LA Buffistas, I am tentatively planning a vacation to your fair city the first week in November. Does anyone have an opinion on whether it's worth it to stay at the Magic Castle Hotel for access to dining at the private club?

Also, would anyone be interested in meeting up for dinner or doing touristy things? (I'm determined to visit Griffith Observatory, and thinking about a day at the beach or a theme park.)

We won't be there, but for a day at the beach in LA, may I recommend Santa Monica and its pier? Very enjoyable (if a little touristy), and Venice Beach is walking distance with just a little effort.

If you are here on Nov 4th or 5th, Halloween Horror Nights will still be running at Universal Studios, and my other fun show Wicked Lit will still be running at Mountainview Mausoleum.

Also we'd love to see you, Matt. I know I'll be gone Nov. 9-13, but before then I'm around. Good to know -- I tend to be pretty useless on school nights since (with my commute) I am busy 6 am - 6 pm. We are on the other side of the city, so I wouldn't be able to meet you on the Westside (Santa Monica and area), but if you do come this way (Griffith etc), I'll make it work!

I'll be around too, Matt. I've never stayed at the Magic Castle, just went for drinks, so don't know what it would be like to stay there.

I think the hotel is a separate adjacent location from the actual castle, just affiliated. But I found a different hotel that also provides club access for almost $70 less a night (I'd just be giving up having a pool, which may not be a factor at all in November if it's in the 50s to 70s). I probably won't pin down lodging and flights for at least another week or so, but I'm looking at arriving on 11/3 and leaving 11/7.

I've got to give first right of refusal on at least one day to a friend from Sweden (AKA The One Who Got Away) whose visit coincides with mine, but my schedule overall should be pretty flexible. I definitely want to hang out with you guys if possible.

Will do, DebetEsse. Yeah, Kate, I got sick so I pushed it. Looking like it'll be early November. You guys be around? Also, my Cinci peeps, I might be looking at you, maybe Novmeber 13th ish?

OK, I am definitely booked into the Magic Castle for Nov. 4th, 5th, and 6th. They've advised me that weekend reservations fill up fast (that Saturday is already limited to the 9:45pm seating, in fact). Is anyone game for dinner and a (magic) show one of those nights?

I have to verify with ND, but I think we'd be game for Nov. 4th dinner and magic!

Cool! There's a cover in the evenings ($30 I think), but my understanding is dinner reservations include priority seating for the main stage show, and guests can remain in the club all evening to catch the smaller shows going on throughout.