Both of our birthdays are in early November so we decided to have a meet either late October or early November. The mid-way point for both of us is the Johnson City, TN area. Is there any points of interest there or could anybody suggest another spot in the area to have a get-together for everybody? It's gotta be a big bash if the both of us are in the same place at the same time. :D



P.S. presents are welcome as well :)

I was going to try to go up to our cabin in cashers NC. in early oct to see my parents, now you got me wondering also.pondering time!!!

I was going to try to go up to our cabin in cashers NC. in early oct to see my parents, now you got me wondering also.pondering time!!!
Drive thru B-ham and we can convoy. ( just don't let JoAnn drive;-))

There are a lot of nice places around here. That is leaf time around here. Maybe a drive and eat somewhere. We did he tunnels on the parkway last year and it was a blast.

the tunnels are great!!! early to mid is best for color change useuly.

Is Winston-Salem any better?

Things to do in W-S click here (http://www.10best.com/Winston-Salem,NC/)

I've never been to either area--Johnson City, TN or Winston-Salem, NC. -g

Another midway point is Charlotte, NC (http://www.charlottesgotalot.com/). I've never been there either (well to the airport to switch planes or layover).

Tell us, what is fun and special to do in or around Charlotte?

Charlotte, NC:
More than just the nation's second largest financial center, ...Prevention Magazine recently named the Queen City the best “Walking City” in North Carolina. Self Magazine also named Charlotte one of “Five Cities with Big Outdoor Appeal” for features like its Public Art Walking Tour, accessible museums such as the Mint Museum of Craft + Design, and nearby outdoor excursions like the U.S. National Whitewater Center.

P.S. I don't whitewater, kayak yes...whitewater NO!

Bigal = 6 hrs 24 mins
gisele = 7 hrs 5 mins

Thats too far to drive for a B-day party:rolleyes:

Ive been to charlotte but only to the races.racecar museem,camping alittle north at dukepower,resivor.not much help there.

Another midway point is Charlotte, NC (http://www.charlottesgotalot.com/). I've never been there either (well to the airport to switch planes or layover).

Tell us, what is fun and special to do in or around Charlotte?

Charlotte, NC:
More than just the nation's second largest financial center, ...Prevention Magazine recently named the Queen City the best “Walking City” in North Carolina. Self Magazine also named Charlotte one of “Five Cities with Big Outdoor Appeal” for features like its Public Art Walking Tour, accessible museums such as the Mint Museum of Craft + Design, and nearby outdoor excursions like the U.S. National Whitewater Center.

P.S. I don't whitewater, kayak yes...whitewater NO!

Bigal = 6 hrs 24 mins
gisele = 7 hrs 5 mins
Charlotte sounds good to me or anything in the area. I'm open to anything...not including dogs :rolleyes:

All three areas mentioned are good spots. If you want to have a view and less headache with traffic then go with Johnson City, TN rather than Winston or Charlotte. Just matters what type of activities you want to do.

All three areas mentioned are good spots. If you want to have a view and less headache with traffic then go with Johnson City, TN rather than Winston or Charlotte. Just matters what type of activities you want to do.


LoL True!

Last time I was in Johnson city at rush hour, there were 7 cars on the road.

Pretty area ... Explore Roan mountain (http://www.tnbirds.org/IBA/SitePages/RoanMountain.htm) area .

Dom

Are we talking camping or hotel?

I dunno about gisele, but I was going to get a hotel overnight. Has anybody tried out Carowinds in Charlotte?

All three areas mentioned are good spots. If you want to have a view and less headache with traffic then go with Johnson City, TN rather than Winston or Charlotte. Just matters what type of activities you want to do.

Well, I guess that's what we are asking--what is there to do? Sites, activities, etc. Things that the area(s) is known for???


LoL True!

Last time I was in Johnson city at rush hour, there were 7 cars on the road.

Pretty area ... Explore Roan mountain (http://www.tnbirds.org/IBA/SitePages/RoanMountain.htm) area .

Dom

Thanks Doom. This looks wonderful. And dog drool there is camping (http://www.forestcamping.com/dow/southern/chercmp.htm). Now to find the B & Bs...

-g

Has anybody tried out Carowinds in Charlotte? Think of Carolwinds as spending all day outside, on your feet, in the heat and humidity that makes the area famous... :rolleyes: Not to mention the obnoxious teenagers and crying babies... ;-)

All three areas mentioned are good spots. If you want to have a view and less headache with traffic then go with Johnson City, TN rather than Winston or Charlotte. I would positively go with Johnson City or the surrounding area (mountains NC/TN/VA/GA) - that would be more relaxing than either Charlotte or Winston-Salem.. But, again it's more in what you're wanting to do. If you're looking for peace and quite, and a chance to socialize, the mountains will win hands down, if you're looking more toward 'nightlife' then you aught to go with Charlotte or Winston-Salem.

not including dogs :x (I would use the one with his tongue sticking out if I had it)

The mid-way point for both of us is the Johnson City, TN area. ... It's gotta be a big bash if the both of us are in the same place at the same time. We should touch base with the guys over in that area, say from Bristol on down to Asheville and everywhere between - beautiful section of land there, and there's a lot going on too. If you're looking for 'excitement' then look toward Gatlinburg / Pigeon Forge, hey who doesn't want to see DollyWorld (http://www.dollywood.com/)? :???:

Honestly there are a thousand and one (OK, maybe two...) places in the general area, it all depends on what you're wanting to do....

Thanks Benny for providing some insight into the areas that have been mentioned. Doesn't sound like there is anything special in Charlotte or Winston-Salem: mansions, architecture (ie. Biltmore estate), gardens (ie. Longwood Gardens), or special attractions or unique sightseeing.

Fall is my favorite season, it sounds like colors will still be plentiful down that way in late Oct/early Nov. So Johnson City area or the Cherokee National Forest seem perfect. I, of course, will bring my bike and hope to get some good riding in.

-g

may I suggest Kansas City?

may I suggest Kansas City?

Your geography is just a bit messed up, I might say :D;-)

Your geography is just a bit messed up, I might say :D;-)That ain't the only thing messed up...

Thanks Benny for providing some insight into the areas that have been mentioned. Doesn't sound like there is anything special in Charlotte or Winston-Salem: mansions, architecture (ie. Biltmore estate), gardens (ie. Longwood Gardens), or special attractions or unique sightseeing.

Fall is my favorite season, it sounds like colors will still be plentiful down that way in late Oct/early Nov. So Johnson City area or the Cherokee National Forest seem perfect. I, of course, will bring my bike and hope to get some good riding in.

-g
So how about Johnson City area November 7?

Thanks Benny for providing some insight into the areas that have been mentioned. Doesn't sound like there is anything special in Charlotte or Winston-Salem: mansions, architecture (ie. Biltmore estate), gardens (ie. Longwood Gardens), or special attractions or unique sightseeing.


I guess I should have been more specific, sorry. Winston-Salem is more of a college, tobacco type of town. Nothing really there that you don't have at home. :rolleyes: Charlotte has a little more but to me you're not missing a whole lot unless you want to go to a Panthers game. :smile:

Biltmore Estate is in Asheville and you're talking more in the mountains. It's not too cheap to stay on the estate grounds but there are hotels near by. It is beautiful around Christmas time!

I have to agree with Benny that the Johnson City, TN area or somewhere around those parts of the mountains would be best if you are looking for a not too expensive weekend getaway.

That ain't the only thing messed up...


So how about Johnson City area November 7?

I live in Johnson County............ya'll stop by now, ya hear

Sorry guys, i've been a ghost on this site for awhile. No matter where you guys end up you'll have fun. Its the people that count. Everything else is secondary. :) Looks like u got a great interested. The "Don" and I would love to come but as some of u know, we're moving to Florida at the end of Sept. Packing and hunting for a new house has been talking up alot of my time. Hope to c all in one of our travels.:)

So what does moving have to do with a meet? :mad:
I was just talking to gisele this morning about it we may push this up to October 31 so we can skip the Halloween mess. I wish you could be there but we understand. Give Donna a hug for me.

Thanks Big Al, will do. Hey, give gisele one 4 me too.:) I havn't seen her in quite awhile.:)

The "Don" and I would love to come but as some of u know, we're moving to Florida at the end of Sept. Packing and hunting for a new house has been talking up alot of my time. Hope to c all in one of our travels.:)

:DSooo, where in Florida are you going? We need to know where our new winter home is going to be! Hi, Ron & Don & Chewy.

(Didn't mean to hijack the thread)

Hey Bob. Nice 2 hear from u. Hope all is well with the family. We're going to b in Port St. Lucie. So next time ur down that way give a yell. U are always welcome. :-)

So what does moving have to do with a meet? :mad:
I was just talking to gisele this morning about it we may push this up to October 31 so we can skip the Halloween mess. I wish you could be there but we understand. Give Donna a hug for me.

Speak for yourself. I don't understand. I miss you guys, it's been ages since I've seen you. How's Chewie? Give "The Don" a hug for me. And the least you could do is make some pierogies on the grill for me. ;-)

-g

Hey Bob. Nice 2 hear from u. Hope all is well with the family. We're going to b in Port St. Lucie. So next time ur down that way give a yell. U are always welcome. :-)

Oh, that's kinda on the way when I head to FLA. It'll be easier to meet up with you guys for sure. -g

DUH, come to my bonfire! What's another hour or 10 drive when you could party with ME!? :razz:

DUH, come to my bonfire! What's another hour or 10 drive when you could party with ME!? :razz:

I kinda like that idea.

I kinda like that idea.

You're nuts.

That's why we get along so well :razz:

. And the least you could do is make some pierogies on the grill for me. ;-)

-g

U have to come c us so i can cook u the pierogies. hahaha. MAKE SURE U DO.:smile:

So are we gonna do this? :confused:

Late October would be after peak leaf viewing season, so the majority of folks should have moved on somewhere by then.

Maybe some of the guys/gals over in the TN area can pipe in with some recommended campground(s) and/or motel(s) that could serve as 'base camp'.

There would be a lot of stuff to do around the area, it really depends on what everyone has in mind. Are you thinking a road trip? or hangin' around somewhere?

I talked with gisele and it looks like Nov. 7 is the day. I've just been too busy to make any arrangements. I'm going to third shift, so my days will be open to do some idea surfing.

So are we gonna do this? :confused:

Late October would be after peak leaf viewing season, so the majority of folks should have moved on somewhere by then.

Maybe some of the guys/gals over in the TN area can pipe in with some recommended campground(s) and/or motel(s) that could serve as 'base camp'.

There would be a lot of stuff to do around the area, it really depends on what everyone has in mind. Are you thinking a road trip? or hangin' around somewhere?

Hi Guys!

Sorry to chime in late, but I haven't been on for a while. There are several campgrounds in and around Johnson City (primarily due to the race fans who attend the Bristol Raceway twice a year), but most are RV parks. Here are a some you can google and look at. Rocky Top Campground and Warriors Path State Park. Both offer tent camp sites, from the photos Rocky Top looks a little nicer. (I haven't stayed at Rocky Top, but I have been to Warriors. We looked at camping there back in the Spring, but the bath houses weren't very clean. It's not been well cared for over the years). Hope this helps.

Here are the websites:

www.tennessee.gov/environment/parks/WarriorsPath/#camping

www.rockytopcampground.com

There is a Koa in Bristol/Kingsport. Tent sites are 26. a night. Cabins start at 53. a night. You get a discount if you have a Koa card. I think it's about 15 miles from Johnson City, just before you get to Kingsport.
http://www.koa.com/where/tn/42162/

I've been there a couple of times, it should be fine for fall/winter camping.

i go to school near the koa site i can drive through it tomorrow and take some pics and email them to someone to post (i have really bad luck posting pics)

there is also another camp ground next to the KOA called rockytop i believe. i saw it on my out to KOA and i took some pictures they have a dog park sort of thing and i saw some tent sites they are set up right now for halloween. which was neat i have pictures of the cabins they looked small from the front but have pics just need someone to post the pictures

Send them to me, I can post them.

As for this, we really need the folks over in the Johnson City / Kingsport / Bristol area to pipe in and help us out.

If we could just find a place for a meet-n-eat (something unique - doesn't have to be expensive - actually most of us prefer not expensive) and a few ideas about things to do, maybe a drive, or a place to 'hang out'.

Since there are so many that like to camp, that would be great, but there are those that really don't care for it so we need an option for them too. (cheap motel?) :D J/k

Seriously, letsget this going, we need a good meet. ;-)

I need to go camping. make is so.

Here are three in Johnson City that I've seen the local car clubs use (Miata, T-Model's etc)

Best Western
2409 North Roan Street
Johnson City, TN 37601
423-282-2161
$59.00

Ramada Limited
2606 North Roan Street
Johnson City, TN 37601
423-282-4011
$55-$59.00

Red Rood Inn
210 Broyles Drive
Johnson City, TN 37601
423-282-3040
$55.00

All three show good reviews. I googled motel/hotel in Johnson City, Tn.

Kat and I just stayed at the KOA Kampground Chattanooga West and the Aliner Camper Group (http://picasaweb.google.com/jmoncriefatec.rr.com/2009SECoastalAlinerFallRally#) loved the place.

The couple who runs the site was just awesome! Just a half mile away from the Great Smoky Mountain Outdoor Drive Inn and less than 20 mins from the aquarium, Rock City (http://picasaweb.google.com/jmoncriefatec.rr.com/SeeRockCity2009#), Lookout Mountain and all that Chattanooga has to offer.

Just tossing it out there! Heck, we'd consider making another haul out west...

Jamie

[QUOTE=bh241;801819]

If we could just find a place for a meet-n-eat (something unique - doesn't have to be expensive - actually most of us prefer not expensive) and a few ideas about things to do, maybe a drive, or a place to 'hang out'.



As far as a drive goes, we could do US 421 "The Snake". Its located outside of Bristol, TN just a few minutes outside of Johnson City. I haven't been on all of it, but several motorcycle clubs and Miata owners claim it's as good as The Dragon.

Just a thought.

I've driven it before. My father-in-law lives in Shady Valley and it is a VERY snakey road but fun to drive.

just pm me your email and ill send them as for the hotel there are 2 less than a mile from the koa and they have cabins at the koa

This sounds good I am up for it. I will even make breakfast

What about the Smoky Mountains. Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg has zillions of motel rooms, campgrounds, cabins, etc. Lots of stuff to do there for all ages.

Only downside is October is one of the busiest times of the year there and it can get crowded on weekends. We go to the Smokies so often we know the bears on a first name basis and we still never get tired of going. We will be going again in about 2 weeks, but we usually go during weekdays to avoid the crowds.

Send them to me, I can post them.

As for this, we really need the folks over in the Johnson City / Kingsport / Bristol area to pipe in and help us out.

If we could just find a place for a meet-n-eat (something unique - doesn't have to be expensive - actually most of us prefer not expensive) and a few ideas about things to do, maybe a drive, or a place to 'hang out'.

Since there are so many that like to camp, that would be great, but there are those that really don't care for it so we need an option for them too. (cheap motel?) :D J/k

Seriously, letsget this going, we need a good meet. ;-)

Agreed. A good place to meet-n-greet, a nice little clean restaurant. Camping options seem to be plenty.

-g

[QUOTE=bh241;801819]

If we could just find a place for a meet-n-eat (something unique - doesn't have to be expensive - actually most of us prefer not expensive) and a few ideas about things to do, maybe a drive, or a place to 'hang out'.



As far as a drive goes, we could do US 421 "The Snake". Its located outside of Bristol, TN just a few minutes outside of Johnson City. I haven't been on all of it, but several motorcycle clubs and Miata owners claim it's as good as The Dragon.

Just a thought.

Thanks Frazier for all of your input. I am not opposed to "The Snake" (I don't want to get a beat-down) but something a little more serene and straight would be better for those of us transporting doggies. Yeah you heard me...I HAVE A DOG!! :D

-g

This sounds good I am up for it. I will even make breakfast

I'll set the table :)

I may have missed it in the thread, but this is the weekend of November 7 correct Bigal? I can't do Halloween weekend.

-g

I may have missed it in the thread, but this is the weekend of November 7 correct Bigal? I can't do Halloween weekend.

-g

This is the weekend of Nov 7th, so don't worry. I am so sorry I have to skip also this one. Would have loved to be there to meet you and Megan! You are bringing her, right?

[QUOTE=Frazier;802277]

Thanks Frazier for all of your input. I am not opposed to "The Snake" (I don't want to get a beat-down) but something a little more serene and straight would be better for those of us transporting doggies. Yeah you heard me...I HAVE A DOG!! :D

-g

I understand, I'm sure we can find something else! :)

[QUOTE=Frazier;802277]

Yeah you heard me...I HAVE A DOG!! :D

-g

Does this mean you will be camping?

[QUOTE=gisele;802605]

Does this mean you will be camping?

I was planning on putting sunglasses on Megan and giving her a cane and reserving a B & B. I figured I could say I was her seeing eye human. Did I get that right? :twisted: I think it'll work.

-g

This is the weekend of Nov 7th, so don't worry. I am so sorry I have to skip also this one. Would have loved to be there to meet you and Megan! You are bringing her, right?

Noooooooo you must be there! No excuses. Don't you want to sing happy birthday to me?
-g
She's afraid I'll "rescue" her dog

Noooooooo you must be there! No excuses. Don't you want to sing happy birthday to me?
-g
She's afraid I'll "rescue" her dog

Yap, I am a bit worried about what you could do to my pup. I would really love to be there but my hubby's job does not allow it. I am so very sorry I have to miss this one! :-(

So what do you want to do? Frazier suggested Firehouse BBQ. http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/179/998480/restaurant/Firehouse-Restaurant-Johnson-City


PS...this is for gisele
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpuoO5hqAqA

Firehouse (http://www.thefirehouse.com/)Resto sounds good to me. Make it happen! Handle it, handle it!
627 West Walnut Street
Johnson City, TN 37604

P.S. That was no dog! But I have seen a malfunctioning dog (http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=65418&d=1234286608) before :lol:

Firehouse (http://www.thefirehouse.com/)Resto sounds good to me. Make it happen! Handle it, handle it!
627 West Walnut Street
Johnson City, TN 37604

P.S. That was no dog! But I have seen a malfunctioning dog (http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=65418&d=1234286608) before :lol:
LOL...did you see this one? baddog (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vWm47yPLGc)

LOL...did you see this one? baddog (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vWm47yPLGc)

LMAO...darn you!

I'm going to have to quit clicking on your things just like I quit clicking on Twi's. It just leads to bad things. :-(

Youmissmedontcha!

That's mean, Al! Gisele I apologize for Al's actions, clearly he's suffering from autumn dementia and cannot be held responsible for his actions.

In the interest of friendship and community, I believe Al was trying to link you to this instead: ballerina dog (http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/llama)

That's mean, Al! Gisele I apologize for Al's actions, clearly he's suffering from autumn dementia and cannot be held responsible for his actions.

In the interest of friendship and community, I believe Al was trying to link you to this instead: ballerina dog (http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/llama)

Not clicking. I'm still singing banana phone, and occasionally I will hum it at oddest moments.

-g

AAaaaaaaaaaarrrrgggghh! MAKE IT STOP!!!!

!@@#% Twi! :-x

and this (http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=f5182787abf380ba37fd) pretty much sums it up....


Hey, you said "AAaaaaaaaaaarrrrgggghh!" :rolleyes:

and this (http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=f5182787abf380ba37fd) pretty much sums it up....


Hey, you said "AAaaaaaaaaaarrrrgggghh!" :rolleyes:

UGH!
I don't even want to know how you found that little ditty.

-g

and this (http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=f5182787abf380ba37fd) pretty much sums it up....


Hey, you said "AAaaaaaaaaaarrrrgggghh!" :rolleyes:

I must get the voices out of my head
Quick I need Jimmy Hendrixs

I must get the voices out of my head
Quick I need Jimmy Hendrixs


got an hour?

Jimi Hendrix - Live at Woodstock - 1969 (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3981364972665945187#) :)

got an hour?

Jimi Hendrix - Live at Woodstock - 1969 (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3981364972665945187#) :)
...and some mushrooms?

got an hour?

Jimi Hendrix - Live at Woodstock - 1969 (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3981364972665945187#) :)

...and some mushrooms?


pffffffftttttttttttt, grow your ow (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3286686859329905674#docid=-5330535886880546335)n. :rolleyes:

remember, I didn't do anything.. :-)

pffffffftttttttttttt, grow your ow (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3286686859329905674#docid=-5330535886880546335)n. :rolleyes:

remember, I didn't do anything.. :-)
Bad Benny! You've been a bad Benny...look what you did!

Bad Benny! You've been a bad Benny...look what you did!

That must be an hallucination (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3286686859329905674#docid=80202708 62295172856) or something... I didn't do anything.

Let's just go grab a pizza and call it a day. ;-)

Bad Benny
Anyone want to take odd on me having a "random" drug screening in the near future.

Bad Benny
Anyone want to take odd on me having a "random" drug screening in the near future.

I think you're right