That was probably my trip report that you read. I highly recommend the Fish Market. When I did the Midway tour a few years ago, there was a Navy reunion going on and they were mostly on the Flight Deck / Hangar deck below. Still worthy of seeing.

tom42,

Most of our malls are open air. Fashion Valley is also open air and is a MUCH better place to shop.

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That would only work in Buffalo for about 3 months out of the year.

I am not much of a mall shopper when on vacation but if I happen to be walking around the gaslamp, I would wander through Horton Plaza. I wouldn't drive, take a cab or otherwise make a special trip just to go to a mall. I guess what I'm saying is the OP isn't into shopping. His mother wants to go to Horton's Plaza. If they will already be in that general vicinity, I would opt to go there, even if there is a better mall further away.

I hate Horton Plaza. It's hard to get around, parking is confusing and the shops aren't that great. Once I got lost in the parking garage even though I knew which fruit/vegetable I was. (The parking levels are a fruit or vegetable name-need I say more!!)

Fashion Valley is only about a 10 minute drive and so much nicer as everyone has mentioned.

whoknew-Your Dad will love the Midway. My Dad is a little older than yours but was also in the Navy. He really enjoyed visiting the Midway and I enjoyed listening to his stories. He doesn't have any problem getting around so we were able to see everything. But if the ship is 60% wheelchair accessible, your Dad should be able to see enough of the ship to enjoy himself. I hope he has a great reunion.

Thanks everyone for your replies and suggestions.

I'll try to do a mini trip report upon my return, but these reunions tend to be a bit "nonreportable", as I really have very little free time to myself to go anywhere. I found it takes about double the time my parents think it will take to get them where they need to go. I remain optimistic, however.

tchoinere-that was your report that I read. Looked like a fun trip!

We have open air malls where I live, so this is not novel to us. I'll just have to play it by ear as Mom can change her mind quickly. I do think I have her convinced in favor of Seaport Village over Horton after talking to her last night.

It also turns out that they signed themselves(and me) up for the reunion's nightly buffet dinner so it looks like no dinners out except for Wednesday evening. Bummer..as we all know what hotel buffets tend to be like. I think they are just going with what's easiest for them. And after all, it is their reunion. I wouldn't have minded going out to dinner on my own while they stayed there, but oh well. I see the Fish Market has a lunch menu, or I can take them there Wednesday evening.

Still looking for breakfast recommendations for Sunday morning if any one has any.

If you have time you might want to drive up to La Jolla (it is about a 25 minute drive from Downtown) to Brockton Villa overlooking the La Jolla Cove. It would be a nice treat since you are on vacation. After eating you can take a walk across the street to watch the seals (they are on the rocks at the Cove). The Cove also has a grassy park setting which is nice if you want to see the ocean but not get all sandy.

http://www.brocktonvilla.com/1.html

I read your post with interest, whoknew, because I, too, have spent the last 14 years or so schlepping my parents around and dealing with my dad's lack of mobility and his curmudgeon-ish-ness! Frustrating as it was at times, I am grateful to have been able to help them out and to have spent that time with my dad (who passed away two years ago). Sounds like you have a good attitude about it all - which helps tremendously.
This will be such a meaningful trip for your dad.