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Evening Activities
Fremont: The Center of the Universe
Since the early 1970s some Fremont residents have been referring to their neighborhood as "The Center of the Universe" (this moniker also appears on a large "Welcome" sign that tops a colorful building). The neighborhood's unofficial motto, is "De Libertas Quirkus" ("Freedom to be Peculiar"). At one time a center of counterculture, Fremont has somewhat gentrified in recent years. Nevertheless, the neighborhood still retains its quirky hipness. Fremont remains home to a controversial statue of Lenin salvaged from Slovakia by a local art lover who brought (post 1989) the statue to Fremont with money raised through a mortgage on his house. A few blocks up the road from Lenin is the Fremont Troll, a community-based art project, which lurks under the north end of the Aurora Bridge. Signs throughout Fremont give such helpful advice as "Set your watch ahead five minutes," "Set your watch back five minutes" and "Throw your watch away." A variety of other displays of public art and oddities also await you. Besides the bountiful and odd assortment of visual arts, there are an equally interesting variety of boutiques and local restaurants (including a local fair-trade chocolate factory) in which to spend your time and money. And when you get tired of art and shopping, you can take a leisurely stroll along the water in Canal Park.
Bus transportation to Fremont will depart from the hotel 5:45 pm on Wednesday evening. You will be free to wander and explore on your own. You will meet your bus no later than 10:45 pm at a designated location for the return trip to the hotel. The cost for this social activity is $10, which covers the cost of transportation. All expenses when in Fremont are on your own.
To learn more about the Fremont area, visit: http://www.fremontseattle.com/.
Dinner Cruise on the Emerald Star
See Seattle and its landmarks from a unique perspective - aboard a Waterways Cruises luxurious yacht. During the cruise you will enjoy stunning views of the Seattle skyline and Mt. Rainier. You will also pass by some of the homes of Seattle’s rich and famous (such as Bill Gates), quaint houseboat communities including the "Sleepless in Seattle" houseboat, and many sites of local and historical interest. Your dinner, while you enjoy the scenery, will include pulled pork sandwiches with an onion brioche, cherry smoked grilled chicken, roasted baby red potato salad, poppy seed honey coleslaw, watermelon, and chocolate chip cookies. There will be cash bar for those who fancy something beyond water, iced tea, hot tea, and coffee. The yacht will begin boarding at 6pm at Lake Union Park and set sail at 6:30pm for a three hour tour. Transportation will be provided to and from the dock. The cost per person is $48.