MMJ @ Champlain Valley Lawn 8/20- Roll Call!

[ALady]

Y'all, my bad.  I got the instructions completely messed up.   :-[

The Expedia/Hotwire thing works for locating a (pricier) Expedia hotel on the (cheaper) Hotwire site.  However (and this is a big duhhh on my part) Hotwire isn't a bidding site.   :-[  I just checked Hotwire for Essex Junction and their prices aren't much better than Expedia's.

Here are the corrected instructions, which should work within Priceline - no second "reference" site required.  Sorry guys!   :-[

- Using the regular search function, search Priceline for your hotel, and make note of the exact location, star level, and price.
- Then, go back and use the "Name Your Own Price" feature to search Priceline for a hotel in the same location with the same star level
- bid about half the rate you found in your initial search

Doh!   ;D

[ynwa]

no worries, ALady!

i was looking into camping because of the pricing on hotels in the area.  but, to be honest, if i can get a good rate @ a hotel i'd much rather do that.  not that camping isn't fun, but, driving 5 hrs up there the day of the show & then having to set up camp before heading over might be a serious p.i.t.a.

so... thank you very much for the tip!

[ericm]

No luck again today with Priceline.

I was trying for 3+ star hotels in Burlington. I bid $10.00 higher than yesterday, but skunked again!

I'll just try a little higher tomorrow, and each day until they come through.

[ynwa]

ok, so i tried the priceline thingie and my bid of a little over 1/2 was rejected.  it said if i wanted to try again immediately, i could add on another $20 & see.  but i decided not to bother because i really don't handle rejection well and ran away, crying, from my computer  ;)

actually, i'd looked into a hotel a couple weeks ago & their price was a tad lower than anything i've seen on priceline & the like.  so i called & they still have rooms available for that weekend.  this hotel is only 1 mile from the venue!!!  

i spoke with the manager, CHRISTINA, & she was super DUPER nice!  she gave me a 10% "1st time customer" discount.  (they also offer a 10% discount to AAA and AARP members...) so i got a room for $138/night.  i asked her if i could mention on here about the "1st time customer" discount & she said it was fine, just make sure you ask for her when you call & also to please not smoke dope in the rooms (they had a problem w/ some phish phans apparently).  she also asked what band i was coming to see & had never heard of mmj, but i kinda described them & she said it sounds like something she'd like & will probably check them out  :)

anyway, it's an all suite hotel.  i got a queen suite which has 2 separate large rooms.  the bedroom has 1 queen sized bed.  there is also a pull-out sofa in the living room.  complimentary breakfast is included.  so, that's my accomodation sorted.  if anyone is interested in joining me & sis in a room share - PM me.

here's a link if you want to check it out:

http://maps.google.com/maps/place?rlz=1T4DKUS_enUS268US268&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=handy+suites+essex+vt&fb=1&gl=us&hq=handy+suites+essex&hnear=vt&cid=8051912385414500445

[AMightyCaporal]

I'll be there- with bells on!

[ericm]

Finally got a bid accepted on Priceline!  ;D  

I bid $100.00 for a 3 star room in Burlington. with fees and tax it came out to $118.82. I ended up getting a room at the Sheraton Burlington Hotel And Conference Center, which is where I was originally looking to stay. Pretty lucky, and saved some cash too.

Thanks for the help, ALady, and if we ever meet at  show, I owe you a beverage of your choice.

[ALady]

Cool, glad it finally worked eric!  Every dollar saved is a dollar toward the next show...   ;) ;D

[jdbartender]

You have know idea how bad I want to go to this... I am originally from Vermont, and all my family and friends are up there.  But here is the thing... My wife is due with my first son on August 14th... My only hope is that she is like 2 weeks early and that we travel up to VT to show off the baby the weekend of the 20th... Than maybe, just maybe, I can pull it off.  

Who am I kidding  :'(

[ynwa]

You have know idea how bad I want to go to this... I am originally from Vermont, and all my family and friends are up there.  But here is the thing... My wife is due with my first son on August 14th... My only hope is that she is like 2 weeks early and that we travel up to VT to show off the baby the weekend of the 20th... Than maybe, just maybe, I can pull it off.  

Who am I kidding  :'(

hey there jd!  some of us were wondering if you were planning to make this show.  i feel your pain but i think it's more appropriate to say CONGRATLATIONS!!!!  that's some awesome news, man  :)

[johnnYYac]

You have know idea how bad I want to go to this... I am originally from Vermont, and all my family and friends are up there.  But here is the thing... My wife is due with my first son on August 14th... My only hope is that she is like 2 weeks early and that we travel up to VT to show off the baby the weekend of the 20th... Than maybe, just maybe, I can pull it off.  

Who am I kidding  :'(

hey there jd!  some of us were wondering if you were planning to make this show.  i feel your pain but i think it's more appropriate to say CONGRATLATIONS!!!!  that's some awesome news, man  :)

Amen!  I feel your pain and share your joy.  Name him "Yim"!

[tdb810]

You have know idea how bad I want to go to this... I am originally from Vermont, and all my family and friends are up there.  But here is the thing... My wife is due with my first son on August 14th... My only hope is that she is like 2 weeks early and that we travel up to VT to show off the baby the weekend of the 20th... Than maybe, just maybe, I can pull it off.  

Who am I kidding  :'(

Oh JD we will miss you for sure!  But such happy news for you!  Wishing you all the best!! And see you next time....

[tdb810]

We are booked at the DoubleTree in Burlington!!   CANNOT WAIT!

[johnnYYac]

Hey folks.  Decided to stay overnight after the show and found what looks like a good deal.  

Handy Suites in Essex Junction (27 Susie Wilson Road) is 1.5 miles from the venue (105 Pearl Street).  All rooms are suites w/kitchen, and I got a queen suite for Friday night for a total of $104.88 through Expedia.  

Other places in the area are sold out and those that aren't are much more expensive.  There might be camping on the fairgrounds, but I haven't been able to reach anyone there by phone or email successfully.  

The reviews and ratings for this place aren't bad, in fact quite good.  I'm surprised it still had rooms available.  Check it out.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g57257-d665207-Reviews-Handy_Suites-Essex_Junction_Vermont.html

[tdb810]

Hey folks.  Decided to stay overnight after the show and found what looks like a good deal.  

Handy Suites in Essex Junction (27 Susie Wilson Road) is 1.5 miles from the venue (105 Pearl Street).  All rooms are suites w/kitchen, and I got a queen suite for Friday night for a total of $104.88 through Expedia.  

Other places in the area are sold out and those that aren't are much more expensive.  There might be camping on the fairgrounds, but I haven't been able to reach anyone there by phone or email successfully.  

The reviews and ratings for this place aren't bad, in fact quite good.  I'm surprised it still had rooms available.  Check it out.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g57257-d665207-Reviews-Handy_Suites-Essex_Junction_Vermont.html

Very cool!!  Getting super psyched for this!

I think YNWA is staying there as well!  

[Monkeyboy]

So, we went and checked on the venue before a sick reggae show at Jazz Fest.  It is the epitome of fairgrounds with chain link fences, 4-H barns and massive outdoor stands that I believe are on the seating chart.  Although we didn't speak to anyone, there was no tree lined grove in sight, nor one being worked upon (which is where the show is rumored to take place).  It could be tucked somewhere, but you could basically see the entire site.  There are only two exits, so plan on tailgating.  We saw tons of space for camping and tailgating, but I don't think they are offering.  Plenty of services outside the gates and the closest hotel we could find is the Fairfield at I-89 and Vermont 2A.  Regardless, can't wait for this show!!!  I presume Grace Potter will be opening if she isn't booked, its her home town for chissake!

[tdb810]

johnnYYac
ynwa +1
joey rogo +5ish
ericm +1
tdb810
8bobbyb

Starting to get super pumped for this!  Sounds like a great venue, thanks for the info AXG.  

Anyone else need to be added to this roll call?  

bump ;D ;D

[johnnYYac]

I think AXG is bringing a small crowd, so...

johnnYYac
ynwa +1
joey rogo +5ish
ericm +1
tdb810
8bobbyb
AXG +6

[Monkeyboy]

Yup, thanks for the update JohnnYYac.  Me plus 6 or 7 not sure exactly.

[joey_rogo]

the +5ish after my name is now a +3. can't fucking wait for this show.

[tdb810]

the +5ish after my name is now a +3. can't fucking wait for this show.

me too me too!

where is everyone driving from?  we are heading up from NJ, just looked at directions, about 6 hours.  Staying at the Doubletree in Burlington.  

can't wait for a nice little tailgate!