Nostalgia & History > My First Winterail

Got my ticket over the weekend. I know enough of downtown Stockton to find my way around. I'm thinking of taking a San Joaquin from Oakland for the day, with a possible overnight stay.

Any advice on hotels, transportation and restaurants?

Replies appreciated...

-Robert

Most hotels are along March Lane near Interstate 5. Many chain store restaurants in that area too. It's a good distance from the Amtrak station; a taxi ride is needed. I was at Courtyard by Marriott last year; it was just fine.

Stash--
Thanks for the reply. I figured there would be some taxi time involved. I don't own a car any more and was debating renting one, but I'd much rather take the train. Don't mind walking a good bit either.

I'm really looking forward to it.

-Robert

Very few places I would walk alone in Stockton..

BobTowar Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Stash--
> Thanks for the reply. I figured there would be
> some taxi time involved. I don't own a car any
> more and was debating renting one, but I'd much
> rather take the train. Don't mind walking a good
> bit either.
>
> I'm really looking forward to it.
>
> -Robert


I don't know what time you would get into Stockton but walking at nite is a definite no no.
However, this group on TO is such that maybe someone could pick you up if they knew your schedule and take you to your hotel. I live in Salinas and so we can't be of much help, but there are some really good people "out there" on this list-----
C.

Hey - as a long-time Winterail attendee, I say, "Welcome to the show!" :)

PLEASE: do *NOT* walk around Stockton at night!! It is NOT safe at ALL
around the Amtrak San Joaquin station. Just let folks know which train you
will be on, and no doubt one of us could pick you up at the depot. Just please
try to get there well before the Friday night slide show and pizza fest, which
begins at 5 pm. if that does not work, just take a taxi to the Winterail site:
the Scottish Rite Auditorium on Alpine. One of us would be happy to take you
to you motel afterwards.

Steve Barry, Manging Editor of "Railfan & Railroad" magazine, posted this on
the Western Board on January 8, 2006, at 6:40 pm:

> There will be a show on Friday night hosted by Railfan & Railroad and the
> National Railway Historical Society. Details are being nailed down as we
> speak, but I can tell you a couple of things. First, it will be held at the
> Scottish Rite Temple (Winterail venue) from 6-10pm. Second, the pizza
> and pop will be gratis with your admission. Third, admission will be $7
> and *all proceeds go to rail preservation*. R&R and NRHS are picking up
> the cost of the hall rental and the food.

> As things are currently planned, we'll start serving pizza in the courtyard
> at 5:00. Remember, no food or drink in the building!!!

> More details to come.

> Steve Barry
> Managing editor
> Railfan & Railroad

and please remember to bathe and put on deordarant. Some of the guys that come just smell.....

Wow, an interesting assortment of replies...thanks everybody.

I'm glad to learn of the Friday night festivities. It's hard to believe that downtown Stockton could be THAT threatening, but I'll take the advice and not go walking at night. I'm looking forward to meeting some of the 'regulars' in the norcal railfan community.

I'll try and remember to bathe...

-Robert