vietnam memorial traveling wall The San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau publishes a summary list of major conventions and tra

alike. O rder tickets w ell ahead of time; online is best, as you can print them out at home and head straight to the ferr y lineup at Pier 33. I recommend taking the first ferry of the day , at 9:30am, as the prison will be less cr owded when y ou arriv e. Bring sw eaters, comfor table shoes, and something to eat (or choose fr om the options some of them organic on the ferry), as ther e s no concession stand on the island. S ee p. 156. ( Note: If you were unable to r eserve Alcatraz tickets in time, take a 1-hour bay cr uise on the B lue & Gold Fleet. In addition to lo vely vistas of the city and an up-close look at the Golden G ate B ridge, an audio track imparts plenty of histor y and local city lore. See p. 185.)

You ll score big points with your pre-teens vietnam memorial traveling wall or teenagers at this rock n roll themed vietnam memorial traveling wall boutique hotel. Staffed by creative types wearing studded leather belts or hipster outfits, this may be the zaniest pr operty in the color ful Kimpton chain. The fantastical lobby decor is rivaled only by the groovy tunes spun by the hotel staff, and suites have been designed by the likes of Carlos Santana, Jerry Garcia, and Woody Harrelson. The eco-friendly hotel uses biodegradable cleaning pr oducts, r ecycles as much paper as possible, and even serves organic coffee. That coffee is served with biscotti lobby- side in the morning, while in the ev enings a DJ often provides music to accompany the daily free wine and beer hour. FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATIONS

The San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau publishes a summary list of major conventions and trade shows on its website, www.sfvisitor.org/convention. It s wise to check it out before you cement your travel dates, just to find out if you re likely to be competing with your orthodontist or attorney for a hotel room.

384 Hayes St. (bt w. Franklin and Gough sts.) &415/626-1211. Highchairs, boosters. Main items about $10. AE, V, MC. Mon Fri 8am 8pm; Sat 9am 8pm; Sun 9am 5pm. Muni: No. 12-Hayes bus to Gough St., or streetcar to Van Ness Station.