I've been looking around for some specifics (with that personal NAM touch) that us MOTD virgins would probably love to have. If this topic exists, feel free to point me in the right direction! So any 1st timers with questions, ask away, here are mine...

1. Everyone keeps mentioning registration....is there a fee for this? If so, is this also for a charity? (Like other events)

2. I scoured the list of accomodations on the MOTD site, but was hoping someone could make a personal recommendation. BTW, My wife isn't up for camping. (My usual AFFORDABLE way to road trip!)

3. Since I'm not a member of a club & I'm fairly new to NAM, where would be a good place to throw myself in the middle of a bunch of friendly Mini Folks? The welcome dinner? A blind curve on the dragon? Freshman orientation?

Any and all input welcome! Thanks!

 

snooter started a website that will help you with many of your questions
http://www.minisonthedragon.info

I don't think the registration will go up on NAM til the end of February or so (not 100% sure). There is a registration fee but it is minimal & you will have the option to pay a little bit more to get goodies like a T-Shirt & other swag.

Also check out
www.tailofthedragon.com

(sorry my mind is blank have had a busy day but I hope this will help you a bit )

 

Thanks bamatt - I love how quick people are on these forums. I did check out Snooter's site- (very well done, Cheers Snooter!) What I'm hoping to find is maybe input on where other MOTD-goers will be, a place with a view, etc, you know the "Inside Scoop." Maybe nobody has that info, and that's cool, but I thought I'd ask!

 

The majority of people stay at Fontana Village but after it fills up everyone spreads out to Robbinsville & Tapoco. Most of the action (Welcome & Farewell dinners, Brewswap, Drive-In Movie, etc) will be held at Fontana, Chili cook off is at Tapoco. Some attend the group functions others hang out on their own. Some evenings bring cabin hopping & cocktails

Oh yeah...the biggest thing is...There are freaking Minis everywhere

Have you checked with your local area Mini Group to see if anyone is coming?

 

No - haven't checked yet, there is a Milwaukee group, but there hasn't been a lot of "action" on there thread. I that doesn't work out, maybe I'll see what the Chicago club is doing. (I'm about midway between Chicago and Milwaukee) I guess we'll see what happens.
From what I've read, it sounds like a sight to behold, definitely video camera worthy!

 

Several of us from CMMC went last year and had a caravan down to Fontana. We have reservations for Fontana and are starting talk about what we want to do this year. We didn't have anything posted on the CMMC site because it wasn't an official club function. Just a bunch of Chicago guys wanting a little Dragon fun click my sig to find my Dragon pics

I don't know if any other Milwaukee MINIs are going, but you may want to PM Minishagz to see if he knows...

you might want to read through last year's Dragon forum also : https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...play.php?f=141

 

Def camera worthy I mean how often do you go to a place that has Minis everywhere & if a non-Mini drives by they look like the oddball

 

StJamesG8, I stayed at Blue Waters Mountain lodge last year for my first Dragon. I Loved It!!! It's right on Lake Santeetlah. It's a small rustic lodge with only 11 rooms (I think), the owner includes a B&B style breakfast each morning to die for. The best part is they have a large gathering room with a pool table, comfy sofa's and a hugh two story fireplace. Since every room is usually held by a Mini Person, we'd all gather around each night, share stories and shoot pool or just relax. It was a great way for two newbies to get to know some other Mini Folk.

I've also heard good things about Blue Boar Inn. You can pm if you'd like any more input

 

there are a lot of accomodations at every price point in the area..... last year our cabin in the "Village" was in bad repair, dirty and an embarrasment... fortunately they are not all that way and the new owners are working hard to clean it up......

as far as the social end..... there are Minis and Mini people of every variety.... you will have a ball..... easy to find like minded people and everyone is there for great time.... driving the Dragon is about 4-5 on my list..... seeing and spending time with friends from all over the country is number 1.... it is hard to imagine what 400-600 Minis look like in one small geographic area but they are everywhere coming and going and the fun thing is that no two seem to be alike......

additionally, this is an area with tremendous outdoor opportunities... hiking, biking, fishing, canoe, kayak, drinking beer-wine, smoking cigars, play music, get it on with your significant other....

I start looking forward to this in December..... come and have fun with 500 of your newest friends

 

I second Snooter's recommendation of the Blue Waters. It isn't cheap but if you and your wife want to stay in very nice accomodations, with awesome hosts and kick butt food then its a good place to be. And the living room area is an awesome hang out. That last night was the best, eh Scooter?

To immerse yourself in the MINI folks just mill around during the day and talk to people. I would advise attending the main functions such as the Welcome Dinner, The Brew Swap, The Drive-In and The Parade (sorry if I missed a major event guys).

Come happy, leave happy.

 

I think I got the last room at Blue Waters but you can call to confirm. I can't believe how fast things are filling up and it is only January.

I recommend making reservations ASAP.

 

As of 1/14/2007 Blue Waters Mountain lodge still had 3 rooms left

 

I'll have to try and get those last rooms....

 

so i have a newbie dragon question---
I"m trying to get my pops to come with me for this, and he's concerned about the $$$--- so here's my question:

those of you who have gone in the past and stayed at a hotel (vs. camping), and say...went to the welcome dinner, drive in movie, brew swap, few other events...About how much did you spend? My pops seems to be estimating around 1000 bucks for the trip (coming from PA--Rounttrip=5 tanks of gas)..does this sound about right?

 

you can get lodging for under $50. a night. Im thinking the 3 dinners should be no more than $20.00 each. Probably get breakfast and lunch for under $10.00

$150.00 3 nights lodging
$120.00 Three dinners for two
$ 60.00 Three lunches for two
$ 60.00 Three Breakfast for two
$175.00 five tanks of gas at $35.00 per fill-up
$ 10.00 for movie
$ 12.00 two for the brewswap
---------
$587.00

plus whatever you choose to do above that

 

This is what i was hoping to see!!! THANK YOU! now he has no excuse for not coming!!!

 

hannahwho, here are some links for the cheapers hotels

Philips hotel

San Ran Motel

Freeman Hotel

The Overnighter

Its best to reserve them early !!

 

OT DO you live in the city of Kenosha like say a little south of downtown (I may have spotted you a few weeks ago)?

Kenosha is a pretty easy trip if you want to go to a few CMMC meets beofrehand and already know a bunch of the group thats going down. I'm a CMMC biased right now living just south of the WI border but I may become equally active in both this year, still wait and see; same goes for the Dragon in my case.

 

Thanks!!!!

 

I have a crazy idea about camping. Has anyone ever slept in the back of their mini?? I'm not sure how much room is back there (I don't have one yet) but it seems like alot....

 

I've slept in the drivers seat wasn't too bad. But now I have a proper RSD, spme blankets and a pillow and it could probably rival my bed at home lol. Some also do teardrop trailers.

 

Yes, yes we do!

 

Motor On- Yeah, thats probably me- in kenosha. HyperBlue S, tinted windows. Still working on my stripe/graphic ideas. I'm too indecisive! Anyway, yeah, I'd love to cruise down sometime.

 

I'll keep an eye out for ya, I'll be in Kenosha again later this week too. Feel free to come down to any of the meets, I went to one in Bristol from Kenosha back in Dec. wasn't that bad a trip at all, and many are closer than that.

 

We're looking forward to meeting y'all at MOTD!