<p>Someone mentioned that some of the CC group last year got together in town before Orientation. We’re flying into Denver Sunday afternoon, driving down, and then would love to meet up with other posters for a group dinner. We’re staying at the Hampton Inn North but otherwise know nothing of the area so suggestions on where to meet are needed from current parents, cadets, etc. So chime in with a restaraunt name and then let’s create a list of who wants to hook up Sunday evening. Also, knowing that it’s Easter night, reservations will probably be needed for a large group, so we’ll need a total head count going in…hence the need for a list.</p>
<p>I’ll start - add on folks and we’ll trade appointment war stories over dinner and drinks!</p>
<p>Dknightfam = Dan, Judy, and son Michael Knight (NJ) April 9-10</p>
<p>BTW - last years group went to a place called Biaggi Ristorrante Italiano, with a backup plan to someplace called Teds, both of which ended up getting good marks...</p>
<p>Yes, I organized the group that met at Ted's Montana grill in Briar's gate (just one exit north of the south gate exit of I25. Great food but make the reservation. Funto meet the parents and the appointees who post here regularly. My son ended up inprocessing with one of the guys who used to post here (and still does occaisonally), Texas
falcon. It was a great time! Those of you staying at the Academy Inn will notice a LOT of appointees gathering in the lobby -- which is a good time to meet some of your future classmates. Orientation for 2010 seems like yesterday.......</p>
<p>I'm fairly certain that I'll be headed to the April 9-10 orientation, as well. It's not completely set in stone yet, but that's what I'm anticipating. I'd love to get together with all of ya'll who are showing up on the 8th! :) So far, Mitchell1311, CelticClan07, Stealth_81, saratia, 07PETKO, and ZMAN07 have signed up for April 9-10... Anyone else? :)</p>
<p>I set up the Biaggi's trip last year. It was pretty good food I'd say. Some other good choices nearby are:
Famous Dave's right outside the south gate. Just opened, has good food.
Bennigan's south towards downtown
Red Robin on Academy drive
Olive Garden on Academy drive (this and RR are next to the Academy hotel and the Drury)</p>
<p>Family is staying at the Best Western Pikes Peak. They would love to get together for dinner on Sunday, provided that they are back in time from the cog railway trip that day. They are actually flying in on Friday the 6th, so they can look around a bit before orientation. The group will consist of Mrs. Stealth, the appointee son, and a younger son. I will be occupied on another trip with yet another child of ours. Keep us informed of the plans.</p>
<p>Stealth_81</p>
<p>Hornet - if you are not already hosting orientation reps and can get off campus we'd love to have you join us too!</p>
<p>That is entirely possible granted I can get back here by 7:10 PM. Just let me know what you all plan and I'll see if I would be able to come.</p>
<p>Hornet - what time would work for you at a local restraraunt? 5:30 pm? Is that enough time to meet / eat (our treat) and get you back onto base by then? </p>
<p>Note the other parents/candidates will probably hang around longer to have desert, chit chat, etc. after you leave but we'll make sure to box you up a to-go treat if you have to leave sooner :)</p>
<p>Hoping you can join us (and feel free to drag along a buddy too). </p>
<p>Dknightfam</p>
<p>Preference on eateries? Being Easter and all....ribs, steak or italian sound better for you?</p>
<p>I just clarified when I would have to be back, and its 7:45, so that helps. If y'all choose to go somewhere right on academy (like Olive Garden, Biaggi's, Red Robin, or Famous Dave's) I would have to leave (out the door) there by 7:15 in order to make it to my squadron by 7:45. As of now, I have no ride to do this, so someone would have to come on by and take me back, but I'll see if a 2 dig or firstie might let me borrow a car, but don't count on that. If a parent is willing to help me out there, I would love to come, if that's not possible, I won't be heartbroken since its a good time for the 2011s to start getting to know one another. </p>
<p>As far as preferences, this is y'alls dining out, not mine. ;) Besides, any non-Mitch's meal will be satisfying. :)</p>
<p>My parents and I would love to attend this dinner if it works out. We will fly in on Saturday and spend the day touring the springs. Sunday we are free all day. I think this dinner idea is wonderful. I also really hope you can come, hornet. It would be great to be able to talk with you over dinner. My mother, father, and I will attend.</p>
<p>Hornet - if you're willing to come out of the gate and get hit with dozens of questions over pasta, then we'll definitely find a way to drive ya back afterwards!</p>
<p>BTW - I just confirmed with an athletic coach at the Academy that the April 9/10 Orientation period is part of a NCAA "blackout period" and that incoming cadets can have NO contact (not even brief !) with AF coaches, members of the team, even looksee's at the athletic facitilites! And as we personally were using this trip to do exactly that we might have to try and switch to the 16/17 or 23/24 orientation instead. But as the starter of this thread I'll be glad to keep heading up the "dinner arrangements for the 8th" (but I'll also start one for those attending the other dates too). We'll just have to drag Hornet out of his lair twice!!</p>
<p>More to come once I find out how badly the airlines will ding me for changing three reservations. :( And this is a big FYI to all others that might have had plans to talk to coaches April 9/10 (other than football and soccer - somehow they are excempt) - this is something they sound pretty serious about.</p>
<p>Dknightfam</p>
<p>I am more than willing to chomp and talk. There are many questions I had when I came and things I wished I knew. We're kind of developing the CC team here, its a great support network to calm nerves and get info. Helped me last year, and I hope it will help others here.</p>
<p>I'm so down. I'm flying in on the seventh and most likely staying at the Academy Hotel. And one more thing, is anyone willing to take on a second appointee in their vehicle? My parents aren't going with me and Enterprise doesn't rent cars out to 18 year olds. :.(</p>
<p>Bluemer - if you are flying in solo you should ask the Academy for a Sponsor Family to pick you up and take you in for the day/night before. Search this forum for details but the sponsors are probably BETTER intel / support than hanging with us clueless incoming parents - they live the stuff everyday/year it appears! Good luck! And if that doesn't work, perhaps you can hook up with another Academy Hoteler to bring you to the party, etc.</p>
<p>my dad and I might come, the only issue for us is transportation, as we will be without a vehicle. </p>
<p>BTW, in case any of you are wondering i am the son of the legendary CelticClan07, lol</p>
<p>I haven't heard of sponsors for orientation before? Are you confusing that with the sponsors for the bed and breakfast before I-day?</p>
<p>i havn't heard of that either. i would recommend either meeting with someone through here, or finding a shuttle</p>
<p>Whoops - maybe I am confusing the sponsor programs......</p>
<p>BTW - due to the NCAA backout period we have had to switch from the April 9/10 Orientation to the 16/17. So watch for another dinner thread for that date. I'll stay involved with this date, even though I won't be there, unless someone else wants to take up the reins for me. Just remember to drop us a line afterwards as to where you ate, how it was, etc. so we can follow-your-lead the next week!</p>
<p>Dknightfam</p>