Those of you flying may want to coordinate with people within your state. Obviously, if you arrive with others, carpooling is an option. The Kelapalooza planning team has built a webpage to make communication amongst guests easier (you could post flight times, etc.)

Hotels

West Point Hotel (can’t vouch for the quality but it is the closest - no website for this one)

Thayer (located on West Point but very expensive) http://www.thethayerhotel.com/

Econo Lodge Highland Falls http://www.econolodge.com/hotel-highland_falls-new_york-NY379?promo=gglocal

Holiday Inn Express Hotes & Suites West Point-Fort Montgomery http://www.hiexpresscom/

West Point Motel http://www.thewestpointmotel.com/

Bear Mountain Bridge Motel http://www.visiontownofhighlands.com/bear_mountain_bridge_motel.htm

Bear Mountain Inn http://www.visitbearmountain.com/

Pointer’s Echo Motel
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&sll=41.409516,-74.011072&view=text&hl=en&gl=us&q=Pointer%E2%80%99s+Echo+Motel+&ie=UTF8&sspn=0.081818,0.076390&latlng=41368607,-73972877,12378617297685382647&ei=qKLTSbKEB4qENtyIycMI&cd=1/

US Academy Motel
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&sll=41.409516,-74.011072&view=text&hl=en&gl=us&q=us+academy+motel&ie=UTF8&sspn=0.105508,0.081366&latlng=41356762,-73970389,17523179522678885082&ei=76LTSfeqHIjaNqXjhdAI&cd=1/

Trains

I know some of you plan on taking the train for at least a portion of your journey. If you’re coming from Boston, Washington DC or any other major East Coast city, you need to get to Grand Central.

Once a Grand Central you will take the METRO NORTH train to Poughkeespie (ensure the train that you choose makes a stop at Garrison). Disembark at Garrison and take a taxi (if there are no taxis waiting, there is taxi number on the sign across the parking lot) to your hotel.

http://www.mta.info/bandt/index.html

Airports

These two airports require either renting a car (and driving here) or taking the bus to Grand Central Train Station (NOT Penn Station):
Taxi from either of these airports to Grand Central is approx. $50

Laguardia (LGA)
JFK

If you fly into Newark, NJ there is a car service ($60 each way and this MUST be set up in advance) or again, the renting a car option

Newark(EWR)

Newburgh, NY (SWF): The closest and easiest. If you come here, chances are myself or someone within the network of friends, will be able to pick you up.

Laguardia http://www.panynj.gov/CommutingTravel/airports/html/laguardia.html
Newark http://www.panynj.gov/CommutingTravel/airports/html/newarkliberty.html
JFK http://www.panynj.gov/CommutingTravel/airports/html/kennedy.html
Stewart http://www.panynj.gov/CommutingTravel/airports/html/stewart.html

All,

This is just a quick blast so you can consult your calendars! The weekend of 26 and 27 September 2009 will mark the biggest celebration of my somewhat dull and quiet life. Most of you know the deal I made with myself:

If I'm not married by the time I'm FORTY, I will have a party and use the money that I saved for a wedding, for the party instead.

It has come to pass (well it will in about six months) and I am holding to my word. The weekend will consist of a boat ride along the Hudson (wine & beer), a party Saturday evening (the dinner menu has yet to be decided) and brunch at Bear Mountain Inn (not included) the next morning. It's an opportunity for you to see West Point (Margo, Sarah - not much of a selling point for you!), have a few drinks, take in the scenery of the Hudson Valley (which should be gorgeous that time of year), and meet new people. If you have a little extra time, you could even include some time in New York City.

The two people in charge of this operation are on the 'cc line: Ms. Rachael Hoagland and Mr. Hannon Didier. I realize there are many factors that make this a difficult proposition and I fully understand if you are unable to make it. If this is even a remote possibility for you, lodging and transportation should be arranged sooner than later. We will put together an information paper that covers those logisitics (hotel, airport information, etc.) so if you are interested, please let me know (keeping in mind that I am leaving for France tomorrow and not able to respond to email for a week or so).

Bottom line, I'm getting older and at some point I want a celebration where I can see all my friends at once (and still recognize them!). This is going to people in twelve different states and two countries. I hope you can make it!

Love, Kel