Post #319597 by JenTiki on Wed, Jul 18, 2007 1:33 PM

On 2007-07-18 12:29, Aloha John wrote:

I would greatly appreciate any and all input. Especially on the following-

Traffic driving from Monterey to the East Bay on a Friday afternoon will be…?

Hotel suggestions close to FI. Not fancy, just no roaches. Under $150? Safe parking for girlfriend’s new car. If there’s roaches and/or her car gets stolen I won’t hold you accountable. :wink: Not to imply the area isn’t safe either, just some rough guidelines, I’ve actually never been there.

Suggestions for getting from our hotel to TV to the Kona Club to FI that doesn’t involve us operating our motor vehicle...cab?

Swanky bay area jazz clubs? Like the one in “Anchorman”. :) I read something about Bix’s? Anything casual we can walk in wearing flip flops for a drink and take in some tunes?

The traffic from Monterey to the East Bay on a Friday is not bad in that direction. However, Forbidden Island is extremeley crowded on Fridays, usually with local beer drinkers. You'd be better off saving FI for Sunday afternoon (they open at 3:00 on Sundays). Plus Bamboo Ben says he's gonna be there on Sunday. And a few of us will be there celebrating my birthday as well! You'll get better service, a better view of the room, and a better feel for the vibe, on a Sunday.

Another good reason to see Alameda on that Sunday, instead of Friday, is the Alameda Point Antiques & Collectibles Faire that takes place on the old Naval base the first Sunday of every month. I've only been once and got there late, but still found a few mugs and other cool stuff. Others who've arrived earlier have had great luck with their finds.

The best places to stay near Forbidden Island are the Days Inn on Webster Street in Alameda, and the Marina Village Inn. Both clean and safe. The Days Inn is cheaper.

Transportation between the east bay tiki spots is not easy without a car. Cabs will get expensive between the locations. You would also need to transfer between more than a couple buses between each location. Your best options are to take the car and modify your alcohol intake, or spend a lot of money on taxis.

As for Jazz clubs, I'm not sure what you're looking for. You mention "swanky" but then say you want to walk in wearing flip flops. Your definition of swanky is probably not the same as mine if flip flops are appropriate. All the jazz clubs I know of (and I know about the jazz scene in the city) are a little more dressed up than flip flops. You might be able to find one or two in Berkeley that are a little more relaxed. Bix is definitely not a casual flip flop kind of place. You'd have better luck finding a casual Blues club.

That's about all I can answer for you. Maybe Mai Tai or The Jab can give you info on record stores.