Grandfather Mountain 2012

**Pyper** · 22nd February 12, 01:38 PM

Originally Posted by Thomas H

Crazy ?
Is this an event that could be done in one day ?

I was thinking about driveing up from Georgia

10 hours of driving plus six hours of games plus unknown hours waiting for a shuttle to take you back down the mountain. I might could have done that when I was 20 years younger.

That's assuming you live near I-85, north or east of Atlanta. If you live in Valdosta or Brunswick the answer is no

Honestly though, if I didn't camp I probably wouldn't go. Not unless was going to buy a patron package with a parking permit. I've watched those shuttle lines too many years to want to stand in one.

**Thomas H** · 22nd February 12, 01:59 PM

Yes I live on the west side of Georgia and I am thinking I might not go now.

As I would love to go but , it would be a drive up and drive back same day trip.

Are there Hotels close to the mountian area or town down the road ? like Hotel Chians like a Hoilday Inn.?

As I dont want to stay at a cabin or B&B either . I know that might sound stranger to some but I just like the Hotel Chains .

I will look in to it some more . Hopefully I will firgure something out before the whole place book's up.

So the line's to go and come in the shuttle are bad ?

**Mael Coluim** · 21st February 12, 02:55 PM

Originally Posted by BatlRatl

1. Cot(s) and/or air matresses
2. 2 sleeping bags per person; one for warm weather, one for cold(cold one larger than the warm).
3. Thermacell Mosquito Repellent system.
4. Coleman dual power fan.
5. Coleman folding camp table (with picnic seating)
6. long extension cord (if power is available) & surge protector.

Hope it helps.

Where's the beer and whisky?
It's a dry county!

**creagdhubh** · 22nd February 12, 02:07 PM

Sadly, and after a long discussion, my wife and I will not be attending the games this year, despite my original post within this thread. It is most certainly true that we will indeed be in North Carolina at the same time as the games, but sadly, we shall be on the Outer Banks in eastern North Carolina, specifically Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills, then off to the Camp Lejeune/Jacksonville area (our old stomping grounds whilst on active-duty in the U.S. Marine Corps), and further on to Wilmington.

We decided to extend our summer holiday in eastern North Carolina and fly direct to the area, instead of driving from southwestern Ohio, through western North Carolina (stopping for the games), and onward to the coast. We wish we could make it this year, as we have never attended the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, however, we really want to spend more time oceanside...perhaps next year?!

Cheers,

**piperdbh** · 22nd February 12, 03:04 PM

Originally Posted by creagdhubh

...sadly, we shall be on the Outer Banks...

That's a contradiction of terms, Kyle.

**creagdhubh** · 23rd February 12, 09:37 AM

Originally Posted by piperdbh

That's a contradiction of terms, Kyle.

Haha! Quite.

**kiltedjoss** · 22nd February 12, 02:30 PM

Reserved my spot at the Inn at Blue Ridge. Looking forward to it.

**Avonlea22** · 22nd February 12, 04:46 PM

Quick question, what kind of food, if any, is near the camping area? I'm trying to determine if I need to pack a propane stove and bring food for all of the meals.

Thanks for all of the information thus far! It's been a great help.

**piperdbh** · 22nd February 12, 05:06 PM

There are various vendors at the Games. Meat pies, bar-b-q, burgers, corn dogs, haggis: the usual fair/festival grub. In Linville, there's the Tartan Restaurant, but I've never tried them. In Boone, there are several different restaurants (college town, you know). It's probably a good idea to bring your own stuff and cook at the camp site. It can be a good to make friends and influence people.

**Lyle1** · 22nd February 12, 05:21 PM

Originally Posted by piperdbh

There are various vendors at the Games. Meat pies, bar-b-q, burgers, corn dogs, haggis: the usual fair/festival grub. In Linville, there's the Tartan Restaurant, but I've never tried them. In Boone, there are several different restaurants (college town, you know). It's probably a good idea to bring your own stuff and cook at the camp site. It can be a good to make friends and influence people.

There area also several nice restaurants in Blowing Rock and Banner Elk; both are within 25 minutes of the site of the games. Blowing Rock is around the other side of the mountain, and Banner Elk is at the base of the mountain, beyond the closest parking lots but before Beech Mountain. Check Google Maps for details. Blowing Rock is an "artsy" town with lots of nice shops; you can use the Blue Ridge Parkway to get there.

Sorry I can't be more specific, but GFM is in a rural mountainous area, and it's not like giving directions in the city!