US Airways Dividend Miles (Pre-FlightFund Merger) - RoachFest logistics

With the fest approaching, it might be time to start working out ground transport details. It would be wonderful if some sort of rideshare could be worked out.

I'll be arriving into PHL around 0900 (if the flight is on time!) and will also be going to the baseball game after the Roachmeet.

With the fest approaching, it might be time to start working out ground transport details. It would be wonderful if some sort of rideshare could be worked out.

I'll be arriving into PHL around 0900 (if the flight is on time!) and will also be going to the baseball game after the Roachmeet.
I have reserved a van to help transport folks around. I arrive around 10:00 AM. I'll get the van first, then head to the Marriott to check in. Planned on leaving for the meeting a little after 12:00 to help the gang with any last minute details. I can pick anyone up that is staying around the airport, transport them to the meeting, to the ball game and back to the hotels after the game. Several of us where/are planning on going to South Street after the game also. if you need a ride to any of the above, PM me and let me know.

I have reserved a van to help transport folks around. I arrive around 10:00 AM. I'll get the van first, then head to the Marriott to check in. Planned on leaving for the meeting a little after 12:00 to help the gang with any last minute details. I can pick anyone up that is staying around the airport, transport them to the meeting, to the ball game and back to the hotels after the game. Several of us where/are planning on going to South Street after the game also. if you need a ride to any of the above, PM me and let me know.

You are a gentleman and scholar!

You are a gentleman and scholar!
You may want to withhold that judgement until August 8, 2004 :o

If people do South Street afterwards, parking is tight so car pooling is a good idea. Also, street parking is 2 hours max around there and they do ticket: I know from experience. But I noticed that they wrote one of my plate numbers wrong on the ticket so I never paid it. If you can find a parking garage, this is probably the best option.

longing4piedmont,
Thanks for doing this. I was thinking we would all have to shlep on the Septa (PHL public transport) or take cab/shuttles :). FYI the Septa has what I would describe as commuter rail service from PHL to I think 30th Street station in Center city. It runs relatively frequently but not as frequently as like the BOS or NYC or DC subway, etc. :).

Here is a link to the Septa Airport Schedule (Note that its different on weekends vs. weekdays).

http://www.septa.org/service/regional_rail/pdffiles/R1Apr04.pdf

This commuter rail line will only help if you are heading downtown. Lincoln Financial Field is only about a 10 minute drive from the airport area though.


Jay, aka 1095

Wow, that was quick. The van is half full already. ^

From a couple of PM's, I have been advised by some folks who know South Street that the van is not a good idea. Looks like we will need to share a taxi to where ever South Street is. That's probally a good idea, because after five or six Long Island Ice Tea's, I don't drive very well. :eek:

If every one shows, the van is now full. However, several other roaches have emailed and offered rides as well. if you need a ride, PM me and we'll set you up.

Has any one considered renting a van?

I'm getting excited about meeting everyone, how about you?

I'll be leaving PHL at 10AM to set up for RoachFEST. SS225 is on board, so there are two seats available. After RoachFEST, we will be going to the baseball game, but no current plans afterward. PM me if this timing works for you and you need a ride.

Directions to "The Linc"
www.lincolnfinancialfield.com/stadiuminfo/directions.jsp

As a resident of Center City Philadelphia (though I won't make it to RoachFest; you guys picked my Dad's 60th birthday to meet!), a couple of logistical points:

You can take the R1 train, get off at Suburban Station, and then transfer to the Orange Line (subway) to the stadium area. Total travel time is probably 45 minutes plus however long you have to wait for the R1 train. Total cost should be <$7, but that's definitely the long way around and I can't really recommend it. You could also take the #37 bus from the airport to Broad and Snyder and then take the subway from there, which would be faster and cheaper. But nothing is going to be as fast as a cab and the cab might be cheaper if you split the cost.

As far as South Street, driving is not a big problem as long as you park far enough away and walk (note a taxi will have the same problems with traffic that you will if you drive, so you may wind up walking about the same distance either way). I suggest the garage above the Super Fresh (supermarket) between 10th and 11th at South Street. If you approach it from the North, you won't have to deal with South Street traffic at all, and it's one of the cheaper garages in the area (you can even get a couple of hours for free if you buy something at the supermarket). It's just a few blocks walk down to the interesting part of South Street (things start getting interesting at about 7th).

Let me know if you need driving directions.

I am currently driving down from NYC-my vehicle seats 5--I am currently working on who is coming from NY with me--I can get back to you and be available for airport ground transport if I don't fill up.

Also as stated before, those who have contacted me previously regarding NYC transportation, please touch base this week via PM or email.

Thanks

>" It's just a few blocks walk down to the interesting part of South Street (things start getting interesting at about 7th)."

Jim's Steaks are at 4th and South and on the same side of South Street across 4th is 'Copabanana' which has good drinks, especially Margarita's.

Jane in PHL (If the drink is spelled wrong it's because I drink scotch; and will be sampling a wee dram in Scotland on the day of the 'Fest)

Jim's Steaks are at 4th and South and on the same side of South Street across 4th is 'Copabanana' which has good drinks, especially Margarita's.


We did Jim's Steaks during the FT PHL Do last summer. Which is better -- Jim's or Pat's? Now everyone: don't order Swiss cheese on your cheesesteak like one of the presidential candidates did. (http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/news/local/6528601.htm) ;)

Karen and I will be getting into PHL at 9am. We'd like to drop out stuff at the airport Marriott and then possibly catch a ride with someone if possible.

I'll be at the Airport Marriott as well...I arrive Friday at 11pm or so...Not sure if you still have space ABeach...but I'll go early and help out...I'm in for the game too...

ChazDawg

the wife and i are coming to roachfest, but neither of us knows much about philadelphia except for how to naivgate its airport. i was wondering if any of you phl-savvy folks could give us a little guidance.

we arrive friday at noon. we pricelined a hotel for friday and saturday night (crowne plaza - center city; $53/night). will we need a car to get from the airport to the hotel, and then to rf04 the next day? are we anywhere near south street, or some other area we'd find interesting at night?

coordinators, since we'll be in town early, we'd be happy to help with any setup or logistical details that still need attention. please just let us know. anyone with any suggestions about what to do with our free time -- we're all ears.

thanks. looking forward to putting some faces with these screen names. see y'all there.

OverPaidSlacker, there are many things you can do in Philadelphia on a Friday afternnon (weather permitting). I am planning on attending RoachFest also but I live in the Burbs of Philadelphia. So lets start with Transportation.
Step 1) Airptort Train to 30th Street Station every 1/2 hour or so
Step 2) Taxi to Hotel
Step 3) Your choice Philadelphia is a good town to walk South to the Historic district or North to the River and Art Museum (don't run up the steps)
I like the historic district Independence Hall the Liberty Bell ect.. This could take a good part of the afternoon. South Street is not far just walk south on any numbered st.
Or you could continue east down to the delaware river and to penns landing
THere are plenty of good restaurants in the historic area. But, if you want to find some of the better places head West (up in numbers). You could walk up Chestnut St maybe divert over to Jewelers Row one block east (Sansome St). If you do this at lunch on 7th Street between Sansome and Walnut right before Walnut is a sandwidch shop called the Colonial Grotto very samll down steps better the Pat's of Jim's and only open for Lunch during the week. The park across the way is Washington Sq. or the Philadelphia version of the unknow solider from the revolution. But continue up on Walnut or Chestnut (but go to walnut after 15th street) and you get where there is good shopping and restuarants.

All for now

The Crowne Plaza is 2-3 short blocks from Suburban Station which is on the train line from the airport. The train costs $5.50 each and runs every 30 minutes. The orange line subway is also a few blocks away and will take you right to the stadium complex.

Personally, I'd avoid driving downtown if you're not from Philadelphia - either taking the train or a cab is likely to cost you less money and be less hassle when you include the cost and aggravation of parking.

Unfortunately, the Crowne Plaza is in the middle of the "skyscraper" part of Philly, and as such there's not a lot going on at night or on the weekends in the few blocks surrounding the hotel. But if you go a couple of blocks south you can get to the busy part of Walnut Street near Rittenhouse Square where lots of good restaurants and bars are located.

If you enjoy walking, you can basically walk from one end of the downtown area to the other in about 30-40 minutes, or it's a very short cab or subway ride from one end to the other.

If you like beer, I highly recommend going to Monk's Cafe (www.monkscafe.com) on 16th Street at Spruce - they have an amazing selection of Belgian beers and the food is great too.

Anyone looking for other recommendations feel free to PM me - I'm happy to share my knowledge of my hometown! I'm just sad that I won't be around for RoachFest!

I get in at 5pm on Friday and am at the Embassy Suites, city center.

Anyone up for dinner/drinks?

According to this little gem of an oxymoron on their web page:

Courtesy Bus , typical minimum charge is USD 8.00

I'll be taking the Lady Liberty Courtesy ( :confused: ) Shuttle for $8.50, so I should be ready to play around 6pm.

Overpaid Slacker, If your wife likes to shop (with your extra money as you admit to being overpaid :D ), there's a nice Lord & Taylor a block or so from City Hall.

If you like lobster for dinner, there's a place called "Rock Lobster" by the water. http://www.rocklobsterclub.com/

Mmmm... Lobster.

But that's what's being served at the luncheon on Sat, right??

Mmmm... Lobster.

But that's what's being served at the luncheon on Sat, right??

Uh...I think we're being served the FC snack basket on Sat. The people sitting in row 1 had better not take all the XOXO bars. :D



On another note, Sweet Willie posted a list of 10 things to do in Philadelphia in the destinations forum:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=338554

Ms rtpflyer and I are arriving on Sat. at about 9 AM and are currently planning on renting a car. We also have a room at the PHL Airport Marriott. What is the parking situation/cost around our Lincoln Field venue and would it make sense to leave my car there and take public transit into downtown for the evening after our event? (We have 9:30 PM dinner reservations at Le Bec Fin for Ms. rtpflyer's birthday celebration.) Alternately, how difficult/expensive would the evening parking downtown (approximately Walnut and Broad) be?

We will have two spaces in our car for someone to ride with us TO Lincoln Field on Saturday (assuming that we keep the car rental reservation), but we won't be going on to the ball game.

I normally avoid driving to the Sports Complex, and take the Septa Orange Line from Center City which gives you direct access. However, a quick check of all the venues indicates no major games/concerts, and the like so parking in the nearby lots for a nominal fee should be fine.

Lincoln Financial Field Directions/Parking/Map Information (http://www.lincolnfinancialfield.com/stadiuminfo/maps.jsp).

For those of you staying in Center City/downtown area without cars, take the Septa Orange Line South to the very end (Pattison station). The "Linc" is a 3-4 block walk from there. $2 per trip.

For those of you WITH cars and in need of cheesesteaks, let me respectfully suggest going to Tony Luke's at Front and Oregon Streets instead of Pat's/Jim's/Geno's. It's actually not too far from the Linc and it's on your way in back toward Center City. You'll get far more Philly-tood and a more savory sandwich at TL's.

Look forward to seeing you at RF. Oh and Mr. RTPflyer, I haven't gotten my call with the time to meet you at Le Bec Fin? ;)

With no events scheduled, I'm guessing that the parking will be free.


For those of you WITH cars and in need of cheesesteaks, let me respectfully suggest going to Tony Luke's at Front and Oregon Streets instead of Pat's/Jim's/Geno's. It's actually not too far from the Linc and it's on your way in back toward Center City. You'll get far more Philly-tood and a more savory sandwich at TL's.

Look forward to seeing you at RF. Oh and Mr. RTPflyer, I haven't gotten my call with the time to meet you at Le Bec Fin? ;)

RTPflyer doesn't need you at Le Bec Fin that particular evening, especially since you will probably already have scarfed down a cheesesteak and a pork Italian at Tony Luke's on the way over to the RoachFest and would be a pain in the a** as you compared Georges Perrier's cooking to the sandwiches you ate that day.

I'm arriving in PHL around 9am and will be departing PHL around 8:40 PM. Could share a ride with someone if room exists otherwise will take a cab. Not planning to rent a car.

If anyone has any room or wants to share a cab please let me know.

US1@ORF

I normally avoid driving to the Sports Complex, and take the Septa Orange Line from Center City which gives you direct access. However, a quick check of all the venues indicates no major games/concerts, and the like so parking in the nearby lots for a nominal fee should be fine.

Okay, so about how much is "nominal" in Philly? Being a true "roach" about ALL my travel plans, I'm comparing it to downtown evening rates or the "$16 valet parking" that the restaurant offers.

If the parking IS "free" as monitor suggests, then that probably seals the deal. We'll just take the Orange Line up to Walnut and then back after dinner.
Oh and Mr. RTPflyer, I haven't gotten my call with the time to meet you at Le Bec Fin? ;)
I wouldn't hold your breath waiting for it either. ;) Personally, I would be perfectly happy with the cheesesteak circuit, but Le Bec Fin was the bribe I had to offer to get us up to RF at all.

I'm happy to let everyone know that I'll be attending both the main event and the game on Saturday the 7th! (Ira, just PayPal-ed you the $55).

That said, the lowest airfare from my area to PHL is $328 :td:, so I'll be driving up on Saturday morning. I live two hours SSW of DC and will be passing up US 29 North/I-66 West/Beltway/I-95 North on the way to Philly. If you're on the way and want to ride with, I'll have space for three. I will probably be staying in Center City on Saturday and returning on Sunday in the late morning/early afternoon.

Please PM if you're interested.

Mmmm... Lobster.

But that's what's being served at the luncheon on Sat, right??


Silly man! This is at an NFL venue, they charge for air for God's sake. What a scam it is too. God bless them. Sole source vendor contract plus the NFL Eagles tack about 50% onto the quote.

Plus we had to charge enough to cover guests as well. Next Year when US is making a buk or two, Chris Chiames can let the moths out of HIS wallet. LOL