The primary hotel and primary event site for SCSECS 2002 will be the Radisson Resort South Padre Island, located at 500 Padre Boulevard, right on the beach at South Padre Island.

The Radisson is a full service luxury resort offering a huge and picturesque beachfront, crystalline swimming pool with genuine high-tech synthetic grotto and waterfall, fitness center, deck, poolside bar, fitness center, massage therapist (for the after-effects of those controversial papers!), restaurants, watering holes, and a gazillion other amenities.

This year, the ever-innovative SCSECS hospitality committee will be offering TWO accommodation options at the main venue: regular yet always deluxe cabana rooms for $104.00 (a 50% saving) per night; and also, most amazing of all, elegant tower-situated waterfront beach condos (most with one king and two single beds in two rooms plus a kitchen and living room) for a measly $204.00 per night.

ACCOMMODATIONS AT THE CONFERENCE VENUE HOTEL ARE LIMITED SO EARLY BOOKING IS RECOMMENDED; BOOKINGS AT THE CONFERENCE RATE ARE ONLY GUARANTEED UNTIL JANUARY 21, 2002, after which market rates are likely to apply.

Conventioneers should make their arrangements directly with the Radisson at (956) 761-6511, making sure to ask for the special rate for the South Central Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies.

In addition to the conference venue, SCSECS has reserved a block of rooms at the nearby Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort, a five-minute walk from the conference venue at the Radisson. The Holiday Inn Sunspree is a certified "Sunspree" facility with many of the amenities one would expect at a major hotel, including a dazzling poolside romping area and a yumminess-enhanced restaurant. "Sunspree" status is awarded only to the very finest Holiday Inn properties. At the Holiday Inn, run-of-house rooms will be offered to conventioneers at a bargain rate of $94.00 per night.

Again, conventioneers should BOOK EARLY AND NOT LATER THAN JANUARY 21, 2002, after which the guarantee and the block expires and the open arms of the Econo-Lodge receptionist may become the only viable option in the highly-visited South Padre sphere. The Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort is located at 100 Padre Boulevard. Conventioneers should book directly with the hotel at (956) 761-1300 and again should ask specifically for the South Central Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies special rate.

AIR TRANSPORTATION AND GROUND TRANSFERS

Always advocating accessibility, SCSECS has selected a town that has no less than three airports. The primary airport is Valley International Airport of Harlingen, Texas, which is served by American/American Eagle, Continental/Continental Express, Southwest, and Sun Country Airlines.

Somewhat closer but less frequently used is Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport, which is served by Continental/Continental Express and Aerolitoral Airlines.

Ninety minutes away but still feasible is Miller International Airport in McAllen, Texas, which is served by American and Continental Airlines.

All of the aforementioned airports have the full range of ground transfer options. SurfTran, the South Padre Island shuttle system, offers 24-hour service between Harlingen Valley International and all points on South Padre Island. To get a discount from SurfTran, mention the South Central Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies meeting.

All of these airports offer limousines, buses, taxis, and charter ground transportation. Those who wish to explore a bit more of south Texas will also find the full selection of rental car companies on or near the various airports. Ground travel time from Harlingen to South Padre is about 45 minutes, from Brownsville about 25 minutes, and from McAllen about 90 minutes. Parking at both hotels is free as of May 2001.

A NOTE TO INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS:

Many European travel agents are unfamiliar with the deep south of Texas. Before booking a flight, it might be a good idea to consult a discounting internet airfare vendor. As of January 1, 2002, http://www.onetravel.com was offering round-trip fares to and from the major European airports at around US$510.00.

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