For Immediate Release
June 26, 2003
  

Maximize your 2003 AALL Annual Meeting experience by taking an excursion of Seattle. AALL offers several tours and extended trips in and around the Seattle area during the Annual Meeting. If you haven't signed up for one of the many exciting excursions, ACT NOW -- the deadline is July 1.

Many of the tours will explore Seattle’s historic treasures and scenic beauty. The Sample Seattle: A Deluxe City Tour provides an overview of Seattle’s many attractions, including the Hiram Chittenden Locks and Magnolia Bluff. The Historic Pioneer Square and Seattle Underground Tour guides visitors around historic Pioneer Square via a deluxe motorcoach. With the Pike Place Market Walking Tour, local experts will explain the historical significance of this farmer’s market and where to find local artwork and handcrafted items. Participants will even get to taste test some local regional fare at the various shops in the market. The Tillicum Village Salmon Dinner Cruise immerses visitors into the authentic and traditional Native American culture at Tillicum Village on Blake Island Marine State Park. Visitors will learn about Indian art, ceremonies and potlatches as they feast on a buffet featuring steams clams and alder-smoked salmon. Native American performers will also portray their ancient folklore through a series of costumed dances.

The tours are not just relegated to the city of Seattle. The “Best of the Best” Washington Wine Tasting Tour allows visitors to take in the premier wineries of the Pacific Northwest as they travel to the small town of Woodinville, just north of Seattle. Visitors will get to tour wine cellars and taste selected wines.

For those who want to venture outside Washington, AALL has coordinated two extended trips. The Victoria, British Columbia Day Trip will transport passengers to one of Canada’s most languid and charming cities via a 2-1/2-hour voyage on the Victoria Clipper jet catamaran. Visitors will have the chance to stroll through Victoria’s flower-filled streets and grand old buildings, visit local sites like the Butchart Gardens, ride double-decker buses or enjoy high tea at the Empress Hotel (reservations required).

If attendees still can’t get enough of the Pacific Northwest when the Annual Meeting concludes, they have the option of extending their stay by booking passage on an Alaskan cruise. The Inside Passage Classic Alaska 7 Night Cruise will take passengers around the majestic scenery and rugged landscape unique to Alaska.

For more information about these and other Seattle tours, including prices, please go to http://www.regweb.com/info.cfm?cmVnd2ViSUQ9NjQwMA==. The Tours Desk at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center will also have additional information when Annual Meeting attendees arrive in Seattle.