travel plans into states

I'm beginning to plan for SEP (: The more i plan the more excited i am to go. Haven't booked tickets yet, but considering between a few options now..
a) 3 of the Arts girls will fly in to San Fran 4 days early then take a domestic in to Hartford, Conn. on 22nd.
b) 1 other Arts girl isn't too keen on making so many stopovers and I think she'd rather fly directly in from Sg.
c) My mom has exhibited a keen interest in taking the opportunity to meet some friends in the States by accompanying me in. We're thinking of flying in slightly earlier to maybe somewhere on the west coast, spend a few days playing tourist then domestic to New York to play for just 1 or 2 days (cos NY ex to stay), then maybe drive over to Hartford, Conn. (2 hours away) for school.

Helpful comments/feedback/suggestions will be much appreciated!