Tours Northwest Weekly

Our New Urban Wine and Chocolate Tour

2011-03-15T10:36:00.000-07:00

2011-03-08T09:10:00.000-08:00

March Marketing (and Sales) Memo

2011-03-08T08:15:00.000-08:00

To: Telephone Staff and Guides

We have begun having a Marketing and Sales meeting every two weeks. The participants are Nicole, Dan, Rick and Steve. While the four of us are busy selling charters, contacting Community groups, keeping concierge happy, and interacting with the Convention Centers we adhere to two main principles:

EVERYONE employed at Tours Northwest is a Marketer. Every action on the job (and many off the job) reflect on the company and have the potential to convince people to take our tours in the future.
EVERYONE employed at Tours Northwest is a Sales Person. You have many opportunities to convince people to make a reservation for an additional tour.

♦ ♦ ♦

The Telephone staff are Marketers first. They often provide the very first impression someone has of our company. Speaking clearly, being friendly and informative, and answering every question is key to convincing people to consider our tours.

The Telephone staff are Sales People also. Not only do we want them to make the sale in the first instance (taking a reservation for a tour the guest called about), we want them to nudge the people onto our other tours. Often a person calls with a very narrow view of what we do. It is the Telephone staff’s responsibility to ask and inform. Just like the checkout person at the grocery store: “Did you find everything you need?” Ask “Have you visited our web site and/or Facebook page?”

Our Guides are both Marketers and Sales People, also. Every action they take on the tour can be thought of as Marketing: condition of coach, driving, greetings, content of tour, and conscientiousness of service.

And Guides should cross-merchandize as much as possible. Describe our other tours, mention them when there is a tie-in to what you are looking at on the tour you are running. Offer to call the office to book for your guests when they show an interest. Share with them what others tours YOU conduct.

♦ ♦ ♦

All this comes full circle after the tour, back to Marketing. Make our guests our Marketing Partners! Encourage people to visit our web page, our Facebook page, Tripadvisor.com and Yelp.com. It is very fun to post pictures and say a few words about their experiences.

March 8, 2011

Steve Powell

Get a Grip!!!!!

2011-02-18T16:48:00.000-08:00

Safety Videos

2011-02-17T08:36:00.000-08:00

T or F? The Clutch should always be checked on a vehicle with an automatic transmission.

Its that time of the year again! ALL of our drivers are expected to review the 7 Safety Videos that are available on the Guide Room Computer. Here are the Guidelines:

Safety Videos should be viewed primarily between spot time and leaving for a tour. First get your coach ready!
Second, communicate with Dispatch to know how much time you have.
Third, be flexible if a call comes in for earlier departure.
Drivers can view ONE (1) video after they return on the clock; more if they want to do it off the clock.
This room should be quiet, and the door closed, when there is someone watching a video. If you come enter to get a bag, please respect the concentration of the driver who is viewing.

Obviously, there is some information that does not apply to us. Its not that burdensome to simply answer those questions as well (don't skip, or your Certificate will show you have a lower percentage).

And some of the questions are rather picky and tricky and inapplicable. Thus, we are allowing ONE incorrect answer (approx. 96%). If you get two wrong, please redo that section.

Treat this seriously, and get it done asap. It is a great review and we, as a company, pride ourselves on our Safety Record.

Finally, if you have any suggestions for change in our routines, please talk to Liz. We'll consider any idea, and provide you with a reason why we do it the way we do.

BTW, the correct answer to the question above is FALSE. Duh!

Testing, 1,2,3 Testing. Is anyone watching?

2011-02-14T16:15:00.000-08:00

State of the Union Appearance

2011-02-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

Sarah Sucher, Mike's daughter, is a page in Congress these days. That is her smiling face peeking through to greet the President after his State of the Union address. Go Sarah, Go!

2011-01-27T09:45:00.001-08:00

Lunchbox Laboratory comes to SLU

2011-01-27T09:44:00.000-08:00

removed

Fun at the Troll

2011-01-27T09:34:00.000-08:00

Smelling the Witch Hazel

2011-01-27T08:03:00.001-08:00

Arizona Dreaming

2011-01-20T11:44:00.000-08:00

While we sit here in Seattle complaining about the wet, cold weather SOME of our employees take corrective meansures.

Here's Robb and Bryan in Arizona. Robb lives there in the off season, Bryan visited him, while biking from Neah Bay to the Florida Keys. Follow Bryan on his blog!

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day ... and Happy Birthday, Ben

2011-01-17T06:34:00.000-08:00

Today is Benjamin Franklin's birthday (1706). I think some of his sayings are apt for our work (or not, depending on your imagination). Nothing ventured, nothing gained. (Chaucer, btw, not Franklin). Do you have other, better Franklin examples? Send them my way!

And I wonder what Martin Luther King, Jr. thought of Ben's sayings? Good food for thought, and THINKING/PONDERING/CONTEMPLATING seems to be a very good approach to today's holiday.

Little strokes fell great oaks.

Befriend the curmugeon on your tour with smiles and conversation. Find out their specific interests and point out those spots around the city.

MLK: This seems to sum up his approach to civil rights very well.

Plough deep while sluggards sleep.

Nicole may not be a farmgirl from Nebraska, but this saying fits her consistent, thorough marketing efforts throughout the year.

MLK: Again, apt.

Early to bed and early to rise, Makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.

All hail the Mt. Rainer guides in the summer, the BT-school bus drivers on winter weekdays and those who open up the doors and set up for the day.

MLK: This speaks to his hard work and tenacity.

Read more about Ben Franklin at The Writer's Almanac

My Oh My Tribute to Dave Niehaus

2011-01-12T16:20:00.001-08:00

Discover Seattle

2011-01-12T14:32:00.000-08:00

A conversation with some insiders about hidden gems in Seattle, including Angela Shen of Savor Seattle Food Tours.

The Play of the Century?

2011-01-08T17:20:00.001-08:00

New York Times Locker article

2011-01-03T11:59:00.001-08:00

Know your history! This is what the rest of the country reads about Seattle:

"Before the Seahawks or the Mariners or the Sounders soccer team, before Microsoft or Boeing, before the Klondike gold rush or even statehood, there was the University of Washington, founded as the Territorial University of Washington 150 years ago next fall with a single professor and 30 students."

It's a Wrap!

2010-12-15T16:12:00.000-08:00

Liz, Diann, and Nicole helped out with the Concierge gift wrap program on the ground floor of Pacific Place. They helped raise more than $1000 for the Forgotten Children's Fund. Great job (despite the fact that you weren't wearing yellow!)

Where were you on Sat, Dec. 11?

2010-12-12T10:15:00.000-08:00

Tips re Tips ...and some food facts

2010-12-07T07:31:00.000-08:00

Money in The Food Industry

In the Holiday Spirit?

2010-12-03T07:35:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a fun holiday activity, consider going to the Voices Northwest Holiday concert. It is in Everett, but why not make an adventure out of it. Everett has some great restaurants (be like Mark McCormick and start going to EVERY SINGLE ANTHONYS restaurant on the face of the earth; or 3/4 of the way there, stop in at Silver Lake and try the newly rebuilt Emorys); or come into my 'hood, Mill Creek and walk through the Towne Center and grab a bite on the way there.

Voices Northwest were a wonderful and fun support for us in October during our Sweet Week. Let's return a little of the LOVE and go give them a listen.

Today's the Day ... actually, MONDAY is THE day.

2010-12-02T08:12:00.000-08:00

Kim is going to LA today to tape for the Ellen show to be shown on Monday at 3 PM. Mark your calenders!

What's on our horizon? (And what was?)

2010-11-22T08:31:00.000-08:00

More Party pictures

2010-11-14T12:12:00.000-08:00

Get your Grape On

2010-11-13T08:12:00.000-08:00

http://www.mefeedia.com/video/11866387

Our 2010 Mt. Rainier Guides

2010-11-10T20:15:00.001-08:00

From the front office:

2010-11-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

We just received a phone call from a Mr. Young that was on Rick’s Boeing tour on Thursday, November 4th. He was very complimentary, and couldn’t say enough nice things about Rick and the quality of the tour he received.

He said he has traveled quite extensively, and this is one of the best he’s been on.

Yet another satisfied guest!

2010-10-31T15:39:00.003-07:00

From: Eloise Larsen
Sent: Sunday, October 24, 2010 2:34 AM
To: info@toursnorthwest.com
Subject: my experience with NorthWest

Hi there, I went on a tour to Mt Rainier in August when I was in Seattle on
business. The Mt Rainier trip really was the highlight of my visit. Thanks
for your great service. Tom, our cheery guide, was full of interesting facts
and enthusiasm for the mountain & surrounds. Please pass on my appreciation
to him.
Cheers
ELoise

Eloise Larsen PhD | Environmental Microbiologist | Institute for Sustainable
Resources | Biogeosciences Discipline |

Queensland University of Technology | Gardens Point | R334, 2 George St,
Brisbane QLD 4000|

Can you spot him?

2010-10-31T07:56:00.000-07:00

Tours Northwest version of Where's Waldo: Discover Duane!

Thank you

2010-10-31T07:29:00.000-07:00

Thank you for the e-card and the flowers sent for my mother's funeral. She died on the 18th of October after 97 years of living a full life. She had 5 children, 19 grandchildren and 41 great grandchildren and they all were there for the service. We have had 3 amazing days of family celebration.

Steve

Wine Tour

2010-10-23T11:06:00.000-07:00

During Sweet Week we ran two wines tours. The morning one went our to Woodinville with stops at St. Michelle, Columbia, and Brian Carter. Our afternoon tour, went to Fremont, north Lower Queen Anne and Ballard.

The "CRUSH" is going on right now, and we are developing a relationship which gets our guests in for a first hand look.

Smith Tower, a new look

2010-10-23T11:02:00.000-07:00

Click here to see a great article in the New York Times about the inside of the pyramid on Smith Tower. Are you conveying all the facts about who lives there? Now you can. Thanks, Ann Peavey, head of Seattle Visitor's Center concierge desk for the heads up.

Stockholm City Voices

2010-10-20T09:14:00.000-07:00

This is one of two Swedish choruses visiting Seattle. They performed on Sunday night and will be competing this week against large choruses of up to 120 voices. Go Sweden!

Last Company Standing!

2010-10-18T20:35:00.000-07:00

Diann snapped this picture of No. 13 in the Paradise parking lot. We are, of course, the last company to take tours into the National Park. We go through Nov. 1st, and trust that our coach will be full of singing Sweet Adelines throughout this week.

Singing at St. Michelle Winery

2010-10-18T17:13:00.001-07:00

Sweet Week Poses

2010-10-18T13:33:00.000-07:00

Some sang at Kerry Park, some posed. ALL had fun. Here are some Sweet Adelines from Rick's tour.

Geoducks is a Dirty Job

2010-10-18T07:51:00.000-07:00

This is a clip from Dirty Jobs when Mike visited Taylor Shellfish in Shelton a few years ago. When we go to Taylor on Chuckanut Drive on our Sea to Sky tour, there are great displays talking about oysters, clams and, yes, geoduck.

A Discount for a Song

2010-10-17T15:14:00.000-07:00

Tours Northwest answers phones for KUOW Pledge Drive

2010-10-14T05:47:00.000-07:00

On Oct. 13th eight of us answered phones at the KUOW offices for their pledge drive. While some wore yellow to show off our company colors, others realized this was a RADIO pledge drive and the yellow would not be too apparent to those calling in, or listening.

Liz, Steve and Dan sat with Bryan, Duane and several long time volunteers who taught us the ins and outs of Pledge Drive phone effectiveness.

Joy, Tom and Dustin held down the other end of the room. It was a fun and rewarding experience, and we'll do this again in the spring.

We even had street cred in the U District! Ok, well, TWO of us did.

Sweet Adelines Press Release

2010-10-10T14:31:00.000-07:00

Tulsa, OK (Top40 Charts/ Sweet Adelines International) - Seattle awaits Sweet Adelines International as nearly 7,000 a cappella vocalists from around the world prepare for the 2010 International Convention and Competition. Attendees will converge during the week of Oct. 19-23, 2010 at the Key Arena where from dawn to dusk each day will be jam-packed with the best in barbershop singing.

More than 70 quartets and 43 choruses are perking up their barbershop chords and will heat up the stage for five days of flavorful and rich competitions.

The convention commences on Tuesday, Oct. 19, at 6:00 p.m., with Sweet Adelines International's Harmony Classic Contest, featuring the top small and mid-sized choruses, all competing for the international gold. The vibrant Young Women in Harmony Festival chorus will also take the stage that evening to entertain the audience with a lively performance.

The close-harmony international quartet semifinal competitions will open on Wednesday, Oct. 20, at 10:45 a.m. The top 10 quartets return for the finals on Friday, Oct. 22, beginning at noon. The 2010 International Champion Quartet, Zing!, will relinquish their crowns to one winning quartet.

The chorus semifinal competitions open on Thursday, Oct. 21 at 10:45 a.m. and only the 10 best choruses will reach the finals on Saturday, Oct. 23, beginning at 3:00 p.m. The 2010 International Champion Chorus, Rich-Tone, will hand over the title to the 2011 champion.

On Friday morning, thousands of singers will assemble at the Key Arena Plaza for a spectacular Mass Sing performance in honor of the city of Seattle. In addition to the singing, a secret is brewing that has the potential to reach international recognition as soon as it is unveiled at the Mass Sing. Members of the community and media are invited to join Sweet Adelines International members, friends, family and fans for this unprecedented event. Mass Sing begins at 11:15 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 22 at the Key Arena Plaza. This is a free event open to the general public.

The final day of competition features the youngest singers of Sweet Adelines International who are eager to let their voices soar in the 2010 Rising Star Quartet Contest scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 23 at 9 a.m. This annual barbershop contest offers an avenue for members aged 25 years and younger to present their talents by competing among 20 Rising Star quartets who are harmonizing the world from Arizona, Maryland, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, Canada and New Zealand. The 2010 Rising Star Quartet Champion VOGUE, will relinquish its title to one winning quartet.

All competition sessions are open to the public. Tickets may be purchased at the Sweet Adelines International ticket office at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center beginning Tuesday, Oct. 19, at 9:00 a.m. Individual tickets range in price from $40-$45 per competition session. For more information on the Sweet Adelines International Convention, call 800.992.7464, 918.622.1444 or visit http://www.sweetadelineintl.org/seattle.cfm.

Sweet Adelines International is a musical force in the United States and around the world. The organization is headquartered in Tulsa, Okla., where it was founded in 1945. This nonprofit music education organization is one of the world's largest singing organizations for women encompassing nearly 25,000 members, 1,200 registered quartets and 600 choruses in most of the fifty United States, Australia, Canada, England, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Scotland, Sweden, The Netherlands and Wales.

Shock(s) and Awe

2010-10-08T09:06:00.000-07:00

The No. 10 has been a favorite coach in the past due to its spaciousness, but in recent months it has gotten to be a bit "stiff" and "bumpy".

We are in awe of Dustin's abilities around the shop, and he is again performing his magic by putting in new suspension for this coach. Soon, the No. 10 will go from worst to best!

Fall Color at Mt. Rainier

2010-10-08T00:54:00.000-07:00

Encourage all those in city/Boeing guests to go up to Mt. Rainier with us and see the fall colors. Ask our guides: it is spectacular this year. Click here for more info.

Singing at Kerry Park

2010-10-07T18:25:00.001-07:00

Voices Northwest meets ... Seattle!

2010-10-03T17:44:00.000-07:00

Voices Northwest and Tours Northwest Harmonize!

2010-10-03T05:36:00.000-07:00

Today, Kim Ludvikson and Steve Powell will be taking Voices Northwest, a Sweet Adeline chorus from Everett, on a unique tour of Seattle: they will be part of the show! At Waterfall Garden Park, Fisherman's Memorial, the downtown Library, Theo Chocolate (a quartet) and maybe the top of Kite Hill Voices Northwest will offer up a song and remind everyone within ear shot that the Sweet Adelines International Convention is only two weeks away. We'll try to mesh with the 10 AM tours so our other guests will get an even more entertaining tour today.

During that convention, we'll be offering a discount if anyone, or everyone, will sing at a public place of the guide's choosing.

Take a look at this picture. Think Kim and Steve will be having any fun today?

KUDOS to Tom Naabe

2010-10-02T10:22:00.000-07:00

Tom recieved rave reviews several times in the past week. From the Carneys came this note on Sept. 30:

On Tuesday September 28th, we took your Mt. Rainier tour with your guide, Tom.

We can not praise him enough for the outstanding job he did taking care of us throughout the day and his expertise as a tour guide. We had a wonderful, fun day 0 mostly due to Tom. We even were lucky enough to see Mt. Rainier at least 3 different times during the day.

Tom, also gave us a great recommendation to a restaurant when we returned to the city.

Great job Tom! Great tour, Tours Northwest.

We will not hesitate to recommend your company to others.

Another day, Tom had a Boeing tour in the afternoon. At one point he had four guests, but three cancelled and he was asked to take one guest up on the tour. He did so without any protest.

Before he left, a competitor's bus broke down and the driver was befuddled about what to do about the situation. Tom called our office to discuss the situation; we contacted the other company to offer our help. Tom loaded 23 people up on his coach and brought them back to Seattle.

The interesting part of this story is that the following day one of the rescued guests called to compliment the "tour" Tom gave on the way back. This guest fully appreciated not only the extra effort we offered to our competitor, but the incredibly interesting and entertaining tour given by Tom to make everyone feel good about their trip despite the mechanical problems delaying their return. Tom dropped them off - as he would with any of our own guests - at several spots downtown.

That effort makes our company look great, and those 23 people will spread the word to friends as well as the concierge of their hotel.

Great work, Tom!

MOHAI Minute on Smith Tower

2010-09-30T15:45:00.001-07:00

Press Release

2010-09-30T10:55:00.000-07:00

VOICES NORTHWEST MEETS TOURS NORTHWEST
Sweet Adelines Convention Warm Up to Harmonize at Seattle Sights

In this day and age of Glee-mania and flash mobs, an Everett Sweet Adelines chorus and a Seattle tour company are hitting the streets of Seattle on Sunday, October 3rd as a warm-up to the Sweet Adelines International Convention from October 19th-23rd.

This musical-tour mashup will tour the City for three hours and simply break out in song when the mood strikes.

During the convention in October, every tour offered by Tours Northwest will be discounted if anyone, or hopefully everyone, on the bus sings a song at a public place selected by the tour guide. Pioneer Square, the Fremont Troll, Kerry Park and the Ballard Locks are likely venues. Keep your ears alert!

Tours Northwest is calling the convention week “Sweet Week”. Every city tour will stop at Theo’s Chocolate; every City tour is subject to the Discount for a Song theme. All tours are open to the public, but you may simply serendipitously bump into the melodious visitors throughout Seattle.

Voices Northwest is an Everett-based Sweet Adelines chorus and will not be competing during convention week because they are part of the Convention Center/Key Arena volunteer organization. They will, however, have an opportunity this Sunday that the later tour groups won’t: they can sing at every stop on the city tour.

During Sweet Week, Tours Northwest will be offering their popular Seattle City tour, Boeing Assembly Plant tour, and Mt. Rainier tour. The international singers will also have the benefit of several custom tours to see more of the Northwest.

The Sea to Sky tour will go north and visit La Conner, the bakeries of Edison, Taylor Oyster Farms, Mt Erie and Deception Pass.

The Tacoma tour will visit the City of Destiny and go not only to the Glass Museum, but will sightsee further: Old Town, Stadium High School, the gorgeous homes of the north-end, Point Defiance and the double suspension bridge (with video of Galloping Gertie).

One Winery tour will head east to Woodinville and the Eastside; another will visit Seattle wine tasting rooms and a few of the burgeoning number of breweries in the area.

Watch for this glee-filled collaboration this Sunday. In October, join in the fun, nail the scenic high notes and extend your Northwest range.

The Northwest of the Northwest

2010-09-28T09:39:00.000-07:00

Have you been to any of the three bakeries in Edison, WA? Shopped at Rhody Too in Bow. Slurped your lunch at Taylor Oyster Farms? Gotten dizzy looking over the bridge at Deception Pass or off the peak of Mt. Erie? Wandered in La Conner?

Get ready for our Sea to Sky tour, offered during SWEET WEEK.

Mid-October bump: Sweet Adelines Convention

2010-09-27T04:06:00.000-07:00

While our tours reduce after October 10, we expect a HUGE week of Oct. 19th. The Sweet Adelines International Convention will be in town with possibly 10,000 attendees. THIS IS OUR DEMOGRAPHIC (compare and contrast with ComiCom). Be prepared. I'll be modifying the blog calendar just for this event! There will be LOTS of tours available.

The Nose on our Face

2010-09-25T07:08:00.000-07:00

Do you point out and gush about Toulouse Petit as you drive by, on the corner of Mercer and Queen Anne? We go by it on every tour; it sits there as obvious as the nose on our face, but many of us fail to point it out. Have you been there yet? Guide Lance Miller has sent over 25 people there, and raves about the food. It has a stellar reputation, and a very, Very, VERY large creative menu!

Its brunches are especially notable, and reasonably priced: they have a brunch Happy Hour!

On Monday night it will make an appearance on the Food Network's The Best Thing I Ever Ate.

Visit soon so you can tell your guests all about it!

Huskers in Town!

2010-09-13T17:08:00.000-07:00

Remember the LSU visit last September? We had record numbers on our tours. Expect the same at the end of this week, and on Sunday because the Nebraska Cornhuskers (and many fans) are visiting to play the Huskies. Look at the schedule and sign up for tours on Thu, Fri and Sun. if you aren't already on. (Sat. isn't expected to be huge due to the early afternoon game.)

FYI, we are actually taking out an ad in the Omaha newspaper Tues. and Weds.

Remind us to get the Locker jersey(s) out there. Volunteer, suggest, grab it and show it off. The concierge are responding very positively (might the last victory have something to do with this?) Have fun with it. Be courteous and kind with Nebraska fans, BUT remind them who has the home field advantage! Take great pride in being a Husky fan, and an "ambassador" for the Pacific Northwest.

Kim wins Locker jersey

2010-08-30T07:09:00.001-07:00

Liz decided that Kim earned the Locker jersey for her efforts on Sat., Aug. 29th. She fired up on short notice for a double on a very busy day. In a word, she demonstrated unflappability.

Did you know it was Locker for Heisman Awareness Week? Follow the campaign on Facebook!

And now for something totally different: a recipe

2010-08-29T10:16:00.000-07:00

If you like tomatoes (and have lots of them in your garden); and if you like runny yoke poached eggs click on the above and put together this Tomato and Crouton gratin ... with poached egg on top! This is from food blog SmittenKitchen which I discovered in the Flipboard app on my iPad. It was my first attempt at using the iPad in the kitchen, and it worked well (despite the fact that I'm not the neatest cook in the world.)

Tweetup!

2010-08-23T10:04:00.000-07:00

We go to many networking events throughout the year. Here is a picture from a recent one called a Meet the Maven Tweetup. It occurred on the roof of the Hard Rock Cafe and was hosted by our friend Ann Peavey from the Convention and Visitor's Bureau who is known as Seattlemaven on Twitter.

Great Review re Bryan on Mt. Rainier Tour

2010-08-23T09:29:00.000-07:00

We love seeing Reviews about our tours on Yelp or Travelocity.com, but often we simply get a nice email or snail mail note about our guides.

Here's one:

I was in Seattle on vacation July 19th and had booked a tour with your company. My tour was to Mt. Rainier with Bryan. I am a retired school teacher and have traveled a lot in my life. Bryan was the best and most interesting tour guide I have ever had. He was very [well] versed on the area and made it such a great trip. He just had a good sense of how to handle the group and keep everyone on track. I appreciated it so. His expertise, professionalism, and personal skills were incredible. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed my tour.

I am writing this to let you know what an asset Bryan is to your company. He could very well train other tour guides to adapt some of his personal, professional skills, and enthusiasm for his job.

Thank him and praise him for his genuine and informative job that he is doing for your company. Great job by Bryan. Well done!!!

Sincerely,

Nancy Maxwell

PS I'm the Texan that was willing to get out of my comfort zone and have some berry ice cream, instead of chocolate. That was a big stretch for me. Thanks, so much Bryan, for making my tour so great! Appreciate you so. You were awesome.

And here's a picture; Bryan is on the left next to Mark and Rick.

Our Two Top Mt. Rainier Guides ... go hawaiian!

2010-08-11T15:01:00.000-07:00

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

You may THINK it is boring around here. Consider the Madness ....

2010-08-11T14:29:00.001-07:00

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Who is who?

2010-08-10T10:32:00.000-07:00

Jake Locker poses with John Jesse's daughter.

Liz' sister Vicki visits the office.

2. Barry Barr - Locker jersey recipient 7/31/10

2010-07-31T06:00:00.000-07:00

Barry Barr for his flexibility. Barry is one of several guides to always have season tickets for the Huskies football games and he will wear the Jake Locker jersey proudly. (He passed out Jake Locker handouts after we announced this program.) Barry does what needs to be done despite what he is scheduled for. Set for a City tour, he fluidly switches gears and dons his Boeing tour hat if the numbers require a second coach. Come in early, come in later, Barry provides a willing attitude and experience of many years (9+) as a Seattle Tours/Tours Northwest guide.

Jake Locker is known for his flexibility. Run, pass or all of the above. Tours Northwest took many visiting LSU fans on tours last year, and on the Sunday they expressed their awe and appreciation of the multiple skills of our magnificent quarterback.

Washington Wine Country

2010-07-30T17:11:00.000-07:00

Are you ready to guide a wine tour soon?

The Tours Northwest Locker jersey program

2010-07-30T09:28:00.000-07:00

Like Erastus Brainerd 103 years ago, we are promoters for all things Seattle and the Northwest! We crow about independent small coffee shops along with Starbucks; we point out Fran's and Theo as well as the hidden gem of Rosie's Chocolates in the Market. We love the new and small (Bad Monkey Bistro) as well as the experienced and fabled (Tom Douglas). We are hot on the leading edge of what is happening in South Lake Union (aka Allentown?) where Amazon is about to bring 10,000 employees/customers to the businesses in the area (the new Pearl District?).

And we will be touting the amazing story of Jake Locker, the UW Quarterback, as it unfolds this year. Jake is an underdog's underdog for the Heisman trophy. We will allude to him whenever we can on our tours to those people from across the country so they too will recognize his name, and pay attention to his exploits.

Each day a guide will be awarded the Locker jersey - No. 10 - to wear during his or her tours. It will be awarded for qualities that Jake undoubtedly has in spades as a Pac 10 quarterback and local boy made good: teamwork, flexibility, calmness under pressure, etc. WWJD?

Above is a picture of our Guide Gathering (at Bad Monkey Bistro) on July 29th. Dan Malmanger, the owner of Tours Northwest, is donning the purple jersey for this picture, but starting today there will be a new wearer each day. Stay tuned!

1. Bryan Dutt - Locker jersey recipient 7/30/10

2010-07-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

Bryan Dutt for his teamwork. Two weeks ago after running a long, full Boeing tour in the AM Bryan stepped up to help his fellow Mt. Rainier guide who had mechanical problems ... at Box Canyon, the furthest point away from the shop. He drove around the Mountain to rescue the guests who greeted him, and thanked him later, with applause. Bryan himself runs two to three Mt. Rainier tours for us each week.

Jake Locker is the consumate team player. Consider his decision to play another year with the University of Washington despite the probability that he would have gone very high in the NFL draft.

April 15, 1916 Boeing was incorporated (as Pacific Aero-Products Co.)

2010-07-16T10:05:00.000-07:00

What words do YOU use to describe our other tours?

2010-07-14T16:47:00.001-07:00

Silver Falls, taken by Tom Naabe.

2010-07-14T14:48:00.000-07:00

We cheer you on in your off hours as well!

2010-07-10T13:22:00.000-07:00

Here's a great shot today (Sat., 1:30 PM) from Loren Young at Lake Quinault. Nice to have this week of gorgeous weather, huh?

Sunny Weather? Umbrellas?? The reason:

2010-07-04T07:14:00.000-07:00

Bryan captures a guest using our umbrella under a waterfall on the Stevens Canyon road at Mt. Rainier National park. Remember: even when its raining in Seattle, we go ALL THE WAY AROUND THE MOUNTAIN WHICH MAKES ITS OWN WEATHER. It can be sunny on the south east side of the park!

Hey! All they want to do is eat your brains

2010-06-29T14:21:00.000-07:00

Rock n Roll Marathon, Gay Pride parade, Solstice Parade ... bring it on, Seattle!

This Saturday, July 3rd look out for the Fremont Zombie Walk. Last year, 3000 hobbled through it. Click here for a peek.

School Bus Drivers Back in the Saddle

2010-06-28T12:37:00.000-07:00

Heidi B. and Kevin R. picking up their afternoon tour pickup sheets.

Three Amigos

2010-06-28T12:19:00.000-07:00

Bryan, Mark and Rick were our three Mt. Rainier guides on Sunday, June 27th. They report that the snow is melting away (hiking trails are opening up), and wildflowers are a'bloomin'.

Happy Birthday to ...

2010-06-26T20:03:00.001-07:00

Richard Lees today. To him and to everyone who say the years are going by faster, watch this! One year in 40 seconds.

One year in 40 seconds from Eirik Solheim on Vimeo.

Another Snappy MOHAI Moment: Carnegie Libraries in Seattle

2010-06-26T06:16:00.001-07:00

Thank you notes

2010-06-25T11:26:00.001-07:00

If you get a Thank you note from a guest that doesn't come through the office, send it my way so we can post in here (and crow about it on Facebook and Twitter).

Here's a recent one for Rick L. after a Mt. Rainier tour. Note that he demonstrated the "exceptional customer service" we are known for by returning with a pair of gloves that were left on the coach.

May 31, 2010

Dear Rick,

Please accept my belatedly expressed but sincere gratitude for the extra trouble you took to return my gloves. My husband Aaron and I were on your May 19^th tour to Mt. Rainier. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour --- especially with all the extra information that you shared. We loved snowshoeing. That tour stands out as a highlight of our trip.

I got the gloves at the Philadelphia Half Marathon which I ran in November, so they hold a lot of sentimental value for me. Thanks to you I got them back and I was glad to have them to wear in Alaska.

Our cruise went well. We saw more mountains and glaciers. But we’ll always remember Mt. Rainier and all that we learned from you.

Thanks so much, Rick, and continued happy tour guiding to you!

Sincerely,
Alice Hurwitz

PS: I’m wearing my Mt. Rainier pin --- thank you!

(Rick explains: "A couple from Pennsylvania took our tour to Mt. Rainier on a wet day before they were to take in an Alaska cruise. Everybody seemed to have a good time. Near the end of the tour, I arbitrarily "award" one or two of our guests with a Mt. Rainier hat pin, which sort of serves as a merit badge for someone that seems to have particularly enjoyed the trip. As it turns out, I gave one pin to the lady from Pennsylvania."

Mercedes Benz R350: Take Notes and Try It!

2010-06-22T10:35:00.001-07:00

Soccer Update

2010-06-22T10:06:00.000-07:00

I know we have soccer fans within our midst so I will make a valiant effort to keep up with the breaking news from South Africa. This (click here) seemed rather noteworthy.

This excerpt serves as a metaphor for our older, I mean, more experienced drivers to aspire to:

It took just one second for the sprightly and trim 69 year old leader to open the scoring with his trademark overhead bicycle kick – the move he invented himself in 1944 when he was just 3 years old. It was quite simply the greatest goal the world had ever seen, especially as the shot was struck whilst clearing the ball off his own goal-line – the shot travelling over 100 metres and still rising as it went through the back of Brazilians net. The ball is yet to be found and is believed to have left Earth’s Orbit.

This excerpt from the article captures the standard we'd like appearing in reviews on Tripadvisor.com or Yelp.com about your tours!

Matches (ie. Tours) ... have had to be postponed as the applause of the capacity crowd cannot be stopped, the applause are not expected to die down for at least another 6 weeks.

Box Canyon at Mt. Rainier National Park

2010-06-18T07:56:00.001-07:00

Peek inside the 787

2010-06-18T07:23:00.000-07:00

People are moving to Seattle!!

2010-06-17T14:32:00.000-07:00

Click on this Forbes article about where people are moving FROM and where they are moving to.

Mercedes Private Tours have started!

2010-06-16T15:35:00.000-07:00

That's it! We should call it the Supreme Legacy Tour.

Have you indicated what day of the week you will be available to run Mercedes Private tours? We've filled the rest of June with veteran guides, but when you do your signups you'll be asked what EXTRA day (beyond your normal tours) you can be available to drive the Mercedes. This is early in the program, and we are not sure what the demand is.

Liz ran the first real one this week. The ladies from the Fairmont wanted little in the way of a tour. They asked to be left at the Pike Place Market for 20 min. so they could buy a salmon; and later they went to Filson's in South Seattle (on 4th) to do more shopping. Two hours. Full rate. Satisfied customers!

A future UW student and family enjoy our City Tour

2010-06-14T06:05:00.000-07:00

Enforcing the Rules

2010-06-11T10:05:00.000-07:00

We didn't want to do this. We have simple rules that should be easy to follow. But we aren't lax and will enforce the rules with whatever it takes. Therefore:

We have a number of areas that need improvement.

Always leave your coach in impeccable shape!

Complete Accounting Sheets Conscientiously (ie. fully and neatly). Complete DVIR forms before you go, and after you come back.

Are we clear?

10 Things We Love About Tacoma

2010-06-11T06:31:00.000-07:00

The romantic teen flick "10 Things I Hate About You" has some great scenes in Tacoma (and Seattle), especially this ending scene with Stadium High School, with snappy tune. The first part explains the title of the movie, the second part will have you up out of your chair dancing. Imagine the second half of this on our video monitors at the end of the tour. Can you say "raucous sign-along"?

This 1999 movie stars Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles. It is a modern remake of the classic Shakespeare play "The Taming of the Shrew."

Tacoma News Tribune article

2010-06-10T10:24:00.000-07:00

Here's a well-written article about Mark's Sunday's tour of Tacoma from a reporter from the News Tribune who went along for the ride.

And some pictures taken by our supportive friend, Andrea Mensink, from the Tacoma Visitor's Center:

The building of a Tacoma Tour

2010-06-09T09:40:00.000-07:00

Last week, on Thursday and Sunday, Robb and Mark presented a "fam" (familiarization) tour of Tacoma to a variety of interested people in our neighboring city. They did not have the best weather, but it was well received, and we received very good feedback from people who are both familiar with Tacoma, and people who would be referring us business.

The routing now begins the tour in Old Town, past gorgeous homes and Stadium High School with its unique, historic and breath-taking sports bowl. We loop back into downtown theatre distict (Rialto and Pantages), and the museum district where the guests get to walk across the bridge of glass. Then the tour heads to Point Defiance Park, specifically Owen Beach. Finally, Mark showed a video of Galluping Gertie while heading to and eventually over the Tacoma Narrows bridge.

For the time being, we are marketing this as a group tour option, with a minimum of 10 people.

Read more at Exit133.com, a blog about Tacoma.

Mercedes Private Tours

2010-06-03T07:43:00.000-07:00

We are starting to market our Private Mercedes Benz tours to downtown hotels. Grab a brochure in the office and get familiar with the possibilities and the pricing. We hope to eventually run four of these tours every day. I will be asking people to sign up for at least one day every two weeks to be primarily responsible for running these tours.

Locking the Gate at the end of the Night

2010-06-03T07:31:00.000-07:00

Kim demonstrates the wrong way and the correct way to lock the gate at the end of the night. BE ON THE OUTSIDE, NOT INSIDE when you click that padlock, especially if you are a new guide and do not have a key to the padlock! It looks jail, and it will feel like jail if you lock yourself in. Liz and I open the gate at 5:45 AM.

The REAL Northwest?

2010-06-02T12:47:00.000-07:00

Cliff Maas. Trophy Cupcakes. Hotel Max.

What makes the Northwest, the Northwest? Find the real Seattle!

Check out the Seattle Weekly online awards for many, many more examples of life here in the upper left hand corner.

Expand your world if you live here. Learn about us, if you are visiting. Experience Seattle: Every day is beautiful.

And let us help you in your quest:

ToursNorthwest.com

Seattle Tours

Mt. Rainier Tours

Boeing Assembly Plant tour and Future of Flight Exhibit Center.

Mt. Rainier tour Review

2010-06-02T11:54:00.000-07:00

See a video of the tour here, at Mt. Rainier Tours.

And don't miss our 3 Hr. City tour either. See a video at Seattle Tours.

Things to Point Out during Pickups

2010-06-02T11:31:00.000-07:00

When you are going to the Warwick or the Westin (down 4th) for a pick up, do you point out the Dahlia Bakery? Do you tell your guests that Tom Douglas is our most famous restaurateur with his 2008 Bon Appetit award and 2009-2010 James Beard nominations? Have you, yourself, stopped into the Dahlia Bakery for a breaktime goodie? (Dan and I have been known to eat an entire Olive Loaf during a MR shuttle shift.)

Here is a recent TDRBakery twitter stream. (hint hint: follow them and TomDouglasCo on Twitter.) Read it and salivate! AND be sure to point it out to some of our 30,000 tour guests!

Coming soon: a survey about the MUST-HAVE sandwich in town! Stella's Meatball? Bakeman's Turkey? Paseo's Pork? A Dahlia's Shrimp? Stay tuned, and get ready (ie. visit these places early and often so you can be an intelligent voter.)

2010-06-01T11:47:00.000-07:00

Inspiring and Informative TV piece

2010-05-23T16:00:00.000-07:00

A fun Evening magazine piece on the Pike Place Market featuring a Savor Seattle Tour guide, Eric Musehl.

Yelp Reviews

2010-05-22T20:17:00.000-07:00

Yelp.com is one of the online review sites that people can be referred to. Tours Northwest is registered with Yelp, and you (and they) can see other reviews. Here's a recent one from someone who went on our Seattle City Tour on May 8th.

Mt. Rainier Guests Gush

2010-05-22T06:39:00.000-07:00

Make sure you cross-merchandise all of our tours. Kevin Roe did a great job selling both Boeing Tour and Mt. Rainier Tour to a guest staying in a Tukwila hotel. People are looking for things to do. Encourage people to visit our web site (with its great videos) or our facebook page.

This couple was on Mark M.'s Mt. Rainier tour earlier this week. Want to try capturing a review with the Flip Video? You can be trained in a matter of minutes!

Fun option for your guests on M Day

2010-05-20T08:04:00.000-07:00

If you have guests on Friday, Sat. and Sunday who are looking for something to do on Memorial Day, consider recommending Argosy Festivities on Blake Island for Memorial Day a 475-acre state park, and home to Tillicum Village Long House. The 45-minute boat ride over will be narrated. As soon as they arrive lunch will be served and the buffet will remain open until 1:30 pm. Spend the rest of the afternoon wandering the island, keeping an eye out for wildlife, or exploring the Long House which will remain open. Boat will leave Blake around 3:30 in the afternoon and return to the Seattle waterfront at 4:30pm (Please note: The traditional TIllicum Village show will not be available).

BBQ MENU: Tossed Salad with vinaigrette, wood fired salmon served with signature juniper berry seasoning and lemon butter, oven roasted red potato salad, Texas-style chili, chilled melon wedges, grilled hamburgers with all the fixings, old fashion apple pie. Coffee and Tea. (beer and wine available for an additional cost).

For our snowboarding members

2010-05-19T13:08:00.000-07:00

We have at least three snowboarders on-board (so to speak): Dan, Mark D. and Tom. Here's something for them.

This video is (and they are) awesome.

Peter and Ben? Are you paying attention?

Culture. Free!

2010-05-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

Tell your guests about the FREE Symphony performance at City Hall (a two-fer ... they NEED to see that building!) on Friday, at noon.

Excellent Boeing Facebook Page

2010-05-19T09:44:00.000-07:00

Facebook allows you to follow entities as well as people. When they put something on their page, it appears on your wall. Here's Boeing Company.

The Most Important Woman in Seattle History?

2010-05-19T02:22:00.001-07:00

It has been said that some historians believe the 1993 movie Sleepless in Seattle put Seattle on the map around the world more than any other "event" in its history. It surely showcases the area well (despite its geographic hijinks). I had five women from Outer Mongolia a few years ago who had watched this movie 20 times each!

Well, if so, Nora Ephron, it could be argued, is the most important woman in Seattle history. I like calling her the Erastus Brainerd of the modern era (take our tour if you don't understand this joke.)

According to the Writer's Almanac, today is her birthday.The Writer's Almanac, written by Garrison Keillor, is a wonderful way of having new and interesting tidbits to share with your guests each day. Subscribe today!

Here is my favorite Sleepless in Seattle parody:

Fantastic Customer Reviews for our Boeing Tour!

2010-05-18T17:05:00.000-07:00

Chris was on Daniel's Boeing Tour this morning and gush about how good the tour and guide were. I, of course, pulled out my Flip Video on the shuttle back to the south end and saved it for posterity. She and another guest were dropped off at the Museum of Flight, and you should keep this in mind for those flight enthusiasts who can't get enough.

To drop off at the Flight Museum pull into the entry driveway at the south end of the complex and go to the back side of the museum. Go around the parking lot counter clockwise and pull up to the curb just a few feet away from the entry way. Inform the guests that a No. 124 bus runs regularly out front to Seattle, or across the street, to Sea Tac.

Here's another review from the same trip. This gentleman was a commercial pilot from Taiwan.