[TheRobbStory]

I found out an hour ago that I'm headed to Stanford University for two weeks. I fly out of DC tomorrow at 5pm.

Anyone familiar with the area? I've been to San Francisco a billion times, but I won't have much time to spend there. I only have two nights off a week, plus weekends.

Any tips are welcome!

 

[minnow]

I was going to recommend touring the particle accelerator but I just looked and they've suspended public tours until 2009

SLAC Tours Home

 

[TheRobbStory]

Oh, man! That would have been so awesome!

I saw something online about a huge satellite dish or something. I'll have a bike, so I plan to do some exploring.

 

[majid]

There's the Cantor Center for the Arts, which has an impressive collection of Rodins, and "Stone River", an intriguing outdoor serpent-like sculpture by Andy Goldsworthy.

 

[penger]

Um... Stanford shopping center? I think there are a few golf courses near by as well.

 

[mikaronni]

Well the only time I spent in Palo Alto was at the Stanford shopping center and this restaurant. I would say it's pretty good, but only if you're willing to wait for their slow service.

 

[Jon L]

Palo Alto is a dead town. There are a a couple of good frats that throw a decent party as well as a couple of decent on-campus clubs that have fun things going on, so check those out.

Personally, I would recommend driving up North to visit San Fran's hotspots instead

 

[aaron313]

Stanford sucks. Make a trip up to Berkeley, aka a real school.

 

[TheRobbStory]

Been here just over a week. Living on campus blows. Fortunately, no one locks their bikes up, so they're all kind of just...communal.

I've had a few nights downtown, which is quaint and low-key. I spent yesterday in San Francisco with some friends who were in town from Florida. When I got back to Stanford, I crashed a Sigma Chi party which was pretty lame but the booze was free.

The fire pit is also a pretty decent place to hang out.

Heading back to DC next weekend, and I think that's exciting.

 

[jordanross]

If you're into computers go over to the Computer History Museum over in Mountain View. I hear it's pretty cool.

 

[episiarch]

This is kinda late, but figured I might as well post it.

First stop, the Stanford University Bookstore on campus, which stocks a very useful students' guide to the area. It - along with the many bulletin boards here and there on campus - should give you all the information you need to keep busy and have fun.

I second the above recommendation of the Computer History Museum. Don't miss the Babbage Difference Engine, there on temporary loan.

Close to campus, get your exercise by hiking or running the Stanford Dish. You'll get fresh air, a good workout, and very nice views of the surrounding area.

University Avenue is where to hang out in the evenings. Caffe del Doge, a few doors up from the Apple Store, is my favorite local coffee place.