To maximize your enjoyment, here are some helpful tips in planning your trip to the Mountain View Art & Wine Festival, September 12-13, presented by the Chamber of Commerce Mountain View:

• Pets are not allowed at the festival. Be kind to your pet companions (i.e., dogs), and leave them in the comforts of their own home.
  
  
• Dress comfortably, put on some sunscreen, perhaps wear a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
  
  
• Wear shoes you feel comfortable strolling in. The festival covers several city blocks, so you’ll be walking a lot.
  
  
• Consider backpacking children. Strollers take up more space and are difficult to navigate through crowds.
  
  
• Bring along cash for food and beverages. The food and beverage vendors don't accept credit cards.
  
  
• Don’t fill up on food at the first food booth you see. Stroll around a bit to get a flavor of the offerings, then sample several of the dishes that appeal to you.
  
  
• Think about your holiday shopping when browsing the arts and crafts booths.  Festivals offer unique gifts you can stash away until December.
  
  
• Avoid the traffic congestion and ride your bike. Bicycle valet parking will be offered by the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition at the corner of Castro and Church Streets.
  
  
• Consider using public transportation. Ride VTA Light Rail (exit at the Mountain View Transit Center) or VTA Bus Lines 22, 32, 35, and 522 to the Festival. Please note Bus Lines 32 and 522 do not operate on Sundays. For your free trip plan, call (408) 321-2300, or visit www.vta.org. For Caltrain information, call 800-660-4287 or check out http://www.caltrain.com. Caltrain, VTA Light Rail and bus service will drop you off one short block from the festival.
  
  
• Some free parking is available in the downtown area.  Paid parking ($5) will be available at 400 Castro Street garage (use Bryant street entrance), 444 Castro Street garage (use Bryant Street entrance), Kaiser Permanente (555 Castro Street, use Hope Street entrance), and Washington Mutual (Castro/El Camino Real). Paid parking lots will be staffed by Community Health Awareness Council.