Northeast Meet: Details are up

[Photographer]

I was thinking that it would be fun for us northeners to meet sometime this summer. I'll plan it out if people are interested. Here's a poll to get things rolling. Let me know any ideas you have.

Details on page 5

[BaciBecky]

Hey, Lisa! Almost time to welcome you home :) I've put in your request for no more snow :wink:

Of course, I chose MA - really because I don't drive and it would probably be easier to get around MA - but I am open to NY or CT - buses and trains go there too!

I'd love to have meet up this way. Thanks for thinking of it and offering to plan it - count me in to help in any way!

[ddoll]

I didn't see RI as an option...must have been an oversight. :balloon:

But we're between CT and MA.

[Rosebud]

I'm not going to vote, because for me the first thing would be when and the 2nd thing would be where specifically. New York is humongous and in reality would be like going to Baltimouse. CT, MA, RI are all fine with me. Not to mention some parts of VT, NH, & ME.

[Belle]

Being from the Saratoga, NY area, I of had to vote for NY. However, I am not against trying to get to the lower VT or Western MA areas either. :)

{hugs}
Belle

[Photographer]

OK, I looked at the calendar and came up with 2 weekends in June. What do you think of these dates:

Weekend of June 10th

Weekend of June 24th

These don't interfere with Father's Day. Do you want to meet on a Sat or a Sun? Do you want a 2-day meet? I would pick an area that's accesible by car, train or bus or plane if anyone's feeling really adventurous. :D

Sorry about RI. I figured it's a quick drive thru there to MA or CT. LOL If people would rather RI, then we can meet there. I'm only 30 minutes away. LOL

[Rosebud]

Can't make the 10th - my dance recital is that Sunday and the next Sunday. I guess if it ended up being rather close, I could make it for Saturday, but won't be able to go anywhere I have to travel far to.

The 24th is fine as of now.

[DisneyBUff]

I too choose Ny for obvious reasons /.. lol

We can't do it the weekend of the 10 we have a previous engagment. but as of right now the 24 looks ok .

[BaciBecky]

24th looks fine for me too - fresh out of school! Hotels can be expensive in Western MA, but I'd be happy to do some checking. Anyone have a particular city/town in mind??

Gosh, it would be soo much fun to see everyone!!!

[SusanL]

I'm in for either weekend, I picked Ct because it is between NY/MA.
As for location how about Sturbridge MA area? It is on Interstate 90(Mass Pike) probably about 2 hours from Albany area. probably most central area for NY/VT/NH/RI/CT/ME. Just a thought.

[ddoll]

Well, being from RI, we're not big on long drives. (We have to pack a lunch if we go more then 20 minutes away from home) So whether I go or not depends on how far away it is.

If you picked RI on the weekend of the 11th/12th, I could come and provide a mystery guest. :-) But seeing as I'll have company, I won't go away that weekend.

I have no plans so far for the weekend of the 24th.

[Photographer]

Alright, let's set the date for the weekend of June 24th. (pounds gavel)

I'll wait for more votes before deciding on a location.

[MikeS]

Although I'm in NH I'd be willing to go to MA.

[Rosebud]

The 24th it is.

I was trying to think of locations that would be easily accessible to all, have places of interest, and places to stay if needed not outrageously over priced. Sorry, couldn't think of any. Sturbridge is a good suggestion though although at that time the hotels will be more expensive, but I think you could find some deals. The Brimfield Fleamarket/Antique show is not that weekend so you don't have to compete with them for rooms.

Or we could all get together and rent a big house on Block Island and spend the weekend! I'm kidding about that, but it would be fun!

[Ursulinda]

I'd like to suggest the Capital/Lake George region of NY or western Massachusetts (Lee, Lenox area), and NOT just because Belle and I live here.

It's roughly half way between the more distant members in New England and the western / southern New York / Pennsylvania and even Ohio members.

I can sleep up to 4 extra at my house (more if they're *very* close friends) and there are a couple of $40 motels in the immediate area.

If anyone wants to fly in, it's only 3 miles to Albany Airport and I can help transport to where ever we decide to meet.

24th works best for me too. Let me know how I can help.

[Photographer]

Yeah, more people are interested. I'm doing my homework now on locations.

[ddoll]

That's WAY too far for me to go Ursulinda. But it's nice for you to offer your house.

[Photographer]

Where in RI are you, ddoll?

[SusanL]

The Berkshire area of Ma is very nice, they have great outlets in Lee(Sheryl do you want to go shopping) and Mike and Ddoll is it too far for you? it is about 40 miles from Springfield. Rosebud we could car pool!!!

[BaciBecky]

Hey, Linda, that sounds good too! What are the names of the motels? Are they mom and pop or chains?

Thanks!

[Photographer]

Berkshires!!! (camp nigtmares) Aghhhhhhhhhhh! :no:

[Belle]

I am all for a Lee Outlet meet :lol: Any excuse to shop :D I think they have free wireless too - we could do up to the minute meet updates :wink:

{hugs}
Belle

[BaciBecky]

I am all for a Lee Outlet meet :lol: Any excuse to shop :D I think they have free wireless too - we could do up to the minute meet updates :wink:

{hugs}
Belle

:lol: Gee, I haven't been to the Lee Outlets in ages!! Wouldn't it be fun to have live updates? Belle, you're a genius!!! :yes:

But, alas, there are no affordable hotel/motels in the area - unless we team up and share.

One of my dearest friends is in a cloistered Monastery about 10 minutes from the outlets, but the monastery has no guest rooms :( We'll be out there on April 29 for her final vow ceremony - I'll have to take along a box of kleenex.

Anyway, we've stayed in the area before and rooms can be expensive. I'd be delighted to share a room if anyone is interested? The bus does go out that way, with a change in Springfield - was $80 last time I checked.

This could be so much fun!

[Photographer]

Alright, I have been going over maps and driving directions and so on baed on where people live and I think I've come up with a centralized area for everyone.

Springfield, MA

It's 1.5 hours from Albany, NY * Mystic, CT, * Providence,RI * Canton, MA. There are 4 Greyhound Bus stops and an Amtrak station. There are lots of hotels in the area and touristy things to do too... Basketball Hall of Fame, Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, Six Flags New England, The Zoo in Forest Park, and Prime Outlets Lee (under an hour).

Sound good?

[ddoll]

Where in RI are you, ddoll?

ROFL! Does it matter?? :lol: RI is one hour from end-to-end!!

Actually I'm in Warwick, where the airport is, so it's dead center in the middle of RI.

[BaciBecky]

Great job, Lisa...maybe somone will be driving from the Boston area and we could car pool?

[ddoll]

I think I could do Springfield if it's only 1.5 hrs away.

There are some fabulous Lee outlets in N. Dartmouth, MA. Is that what you're talking about? Or is there another place?

[Rosebud]

Springfield wouldn't be my first choice of places to go, but I'll go along with it if everyone wants to go there. I wouldn't need a hotel since that is so close to home.

I won't pay to go to Six Flags though, so if the meet is there you can count me out. Same goes for Basketball Hall of Fame.

[BaciBecky]

Springfield wouldn't be my first choice of places to go, but I'll go along with it if everyone wants to go there. I wouldn't need a hotel since that is so close to home.

I won't pay to go to Six Flags though, so if the meet is there you can count me out. Same goes for Basketball Hall of Fame.

Ditto about Six Flags!

Where would be among your first choices?? :)

[Photographer]

I'm just mentioning what's in the area. I wouldn't have the actual meet at the Basketball Hall of Fame.

[Rosebud]

I would have no idea of where to meet in that area. Springfield isn't a place I go to except to drive through on the highway. I also have gone through Forest Park for the Christmas lights and when I was a real little kid during the day.

And as far as Six Flags for those that would be using public transportation to get there from Springfield, I don't think it would be so easy. Probably a very expensive Taxi Ride. Six Flags is actually in Agawam which is probably a 20 minute car ride from Springfield. Although some hotels might provide shuttle service. I'm just advising those that might be thinking of a fun filled weekend and planning to go to the Amusement park.

[Photographer]

I think I could do Springfield if it's only 1.5 hrs away.

There are some fabulous Lee outlets in N. Dartmouth, MA. Is that what you're talking about? Or is there another place?

Lee is a town in Massachusetts, a part of the Berkshires. I haven't been but some of the girls have and they're talking about an outlet mall there.

[Belle]

Lee is a town in Massachusetts, a part of the Berkshires. I haven't been but some of the girls have and they're talking about an outlet mall there.

Yup - The Prime Outlets in Lee, MA can be a fun (and expensive, if not careful :wink: ) day. They have Ralph Lauren, Gap, Nine West, KB Toys to mention just a few of the many stores. As with all outlets, it can be hit or miss, so I usually hope for the best. They also have a little food court with pizza, Subway (Or is it Mr. Subb)?? and Ben & Jerry's. In case anyone is interested, either for a meet or just shopping curiousity...

http://www.primeoutlets.com/services.asp?cntrId=1031

http://www.outletsonline.com/neboma.htm

{hugs}
Belle

[Rosebud]

I'm going to ask my dance teachers tonight (they are from Springfield) where a good place around there might be. I'll actually be somewhere in Springfield the week before for my of my dance recitals. They teach part-time at my school and have their own school in Springfield. Since us adults are the hit of the show, they want us to dance at their recital too.

At Outlet place is a good place to shop, but can't really see that as a Meet Destination. Maybe a side destination for people that want to make a weekend out of it.

If we wanted to pretend we were at WDW we could do a meet at The Rainforest Cafe in CT.

ETA - was actually kidding about the Rainforest Cafe. Although that would be a good Disney Group meet place, and it is in a mall for the shoppers, there really isn't anything else around for weekend trippers.

[Photographer]

I'm scouting locations for meet(s) it/themselves. Just give me a few more days. I found out only tonight that I'm going away this weekend, for sure.

[Figgy]

Dick and I will be visiting our son in Ct. 6/10-6/20 so could maybe make a meet on the 11th or 12, but then again we would have just arrived and might not be able to pull myself away from my little grandson. :cry: :coolSmile: Figgy

[Photographer]

Awww Figgy, we're meeting the weekend of the 24th. Maybe you wanna add some days to your trip. <nudge, nudge>

[Ursulinda]

How about the Red Lion inn, in Stockbridge, for lunch? It's about 20 minutes from the Lee Outlets, and on the bus route from Boston to Albany. Stockbridge is famous for several things - Alice's restaurant, for us oldies, Jacob's Pillow Dance, the Stockbridge Playhouse, and some famous music place who's name has slipped my mind for the moment.

http://www.redlioninn.com

[Moley]

I think you should all become nuns and get a nice group discount at that monastery.

[BaciBecky]

I think you should all become nuns and get a nice group discount at that monastery.

:oops: Moley :oops: !!!!!!

Hmm, on second thought...:wink: :wink:

With all the monasteries I know you'd think there would be one with rooms enough for Tags...but alas, nothing in Western MA.

Ursulinda ~ The Red Lion Inn is a great place...Stockbridge is very close to the Outlets. And as you mentioned, known for Alice's Restaurant (Did I ever mention that the mature, silver haired Arlo Guthrie makes my heart sigh??) He's going to be at EPCOT at the end of the Flower Power Concerts and am quite despondent that I will not be there then...

[Photographer]

I think you should all become nuns and get a nice group discount at that monastery.

Moley made me choke on my orange juice! ROTFLMAO That's the funniest thing I've heard this week. 10 points for Moley.

I'll look up your suggestion when I get back from WDW, Ursulinda. Is it Alice's like the TV show? I haven't the foggiest notion.

[BaciBecky]

Ohhh, you show your youth, dear Lisa!

Alice's Restaurant was a famous/infamous hang out of some hippies back in the 60's. There was a movie made about it and a very young Arlo Guthrie was in that movie...I'll let Linda fill in the details!

He still lives in western MA and is a very devout Catholic - which seems to surpise everyone - guess it's his long silver curls :wink:

[Ursulinda]

Alice lived in a converted church in Stockbridge, and, as the song goes "you can get anything you want, at Alice's restaurant". (This was the Woodstock era, remember)

I had the recipe book at one time, and made her baked ham which included the instructions to "baste the ham and yourself liberally with bourbon until done". It was Yummy!

Another one I really liked involved adding a square or two of baking chocolate to a pot of cooked chocolate pudding. Again, yummy!

[twinks]

I think that given the area that everyone is choosing, the weekend of the 24th is the best.

Now, seeing as there is a chance of luvsPiglet having to be back there in MA during that time as that is really close to when the summer session starts, I might could be making this meet. That is if'n we keep all our fingers and toesies crossed that the school board comes through for us.

twinks

[BaciBecky]

:xfingers: :xfingers: :xfingers: :xfingers: :xfingers: :xfingers: :xfingers: :xfingers:

:xfingers: :xfingers: :xfingers: :xfingers: :xfingers: :xfingers: :xfingers: :xfingers:

:xfingers: :xfingers: :xfingers: :xfingers: :xfingers: :xfingers: :xfingers: :xfingers:

[BaciBecky]

On another note about Arlo (sigh)...for years I could not place Woodstock or why I didn't know about it...I mean how could someone my age not know about Woodstock?

Then, just a few years ago, I noticed the actual dates..would you know - it was the day I entered a cloistered monastery. PI'd spent the summer preparing to enter and of course, we did not have TV or news, so I had to catch up when I returned to the "real world" :wink:

[Sheryl]

Okay, so I guess I've got to figure out how far away Sturbridge is from Buffalo. I may be able to talk Terry into it, as long as it is not an 8 hour drive, 4 hours would be much better for me. :wink:

Sheryl

[MikeS]

Hmmm....Sturbridge is less than two hours for us.

[BaciBecky]

This is getting more exicting every day! I hope every one can make it :yes:

[Ursulinda]

Stockbridge is an hour east of Albany so about 6 - 7 hours from Buffalo. However, Sheryl, Our house is your house - don't you think htat would be a good weekend to come for a visit?

Mike, Stockbridge is closer to 4 hours for you.

[ddoll]

I thought we were talking about Springfield, MA??

[Sheryl]

Ok, I'm probably the one who messed up. Where is the meet? LOL

Thank you for the wonderful offer Linda, it is someting I am thinking about.

Sher

[Ursulinda]

So many S Options, all with pros and cons.

Sturbridge - easternmost - closest to to Maine, New Hampshire and Boston - Farthest from New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio - big tourist mecca due to Sturbridge village. http://www.osv.org/

Springfield - middle of Massachusetts - Crossroads of two interstates - convenient to Connecticut and the Connecticut valley. Lots of chain motels near the intersections. "Riverside Park" or whatever it's called now. http://www.sixflags.com/parks/newengland/index.asp

Stockbridge - furthest choice from Boston (~3 hours) - closest to NYS and points west. Lee Outlets and well known destination hotel / restaurant. http://www.berkshireweb.com/themap/stockbridge/stockbridge.html

[WDWDen]

When I saw Northeast, I was thinking along the lines of NJ! :D But.....Jenine and I may be able to work somthing out. It would probably have to be more of a last minute comittment for us though.

I didnt vote, but put me down for whever is closest to NJ!! ;-)

[Sheryl]

I'm afraid it will have to be a play it by ear for us also. I think I will be the furthest one away, so where it is depends on if we can make it.

With Terry still on third shift, it will make a difference if we have to drive home 8 hours on Sunday and have him have to go to work. when we get home. I think 5 hours I could get to pass by him, but I'm afraid 8 won't.

You all know if I can make it we will.

Sheryl

[BetsyAnn]

And I was hoping you all really meant Northwest! ;) Have a great time!

[ddoll]

And I was hoping you all really meant Northwest! ;) Have a great time!

HA!!! Nice try, Betsy!!! :lol:

[Photographer]

WOW! You guys/gals have been busy. LOL I'm working on exact locations and a schedule. Also working on hotel suggestions. This is going to be lots of fun. I'm excited to see so many people taking interest.

[Rosebud]

My first pick would be Sturbridge.

I checked some hotels in the area and found decent rates. There are also a few campgrounds in the area for the people that might like that.

It would be a great location for a family getaway because of Sturbridge Village. There are some outlet stores in the areas though not tons. Because just down the road is a 3x/year gigantic flea/antique market, you also can find some antique stores in the area.

I'm almost positive that the bus makes a stop right across from Sturbridge Village for those arriving by bus. It is located right off the highway at the Intersection of I84 and Mass Pike.

My suggestions for an actual meet place would be...

Inside Sturbridge Village either upstairs at Bullards Tavern for their delicious lunch buffet or downstairs at the cafeteria. Of course here you would have to pay to get into the Village first, plus the meal. Do they still have the Entertainment coupon for admission?

or

At Hebert's Candies for an Ice Cream Buffet

or

or Publick House which also happens to be a Historic Inn for those interested - few different choices of eating there, but a little more high priced

[BaciBecky]

Although Sturbridge is a very good option, I'm a bit concerned it would be crowded that time of year. Allso if we meet inside then it is an extra expense beyond the hotel, gas, bus etc.

I'd like to try to keep it as financially possible for many to attend - if that makes a difference! It would for me for sure, but I'm just one! :wink:

Maybe we should find out how many would like to do other tourist things besides the meet?

[Rosebud]

That is why I also suggested meet places outside Olde Sturbridge Village too. There are other places as well, i just chose those 3(4). Sturbridge MA is still a nice place to visit and preferable over Springfield, MA.

Unless something comes up I'll go to whatever place is picked, and decide by that how much time I spend there.

[Photographer]

I'm looking at Springfield, MA. This is probably the most convenient area to get to by bus, train and car for those coming from other states. I don't forsee a meet in Sturbridge unless a lot of people want to go there. Many of us are also Healthinators and I think a sundae meet is not in the cards for us. Personally, I'd vote to have in my back yard but I don't think my mom would appreciate that. :shock:

[LisaS]

When I saw Northeast, I was thinking along the lines of NJ! But.....Jenine and I may be able to work somthing out. It would probably have to be more of a last minute comittment for us though.

I didnt vote, but put me down for whever is closest to NJ!!



Hey Dennis - Springfield, Stockbridge, Sturbridge - fugetaboutit!! How bout we just meet on the NJ Turnpike??

[Ursulinda]

I'm looking at the poll results - 8/13 people said New York. . .

[Photographer]

If we had it in NY, I personally would be able to only do NYC because I can stay with my brother and take a bus for $20 each way. It's my fault for not being more specific when I started this. If you guys wanna go ahead and move it, that's cool, no hard feelings. More people did vote for NY. I thought Springfield would be more centralized for those in New England and NY, NJ and maybe PA. I'm letting you guys decide at this point. discuss...

[sandar]

Why not have 2 separate meets, one for NY and one for Massachusetts?

[Rosebud]

I wonder exactly what that means Ursalinda?

16 different people have made comments

I believe 3 of them have no intention of coming so probably didn't vote

13 voted - which 16 - 13 = 3 which would mean everyone voted - right? Wrong.

I didn't vote because I didn't have a state preference, only a date preference. So how many other people didn't vote? Or how many people voted that didn't post? Or how many people are waiting to see the outcome before they post?

Also, did the people that voted for NY vote for that weekend or the other?

We've picked the date now we should pick a few places and vote for that. I like the idea of having a few choices especially of interesting places, but that is me. Ursalinda, do you have any suggestions for NY? How about anyone else? All the suggestions that come to me are too East or North East for most people to consider or too far West.

Oh but wait a minute. I just thought of another good location. Yankee Candle Company in South Deerfield, MA. If you've only been to a mall Yankee Candle store, this is quite different. There are many rooms there and they give you a map when you enter. Browsing if free and enjoyable. A restaurant on the premises, an antique room where they have talks about candle making, a car museum (admission). Could be either a destination place since not far there are other things around. Butterfly place down the road. One exit up is the Mohawk Trail.

[BaciBecky]

I was thinking the same thing - but it sure would be fun to find a way for us all to Meet!!

[Photographer]

Update: I'm waiting for 3 hotels to get back to me about group rates in Springfield, MA.

[Cinderella]

Okay people - do I have to step in and get you all organized??? (Just joking). I voted for NY but NOT NYC - spent too much time of my life there and no hotels any of us can afford.
I really am interested in Sturbridge (some of you may remember that on the trip home from seeing mom in Maine, our car broke down at entrance to Sturbridge Village and the tow truck drive dropped us off at Sturbridge Host hotel which gave us a discounted rate for being "stranded motorists". The hotel was great and included an Italian restaurant, breakfast cafe and I think bar/snack area. It had an indoor pool etc. Not sure of summer rates since we got such a great discount - maybe they give AAA or AARP discounts - but the area is gorgeous. This hotel had a lake next door with boats and entrance to STurbridge Village was almost within walking distance.
I like the idea of meeting in Sturbridge where I think Rosebud said something about eating at a pub??
I'm all for any area of MA that might be near or off 95 on our way to see mom again. We could meet with you guys and then continue on to Maine or hit Maine first and then meet with you guys.
(It takes us TEN HOURS to get to York Maine from PA via Rt. 81/Rt. 84/Mass.Tpke to bypass to 95 and north to Maine). Any place near that route would be great.

Any hotel that does not offer "hourly rates" would be good with us as long as DH has room to roam and it's bigger then a breadbox. There are lots of places to tour/shops/little villages in MA etc.

Keep me posted.

Cinderella

[Photographer]

Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you for your patience. Here it is, the Northeast Meet schedule and information guide.

Saturday, June 25, 2005
Noon
Lunch at Lion's Den http://www.redlioninn.com/dining/lionsden.html
Red Lion Inn
30 Main Street Stockbridge, MA 01262

2:30 PM - you shop your tush off
Prime Outlets Lee http://primeoutlets.com/centerinfo.asp?cntrId=1031
50 Water Street
Route 20 East
Lee, Massachusetts 01238

Evening of Disney card and board games
Springfield, Massachusetts
More details will become available in May

Sunday, June 26, 2005
Time to be confirmed
Tour of Old Yankee Candle Company (free) & lunch
http://www.yankeecandle.com/cgi-bin/ycbvp/ycContent.jsp?page=%2fNavigation%2fNon+Product+Lef t%2fAbout+Yankee+Candle%2fVisit+Us%2fFlagship+Stor e
Routes 5 and 10 25 Greenfield Road
South Deerfield, MA 01373

Where to stay?
Springfield and Chicopee are inbetween Stockbridge/Lee & South Deerfield. I suggest booking a hotel in Springfield, quickly. The hotels I contacted can't provide group rates that weekend. Here's info about discounted hotel rates. http://massvacation.com/jsp/lodgingoffers/offers_results.jsp?cat=121&rows-per-page=10&rskip=0&order=3&desc=0&g=g®ion=6&price=-1 You may also want to try Orbitz.com, Expedia.com or Hotels.net Those of you with AAA may find rooms listed through their website that aren't available through the other sites.

When you are ready to sign-up, please post in the separate thread titled: Sign-up Northeast Meet

Hope to see you all. Please contact me via PM if any have any questions or comments.
Lisa

[Cinderella]

Photographer: I can't get the website on the hotel discounts to come up.

Cinderella

[Photographer]

OK, it's under http://www.massvacation.com Click on Special Offers. Then click on the leaf or where it says Springtime Lodging. On the next page click Hotels in the Greater Springfield Area. That should work.

[Ursulinda]

GOOD JOB Lisa! The subtitle on this trip could almost be "Shopper's delight!" That Deerfield location is very close to the Springfield interstates and much nicer than Springfield proper (no offense meant to anybody who lives there!)

The Red Lion is very well known for it's great New England food and atmosphere. (I had a meet with SammieG & Richard there)

You really can't go wrong with either one or both! In fact, both of them are SO tempting, I'm in trouble, because I can only do one!

[WDWDen]

When I saw Northeast, I was thinking along the lines of NJ! But.....Jenine and I may be able to work somthing out. It would probably have to be more of a last minute comittment for us though.

I didnt vote, but put me down for whever is closest to NJ!!



Hey Dennis - Springfield, Stockbridge, Sturbridge - fugetaboutit!! How bout we just meet on the NJ Turnpike??

Suuuuure!!! What exit?? ;-) (I can't beleive that *I* just asked 'what exit') ;-)


Just to complicate things, I was going to vote for NYC!! :D But I'm too late. :roll:

[Lady]

from one NJ person to another Den
that was :rofl:

signed Exit 4 and 13 : )

[Photographer]

Has anyone decided where they're staying?