Post-Conference Tours

We will be going to Leavenworth, WA for Day 1 of NATPA 2024's post-conference tour. 

Leavenworth is a Bavarian-styled village in the Cascade Mountains, featuring Alpine-style buildings with restaurants serving German beer and food. The village is a beautiful gateway to nearby ski areas, wineries, and natural sceneries.

Transportation will be provided in the morning from the conference hotel (Courtyard by Marriott Seattle Bellevue/Downtown) to Leavenworth, which is about a 2-hour ride. 

There are multiple attractions in Leavenworth that we recommend you check out:

• Front Street Park: Right in Leavenworth's business district, you'll immediately recognize it as soon as you spot the city's iconic gazebo and the Maibaum (Maypole). In the spring and summer, the park comes alive with colorful flowers and lush foliage. 

• Waterfront Park: Riverside park with a tranquil vibe offering walking & biking trails. Waterfront Park is a habitat for ospreys and eagles.

• German restaurants: some options include München Haus, Ludwig's German Restaurant, and The Bären Haus Restaurant.

• Icicle Brewing Company: Right in, this local brewery features a tasting room with food options. 

• The Nutcracker Museum: An one-of-a-kind museum displaying more than 9000 nutcrackers crafted in over 50 countries, some dating back centuries.

In the afternoon, transportation will be provided from Leavenworth back to the conference hotel (Courtyard by Marriott Seattle Bellevue/Downtown).

We will be going to downtown Seattle for Day 2 of NATPA 2024's post-conference tour. Transportation will be provided in the morning from the conference hotel (Courtyard by Marriott Seattle Bellevue/Downtown) to Space Needle, which is about a 25-minute ride. 

Once dropped off at the Space Needle, there are multiple famous attractions within walking distance that we recommend you check out. Many of them (marked with *) are covered in Seattle's city pass ($127 for adults):

• Space Needle*: Seattle’s iconic observation tower.

• Chihuly Garden and Glass*: World famous museum and art sculpture garden showcasing the studio glass of Dale Chihuly. 

• Museum of Pop Culture*: A nonprofit museum that features in-depth exhibitions and hands-on experiences that bring pop culture to life

• Seattle Children's Museum: For families with children 10 & under, this museum is conveniently located right by the Space Needle. For older youth (and adults!), the Pacific Science Center* is also right next door.

Please visit Seattle's City Pass to understand more about the pass and attractions that are covered, you will have to purchase your own city pass.

A short bus/monorail ride away, there are also many other Seattle-famous attractions to check out:

• Pike Place Market: Seattle’s original and iconic farmers market. Within walking distance are landmarks such as the Original Starbucks (1912 Pike Place) and the Gum Wall. 

• Waterfront Park: Seattle's central waterfront is being transformed into a vibrant public park with lush gardens, open spaces, and elevated views of Elliott Bay. Within the park are The Seattle Great Wheel, Seattle Aquarium*, and multiple cruise companies* that offer guided tours. 

• Olympic Sculpture Park: A nine-acre sculpture park featuring monumental artworks. 

In the evening, transportation will be provided from the Space Needle to the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and back to the conference hotel (Courtyard by Marriott Seattle Bellevue/Downtown).