Like all NASFAA Conference locations, Seattle and the surrounding area offer a never-ending selection of activities. The Conference program team has put together a full agenda that will have attendees planning how to maximize their work-to-play efficiency ratios. Today's activity guide is written with the time-conscious financial aid professional in mind. Learn about fun local getaways that can let you enjoy the area without missing any of your sessions! (You can view previous articles on sightseeing and other Conference activities by going to the Conference Web site.)
What to Do Around Seattle When You HaveLess Than Two Hours
Downtown Shopping: The streets and avenues surrounding the Conference core are teeming with shopping opportunities large and small. In addition to the myriad of street-level boutiques, popular downtown malls near the Washington Trade and Convention Center include Westlake Center, Pacific Plaza, and Rainier Square.Most downtown shopping is on "flat ground" by Seattle standards.
Pike Place Market: Yes, you can experience the wonders of "The Market" in just two hours, including the 30-minute round-trip walk from our meeting site. Professional shoppers may need more time, but if you are
interested primarily in atmosphere and watching the fish fly, two hours is plenty. The walk is generally flat, but a maze of stairs and ramps await those who choose to explore the many lower levels. Fantastic views of Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains are also available. www.pikeplacemarket.org
Game Works: If you are a "gamer," you will be happy to know that one of fewer than 20 national
locations is within just a few blocks of our activity center. Great for kids and located centrally to our Conference hotels, it's a video arcade on steroids, the largest you've ever seen. They also serve a full range of "pub
style" food and beverages. Age restrictions apply depending on time of day. www.gameworks.com
Two to Four Hours
International District: Located at the Southern ending point of the Metro Transit "Free Ride Zone," the District offers a wide variety of Asian shops, bakeries, and restaurants, anchored by the Uwajimaya Village shopping plaza. Four hours would provide ample time for a casual lunch or dinner. Recommended restaurants include Ocean City (Dim Sum), the Pho Hao Vietnamese soup shop, and the Honey Court (authentic Chinese
cuisine). www.internationaldistrict.org
Bainbridge Island Ferry: After double-checking the schedule head down to the State Ferry Terminal located on the waterfront between The Market and Pioneer Square. The Bainbridge crossing takes about 45
minutes each way.Adding time for unloading and loading on the West side of Puget Sound plus ground transportation from our site will increase the total time.This is an affordable great escape that is well worth the effort.www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries.
Seattle Art Museum: A long walk or short ride will take you to the SAM, located on First Avenue at University Street (approximately 5 blocks gradually downhill from the Pike Market). Identified from the outside by the "Hammering Man" sculpture, inside is you'll find world class permanent and traveling exhibitions. www.seattleartmuseum.org
Four to Six Hours
Museum of Flight: Fans of aviation will not want to leave town without landing here first. Visitors can walk casually through the exhibit hall and marvel at the wide variety of civilian and military craft on display. Kids of all ages can enjoy taking a seat behind the wheel of many of the planes or a peek into an early edition Air Force One. www.museumofflight.org
Museum of Glass: Located in downtown Tacoma, the museum offers an incredible look at the history of glass and includes an amazing collection of glass art works from around the world. Allow 30 to 45 minutes
for the drive. For a true adventure, consider taking the Sounder commuter train, which departs from the King Street Station at the South end of downtown Seattle. Arrival at Tacoma Dome Station would be followed by cab ride to the museum. Open until 5:00 p.m. daily (except for the 3rd Thursday each month), you can find directions and other information by visiting: www.museumofglass.org. For Sounder train schedules and information, visitwww.soundtransit.org/riding/fac/sounder.
Tillicum Village: After arrival by boat ride to Blake Island in Puget Sound, visitors are treated to a truly unique Northwest Native American dinner and dance experience.This is a great family activity and both lunch and dinner trips are available. Prices for 11:30 a.m. departure lunch cruises during Conference week are approximately $65 for adults and $25 for children.Boats depart from the waterfront pier, providing lots of entertainment options for either before or after the journey.www.tillicumvillage.com
A Full Day
Great Drives, Amazing Sites: Washington offers many beautiful "scenic loop" driving routes to
satisfy the inner Road Warrior.The US Hwy 101 loop around the Olympic Peninsula, provides ocean views and access to the Washington coast (the water is extremely cold, always!). The North Cascades Highway route is like a drive through "Switzerland, USA."Heading south from Winthrop, WA along the eastern slope of the Cascades provides access to both Stevens and Snoqualmie highway passes for alternate return routes to Seattle. Day trips to Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helen are also sure to please.
Portland, Oregon: Tax-free shopping is just one reason to head three hours south and across the Columbia River. The Rose City is home to a vibrant and historic downtown, world famous hybrid rose gardens, and
more sky-level highway bridges than you can imagine. Portland is very different from Seattle, and will not disappoint those who take advantage of the opportunity while in the Great Northwest.
Vancouver, British Columbia: Complete your day-trip hat-trick with a three-hour drive north to Vancouver. A full day can be split between shopping the Robson Street Fashion District and a relaxing walk or picnic in beautiful and expansive Stanley Park. Mini train-rides, a petting zoo, carriage rides, the municipal aquarium, and visitor accommodations are available within the park. Important note: traffic to and within Vancouver can be a nightmare during the week due to border crossing and congestion issues. Consider the weekend following the Conference to be the recommended time to go. Try to cross the border early then return after dinner to ensure a relaxed pace to your day.Also consider overnight accommodations to help maximize opportunity for relaxation and enjoyment of Canada's Western jewel. Bring your passport!
A Need for More Information
Regional maps and information on a wide variety of day trips will be easy to find around the Conference center and hotels.
Submitted byMartin Daniels, Citibank, on behalf of the Conference Host Committee.
Posted June 13, 2006 on www.NASFAA.org, the Web Site of the
National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA).
Copyright 2006. Redistribution to non-NASFAA institutions is prohibited
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