I have been updating the first post with new info as it comes up so check back there every once in a while!

There are three airports in the area: San Jose, Oakland, and SFO.

The Bay Area Rapid Transit system (BART) is our light rail/subway system.

BART links SFO directly to the downtown area where we will be staying. Fare is about $8. A Taxi will cost you about $30-40.

Oakland and San Jose you will have to take a cab and that will run you $60-$100. Alternatively, if the times work out I may be able to pick some of you up from Oakland (less likely for me to able to pick you up from SJ).

The vast majority of flights come into SFO. You'll be lucky to find a good flight into Oakland or San Jose- that being said, if the fare savings are great enough over SFO, accounting for the taxi cost, then go for it.

Depending on the time of day, travel times from airports to downtown SF are:

SFO- 20 min
OAK- 20-40 min
SJ- 60-90 min+

Yes, SFO is an old and overcrowded airport, but I still recommend it.

So, one more thing to add about Oakland Airport, on their website here, they tell you that you still have an option to use the BART. There is a shuttle that goes to and from the airport to the Coliseum stadium. At the Coliseum, you can hop on the Bart. The shuttle runs from 5am to midnight M-F or 8am to midnight on Sundays.

$3 for shuttle
$3.80 for Bart (from the Coliseum to Montgomery in downtown SF)

I am an Oakland airport fan. :) And yes, I am arguing with my boyfriend. I know.

I'm gonna need access to a scooter or something due to my legs/feet. Know of any good/cheap rentals? I know there are various forms of transit, trolly etc but I don't want to slow everyone up.

Flight booked. Also arriving Wednesday (mid afternoon), leaving Monday (early afternoon).

My plan is to book our hotel room when you have that info posted and figure out flight details when we actually know where we'd be flying from...

Moving this summer is going to suck, but as I don't know where we're going, or when we're going there... its sort of hard to book a flight.

I'm holding off on any plane tickets for now, I decided to take advantage of my situation at work and take 4 weeks off, two if which I have now spent in the hospital.

So finances/time may be an issue, SFO isn't that far of a drive, maybe I'll bring a guest with me (who probably will never get back into WoW) and she and I can find a cheap room or something for a couple nights.

Flight booked, landing at SFO at 3:23pm on the 3rd, leaving 8:07pm on the 8th.

I'm holding off on any plane tickets for now, I decided to take advantage of my situation at work and take 4 weeks off, two if which I have now spent in the hospital.

So finances/time may be an issue, SFO isn't that far of a drive, maybe I'll bring a guest with me (who probably will never get back into WoW) and she and I can find a cheap room or something for a couple nights.

:(

Flight booked, landing at SFO at 3:23pm on the 3rd, leaving 8:07pm on the 8th.

:)

This concludes my ongoing emoticon review of this thread.

I laughed, I cried....

FYI- a cab from OAK to the hotel will be about $30.

I'm flying from OAK today for the first time ( I had always traveled through SFO) and I have to say that OAK is much less of a hassle. Too bad their prices usually arent competitive.

So, a few things.

My departure time hasn't been updated on the first post. Leaving at 9:30 p.m. on Monday outta SFO. Also, Bren has me down for the hotel as having reserved it, which is inaccurate. I was kinda waiting for a roomie or possibly a suitemate before doing so (promise I don't bite harder than I can heal). Should I go ahead and book solo and work that out later?

What's the deal with Monday? Lotsa people are staying til then, but there's no tentative plans. Casual hang out day? If you still want more suggestions for possible activities, I was just talking to my girlfriend about that area and I remembered always wanting to go to the Winchester Mystery House when I was younger. I promised I wouldn't go without her, but seeing as how googlemaps puts it about 45 min from the hotel, I thought I'd mention it for anyone else who might be interested.

Fox and I are leaving on a 3pm flight so I figure we won't have much time... maybe just brunch together or something. Those that are staying later can definitely plan something though! Been waiting for more confirmations before we went ahead and planned out everything in detail.

Booked flights.
Arriving SFO, Wednesday, 3:03 pm.
Depart SFO, Monday 12:25 am. Yup, leaving for airport by 10:00 pm Sunday night.

Wine Country - Yes. Not really a wine drinker but should be fun and nice scenery.
Supperclub - No. They will see the color of my neck and not let me in. Plus see above departure.
Everything in between - YES

I'd also like to point out that we a few more of the VS Family in the Bay Area that may join us for some of these events - Raeb and Schmoo and Stranger and Beam will likely make it out to one or more of these shindigs. I'll send out some notes (or if they see this post) to get details on what they'd like to attend.

I'm definitely in for the wine tour. And I hope that the other Bay Area VSers join us for as much as they can. Oh, and FUCK YOU Stranger

Hey guys... we're going to start finalizing plans for VS Fest in the next couple of weeks so if you're thinking of coming and haven't booked yet, please let us know that you *may* be coming so we can plan appropriately.

Hey guys... we're going to start finalizing plans for VS Fest in the next couple of weeks so if you're thinking of coming and haven't booked yet, please let us know that you *may* be coming so we can plan appropriately.

I will hopefully know something in the next 2-3 weeks. Its not looking likely at the moment, but I'm still hoping...

First post has been updated to reflect some of the plans we have solidified. The items in shades of blue and bolded have been confirmed. We'll provide a full itinerary upon arrival, of course. :)

Just a reminder about getting your Alcatraz tickets!

Also, please RSVP to me regarding Supperclub on Sunday night so I can firm up the numbers.

Supperclub and Trampoline events have been reserved. I had to pay up front for the Trampoline thing so everyone owes me $16, please. You can just pay me that day. Supperclub just requires 24 hour cancellation or change to the numbers so let me know if you change your mind.

Just a suggestion for a snack for those who like sweet things...

I recently just got the baking cookbook Miette, which is a bakery in San Fran. its to the west, right over the Bay Bridge from Oakland. looks like ridiculously decadent little cakes, cookies and all manner of sweet things. maybe a small field trip or something? or maybe we can convince Bren to pick up a small cake or two for the wine trip!

Just a suggestion for a snack for those who like sweet things...

I recently just got the baking cookbook Miette, which is a bakery in San Fran. its to the west, right over the Bay Bridge from Oakland. looks like ridiculously decadent little cakes, cookies and all manner of sweet things. maybe a small field trip or something? or maybe we can convince Bren to pick up a small cake or two for the wine trip!

Great suggestion! And you are in luck- they have a second location open on Jack London Square, which we have on our agenda. I'll be sure to point it out when we're there. They have the most amazing chocolate wafer things!

Just a reminder to pack some socks for trampolining!