history of hawaii performance halls, sporting events, concerts, and clubs. A service charge, ranging from $2 to $5, is

performance halls, history of hawaii sporting events, concerts, and clubs. A service charge, ranging from $2 to $5, is levied on each ticket. Only cash or traveler s checks are accepted for half-price tickets; Visa and MasterCard are accepted history of hawaii for full-price tickets. Tix, located on Powell between Geary and Post, is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11am to 6pm, Friday and Saturday from 11am to 7pm, and Sunday from 11am to 3pm. Tickets to most theater and dance events can also be obtained through City Box Office, 180 Redwood St., Suite 100, between Golden Gate and McAllister streets off Van Ness Avenue (& 415/392-4400; www.cityboxoffice.com). MasterCard and Visa are accepted.

A half block from Union Square, the Handlery was already a good deal before the 1906 building and its more modern annex underwent a complete overhaul in 2002. Now you ll find every amenity, plus lots of extras, in the tasteful and modern history of hawaii (although sedate and a little dark) rooms. Everything s relatively new: mattresses, alarm radios, voice mail, refrigerators, light fixtures, paint, carpets, and furnishings. Perks include adjoining history of hawaii decent history of hawaii restaurant The Daily Grill, an outdoor heated pool, and club- level options (in the newer building) that include history of hawaii larger rooms, a complimentary morning newspaper, history of hawaii turndown history of hawaii service, bathroom scale, robes, two phones, and adjoining doors that make them great choices for families. Downsides? Not a lot of direct light, no grand feeling in the lobby, and lots of trekking if you want to go to and from the adjoining buildings that make up the hotel. 351 Geary St. (between Mason and Powell sts.), San Francisco, CA 94102. & 800/843-4343 or 415/781-7800. Fax 415/781-0269. www.handlery.com. 377 units. $189 double. Club section from $289 double, from $280 suite. Extra person $10. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Parking $28. Cable car: Powell-Hyde and Powell- Mason lines (direct stop). Bus: 2, 3, 4, 30, 38, or 45. Amenities: Restaurant; heated outdoor swimming pool; access to nearby health club ($10 per day); sauna; barber shop; room service (7am 10pm); babysitting; same- day laundry. In room: A/C, TV w/Nintendo and pay movies, dataport, fridge, complimentary coffee/tea-making facilities, history of hawaii hair dryer, iron, safe, wireless Internet access, voice mail.

Renaissance Pleasure Faire, San Bernardino. One of America s largest Renaissance festivals, this annual happening is in Glen Helen Regional Park in L.A. s relatively remote countryside. Performers (and many attendees) dress in 16thcentury costume in this re-creation of a medieval English village. For information, call & 800/52-FAIRE or log on to http://renaissancefaire. com. Weekends from late April to Memorial Day.

It s a ridiculously popular excursion and space is limited, so purchase tickets as far in advance as possible. The tour is operated by Blue & Gold Fleet (& 415/705-5555; www.blueandgoldfleet.com) and can be charged to American Express, MasterCard, or Visa ($2.25 per ticket service charge on phone orders). You can also buy tickets in advance from the Blue & Gold ticket office on Pier 41 or online at www.telesales.com. Wear comfortable shoes and take a heavy sweater or windbreaker even when the sun s out, it s cold. The National Park Service also notes that there are a lot of steps to climb on the tour.