Elderhostel WSU Now Offers Scores Of Programs

Sun., Jan. 28, 1996

Graham Vink Travel Editor

Washington State University now has open registration for winter and spring Elderhostel programs, for people 55 and older.

More than 80 programs are offered around the state, on such topics as mythology, jazz, sea animals of Puget Sound, and Northwest geology.

The week-long programs cost from $280 to $390, including accommodations and meals. For schedules and information, contact the Washington Elderhostel at (800) 942-4978.

Short takes: What’s white and red all over:

Snow brings plenty of activities to the Columbia River Gorge. Ski at Oregon’s Mount Hood or go sledding in the Little John Snow Play Area. For an information packet on outdoor activities in the Gorge, call (800) 98-GORGE.

The second annual Celebration of Chocolate and Red Wine is Feb. 17-19 in the Yakima Valley. The 21 participating wineries will be offering chocolate samplings, including homemade desserts, along with tastings of their wines. For more information, call the Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau at (800) 221-0751.

Music weekend: Visit the Icicle Creek Music Center outside Leavenworth for a weekend of fine dining and chamber music. Dates are Feb. 2-4 and May 3-5.

The price is $320 per couple and includes two gourmet dinners, two breakfasts, lodging and concert tickets. For more information, call (509) 548-6347.

Old West: The Old West is still alive in Toppenish, located 18 miles south of Yakima. Several activities are planned for the President’s Day weekend, Feb. 17-19, including $2 tours of the Historic Liberty Theater or tours of the town’s 35 historic murals in a Conestoga wagon for $7.50.

For more information or a detailed schedule of events, call the Toppenish Chamber of Commerce at (509) 865-3262.

Bus ‘n’ boat: Travelers from the Inland Northwest will be touring the Hudson River in New York by boat and by bus from June 8-15.

The tour travels from New York City to Albany, with overnight hotel accommodations along the route. The price is $2,019 per person, based on double occupancy; for information, call Corbin Tours in Spokane at 327-1584.

Travel Alaska: Unlimited travel for the independent traveler is available by purchasing a pass from AlaskaPass. It allows unlimited access to ferries, buses, and trains, including the Alaska Marine Highway, Alaska Railroad, Greyhound Lines of Canada and more.

Passes are valid for durations ranging from eight to 45 days, with prices ranging from $499 to $949. For information, call (800) 248-7598.

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MEMO: Send information about travel opportunities around the Pacific Northwest to: Travel Editor, Features Department, The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210.

Send information about travel opportunities around the Pacific Northwest to: Travel Editor, Features Department, The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210.