Hi Everyone,

This is a continuation of the topic started by Earline regarding a SlowTrav GTG for all of us that live in the SouthEast.

I got in touch with Susan at Mountain Grove B&B last night and she has indicated that the first weekend of November would work for the Inn if we are interested in doing it then. I could also query her about dates in January/February if that would work better for everyone.

In order to stay at the Inn this time, everyone would have to commit to the two-night minimum. That would work for our family as there is a lot to do and see in that location but how would that be for other people? We can have as many people as the Inn will hold for the meal itself.

Let me know your thoughts.....

Regards,

Leslie

[date added to title]

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Colleen,

I'd love to plan on November. I'd love to stay at the B&B.

The Wood family would love to join the group again. Given our other travel plans this year, I don't think we could stay two nights. We might be able to stay in a nearby B&B for one night or just come down for the day.

Kathy

Sounds fun. We might be able to come.

We likely would be able to come again. What about doing it earler in fall so we can enjoy the beautiful outdoors more?

Hi Linda,

I don't think the Inn has availability during that time frame as I had inquired about the last week of October. However, we don't have to have the GTG at the Inn. It should be a group concensus. The first weekend of November should still have beautiful weather but October works also. Is your offer still on the table to host the GTG at your place? I think the group could number about 20-25 depending....

Leslie

Leslie,
I don't think I can do 20-25 as far as sleeping. I could do it for feeding! I have four extra bedrooms with bathrooms plus a two bedroom guest house, but it has a someone staying it right now. (I am not sure for how long???)
The B&B is fine. I missed the part about it being the first weekend in November. Your right, it should still be nice. I'm game for whatever you all want to do!

Hi Linda,

Wow, I didn't think you were going to put us all up for sleeping....I just thought you were talking about a GTG at your house where we just had a meal! Anyway, sorry for the confusion...20-25 was just an estimate of potential people. I think we had close to 20 last time.

Take care.

Leslie

Leslie,
Yes, I could host 20-25 eating if the weather is nice.I have big porches around the house that we can set a long table up on. We could do it in the house too.. but we would not all be at one table. I am hosting a party in two weeks for 125 but it will be around the pool and in the garden.I love to cook but I doubt anything I would make would compare with the meal at the B&B last time! I am cool with anything and anywhere.

Wow-- what a great offer, Linda! Your place sounds ideal for a gathering like this.

We could do a potluck type thing or even get it catered. I'm happy to bring a dish. I really like the idea of having our GTG at a private home or a place like Mountain View instead of at a restaurant...

I also like the idea of moving around each year to different places in the southeast. Perhaps we can include some new people that way or make it more convenient to some... and we get to experience other places in our own part of the country.

Our family is happy to drive a couple of hours to connect with other Slow Travelers, and Nashville is less than three hours and interstate all the way. I've got Marriott points to use so we could stay overnight, or maybe someone (hint... Leslie!) could help us get a good group rate somewhere nearby.

But what do others think about Nashville vs. back on Lookout Mountain? (It's about the same distance for us... we just couldn't commit to the two nights at the B&B...)

Kathy

Well, I can't commit to anything right now except a touch of insanity trying to get ready for our long trip coming up in 9 days . I just replied to the other post before I saw this one....

November would be best for us month-wise, but that's as much as I can think right now. I'd love to see you all again! We had such a good time in the mountains.

Happy travels to all in the meantime, and thanks for organizing this (whoever ends up doing it!).

Gail

We're pretty open on when, but need to know far enough in advance to make sure my business schedule doesn't interfere.

I like the idea of moving around the south for locations to meet. I love the idea of Nashville, since I live in Birmingham and it's a straight drive up I-65 about 3 hours. I also have Marriott Points, but I think it would be fun to stay at the same hotel as others.

I would also be glad to contribute to a "potluck" type event.

I would prefer the last weekend of October, if possible - Saturday, October 28th.

Judy

O.k. everyone here is the latest and greatest regarding Mountain Grove B&B. The first weekend in November works the best for Susan. Because one-night rentals interfere with her livelihood, she would like people who want to stay to book for the two-night minimum. I have asked her about possibly receiving some type of Slow Trav discount and am awaiting her reply. So this is where we are at for the possible Mentone, AL location.

Linda has graciously offered to host a GTG at her homein Nashville. We could each contribute a potluck dish for this and I will be able to get a group rate at a hotel in Nashville if people would like to overnight.

So basically, if we are considering Mountain Grove, I need to know how many people are willing to commit to the entire weekend. There are five rooms at the Inn that would need to be filled.

If everyone would like to take-up Linda's wonderfully generous offer, then we need to see if either the last weekend of October or the first weekend of November would work best for her and then I will start querying about group rates. (Linda jump right on in here!)

That's about all for now. Please give me input when you have a chance!

Thanks!

Leslie

Linda's invitation sounds wonderful. Even though it was wonderful, we, too, would have trouble committing to both nights at the B&B. But I understand Susan's concerns since there are a limited number of rooms and it is her living.

I've been otherwise distracted lately with trying to integrate 2 cats to learn to live with each other (it's not going swimmingly) and now I have a booboo foot.

I had an ingrown toenail fixed.

Anyhow, the end of October or early November would be fine with us. Cal had such a good time at the last GTG that he wants to come to this one, too.

Earline

This is what happens when one has one's laptop, one's digital camera, and too much time on one's hands.

(If this post shows up twice that's because one is trying to use one's mouse on the bed and it's a little tricky.)



Incidentally, that isn't a big fluffy rug at the end of my feet -- it's my big fluffy cat, Rex.

EARLINE - I was beginning to wonder where you went since you had started the ball rolling on another SlowTrav SouthEastern GTG (say that three times fast!) Love the photo!

JUDY- Will the first weekend of November work for you at all?

Thanks for checking in and the input!

Take care.

Leslie

Lynne, I didn't know if I should quote you or not since your comment was in a PM, but I would love to see you in action as your "normal" self.

Wonderful! We have another GTG to plan.

Linda, if I can be of any assistance, please let me know. How did your trip go? Great time I hope.

Ciao,
E.

We can do two nights (or more).

Haha, Earline - you can quote me anytime, anywhere, unless I'm ranking out on my hubby, Ed. As I'd mentioned, I was sick as a dog on our last GTG. My chills were so bad, I was like a blender in the bed, thus I wasn't my "normal" silly, sappy self. I vote for a Nashville venue (is there anything with an Itlaian ambiance up there?).

Leslie . . . in response to your 5/22/06 inquiry . . . the last weekend of October works best for me. I am not sure I will be able to attend if it is the first weekend of November.

Thanks,
Judy

It seems like we may have a growing consensus to try Nashville this time... is that right? (I don't want to try to speak for everyone!)

If that's the case, maybe we should find out what timing would work for Linda, if she's going to host our GTG. Then we can figure out specific plans.

Kathy

Sorry, for the delay in responding here. I have been out of town keeping my sister's kids while she sits at the hospital with the four year old.
Yes, I will be happy to host it here(Nashville area) but like I said to someone,(Carol maybe??) it works best at our house in the fall when when we can sit outside. I can easily host 30 + outside but that many in the house would be hard.(no way we could all sit together)
I will be happy to cook the bulk of it, with others bringing wine, and some side dishes or appitizers.I can also host some of the couples here if anyone would rather not do the hotel thing. Several of you mentioned Marriott Points. The Marriott Courtyard in Brentwood is not too far.I can also do some checking around the Nashville area for a B&B everyone could stay at if you would rather. Also, do you want me to check out Italian restaurants? I am happy to do the legwork for a Nashviile GTG or host it. Either way if fine with me!
Just let me know what you all decide!
Linda

quote:

I will be happy to cook the bulk of it, with others bringing wine, and some side dishes or appitizers.

Sounds like a winner!

"I can also host some of the couples here if anyone would rather not do the hotel thing."

Sounds like a winner!

"do you want me to check out Italian restaurants?"

Si, signora!

Of course, I am sure all of us would be happy to assist in any way possible, like bringing extra vino!

GTG GTG GTG