January 1, 2005
|
Amy and Kaolin January 1, 2005 |
|
For practicality's sake, we've decided to hold our wedding in Los Angeles, where Amy's family and bridesmaids can help with the nitty gritty as w-day approaches. For something less than practically, but still quite serviceable, the full festivities will be occurring at the 94th Aero Squadron (16320 Raymer St Van Nuys, CA 91406-1211, US).
Airtel Plaza -- Airtel Plaza is a convenient location for a number of reasons, all interconnected. There is a service called The Flyaway (which is not actually associated with Airtel Plaza), which shuttles between its depot and LAX. It is, however, relatively across the street from the 94th Aero Squadron, and just two blocks from Airtel Plaza. Airtel Plaza even provides a courtesy shuttle to The Flyaway if you're not up to the two block walk. Airtel Plaza has "all the amenities" (including complimentary in-room high-speed internet access, though they don't seem to want to give details on that). We have negotiated a group rate of $99 per night (plus an $8/night parking fee and taxes). Contact us (amy@tentacle.net) for the details of how to receive that rate (compared to the $169/night standard).
An up to the minute google search of hotels sorted by proximity to the w-location. These include Motel 6, Holiday Inn Express, Econo Lodge, and many more. All of these are relatively close to The Flyaway (see Airtel Plaza description).
By plane -- unless you have a private jet and choose to land at the Van Nuys airport, you'll most likely want to go to LAX. LAX is generally one hop from all major hubs around the world, though you can do it in more. Also available is the Burbank Airport, which could be more accessible for pick-up if you were staying with friends or family in Los Angeles as opposed to a hotel.
By train -- an unlikely option, but Amtrak does drop you off in Los Angeles, somewhat out of the way; on the other hand, there appear to be amtrak-run buses that could connect somewhere useful; they're called "The Thruway Connections". Metrolink is a rail system that spreads throughout los angels country and many others. It could also be useful. It has a single stop in Van Nuys on the Ventura County Line, and conveniently enough connects with L.A. Union Station (the aforementioned Amtrak LAX). The Ventura County Line only runs on weekdays.
By car -- mapquest will be more than happy to show you a couple of ads while providing you directions to or from the 94th Aero Squadron.
Car Rental Information -- LAX has any of the major guys, and Amtrak has Hertz [(800) 654-3131]. Supposedly there's a discount with using Amtrak and Hertz, but that may only count if you're an "Amtrak guest rewards" member. ((program discount number 1229959)). THIS JUST IN--The Airtel Plaza apparently also rents Hertz.
Santa Clarita Bus System has some pickups and dropoffs between Santa Clarita/Saugus and Van Nuys. Note the cross street "Van Nuys / Sherman Way" is the best Van Nuys pickup. Close to the Airtel plaza. Dropoff varies, but you're aiming to get as close to Seco Canyon and Bouquet Canyon as you can get, if you're trying to get to our apartment. Amy's parents' place is ... elsewhere. The 94th is right by the airtel. Note that the niftiest lines, which actually pick up/drop off in Van Nuys only run M-F, and that there's two different lines, one for each "commuter direction". -- 793 and 798
Metrolink is another way to get around, and will get you much further, and more quickly. Fewer stops, more expensive, but it's rail. Antelope Valley Line does the newhall/santa clarita/van nuys thing. There's another connection in Van Nuys... the Ventura county line. That's closer to the airtel plaza if you just want to get to union station or deeper into Los Angeles.
Experience LA -- The Los
Angeles Travel Planning Guide. They think you don't need a car to get
around LA. Amy does, though. Cars are good necessary in
LA.
Whether you're staying there or not, Airtel Plaza has a nice list of things to do.
If you are interested in the many theme parks Southern California has to offer, citypass.net may have a deal for you with a discounted rate if you plan on visiting a few.
Weather.com for Van Nuys.