Many factors go into deciding where to hold our annual Conference. One of them is the availability of fun and interesting things for you to do when you take a break from the Conference sessions. On that count, our newest Conference location in Seattle—the Westin—is a real winner!
• The Westin Seattle web site •
If you're the type who likes to do some exploring, you'll find a wealth of interesting activities within a short walk or ride from the Conference hotel. The Westin Concierge can provide you with detailed information about just about everything there is to do in the Portland area. They can also help with ticket purchases and dinner reservations. The Concierge is located in the main lobby of the hotel.
The Conference hotel offers a wonderful location for visitors. Located in the city center, the Hilton offers easy access to restaurants, tourist activities, and shopping. The neighborhoods surrounding the city center provide a vibrant arts and cultural scene. A large expanse of parkland is in close proximity to the city center.
• The Seattle Guide •
The city has a great range of transportation including free downtown bus service, passenger ferries to the islands, a streetcar to Lake Union, the monorail to the Space Needle, and plentiful taxis. Seattle is also a very walkable city with safe streets and friendly people.
The conference hotel is perched on the north end of the core downtown area. Many of Seattle's finest stores and restaurants are located between 4th and 7th Streets and Olive and University.
Heading in the direction of the waterfront you'll find Pike Place Market. This historic area features hundreds of small shops and eateries. It also hosts the famous fish and produce markets. This is a good place to get souvenirs and locally made arts and crafts.
The stairs or elevators in the market will take you down to the waterfront. This is a great place for seafood and to watch the ferries and freighters move through Elliot Bay. The harbor tours depart from this area. The public passenger ferry to Bainbridge Island offers excellent views of the city and Puget Sound for about six bucks.
The Seattle landmark Space Needle offers incredible views of Puget Sound and the Olympic and Cascade Mountains. On a clear day you can see as far as the Canadian and Oregon borders. Adjacent to the Needle is the Experience Music Project and Science Fiction Museum.
Interesting NeighborhoodsNorth of Pike Place Market is the Belltown neighborhood. There are many bars and restaurants located along First and Second Avenues. The new Olympic Sculpture Park is here as well.
South from Pike Place Market is Pioneer Square. This is the oldest commercial area in Seattle. The area is made up of historic buildings that are now home to shops and restaurants. In the evening, many of the restaurants feature live bands.
Another popular area for nightlife is Capitol Hill. The restaurants and clubs are mostly found between Pine and Pike and Broadway and 13th.
For an easy, good meal, take advantage of the Coldwater Bar and Grill in the lobby of the Westin. The Westin also offers the 5th Avenue Corner Cafe for snacks and the Lobby Bar for drinks.
Excellent food with a nice atmosphere is just a short walk across Fifth Avenue from the Westin at the Icon Grill. Other great restaurants within two blocks of the hotel include Assagio, Brasa, The Dahlia Lounge, Lola, Oceanairre, Palace Kitchen, and Tango.
Just a short walk from the Westin is the Seattle Art Museum (SAM). The collections include an emphasis on Northwest and Native American art.
The Performing Arts within walking distance of the Westin include the Seattle Opera, the Seattle Symphony, the ACT Theatre, the Fifth Avenue Theater, and Teatro Zinzanni.
Beyond the city center are many interesting activities including visits to the Museum of Flight, the Ballard Locks, the Bloedel Reserve, the Boeing Tour, and a tour of Lake Washington. If you have more time and the weather cooperates, day trips are possible to Victoria in Canada and to Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Park. Skiing often lasts into April in the Cascades. Hiking is almost always possible in the Hoh Rain Forest and beaches of Olympic National Park.
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