Grandfather Mountain 2012

[Thomas H]

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 ?

[creagdhubh]

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,

[kiltedjoss]

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

[piperdbh]

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

That's a contradiction of terms, Kyle.

[Avonlea22]

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]

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]

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!

[Geoff Withnell]

What are the rules on alcohol? I know that some of the local jurisdictions are "dry".

[piperdbh]

Avery County is dry, which means that alcohol can be sold only at the ABC store. If you bring your own hooch, you should be fine, as long as you're not drunk and disorderly and blatant in advertising your drinking. Ask turpin. He's camped there for years and knows all the ins and outs. I'm just a day visitor.

[Tartan Hiker]

Beers are ignored as long as they are in a coozie or other camoflaged container. Don't parade around the grounds with an open container with labels showing.