal members from early on in the show planning process. In addition to new show content, state-of-the-art lighting and musion technology projects filmed imagery in a lifelike manner woven seamlessly with live acting to tell the story of the Coast Salish tribes. The show purposely utilizes technology and historical live dance to project the native culture as one that has thrived and will continue to thrive in the Northwest.
Argosy Cruises, (206) 623-1445; www.tillicumvillage.com.

“Chef Walks: Seattle” with Tom Douglas Now Available on Kindle

Seattle’s most famous chef, Tom Douglas, has published an eating and walking tour of Seattle, “Chef Walks: Seattle” in Amazon’s Kindle Store. “Chef Walks: Seattle” (co-written by Shelley Lance), serves as a portable guide to navigating Seattle, useful to visitors and locals alike. The guide shares Douglas’ favorite spots to eat, drink, shop and get coffee in Seattle, as well as city information, including where to catch a ferry, see a great city view, or check out the local music scene. Accessible with a Kindle device or via the Kindle app on your phone, “Chef Walks: Seattle” is lighter and more portable than most traditional printed guidebooks. The first in an intended series of city guides, “Chef Walks: Seattle” is only $3.99 exclusively in the Kindle Store.
Amazon.com, Inc., (206) 266-7180; www.amazon.com.

New Tour Company Explores the Beauty Outside of Seattle

Kitsap Tours offers a tour of Bainbridge Island and the Kitsap Peninsula, located 35 minutes from downtown Seattle via ferry boat. Kitsap Tours offers a variety of tours including a seven-hour photography tour of Bainbridge Island and the Kitsap Peninsula, where some of the best photography locations in the area will be visited, as well as a 3-hour tour of the Bloedel Reserve, a 150-acre estate garden with large areas of second growth forest, gardens, ponds and meadows. Transportation is via a 14- passenger mini bus and tours begin at the Bainbridge Island ferry terminal.
Kitsap Tours, (877) 877-1950; www.kitsaptours.com.

Space Needle Joins Seattle CityPass

CityPass has joined forces with the Space Needle and now includes the iconic attraction in its Seattle CityPass attraction book. The Space Needle joins other great Seattle attractions such as the Pacific Science Center, Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour, Seattle Aquarium, Experience Music Project|Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame and an option ticket with the choice of visiting Woodland Park Zoo or the Museum of Flight. Adult Seattle CityPasses are $59, while youth passes (ages 4-12) are $39. The collection of passes saves 51 percent of what each ticket would cost if it was purchased separately. Seattle CityPass may be purchased at any of the included attractions or online at www.citypass.com/city/seattle.html.
www.citypass.com./seattle.  

Where to Stay

HOTELS

Sheraton Opens FOUR Points

Four Points Sheraton Seattle Center opened in August 2011 and is conveniently located within walking distance to the Space Needle and Seattle Center and Monorail. The property includes 158 rooms and a 520 square-foot meeting room. Each room is equipped with a large work area, a 42-inch flat screen TV and complimentary internet. The hotel also features breakfast and dinner service, full bar, secure parking, onsite parking center, valet dry cleaning and a coin-operated laundry.
www.starwoodhotels.com.

Hotel FIVE Now Open in Downtown Seattle

Hotel FIVE, the newest property of Pineapple Hospitality, is now open with 120 guestrooms. Previously a Ramada, Hotel FIVE is a new urban industrial-inspired boutique hotel located in downtown Seattle on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Blanchard Street. Hotel FIVE offers completely renovated guest rooms featuring hardwood floors, urban industrial art and furnishings designed by Interior Design International of Seattle. Hotel FIVE is conveniently located near popular tourist attractions like Seattle Center and Pike Place Market, as well as being centered between the business hubs of downtown Seattle and bustling South Lake Union.
(206) 682-6979; www.hotelfiveseattle.com.

Seattle’s Convention and Visitors Bureau Provides Travel Booking Service

The Seattle Super Saver website enables one-stop shopping for lodging, transportation, tours, sightseeing and other Seattle activities. This program regularly features tickets to the most popular civic festivals, special events and major cultural exhibitions, travelers can book at www.seattlesupersaver.com or call (866) 285-2535.
Seattle’s Convention and Visitors Bureau, (206) 461-5806; www.seattleseattlesupersaver.

Hyatt Place Opens New Seattle Hotel

Hyatt introduced its Hyatt Place brand to Seattle with the opening of the new Hyatt Place Seattle/Downtown hotel on June 1, 2010. Located within walking distance of the Space Needle, the hotel features 160 guestrooms, indoor swimming pool, in-room refrigerators, 1,460 square feet of meeting space, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi internet throughout.
Hyatt Place Seattle/Downtown, (206) 441-6041;
www.hyattplaceseattledowntown.com.

Courtyard by Marriott Opens New Hotel in Seattle’s Historic Pioneer Square

Courtyard Marriott has brought a historic building back to life as its new Courtyard Seattle Downtown Pioneer Square hotel. The 1904 Alaska Building, in the heart of Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square district, originated as a bank to accommodate prospectors flocking to Seattle during the Klondike Goldrush in the late 1800s. The building opened as a hotel on June 1, 2010 with 262 newly designed guestrooms, a restaurant with full service bar and over 4,600 square feet of meeting space. The hotel has 26 guestrooms dedicated to stays of 30 days or more, offering cooking amenities and sleeper sofas. The hotel’s location puts its guests within walking distance of Seattle’s sports stadiums, as well within close proximity to the city’s top attractions.
The hotel is also adjacent to the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel, providing direct connection to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport via Sound Transit’s new Link light rail service.
Courtyard Seattle Downtown Pioneer Square,
(206) 409-7487; www.courtyardpioneersquare.com.

Hostelling International Seattle Opens Doors of American Hotel Downtown

Hostelling International opened its renovated facility in the historic American Hotel in downtown Seattle on July 31, 2009. The American Hotel is an 89-room, 294-bed hostel with rates beginning at $29 per bed for dorm-style accommodations for Hostelling International members. Dorm-style accommodations for non-members are $31 per bed. Private rooms are available for $86 a night for up to two people, with extra persons in a private room for an additional $9. A continental breakfast and sheets, towels and pillows are complimentary. Other amenities include computers, laundry facilities, a self-serve kitchen and storage lockers.
American Hotel Seattle. (206) 999-5088;
www.americanhotelseattle.com.

Hyatt Regency Bellevue Opens Doors to Second Tower Expansion

The Hyatt Regency Bellevue opened the doors to its much anticipated expansion on July 31, 2009. The expansion introduced a second tower with 43,000 square-feet of meeting and event space, as well as 351 new guestrooms. With the opening of the second tower, the hotel houses 733 luxury guestrooms, 60,000 square feet of meeting and event space as well as a 7,000 square-foot workout complex.
(206) 957-8305; www.bellevue.hyatt.com.

Hyatt at Olive 8 Opens in Downtown Seattle

The Hyatt brand has expanded its holdings in downtown Seattle with the opening of a $175- million, 39-story hotel-condominium project located one block north of the existing Grand Hyatt Hotel. Opened January 30, 2009, Hyatt at Olive 8 features 231 condominiums on the upper 22 floors and 346 hotel rooms on the lower 17 floors. The entire building is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certified by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). It is the first mixed-use hotel and residential project to achieve such certification in Seattle. Hyatt at Olive 8 also becomes one of only 20 hotels in the U.S. to be officially designated “green” by the LEED Green Building Rating System. Key elements of the energy-saving and eco-friendly building include low-flow plumbing fixtures, dual-flush toilets, a low-chemical mechanical water
system and landscaping maintenance that uses minimal city water thanks to native plant
species and irrigation systems. On-site amenities available to both condominium owners and hotel guests include the locally-sourced restaurant Urbane, an eco-friendly spa, saltwater pool, housekeeping, drying-cleaning services, valet parking and 24-hour room service, in addition to separate lobbies and elevators for the hotel and condominium components of the building. Hyatt at Olive 8 also contains 11,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space.
(206) 957-8305; www.olive8.hyatt.com.

Four Seasons Returns to Seattle

The Four Seasons brand returned to Seattle on Nov. 3, 2008 with a 21-story hotel and
condominium tower in the heart of downtown, adjacent to Pike Place Market and the Seattle Art Museum. The luxury hotel features 134 guestrooms, 13 suites, a signature water-view restaurant, event and meeting space including an expansive ballroom and an outdoor pool overlooking Elliott Bay. The hotel’s restaurant, ART Restaurant & Lounge, has a “best source” philosophy of using the freshest local ingredients, not only in its main dining room, but also in its in-room dining and catering menus. Overseeing the food and beverage for the hotel is acclaimed Seattle chef and Four Seasons veteran, Executive Chef Kerry Sear. The project was developed by The Seattle Hotel Group LLC, which is comprised of local investors John Oppenheimer, president and CEO of Seattle-based Columbia Hospitality; former Seattle mayor Paul Schell; and entrepreneur Bruce McCaw.
(206) 913-3848; www.fourseasons.com/seattle.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Link Light Rail Reaches Completion from Downtown Seattle to Airport

Sound Transit’s Link light rail line from downtown Seattle to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) reached completion on Dec. 19, 2009. Now travelers are able to traverse the 15.6 miles between downtown Seattle and Sea-Tac seamlessly. Downtown stations are located at Westlake Center, the financial district, Pioneer Square and the International District. The train makes stops in several neighborhoods south of Seattle before reaching the Sea-Tac/Airport Station, an approximately 37 minute trip. The Sea-Tac/Airport Station connects to the airport through the airport parking garage via a pedestrian walkway. The fare for the trip from downtown Seattle is $2.50 for adults, $1.75 for youths 6-18 and free for riders under six when accompanied by a paying adult.
Sound Transit Media Relations, (206) 398-5069;
www.soundtransit.org.

Seattle’s Convention and Visitors Bureau Offers Two Visitor Centers

Seattle’s Convention and Visitors Bureau (SCVB) opened its second visitors’ center at the Market Information Center in June 2009 at the entrance to the Pike Place Market at First Avenue and Pike Street. A collaboration between SCVB and the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority, the center facility serves the needs of Seattle visitors and locals, as well as the Pike Place Market neighborhood. The Market Information Center is open daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Formerly the Citywide Concierge Center location, the Seattle Visitor Center and Concierge Services opened in 2008 and is located in the upper Pike Street lobby of the Washington State Convention Center. Open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the highly visible location allows the center to assist more visitors and convention attendees. The center features large plasma-screen displays of Seattle information and real-time Seattle-Tacoma International Airport flight information.
Seattle’s Convention and Visitors Bureau, (206) 461-5839; www.visitseattle.org.

AIR TRANSPORTATION

Emirates Airlines to Add Flights to Seattle

The Dubai-based airline, Emirates Air will connect Seattle to a new region of the world. Daily, non-stop flights will be offered beginning March 1, 2012 between Sea-Tac International Airport and Dubai International Airport in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Port of Seattle, (206) 787-4923; www.portseattle.org.

Iceland Air to Begin Daily Flights from Seattle to Reykjavik

Iceland Air will offer travelers nonstop flights between Seattle and Reykjavik daily beginning mid-May 2012. Currently, Iceland Air offers flights six times a week and is the only Nordic airline to serve the West Coast. The carrier serves as a gateway to Scandinavian countries, including connections through Reykjavik to Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm, as well as other European destinations. Icelandair is one of six airlines to fly nonstop from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) to a European destination.
Port of Seattle, (206) 787-4923; www.portseattle.org.

Condor Airlines Adds New International Flights from Seattle

On June 23, 2011, Condor Airlines began offering round-trip flights twice weekly between Frankfurt and Seattle. The new flights provide another option for direct travel between Germany and Washington State, complimenting Lufthansa’s service between Frankfurt and Seattle that began in 2008. Condor Airlines is part of the Thomas Cook Group and offers service and connections throughout Europe and the Caribbean.

New Flights from Asia to Seattle Take Flight

Delta Air Lines inaugurated two new nonstop flights to Asia from Seattle during June 2010. Service to Beijing, China began service five times weekly on June 4, 2010 and a new Osaka, Japan route began daily service on June 7, 2010. Each of the new routes uses Boeing 767-300 aircraft.

Delta Air Lines Offers Increased Air Service between Seattle and Europe

Delta Air Lines, in partnership with Air France KLM, began expanded service to Amsterdam on June 1, 2010. Service increased from seven to 10 flights weekly aboard a combination of Airbus A330-300 and Boeing 767-300 aircraft.

Hainan Airlines Chooses Seattle as First United States Destination

Hainan Airlines, China’s largest privately-owned air carrier, began offering nonstop service between Beijing, China and Seattle, four times weekly, on June 9, 2008. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is the first United States destination served by Hainan Airlines. Hainan Airlines inaugurated service with an Airbus A330-200 but has ordered Boeing 787s for future use.
http://global.hnair.com.

Lufthansa Now Offering Direct Flights from Germany

Lufthansa Airlines began daily nonstop service between Frankfurt, Germany and Seattle beginning on March 30, 2008. Lufthansa is the largest carrier of international passengers in the world and Frankfurt Airport is the eighth largest airport in the world. The route is served by a 221-seat Airbus A330-300 aircraft.
www.lufthansa.com.

Air France Sets up Shop at Sea-Tac

Air France inaugurated the first daily, nonstop service between Paris and Seattle in June 2007. The more than 50,000 people who make the journey between Paris and Seattle annually will no longer need to connect through another city.
Air France U.S., (212) 830-4356; www.airfrance.com.

CRUISE

Disney Cruise Line to Enter Seattle Cruise Market in 2012

In April, Disney Cruise Lines announced that Seattle will be its home port for Alaska cruises in 2012. Disney chose Seattle as one of three new ports for its 2012 itineraries, replacing Vancouver, B.C. which has served as Disney’s home port for Alaskan cruises during the two previous cruise seasons. The other new ports are New York City and Galveston, TX. Disney’s 14 Seattle-to-Alaska cruises, starting May 2012, will be aboard its Wonder ship, with stops in Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, Alaska and Victoria, B.C.

Learn to Sketch Seattle’s Surroundings Like a Pro

Learn the skills necessary to sketch Seattle’s sights, while learning the back-story behind some of Seattle’s historical architecture with the new Travel to Sketch architectural sketch and walking tour. The neighborhoods, locations and subjects vary depending on the group’s interests. Tours are offered every Friday with the option of either a three-hour or six-hour class. Supplies are provided, including a sketch book to keep. No sketch experience is required.

For more information, visit www.traveltosketch.com.

See the Seattle Sights Through the Lens of a Camera

Shutter Tours’ new, three-hour walking tour through downtown Seattle is designed for visitors looking to improve their travel photography while learning historic and fun facts about Seattle. Each tour offers lessons in photo composition and is for both the beginning and experienced photography lover. Cameras are not provided but a simple disposable camera will work for the tour. Groups are limited in size to ensure quality interaction and attention from guides.

Emerald City Exploration Package at Hotel 1000 Available Via Seattle Super Saver

Now available for reservations via the Seattle Super Saver Hotel program, Seattle’s Hotel 1000 is offering the Emerald City Exploration Package. The package includes Luxe accommodations, complimentary valet parking and two adult Seattle CityPasses which grant admission into the Space Needle, Seattle Aquarium, Woodland Park Zoo, Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour, Pacific Science Center and either the Museum of Flight or Experience Music Project|Science Fiction Museum. Children’s CityPasses are available for an additional $39 per pass. The package is $329 plus tax and is available through March 31, 2010. For additional package components and to book, visit www.seattlesupersaver.com.

Operated year-round by Seattle’s Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Seattle Super Saver hotel booking program offers dynamic rates from over 60 Seattle area properties, as well as periodic rate specials and packages. The program offers a high level of customer service and a rare package of consumer benefits including no booking or hidden fees, no pre-payments and no cancellation fees up to 24 hours before check-in.

Travelers may book at www.seattlesupersaver.com or by calling toll free within the U.S. and Canada at (800) 535-7071; from outside the U.S. and Canada, the number to call is (206) 461-5882. Phone lines are staffed by knowledgeable reservationists who personally inspect each property and can advise of hotel features and location, as well as make bookings. Reservation lines are open 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Pacific Time), Monday through Friday.

Seattle's Convention and Visitors Bureau
One Convention Place | 701 Pike Street, Suite 800 | Seattle, WA 98101
Tel: 206.461.5800 Fax: 206.461.5855 | Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am - 5:00pm
pr@visitseattle.org

New Humboldt Penguin Exhibit at Woodland Park Zoo

Pacific Science Center Hosts their "Biggest" Exhibit

Seattle Aquarium Re-Opens After Major Renovation

A Boat for Those Without

Seattle Art Museum Unveils Major New Addition

Olympic Sculpture Park Open

Flying Heritage Collection (FHC) One Stop for the Past, Present and Future of Flight

Hotel Murano Celebrates International Glass