Hi all!

I have my first visit to Avenal scheduled for Labor Day weekend. I'll be driving down from Sacramento and I plan on just spending the weekend. Does anyone do that drive and know how long it is? Any suggestions on where to stay? What's the visiting room like? What about shoes? Can I wear sandals or flip flops? Are there play pens in the visiting room? How common are terminations? I have 3 children, is there plenty of food? Any other tips or advice?


Thanks!

Bec

The drive from Sac is about 2 1/2 hours. The dress code is found in the Inmate handbook. Depending on the CO, flip flops may or may not be permitted. Whatever you do, please bring a change of clothes and shoes just in case. If not, they will make you go over to The Oasis Center (Goodwill) and change. The visiting room is like a dayroom. It's wide open. The funny part is the tables you sit at. They are about 2 inches off the ground, with 10 inch chairs you'll have to sit at. (Bad on the back) I guess people pass contraband underneath the tables. No, I didn't see a playpen, but there is a TV area where the children can play or watch cartoons/videos. The food sucks, when there is any. Last time I visited, the vendors did not show up and the machines were empty. Terminations are not very common. Overall, the CO's are cool. The Motel6 in Coalinga (right before you get to Avenal-15 minutes away) is a nice, inexpensive spot, and it's right off the highway. There's Mickey D's, Taco Bell and other stuff right by the motel too. Be sure you eat before going to visit, just in case the machines are out. Hope this helps.

Thanks Proper for the information that Bec asked for. My husband is being moved to Avenal from Wasco. thank you
tater

I know that right now it's warm outside but just a reminder to call when it comes time for the jackets, hooded sweatshirts.... last year they said no hoodies and then about 2 weeks later they allowed them.
When the A team is doing the processing of visitors in, it goes quickly and they are nice...but when subs fill in oh boy you can be in for some waits ... to get processed in.
They just cut the legs off the tables down to 18 inches off... they come to your knees so watch out as they do hurt...
The vendors are HORRID and have been since May...I hope the new ones take over soon!!!!
Goodluck and Take Care
Most of us stay at Motel 6 OR Travelodge... at the end of the same road...

steves girl,
did you say that the motel 6 is on the same road that the prison is on? I havent been there yet but will be going soon and I was looking to find the motel 6 info and you already had it posted:) !!! Can you tell me please what is the name of the city it is in?
Thanks
C

I'm sorry I didn't make myself clear and NO it's not on the same road as the prison... I'm sorry....Travelodge is on the same road as Motel 6 at the Coalinga Exit... when you see Harris Ranch then Motel 6 is at the same exit only opposite of the overpass from Harris Ranch ...
You can go online also and find it at www.motel6.com (http://www.motel6.com) and make reservations there as well ....it's
MOTEL 6 - Coalinga East (http://www.motel6.com/reservations/motel_detail.asp?MotelId=1356&state=CA&full=Coalinga East&city=Coalinga)
Coalinga, CA, USA #1356
Hwy Locator: I-5/Westside Freeway at SR 198
Phone: (559) 935-1536 or (800)446-8356 OR


Coalinga Travelodge
25278 West Dorris Ave
South I-5, Exit Hwy 198
Coalinga , California 93210
United States
559-935-2063



The Motel is listed in Coalinga although it really isn't in that town lol that town is 20 miles away :rolleyes: ...Denny's is there along with Red Robbin, a Chinese Resturant, McDonald's, Carl's Jr. and 3 gas stations as well ...

Thanks Steves Girl.... You have eased my mind. I am kinda nrevouse to go so far away from home with my son and daughter!! We have been visiting at Centinela in Imperial for 3 years and now we really gotta travel far!!! We ive in San Diego!!! Thanks so much you have been a great help!
C

Hi there and your welcome if your coming from San Deigo then you can also stay in Kettleman City it is only about 15 miles from the prison from there... The only hotel I remember is Best Western and it's about 85.00 a nite there in Kettlemans... nice though each room has a refridge, microwave and other goodies....
www.bestwestern.com (http://www.bestwestern.com)

There is a gas station there that is normally cheaper on fuel also PLUS ... you have and In & Out there as well not sure of what else sorry ....
if you need anything else just ask me either on the boards or in pm and I'll try to help ....
Goodluck

Thanks alot you said that the best western is 15 min before the prison?? and the motel 6 is past the prison? I think I will try the motel 6. I looked that price up and its only 40.00 thats much better. My husband just went to committee last week and thats what they recommended so I guess well see if they do endorse Avenal or not? Things are crazy right now but he only has 18 months to go. Thanks SOOOO much steves girl!!!
C

Yes best western is before the prison... motel 6 afterwards and yes it is a better price...
The price I said for Best Western is for 2 people sorry I should have clarified that ...

Thanks Steves girl!!!!!
C

Thanks ! Bec Marie. Im new to this .looking to share most of expenses to see my husband thats in avenal. I live in San Diego. I wanted to go in october

It you reserve your Motel 6 room online..its always cheaper. You dont pay until you arrive!
Happy trails....

We have an ALL THINGS AVENAL thread in the Other California Prisons forum and would be happy to have y'all posting there...:)