Toronto @ ACC October 14

[Jetrow]

(05-11-2012 05:45 AM)debskis Wrote:  

(05-10-2012 10:16 PM)ladijules Wrote:  Jetrow, it would be awesome to see you! Debskis, thanks for the tip for the Marriot. I think thats where we are going to be staying too. Is that walking distance to/from the ACC do you think? I have never been to Toronto and neither has my "partner in crime" who is coming with me. We wanted to avoid as much driving as possible, especially city driving!

Our current plans (subject to change I'm sure!) is that we will be leaving our area of NY at about 7 in the morning. According to mapquest, its about a 5 1/2 hour drive to Toronto which should get us there in plenty of time to find our hotel before the show. Is there anything to do in the afternoon in that general area that will keep two teenagers from getting too bored?

I would say the Courtyard is a decent walk from ACC, but anything closer was quite a bit more spendy, at least that I found online. If it's a nice day and there is a good meeting place for dinner along the way before the show, then it should be fine (My choice of shoes that evening will be key to how "fine" it really is!).

Depending on where we go after, we'll probably just grab a cab w/whomever else is still standing back to the hotel.

I agree w/Jetrow that the CN Tower is a must-do at some point while you are there if the visibility is good (although it can take a couple hours, so plan accordingly) If you do the CN Tower, I think you can order tix online, which would save time waiting when you get there. If you/kids are hockey fans, the Hockey Hall of Fame is nearby as well, connected to the Eaton Centre I believe.

Traffic on a Sunday shouldn't be too terrible, but it's a HUGE city compared to Buffalo or Syracuse, so def give yourselves extra time to get around.

Let me know if you have any further questions...Jetrow is obviously more familiar with the area given that he's a local, but I'm happy to help if I can.

I look forward to meeting all of you!!!

Marriott Courtyard is at College and Yonge st. I believe. So that's a fair hike to the ACC. Luckily though there is a subway station right at Yonge and College that will take you down to Union Station on Front st. in just a few minutes. The Hockey Hall of Fame is at Front and Yonge. Eaton Centre stretches from Queen St. on the south end to Dundas st. on the North side. It's a mall. Seen one you've seen them all.

Toronto is for sure a walking city. If you're fit, walking down Yonge st.from the Marriott will be very enjoyable with lots to see and plenty of places to eat. But you want some good shoes which usually doesn't mean fashionable.

Something all of you should be aware of. There are lots of homeless people here. So don't be shocked when you see people sleeping on the corners or mooching for change. There are plenty of shelters but the hardcore choose to live out doors. While generally the same rules apply that you use good common sense just as you would at home, just be aware of yourself. Toronto is a very safe city, even more so during the day.

Cabs are everywhere so just put your hand up and whistling is fine.

Also for the musically inclined, there are a good number of music stores within easy reach by transit that are worth a look. 12th fret, Long and Mcquade, Steve's and many boutique shops that specialize in the good stuff.

Lots of great places for picture taking too.