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Short Takes

Museums & Attractions
  • The city of Tacoma, Wash.’s Tacoma Rail Mountain Division signed a 10-month pilot agreement with the Spirit of Washington Dinner Train to save the train from derailment. The train’s original route along the shores of Lake Washington ended July 31 due to the expansion of Interstate 405. The train will begin its trial three-and-a-half-hour route in Tacoma from the beginning of August through May 31, 2008. The route starts south of the Freighthouse Square Station Platform downtown and stops at Lake Kapowsin in Eatonville before heading back to Tacoma. Groups can use the train’s seven dining cars to accommodate up to 370 people. For more information, call 425.227.7245 or visit www.spiritofwashingtondinnertrain.com.

Programs & Packages
  • Sofitel San Francisco Bay in Redwood City is offering meeting planners a 30-gigabyte iPod for new group contracts that are signed and actualized by Sept. 9. A minimum of $15,000 in group guest room or catering revenue must be booked to qualify for the iPod. The hotel, which has 15 meeting rooms with 17,000 square feet of meeting space, is also offering hot deals as follows: from Aug. 1 through 31, room rates start at $129; from Sept. 1 through 8, room rates start at $139; from Dec. 14 through 21, room rates start at $129. For more information, call 650.598.9000 or visit www.sofitel.com.

  • Saddle Creek Resort, in California’s Sierra Nevada Foothills, introduced its 2007 Corporate Retreat Packages, showcasing the resort’s bungalows and golf course. Group and event planners can choose from optional activities such as golf, horseback riding or a wine and cheese cruise on nearby Lake Tulloch (offered through Oct. 1). Also included during the stay are a Yosemite Break and a private dinner in the resort’s Lakeside Room. Rates from $399 to $459 are per person for two nights and three days, double occupancy in a two-bedroom bungalow from Monday through Thursday. Optional Friday night stays are available. For more information, call 209.785.7400 or visit www.saddlecreek.com.