NC/SC/VA Meet-up?

[13thChylde]

Judging from the huge success of the New Hope meet-up, I was thinking we Carolinians/Virginians should attempt the same thing :)

With Spring here, a nice day-trip to meet y'all would be so much fun. I'm pretty much centrally located in NC, in the RTP area. I have a big station-wagon and could offer rides to those in my general area.

Anyone interested in pursuing this?

[Kaylara]

Hehehe... Make it on a weekend, and I'll try to make it down there... :) This New Hope one was so much fun, I can't wait to go to another one!

[Xander67]

I'll drive :boing:

[Calzaer]

Absolutely! Put it on a weekend, somewhere in NC, and I'll be there! Charlotte is only about 2-3 hours from me, and the rest of the state isn't far behind!

[Xander67]

We would have to pick up someone in new hope however,

[Kaylara]

Oh hush! He called me honey, and was super cool!

[mudweed]

Absolutely! Put it on a weekend, somewhere in NC, and I'll be there! Charlotte is only about 2-3 hours from me, and the rest of the state isn't far behind!
Me too, me too! I'm sure I can find a ride...:rolleyes: I bet we could get angelbaby to come, too.

[Kaylara]

Mudweed, let me know, and I'll make sure you have transportation! I'd really like to meet you! :)

[Xander67]

"I told ya you didn't have 30 ppl"

lol

wow this thread is sure getting around:eek:

[mudweed]

Mudweed, let me know, and I'll make sure you have transportation! I'd really like to meet you! :)


:yayhawaii Woohoo! Sounds like fun. :D

[Kaylara]

*dances* YAY!

[Mithrea]

How about the West Virginians?

[Xander67]

well if the New Jerseyians are going, then im sure the west virginians are welcome too :)

[Forest_Faerie]

I know you don't know me very well, but I'd like to come! I'm in central/northern va but am free for trips at anytime, anywhere. :)

[Gareth]

I live just outside of DC, and NC is at least 3 hours from me.
So it is possible for Lisa and I to go.

But I do agree about the timing.
It would need to be in the spring.

[Kaylara]

Nod Nod! I agree!

[mudweed]

This is turning into a whole regional meetup... :)

Cool!

[Gareth]

This is turning into a whole regional meetup... :)

Cool!They always look like fun, and the only thing it really costs is time.

[13thChylde]

Well alrightey then! Let's pick a spot that has some cool shoppes, good coffee and yummy food!

I can even stay overnight! Pajama party!!!!

What do you think would be the most central spot?

Oh, and mudweed, if I have to drive 4 hours to Asheville to come get ya, then so be it :lol:

[Gareth]

How about Va Beach?? :lol:

[13thChylde]

I've never been there....sounds good to me. I've never been to Charleston (SC) either, but that may be too far for you Northerners to go. Asheville is awesome and so is Wilmington for NC locations.

I'm thinking we're gonna need a poll.

[Mithrea]

I'm almost 8 hours away from VA beach.

[Gareth]

I'm almost 8 hours away from VA beach.
I had to drive to Charleston(sp) W.Va. before.
It took us 6 hours from where I live!!

[Mithrea]

I had to drive to Charleston(sp) W.Va. before.
It took us 6 hours from where I live!!

Yep well, I don't live in Charleston. I've been to VA Beach many many times and it's never taken us under 7 hours.

[13thChylde]

This is startin to sound like an over-nighter!!

[Mithrea]

This is startin to sound like an over-nighter!!

Which most of us can't afford. . .

[Mithrea]

Of course if you all wanted to come to Nitro, you could all camp out at my house :)

[MammaStar]

ya know....you could do it on the weekend...maybe when Busch Gardens opens up. Those of us with kids and such can bring them and everyone can have fun.

just a suggestion. And depending on the weekend....and how much notice I get, I might be able to go too.

[Gareth]

ya know....you could do it on the weekend...maybe when Busch Gardens opens up. Those of us with kids and such can bring them and everyone can have fun.

I like that idea.
I loved Busch Gardens when I went there a few years back.
Plus they got all kinds of good food and BEER!! :lol:

[13thChylde]

Gah, I haven't been there in YEARS!

Or we could do Kings Dominion, if that part of the state works better for everyone.

[13thChylde]

http://www.ncrenfaire.com/index.php

Going on this weekend and next in Raleigh, NC.

I'll be there this Sunday - lemme know if any of you will be there as well so we can meet :)

[Xander67]

I know you don't know me very well, but I'd like to come! I'm in central/northern va but am free for trips at anytime, anywhere. :)

I could pick you up on the way :T

[Mithrea]

:lol: Okay how much does it cost to get in there? I think I'm probably just out no matter how you look at it. :)

*edited because we are all posting too fast ;) I meant BG and King's Dominion.

[13thChylde]

Or how about meeting somewhere like Richmond, that way there is no admission fees and probably some coffee to be found :lol:

[Aidron]

Charlotte is only an hour from me, if anyone is considering Cal's suggestion. I would have to wait until probably May though as I have too many responsibilities to deal with right now so I just don't have the time.

If we meet up in Charlotte I'll just make mudweed drop by and pick me up. :lol:

[13thChylde]

I can go either way.

[Forest_Faerie]

I could pick you up on the way :T

:bouncysmi

[mudweed]

Charlotte is only an hour from me, if anyone is considering Cal's suggestion. I would have to wait until probably May though as I have too many responsibilities to deal with right now so I just don't have the time.

If we meet up in Charlotte I'll just make mudweed drop by and pick me up. :lol:
:lol: Maybe I'll have my car fixed by then. I will totally pick you up, Raven. I had a dream that you came to see me at work, by the way. I was scared. :D

[13thChylde]

How does May work for everyone?

[Old Witch]

Charlotte is only a hop skip and a jump up a couple of Interstates for me.........Keep talking............

[13thChylde]

Where's Linx? If she wants to go to Charlotte, maybe I can schwing by her house for a pick-up. I just wanna pick someone up, can ya tell?

[Mithrea]

Charlotte is only a hop skip and a jump up a couple of Interstates for me.........Keep talking............

ooo yeah, Charlotte! That's my favorite suggestion so far! :D

[mudweed]

Of course, I really HATE Charlotte. But I can probably make an exception for ya'll. And 13thChylde, you can always come pick me up... ;)

[Mithrea]

How does May work for everyone?


May is good :) I have a trip to RI in May also, to visit MoonOwl :)

[13thChylde]

Of course, I really HATE Charlotte. But I can probably make an exception for ya'll. And 13thChylde, you can always come pick me up... ;)
I prefer Asheville to Charlotte, honestly. The only good thing coming out of Charlotte is I85!! :lol:

mudweed ~ anytime you need a pick-me-up, call me ;) :lol:

[Aidron]

I actually despise Charlotte as well, and honestly, have no idea where we would meet up at or hang out there. They closed "Infinity's Images", the only metaphysical shop in Charlotte I've ever heard of. :hrmm:

[Mithrea]

I prefer Asheville to Charlotte, honestly. The only good thing coming out of Charlotte is I85!! :lol:

mudweed ~ anytime you need a pick-me-up, call me ;) :lol:

Where is Asheville?

*goes to look at Mapquest*

[13thChylde]

Raven, if this train is headed to all points Asheville, I'll come get ya.

[13thChylde]

I know some of us are making plans to go to Belle Chere, which is in July.

But if we have our meet-up prior to that, then the place won't be so crowded. I'm going to check and see if my timeshare thingamajig is available, b/c it's a 4-hour drive for me so I will be staying overnight. If it is, and I don't bring the family, I can offer sleeping space for a few people. I have no idea if there is anything available....will post when I do.

[Aidron]

Sounds good. If my mum and I go to Bel Chere we are planning to stay the night, so if we meet up there you probably wouldn't have to worry about offering me sleeping arrangements or picking me up for that particular meet up.

Any other time... hmm, not sure. I'll just crash at mudweed's house and stick her on the couch! :lol:

[Kaylara]

May works for me!

[Gareth]

This all sounds real good.
But what about location?

I would suggest a central location for all who would want to go.

[13thChylde]

Well, Asheville is kinda central esp. for those who could go to Charlotte.

http://www.exploreasheville.com/

[Aidron]

Asheville is not really central, unless the people meeting will be from western North Carolina and western Virginia.

It's about 2-3 hours from Charlotte, as it takes me about an hour and a half to get there due west, and Charlotte is about an hour due east.

[Kaylara]

Well, from here it's going to be at least a 7 hour drive, so where ever you pick, just let me know... :)

[13thChylde]

Let's make a poll. So far we have:

Asheville
VA Beach
Richmond
Busch Gardens

Please add your suggestions. I really want to meet you guys :) and although you can't please everyone, would like to make this as easy as possible so that more can attend.

[Aidron]

Let's make a poll. So far we have:

Asheville
VA Beach
Richmond
Busch Gardens

Please add your suggestions. I really want to meet you guys :) and although you can't please everyone, would like to make this as easy as possible so that more can attend.



Out of those? Asheville. Charlotte isn't included, but it would get my second vote, with Hickory (even though I've never been there) being third, since it's north of Shelby about an hour and a bit closer to Virginia for those who hail from there.

As for any locations in Virginia, sorry, I can't stand driving that long and I really don't have the time or money to make a trip like that. :(

[Mithrea]

Out of those? Asheville. Charlotte isn't included, but it would get my second vote, with Hickory (even though I've never been there) being third, since it's north of Shelby about an hour and a bit closer to Virginia for those who hail from there.

As for any locations in Virginia, sorry, I can't stand driving that long and I really don't have the time or money to make a trip like that. :(

ditto :D I can make Asheville or Charlotte, but anywhere in VA is pretty out of the question both timewise and financially. And I really want to meet people too I'll be happy to pick up anyone who is on my way or if anyone wants to meet me somewhere who is coming from further west or north, I'll be happy to drive you the rest of the way. :D

[Branwyn]

I live in the Greensboro area (rather close to Linx), so about anywhere in NC is ok for me.

Charlotte is good, Asheville is awesome, ummm, just tell me where and when, and if somebody is on my way, I'll pick 'em up too = ).

Branwyn

[Linx]

Hi... Here I AM. hehe

Ok... this thread grew so fast... it beat out my grass and thats fast. I have a few thoughts on this. Well ok many thoughts. And trying to take all into consideration... here they are.

I seen some mention bringing kids...

I seen some mention the cost...

I seen some mention it needed to be a weekend...

and I seen some mention it needed to be centralized...

Here are my thoughts on the whole thing. I am not sure how many other places there are out there more centralized, but I will tell you what we have around here, and it works great for all the above mentioned items except for maybe being centralized...

There are quite a few locations around me, that allow camping...thats right you heard me CAMPING. This makes it affordable for any who need to spend the night. And the cost of the campins sites are very reasonable... vary from 10-25 bux a night. This means kids would be welcome, you could arrive as early in the day as you wanted, and leave as late on a sunday as you liked... perfect for a weekend in the spring. With hotel costs being what they are, well this may be a good idea. And you can party together all night pretty much.

Here are a few locations...

1. Kings Mountain...
http://www.discoversouthcarolina.com/stateparks/parkdetailcabins.asp?PID=945

This particularly stands out... we could all go in... or just get regular camping areas each...

Camps Cherokee and York provide an ideal setting for large groups. Camps include rustic cabins, mess hall and bathhouse.

Camp Cherokee sleeps up to 104 people and rents for a minimum of $225/day plus electricity; $3.25/person over 70 people.

Camp York sleeps up to 140 people and rents for a minimum of $290/day plus electricity; $3.25/person over 90 people.


2. Morrow Mountain
http://www.ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/momo/fee.html

This stands out here...

Camping

Camping in non-electric sites: $15 per day, per site; $10 per day for senior citizens ages 62 and older. A picnic table and grill are located at the campsite. Water, restrooms and shower facilities are located nearby. A dump station for RVs is provided free of charge to campers. Electric sites are not available at this park.
Backpack campsites: $9 per day, per site. Pit toilets nearby.
Group campsites: $40 per day, per site, 35-person capacity. Water, restrooms, and shower facilities nearby. Reservations required.

3. Dan NIcholas Park
http://www.co.rowan.nc.us/parks/dnp/page7.html

Here is the info for here...

FAMILY CAMPING
Rowan Co. Nonresident
Residents
Sites 42-51 (50 amp) $21.00 $23.00


Other sites w/ elec &water ( 5 max) $17.00 $19.00


Without electricity & water $15.00 $17.00

Additional Persons $1.00 $1.00


Weekly (Limited 14 day stay) $102.00 $114.00



OK, so does anyone know of any other places like this? Is this something that would be acceptable to most of us? I mean all we would have to bring is ourselves, clothes, sleeping bags, and food. What are your thoughts?

I also meant to mention all of these places have activities for kids and adults alike. And are much less expensive then kings dominion or six flags for those who may be on a tight budget. We could start a pool of money and end for the end of May, middle of June. Middle of June gives time for kids to get out of school. We could place our reservation NOW if we have enough people interested. Speak up people. I am getting excited :)

BTW, if we want to go really cheap, and dont have as many people needed for a campground (and I can talk my hubby into it,) I have room on my property for about 20-30 to pitch tents... I also have outside water, electricity, and an outdoor cooking area. The only thing we would have to figure is parking, and if I explained to my neighbors... I am on a private road, we would probably be fine for just the weekend parking on the road itself.

[Calzaer]

May is horrible for me... I'm going to be in Australia for the first week or so of it, and job hunting for the rest of it. I'd hate to get a job then need to ask for the very next weekend off. :(

Asheville would be cool, it's about 5 hours from me IIRC, and I could afford a night in a Motel 6 or something so it could be a weekend... just... not in May. Arg.

[Aidron]

I'm totally in favor of the camping idea, and in fact, my vote goes for the Kings Mountain Battleground. It's a beautiful area, I've camped there before, and um, it's like 30 minutes from my house I think. :hehehehe:

I still have to go with May for timing, maybe June, though I'm not sure. I'm in the process of job hunting and helping my mom do radical changes around the house, so anytime before May is probably out of the question, and after May... I really can't say since I hope to have a job before then, and I can't very well take off time at the beginning of a job without looking like a total slacker. :hrmm:

I didn't see anyone mention bringing kids. Now I'm afraid. Kids and me... we don't mix. :lol:

[Linx]

As for a time... what about the weekend of June 19th? then we can make it a Midsummer's Gathering as well?

Ok, someone has to start a vote... I guess it may as well be me.

off to start a vote.

[Aidron]

As for a time... what about the weekend of June 19th? then we can make it a Midsummer's Gathering as well?

Ok, someone has to start a vote... I guess it may as well be me.

off to start a vote.


Like I said, I can't speak for June, and I tend to prefer to celebrate all sabbats and esbats alone. Sorry.

I'll still vote though! :lol:

[Linx]

Well, the Holiday is actually on the following Monday... if that matters...??

[Aidron]

Well, the Holiday is actually on the following Monday... if that matters...??


It does. That would be perfect, a casual (or more) celebration with everyone else, then my own private ritual at home.

Of course, now I just can't go cause Cal is hitting on me and I'm scared! :lol:

[Linx]

It does. That would be perfect, a casual (or more) celebration with everyone else, then my own private ritual at home.

WHEeeeeeeee! :floating:

[MoonFaerie]

gets all excited...

I would love to do this.. but I don't think I will be able to go if it is in virginia.. but I will see.. guess I'll go look at the voting thread huh? heheh

yay :D

[13thChylde]

WOW ~ I go away for a few hours and look what happens!

My husband volunteered our home as well....here's what I can offer:

camping in the field for 20 or so tents
hot tub
pond for floats and boats
close to Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Hillsborough, Raleigh, Durham, etc.....lots of cool shops and coffee stops

just another option to add to the many :lol:

June works for me - I think. Don't know exactly when we are going to NJ but it will be sometime in June/July. I tend to prefer May, but can be flexible. My kids are in year-round school so summer break is only 5 weeks and it's booking up fast.

The castle I mentioned a while back is in Chapel Hill, Linx.

[Linx]

The castle I mentioned a while back is in Chapel Hill, Linx.

I know, I plan on going in a couple weeks. :)

[13thChylde]

Do you need a guide?

call me and I'll meetcha!

[Linx]

Do you need a guide?

call me and I'll meetcha!


LOL.. I have not decided exactly when yet. I have a job a job interview tomorrow, and if i get hired, I have to work it into my schedule... so it may end up being during spring break on a week day... if that is doable for you, let me know.

[Cataline]

How about Va Beach?? :lol:

That's right in my neighborhood, kiddies....Naturally I think it's a grand idea

[Cataline]

Ok so Busch Gardens literally is right down the road. I have another suggestion, noticing 3 out of 4 location suggestions are in Va and all in central/eastern Va - so if some folks are bound to Virginia or scared of crossing into NC (like, um, me)....Is there enough interest to justify our own gathering in the grand old Commonwealth if we can't make it to Asheville?



Let's make a poll. So far we have:

Asheville
VA Beach
Richmond
Busch Gardens

Please add your suggestions. I really want to meet you guys :) and although you can't please everyone, would like to make this as easy as possible so that more can attend.

[Forest_Faerie]

Ok so Busch Gardens literally is right down the road. I have another suggestion, noticing 3 out of 4 location suggestions are in Va and all in central/eastern Va - so if some folks are bound to Virginia or scared of crossing into NC (like, um, me)....Is there enough interest to justify our own gathering in the grand old Commonwealth if we can't make it to Asheville?

I'm up for it either way... :)

[13thChylde]

What's so scary 'bout crossing the border into NC? You Virginian drivers scare us! :lol:

And if there's gonna be a separate gathering in VA, I'll be there as well...calender allowing.

[Kaylara]

WOW ~ I go away for a few hours and look what happens!

My husband volunteered our home as well....here's what I can offer:

camping in the field for 20 or so tents
hot tub
pond for floats and boats
close to Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Hillsborough, Raleigh, Durham, etc.....lots of cool shops and coffee stops

just another option to add to the many :lol:

June works for me - I think. Don't know exactly when we are going to NJ but it will be sometime in June/July. I tend to prefer May, but can be flexible. My kids are in year-round school so summer break is only 5 weeks and it's booking up fast.

The castle I mentioned a while back is in Chapel Hill, Linx.
Sweetness! I'd be up for that!

[13thChylde]

Come on down, girlfriend!

[WiccanFae]

Is this idea still in the works? I would love to participate, I am in the Richmond area but willing to travel just about anywhere with far enough in advance notice!