WHAT'S NEW?

HOTELS: RENOVATIONS, EXPANSIONS & NOW OPEN

Historic Arctic Club Hotel is now Doubletree Arctic Club Hotel Seattle - Downtown
The owners of the Arctic Club Hotel have announced that the historic property is now a Doubletree^® Hotel. The Hotel Group will continue to manage the property as it has since the hotel opened in July 2008. The hotel has 120 rooms, and a fitness center. The hotel is located in the historic Arctic Building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places and once housed a fraternal men's club. The building's taste of early 1900s architecture including a foyer and stairwells lined with Alaskan marble, 23 molded walrus heads wrapping the third floor exterior and the Northern Lights Dome Room, featuring Rococo gilt ceiling, ornamental cornices and a stained glass dome, with effects reminiscent of the Northern Lights, will remain untouched. JUNO, the on-property restaurant, is transitioning from upscale to an urban casual dining experience.

Hyatt at Olive 8

photo: Hyatt at Olive 8

The Hyatt brand expanded its holdings in downtown Seattle with the construction of a $175 million, 39-story hotel-condominium project located one block north of the existing Grand Hyatt Hotel. Opened January 2009, Hyatt at Olive 8 features 346 hotel rooms on the lower 17 floors. On-site amenities available to both condominium owners and hotel guests include a spa, pool, maid and dry-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.

Coast Bellevue Hotel
The Bellevue Coast Hotel recently completed a renovation to its 176 townhouse-style guest rooms. Complimentary services include high speed wireless internet, free parking, shuttle service to any location within a five mile radius, fitness center, heated outdoor seasonal pool and on-site restaurant.

Sixth Avenue Inn Under Renovation
Clise Properties Inc., Hotel Division acquired Sixth Avenue Inn in 2008 which is now a downtown, full-service hotel. All public spaces were recently renovated, and a Business Center has been added. The next step will be converting more rooms to double / double configurations. Expected completion June 15, 2009.

Hyatt Regency Bellevue
The Hyatt Regency Bellevue is adding a second 20-story tower to its current inventory of rooms. This addition will include 351 new rooms bringing the total number of rooms to 733. Development scheduled to be complete by July 2009.

Sheraton Bellevue Hotel
Following a $5.7 million renovation in 2008 all 178 guest rooms now offer Sheraton's Sweet Sleeper™ bed, high-speed wired or wireless internet access, and luxurious Sheraton robes. Complimentary shuttle service is available to locations within a five mile radius of the hotel.

Mt. Rainier Lodging
Lodging accommodations opening at Mt. Rainier for the season include Paradise Inn opening May 15th, and Sunrise Lodge opening July 3rd.

HOTELS: COMING SOON

Courtyard by Marriott Downtown
A Courtyard by Marriott is slated to occupy the historic Alaska Building in downtown Seattle at Second Avenue and Columbia Street. The new hotel is slated for completion Spring 2010.

Hyatt Place
Development of a mixed-use Hyatt Place hotel is under construction at Sixth Avenue and Denny Way in the South Lake Union Neighborhood. The hotel/condominium project will have 158 hotel rooms and 56 condominiums. Hyatt Place is slated to open February 2010.

MTM Luxury Lodging to Manage New Property Opening in 2012
MTM Luxury Lodging has announced that it will manage the Bellevue Park Hotel, a new property in Bellevue, WA being developed by Hydra Developments, LLC. The 100-room hotel is expected to open in spring 2012. (MTM also manages Alderbrook Resort & Spa, Cave B Inn at Sagecliffe, Hotel 1000, Sorrento Hotel, Willows Lodge, and Woodmark Hotel, Yacht Club & Spa.)

New Hostel Coming to Seattle
Hostelling International USA has announced that a new Seattle hostel location will open in the International District (I.D.), July 31, 2009. The new hostel is named American Hotel Seattle and currently taking reservations. Their electronic reservation booking system will be available shortly. The hostel’s location is conveniently situated one-block east of Union Station transit hub where travelers can easily access King Street Amtrak Station and the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel + Light Rail. For immediate inquires contact info@americanhotelseattle.com or 206.622.5443.

DINING

Hard Rock Café Coming to Seattle
Hard Rock Café has plans to open its first northwest restaurant one block east of the Pike Place Market. Construction and renovation of the 84 year old Liberty Building began fourth quarter 2008 and is slated to open in 2010. The 450-seat restaurant will feature classic American food and include space for live music, a rooftop deck and signature "Rock Shop" selling themed Hard Rock Café merchandise.

Barrio Restaurant
Barrio Restaurant opened Spring 2009 bringing a combination of modern Mexico twisted with a Northwest Mexican style cuisine to Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood. The atmosphere and energy is reflective of its neighborhood location. Sample the many taco variations including Flank Steak Al Carbón, Spiced Duck Confit, or Yucatan-Style BBQ Prawns. Group dining menus are also available. A second Barrio is expected to appear in the Bellevue Towers on the Eastside, mid-2009.

Seastar Restaurant & Raw Bar Arrives in South Lake Union
Chef John Howie opened his signature seafood culinary concept in Seattle's South Lake Union Neighborhood. Located at 2200 Westlake at the base of the Pan Pacific Seattle Hotel, Seastar Restaurant and Raw Bar features a "city-side" menu including fresh seafood, meats, poultry and pasta dishes. The Raw Bar concept features sushi, sashimi, poke and ceviche.

Canlis Chef Debuts New Tasting Menu
Executive chef, Jason Franey unveils changes to the tasting and à la carte menus to reflect Canlis's "continued focus on superior ingredients and Franey's modern approach to cooking." New items include Blue Hawaiian Prawns, Foie Gras with warm Brioche, and apples and endive. The Peter Canlis Steak Tartare incorporates some new and exciting changes as well.

Dahlia Lounge Now Featuring Brunch!
Dahlia Lounge, signature restaurant of Chef Tom Douglas, is now open for brunch, Saturdays and Sundays, from 9am to 2pm. Visit this award-winning restaurant and indulge yourself in a Teleme cheese scramble, Painted Hills beef short rib hash or other delicious offerings! Private dining available for up to 50 guests. Call 206.682.4142 to book your group today.

SHOPPING

Bellevue Square Renovation
Bellevue Square's current renovation takes on urban flavors with garden inspirations combining the best of an urban setting and natures natural wonders. Visit www.bellevuecollection.com for additional renovation details, updates and completion dates.

Westfield Southcenter
One of the Northwest's largest indoor shopping malls just got better. Westfield Southcenter's expansion includes some exciting new additions to the mall. A 90 foot glass façade and a cafe-style dining terrace allows views of Mt. Rainier. New full-service restaurants opening include Joeys Grill & Lounge, Duke's Chowder House, Racha Thai and Asian Bistro, Blue C Sushi and BJs Restaurant and Brewhouse. There are 75 new retail stores including Forever XXI, Gilly Hicks, Sephora, PINK, Love Culture, Bare Escentuals, Lucky Brand Jeans, White House Black Market and more. Additional amenities include a 16- screen AMC Theaters, Westfield Playtown, state-of-the-art Family Lounge, Valet Parking, a new Concierge Center and updated restrooms. Check out this shopping destination on Seattle's Southside.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Wagner's Ring Cycle
Seattle's Ring Cycle returns! This award winning production will perform at McCaw Hall August 3 - 30, 2009. The four cycle music drama based on works by German music composer Richard Wagner is reproduced by the Seattle Opera every four to six years. Tickets are already on sale and are expected to sell out quickly. Book your group trip to Seattle today! The 2005 cycle saw audience members from 49 states and 19 countries. The dates for the 2009 production are:

Contact: Aubrey Bergauer, Audience Development and Group Sales Manager - Aubrey.Bergauer@seattleopera.org or 206.389.7651.

Jim Henson Featured at EMP|SFM

photo courtesy of EMP

Jim Henson's Fantastic World has arrived at EMP and runs until August 16, 2009. The exhibition features 100 original pieces of artwork by Henson including storyboards and illustrations allowing visitors to take a look into his creative mind. Henson is known for creating Kermit the Frog, Big Bird and other well known and beloved characters. This exhibit was made possible by The Biography Channel and organized by The Jim Henson Legacy and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. Contact Brady Harvey at 206.262.3701 to book your group today.

NOTE: Want a quick overview of some of the key cultural events happening around Seattle? Our Director of Cultural Tourism publishes a monthly e-mail Calendar "Hot Sheet". Contact us if you would like to be added to the e-mail list or visit the Cultural Tourism website to search for events.

ATTRACTIONS

New Humboldt Penguin Exhibit Debuts at Woodland Park Zoo
The Woodland Park Zoo opened a new permanent Humboldt penguin exhibit on May 2, 2009. A colony of 20 endangered Humboldt penguins moved into a 17,000-square-foot exhibit that replicates shoreline cliffs and features viewable nesting burrows and rocky tide pools. Special windows and acrylic walls allow spectators underwater vantage points. The exhibit also features crashing waves and a beach that mimics the desert coast of Punta San Juan, Peru, home of the largest colony of wild Humboldt penguins.

As part of Woodland Park Zoo's commitment to "green" practices, the exhibit has been designed with sustainable technologies using geothermal energy and a filtration system that will save three million gallons of water and 75-million BTUs of energy each year. The exhibit is also designed to contain and recycle all storm-water runoff, preventing the pollution of natural resources such as Puget Sound.

For more information about the new Humboldt penguin exhibit or the Woodland Park Zoo, visit www.zoo.org. For more information on group admissions to the Woodland Park Zoo, call 206.548.2593.

Space Needle Joins Seattle CityPass
CityPass has announced the addition of the Space Needle to its Seattle CityPass attraction book as of April 1, 2009. The Space Needle joins other great Seattle attractions such as the Pacific Science Center, Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour, Seattle Aquarium, Woodland Park Zoo and an option ticket with the choice of visiting Experience Music Project|Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame or the Museum of Flight. The collection of passes is priced 49% less than if each ticket was purchased separately. Adult Seattle CityPasses are $54, retail, while youth passes (ages 4-12) are $39, retail. Visitors already in Seattle can purchase the Seattle CityPass at Seattle's Visitor Center & Concierge Services located in the upper Pike Street lobby of the Washington State Convention & Trade Center, at any of the included attractions or online.

Current and Future Seattle Art Museum (SAM) Exhibits

• SAM Downtown - Michelangelo Public and Private: Drawings for the Sistine Chapel and Other Treasures from the Casa Buonarroti
  October 15, 2009 - April 11, 2010
• SAM Downtown - Alexander Caler: A Balancing Act
  October 15, 2009 - April 11, 2010
• SAM Downtown - Andrew Wyeth: Remembrance
  June 15, 2009 - October 28, 2009

Now Offered at the Pacific Science Center
Below are some unique experiences for student and adult groups.
Contact: Betsy Meacham, Event & Group Sales Manager at 206.443.2899.

• Workshops
  Get hands-on at Pacific Science Center! Your group will take part in a private 1-hour workshop taught by Pacific Science Center educators, all of which includes a take home component. These workshops are not available to the general public and all requests must be submitted at least 2 weeks in advance. Maximum capacity is 30 participants per workshop.
• Pacific Science Center's Scavenger Hunt
  This 30-45 minute trivia challenge will allow participants to put their science knowledge to the test as they discover Pacific Science Center's hands-on exhibits. By the end, you'll learn how much your co-workers weigh on the Sun, who isn't afraid of holding a live insect and much more. Rates begin at $13 per person. Ideal for corporate and high school student groups. Ask about prize packages and adding on an IMAX film or boxed lunch.
• Private Camp-Ins
  Spend the night at Pacific Science Center with your group. A select number of private bookings are available for the upcoming camp-in year. A minimum of 150 people is required and at least 60 days advance notice is required. Please call for pricing and booking details.
• Additional Group Activities
  Perfect for student and adult groups: Tropical Butterfly House, documentary feature IMAX films, private planetarium show, catered box lunch. Fun and educational for student and adult groups: evening laser shows, liquid nitrogen ice cream demonstration.
• Performance Space
  Pacific Science Center is pleased to offer a free performance venue for visiting bands, choirs and orchestras with the purchase of Exhibits + IMAX tickets for all group members. Limited audiovisual equipment is also available at no additional charge.

TOURS

Travel to Sketch Art Tours
Customized architectural sketch and walking tours provide the experience to sketch Seattle's natural and manmade wonders. This three to six hour sketch and walking tour begins at your hotel and journeys through the city allowing you to observe the pulse and culture of Seattle. For ages 12 and up, no sketch experience required. Prices begin at $50 per person for groups, and $100+ per person depending on the length of the tour and size of the group. For more information, contact Melanie Corey-Ferrini at 206.353.1687.

Photography Walking City Tour
Shutter Tours LLC created a sightseeing walking tour tailored to individuals or groups interested in experiencing a visual photography tour while learning about Seattle's history. This walking tour allows provides the ability for travel photographers to work with guides who provide "mini lessons" in composition in helping see and understand Seattle's history and sites without the technical jargon. Available for limited group sizes of eight or less to ensure individualized assistance. Customizable itineraries for groups. Offered daily May through October 4th at 10 AM and 2 PM for a three hour tour. Tours meet at the Pike Place Market Information Booth. For group booking information or questions contact Terry Divyak at 425.516.8838.

Gray Line of Seattle Adds New Tours

• Segway in Seattle
  Seattle has always been known as a green destination, leader in environment-commitment and sustainability. It just got greener with Gray Line of Seattle's new Segway City Tours. The first of its kind in Seattle, this 3-hour self-guided tour departs daily at 9:30 AM May 1 through September 30. Tour pickups from any downtown area hotel. Visit Gray Line of Seattle today to learn more details about this tour.
• Cinema in Seattle City Tour
  Explore the sights and sounds of Seattle's nostalgic moviemaking locations and experience many different highlights through the eyes of a filmmaker. Daily departures of this tour occur at 2 PM from May 1 through September 30. For information or more details about this specific tour visit Gray Line of Seattle.

Twilight in Forks, WA

• New Twilight Community Website Resource
  The Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau, and surrounding communities of Forks, Port Angeles and La Push, launched a website for groups and FITs interested in Twilight tours, maps, places of interest and brochures.
• Kenmore Air Takes You to Twilight
  Stephanie Meyer's bestseller Twilight, set in Forks, WA is a quick seaplane jaunt from Seattle's Boeing Field to Port Angeles on the Olympic Peninsula. Kenmore Air's "Twilight Special" provides roundtrip air service from Seattle's Boeing Field to Port Angeles. Effective May 1st a $129 daytrip fare for any pair of flights from Seattle to Port Angeles and back in a single day. The "Twilight Special" is recommended for travelers planning an overnight stay on the Olympic Peninsula.

Pike Place Market Tours Now Available

Pike Place Market and Heritage Tour
Contact: Michele Peterson at 206.774.5249
Learn to navigate through the crowds and discover tips on this hour-long Pike Place Market Heritage Tour, enjoyed by first time visitors and locals alike. Following an introduction to the mind-boggling maze that is the Market, you'll visit special nooks and crannies you might otherwise miss. Market Heritage Tours blend history and current information, with a dash of quirky anecdotes and practical shopping tips presented by knowledgeable insiders. Dress appropriately for all types of weather and wear comfortable shoes. Tours commence at the Market Information Booth at First Avenue and Pike Street. Tour hours may vary. For up-to-date tour information, please call Michele at 206.774.5249 or visit www.pikeplacemarket.org. Closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. All holidays are subject to change without notice. Special arrangements can be made for groups of six or more people. Please note that advance payment is required for special tours, and reservations should be made one week in advance.

Public Tour Schedule
Market Heritage Tours: Wednesday - Friday 11AM, Saturday 9:30AM
* Weekday tours are offered for groups of the or more.
Cost: $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and children under 18

Savor Seattle Food Tours
Contact: Angela Shen | T 800.838.3006

photo courtesy of Barbie Hull Photography

"Seattle Food Tours is the #1 ranked attraction in Seattle!" They offer award-winning culinary tours that explore the exciting history, culture, food, and top chefs of Seattle. Fun, experienced tour guides never use scripts. Go behind the scenes to meet their intimate friends - Seattle's most talented food artisans. Tantalize your taste buds with Pacific Northwest seafood, artisan hand-made cheese, microbrew beer, gourmet chocolate, fine wine, and much, much more! Private groups welcome. All tours include enough food and drink for a meal, bottled water, seasonal recipes, and a discount card valid for 10-15% off at all food merchants visited on the tours.

Public Tour Schedule

1. 2-hour Pike Place Market: Greatest Hits Tour
   $37.65 + tax Daily departures at 9:30am, 10:00am, 10:30am
   First time to Seattle? Meet the animated characters of Pike Place Market. Experience the "must see" spots you won't want to miss. See fish fly, the cheese making process, and the first Starbucks store!
2. NEW! 2-hour Pike Place Market: Off the Beaten Path Tour
   Wednesday - Sunday at 1:00pm $37.65 + tax
   Go off the beaten path to experience the hidden gems and newest food artisans that have recently come into the Market. Taste adventurous, worldly flavors, learn about African and Swedish food traditions, and explore the labyrinth of 100+ mom-n-pop shops "Down Under" the main level of Pike Place Market.
3. 3-hour Gourmet Seattle Food & Cultural Tour
   Monday - Saturday, departures at 2:00pm and 2:30pm $59.69 + tax
   Consider yourself food adventurous? Explore the gourmet side of Seattle's food scene, with abundant wine and beer pairings. See a gelato maker and microbrewery in action! Meet Seattle's top chefs and hear their stories and secrets of the trade.
4. NEW! 2 ½ hour Coffee Bites & Sights Tour
   Wednesday - Saturday at 1:45pm $63.36 + tax
   It's not the same old grind! Follow Seattle's beloved bean as it journeys from caffeinated brew, into everyday food and beverages. Enjoy a robust blend of Seattle coffee history, tasty coffee-related treats, and a whole latte more! This tour also includes a visit to the Space Needle and a ride on the Seattle Monorail.

Seattle Food Tours
Contact: Michael Rogers, President
T 206.725.4483 | F 206.319.4466

Public Tour Schedule

1. Tour at Pike Place Market
   Seven days a week 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM $39.00 + tax
   The Pike Place tour visits some of Pike Place Market's most noted food purveyors featuring signature Northwest style foods and authentic flavors from around the world. Each guided tour is designed to inform and entertain, combining the rich cultural history of the market, colorful stories of the producers and plenty of tasty food samples. Join this tour for an insider's perspective of this food mecca and discover for yourself what makes Pike Place Market truly the heart and soul of Seattle.
2. NEW! Belltown Restaurant Tour
   Tuesday - Saturday 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM $45.00 + Tax
   Seattle's Belltown neighborhood is home to many of the city's top chefs, trendy boutiques and entertainment venues. On this delicious tour of Belltown you will taste offerings from six great restaurants, a bakery and wine bar. In addition to the tasty samples, you get insightful stories of the neighborhood, restaurants and the people that bring vitality to Seattle's entertainment district. This one of a kind experience includes five James Beard award winners or nominees, dessert from Seattle's premier bakery and a glass of Washington State boutique wine.

Seattle Coffee Tour
Learn why Seattle is so caffeinated on the Seattle By Foot Coffee Crawl. Experience the history, facts and culture of coffee that exists in Seattle by exploring some of the world's most famous coffee roasters. Tours run Thursday through Monday beginning at 10 AM, rain or shine, and last about two hours. Tours meet at Seattle's Best Coffee shop in Post Alley in the heart of the Pike Place Market. Reservations are not required and the maximum number of tour participants is 15.

Argosy Cruises - Tillicum Village
Tillicum Village, now part of the Argosy family, provides guest with a four-hour Northwest Coast Native American Culture experience on Puget Sound's Blake Island. The adventure begins with a 30-minute cruise from Seattle's Waterfront onboard an Argosy's Goodtime II to Blake Island. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with an appetizer of clams and nectar before entering the longhouse for a traditional Salmon Bake dinner. As dinner concludes, Tillicum Village dancers bring to life a Northwest Coast Indians performance.

Whale Watching
Whale watching in the Pacific Northwest is a popular side trip while visiting Seattle! There are no whale watching tours that depart directly from the downtown Waterfront, however whale watching excursions north of Seattle are plentiful.

• Mystic Sea Charters
  5 - 6 hour tours depart from Anacortes marina
  Tour Schedule: 10:30 AM May 18 - October 4 (daily)
  Group rate of 10+, $49.00 per person + tax. Call for details.
• San Juan Safaris
  3 - 3½-hour tours depart from Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
  Tour Schedule:
  • 1:00 PM April 4 and 11 and 18 (Saturday Only)
  • 1:00 PM April 25 - October 3 (Daily)
  • 5:30 PM June 13 - August 22 (Daily)
  • Sunset Tour Daily
  • 1:00 PM October 10 and 17 and 24 (Saturday Only)
• Orcas Island Eclipse Charters and Whale Watch Tours, Inc.
  Tours depart from Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands. Passengers traveling from the mainland will need board the 1:30 PM Washington State Ferry from Anacortes to Orcas Island, arriving at Orcas Island at 12:05 PM, transfer on the same pier to the Orcas Express boat for a 1:20 PM whale watching departure. Passengers return to the mainland (Anacortes) via Washington State Ferry to at 6:10 PM.
• Western Prince Whale and Wildlife Tours
  2.5 - 4-hour tours depart from Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
  
  • Western Prince II Boat Tour Schedule:
    • 3/28 - 6/14 - Daily departures at 12:00 PM
    • 6/15 - 9/26 - Monday - Thursday 2:00 PM
      Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 10:00 AM & 2:00 PM
    • 9/27 - 10/31 - Daily departures at 12:00 PM
  • Western Explorer Boat Tour Schedule:
    • 6/1 - 6/14 - Daily Departures at 12:00 PM
    • 6/15 - 9/26 - Daily Departures at 11:00 AM & 3:00 PM
    • 9/27 - 10/31 - Daily Departures at 12:00 PM
• Prince of Whales Whale Watching
  3-hour tours depart from Victoria, B.C.
  
  • Zodiac Adventure Tours Schedule:
    • Departures every 30-minutes beginning at 8:30 AM in the summer
    • Early spring and late fall every hour, depending on demand
  • Ocean Magic Cruiser Tours Schedule:
    • Departures at 9:00 AM, 12:15 PM & 3:30 PM, April through October
• Victoria Clipper
  3-hour tours depart from Victoria, B.C.
  May 1 - September 30

Washington State Wineries Surpass 600!
The Washington Wine Commission designates two new American Viticultural Areas (AVA) bringing the total number of AVA's to 11. The 600th winery was also licensed in March where leading varietals produced include Syrah, Merlot, Malbec, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.

CONTINUING EXPERIENTIAL ADD-ONS

Urban Cooking

photo courtesy of Diane's Market Kitchen

Looking for unique ideas or add-ons for groups visiting Seattle? Check out the wide variety of cooking and entertaining classes available at Diane's Market Kitchen, located a few blocks south of the Pike Place Market. Twelve person maximum per group.

EverGreen Escapes Offers New Seattle Voluntourism Experience
EverGreen Escapes, a Seattle outdoor adventure company, recently began offering a half-day voluntourism tour that can be arranged and customized for private groups. The tour affords Seattle visitors the opportunity to take part in habitat restoration in Seattle nature parks. Volunteers meet with restoration stewards and assist in habitat improvement. Depending on the season, volunteers will remove invasive plants that choke out important native species, plant native plants or conduct beach clean-ups to remove trash that is harmful to wildlife. Hotel or cruise terminal pick-up, refreshments and afternoon tea are included in the tour. To find out more about this tour and others offered by EverGreen Escapes, visit www.evergreenescapes.com. For more information about customizing the tour for a group, contact Jake Haupert at (866) 203-7603. Click here for additional voluntourism ideas in Seattle.

Glass Art
Enjoy and view the process of handcrafted glass art at Seattle's Glass Eye Studio. See the process up close of glass production and creation at the studio and talk with designers. Access to the hot shop viewing area and gallery is available to participants of registered tours. For more information call 206.782.6548.

Paramount Theatre
Offers free tours the first Saturday of every month at 10:00 AM, ages 7 years and up, and student group tours upon request. 206.467.5510

At The Herbfarm

photo: The Herbfarm

"24 Hours at The Herbfarm" program includes: guests harvesting herbs and vegetables for their dinner meal, having a workman's lunch, a nine course dinner, and staying overnight at the Willows Lodge, with access to the spa. The Herbfarm has a 5-StarEnviroStar rating for responsible business practices. Designed for 2 to 4 people, arrangements can also be made for 20-30 people. May-September. 425.485.5300

"Art of the Martini"
Learn the "Art of the Martini" at Oliver's Lounge located off of the lobby of the historic Mayflower Park Hotel in downtown Seattle. As the winner of the 'Best Classic Martini' award in Seattle's Martini Challenge Event, Oliver's Lounge has tried and true tips to shake up (or stir) the best martini around. Class size is 20 to 40 students at $45 per person. Classes are also offered for tastings of premium Northwest wines paired with Chef Wayne's tapas. Limited to hotel guests only. For reservations contact Leslie Womack at 206.382.6991.

Ray's Boathouse Chef's Dinner
Enjoy an intimate wine dinner prepared specifically for you by Chef Peter Birk. Begin "behind the scenes" in the kitchen where the chef will demonstrate an exclusive recipe while you sip champagne. Then, retire to Ray's beautiful boathouse dining room for a feast of signature seafood paired with premier Northwest wines. Contact lorimagaro@rays.com for group information.

The 5th Avenue Theatre

Hairspray at the 5th Avenue Theatre

Discover the secrets of live theatre-backstage! Available to groups: 'Backstage Tour,' 'Post-Show Conversation with Cast & Crew,' 'Broadway Dancing 101,' 'Acting 101,' 'Stagecraft,' 'Brown Bag Lunch,' 'Pre-Show Reception with Producing Artistic Director David Armstrong,' 'Breakfast or Lunch with Producing Artistic Director David Armstrong,' or 'Live Performance, Hosted by Producing Artistic Director David Armstrong.' The 5th Avenue Theatre will do its best to accommodate your group experience. Please be advised group experiences are based upon availability per show and dates.

For more information please contact Joey Chapman at 206.625.1418 x214.

AT SEA-TAC AIRPORT

Icelandair Inaugurates Reykjavik-Seattle Service
On July 22nd, Icelandair will inaugurate nonstop Seattle-Reykjavik service four times a week. This new service addition will provide even more convenient connections to Europe. Icelandair is the only Nordic carrier serving the U.S. West Coast. Flights will depart Seattle at 4:30 PM PST and arrive in Reykjavik at 6:45 AM, local time. Flights will depart Reykjavik at 6:00 PM PST and arrive in Seattle at 5:45 PM PST.

Alaska Airlines To Inaugurate Daily Nonstops Between Seattle-Austin in August
Two daily flights servicing Seattle and Minneapolis began on October 26, 2008.

Alaska Airlines Begins Seattle-Houston in September
Daily nonstop flights between Seattle and Houston will begin September 23, 2009. Planned Seattle departure 7:45 AM PST and arrival in Houston at 2:05 PM, CST. Planned Houston departure 4:30 PM CST and arrival in Seattle at 7:05 PM, PST.

Alaska Airlines Adding New Seattle-Minneapolis Service
Beginning August 3rd, Alaska Airlines will begin nonstop flights between Seattle to Austin, Texas. Flights will depart Seattle at 9:45 AM PST and arrive in Austin at 3:40 PM CST. Flights departing Austin will leave at 4:40 PM CST and arrive in Seattle at 6:45 PM PST.

Nonstop Service from Beijing to Seattle
Seattle is Hainan Airlines' first U.S. gateway from mainland China and provides nonstop service between Seattle and Beijing four-times per week. www.hnair.com

Click here for additional shop & dine info at Sea-Tac.

SEATTLE ON THE MOVE

As Seattle continues to grow and offer more art, culture, and activities for locals and visitors alike, we would like you to keep the following changes in mind as you continue to plan exciting Seattle travel experiences.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Inaugurates New Runway

photo by Don Wilson, Port of Seattle

The new, third runway at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) opened on November 20, 2008. The runway reduces flight delays and allows the airport to remain on time when the runways are covered in low clouds or fog. The new runway allows landings on two runways at the same time in all but the worst weather, increasing the airport's efficiency and decreasing passenger delays.

Sound Transit Commuter Rail
Consider Sound Transit's commuter rail as a convenient transportation option between Seattle and Tacoma. Operating Monday through Friday, there are four morning trips leaving Tacoma traveling northbound to Seattle and four morning trips leaving Everett traveling southbound to Seattle. In the afternoon, there are four trips departing Seattle heading south to Tacoma and four trips departing Seattle heading north to Everett. There is one reverse commute trip on the Sounder south line, departing Seattle for Tacoma at 6:10 AM and departing Tacoma (for Seattle) at 4:45 PM. For complete schedules and additional information visit www.soundtransit.org.

Sound Transit Light Rail is Here!
Construction on the 15.6-mile Sound Transit Light Rail route between downtown Seattle and Sea-Tac International Airport is almost complete. The first phase, which includes service between downtown Seattle and Tukwila station, is scheduled to open July 18, 2009. Beginning July 20, 2009 service will run from 5 AM - 1 AM Monday through Saturday, and 6 AM to midnight on Sundays. The maximum adult fare is the same as a bus ride, $2.50. The remaining extension to the airport is scheduled to begin service December 2009.

Beginning May 30th, changes to the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel include new hours. The tunnel will remain open nights and weekends. All bus routes now using the tunnel will continue doing so. Evening routes that currently revert to the street at 7 PM, when the tunnel closes, will remain in the tunnel during the new night and weekend hours. Airport trips: in February 2010, Metro Route 194, from the downtown Seattle to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, will be eliminated. Riders are expected to switch to light rail trains, which will run to the airport beginning December 2009.