Rex:
We might go to Florida for a month or so but if we are home, I would be interested. Just curious, why are these being posted on the Europe board instead of US?

Bcause the "kindred spirit" tht links "us" together here is an interest in Europe travel. I travel within the US more than in Europe (but not as much as I used to), but I have never felt passionately about the fire it (Europe travel) lights within me, when planning travel within the US. I am just barely even aware that a US forum exists (looked at it maybe 3-4 times in 4 years "here") - - and only to the extent that there are "carry-overs" from here on the Europe forum(s), would I "know" anyone there.

Where are you? Would April be better for you (i.e., not in Florida?)

We are in Indiana and at this point have no idea where we will be in March or April. However, I will keep reading this thread as interest from others determine your date and location.
Have you moved from Columbus?

Yes, we moved ("back home") from Columbus this past summer, after living the past 21 years there. Floyds Knobs is 6 miles northwest of Louisville.

I'm in if the final date works out. First weekend in March is fine with me. I live in Brown County about an hour south of Indianapolis.

If people come from Columbus, Louisville & Indy, Cincinnati might be the most centrally located.

I'm in Louisville and would be interested.

I'm in Lexington and would love to participate!! I have been on the Boston GTG thread because my daughter is in school there and was tempted to try to schedule a college visit just to go to the Fodors GTG. I'm not really in your triangle but maybe you will let me come anyway.

Well, of course, we will "let" you come. After all, some of the towns with names where our GTG would be most appropriate are closer to you than to me anway... Paris, Versailles, Verona, Florence, Glasgow... just to name a few! LOL! (All in Kentucky - - and countless others, too, no doubt!)

Hi Rex. Columbus is not so far from us. But on that weekend I will be at another FGTG.
Put me on your list.
Sherry(rsheen@attglobal.net)

Where, Sherry? - - and Columbus is not all that likely a location - - four hours away for me (now that we have moved... alas, further from you)

O.k. Rex. Now I am confused. I thought you still lived in Columbus.
I am in Pittsburgh. I guess I will just have to get my map out.
How far is Floyd Knobs Ind from Pittsburgh?

6-7 hours (just outside Louisville); a little less than 4 hrs from Columbus.

Yikes. I didn't realize. My sense of geography is terrible.
I have been to several FGTG's. In my opinion, the ones that work the best are those that are held where mingling can take place.
At at restaurant, seated with other diners, you are limited in time and being able to speak with all of the members there. Logistically, you really don't have much conversation with the people at the opposite end of the table.
If you can manage an open air setting with unrestricted seating, like a picnic, it is a little easier for conversation.
If you can have a private room, even if it is in a place like Panera, that works too.
I think if the group gets large the best venue is at someones house. Everyone brings something, there isn't a time constraint, you can walk around at will with no assigned seating, and you do not disturb other diners (and vice versa) with your conversation.

If the groups members get to know each other, this works the best. It is also the most reasonable way to do it.

Thanks, Sherry. My first choice might be to host it at out house - - even though the process of feeling really moved in, and the decorating really "done" won't be complete for who knows how long!?

This is a struggle we haven't felt for a decade or more - - every hundred dollars here and hundred dollars there - - for "things" - - and I can't quite get past thinking about "What are we DOING... to the TRAVEL budget!?" LOL...

Rex, LOL! We're building a house long-distance (in Tulsa) and with every decision we make, I think in terms of Italian food: "How many wheels of Parmagiano Reggiano is that faucet worth???" or "That's a 3 Brunello light fixture."

Rex - Are you sure you aren't in KY??? You said "out" house!! How many hundreds are you spending on that out house??Are you just trying to make us hillbillies feel at home?

Well, my cousin lives very close to there and I am not saying I wouldn't make one of your meetings. She is always trying to get me to visit.
Keep me in mind for the next one. I really enjoy going to them.

These people never get tired of hearing about trips, when sometimes people at home- well their eyes glaze over if you try to go into too much detail!

Sher, so true! Get this: we went to the in-laws' for Christmas, out of state. A couple of times I mentioned that DH and I were going to Europe this spring to celebrate our anniversary--not a ONE person (out of 10-15 adults) asked any kind of question about it (where are you going?) or even commented (oh, that will be fun!). Granted, none of them have ever left the US and from their perspective it probably all seems rather silly. I was just bursting, though, I wanted to talk about it so badly! God bless GTGs!

ROFLMAO - - yes of course, ouR house...

I'm in for a gtg. Ky is out for a location in March though as we shut down for March Madness.

to the top

Jocelyn, Well, it has been my experience that the Fodor's group is a godsend.
My family calls them a "cult" They were traumatized when I went to the first one. "We are going to find you cut up at the bottom of some ditch" "What do you know about them, WHO are they.?"
Well, I have never looked back. They are willing to listen to any plans and are INTERESTED. They go to places you want to put on your list.
I am a total fan.

ooohhh!! I always wanted to be in a cult!!

Well, now is your chance.

I live near Canton, Ohio and would be interested in attending but not if it's at Rex's outhouse.

I'll watch for a firm plan.

Larry J

Poor Rex. They sure are giving you a lot of crap about the outhouse business.

I suppose they fear I will drone on and on about how best to pack a s*itcase.

Hoisting this back up to the top - - seeking clarification if "you all" think there is enough interest to proceed. E-mail me so that we can "talk amongst ourselves" if you genuinely want to see this happen. And let me know where you are, in the context of choosing the most convenient location.

Topping to say "GO COLTS!"

Topping to say "GO CATS"

I'm in central IL, but I'll make the drive to either states. I'm new to the this area from So. Cal. and I'd enjoy meeting new midwesterners.
Tchuss!

We need a location. Is Louisville central to everyone interested? Email Rex and let him know your preference.

I appreciate the boosterism of kybourbon and indytravel - - so far I have no other e-mail addresses (though perhaps I know yours Carolyn - - Carolyn N, is that right?)

I am keeping Sunday, March 7 as a tentative date, and would of course favor Louisville or the Louisville area as the first choice. Tentatively co-hosting with "kybourbon" (Lara).

Rex, I have sent you an e-mail with my address. This sounds like fun.

Rex
Hello! We will probably still be in Florida Mar 7. We have reservations thru March 6. Sorry to miss the GTG!

If others are receptive, the following Sunday - - March 14 would still work for me - - if it meant you could attend, cd...

Write me.

just read all and hey , what , and yes
WHAT is a gtg??? thanks.

Rex - put a take in the ground, pick a date, place and time...come who may....I am organizing the Boston GTG end of month, and I took that approach after reading lots of posts with ideas and thoughts....take the lead my friend!!!

a "GTG" is a get-together. Just a chance to get together and meet and share/compare experiences and future plans, I guess.

Dinog - GTG stands for get together. March 14 suits me. Rex - Do you think Sunday is better than Saturday? Are we planning a restaurant? March 13 or 14 is fine with me.

Rex
You are so very gracious! We may be moving after our return so I have no idea what my life will be like. Just please, after you pick a date, let us all know when, where, and what time. As the time grows closer I will know more and email you. Thanks for all your work.

Okay, a "nucleus" of five of us seem to be onboard, not counting "cd" who might not be able to commit - - and significant others, perhaps in some cases.

So, I am toping again, and throwing out the issue of Saturday versus Sunday - - and the weekend of March 6/7 versus 13/14.

And hoping this catches the attention of other potentially intersted parties.

to the top...

Pkay, we are set by a consensus opinion that the date will be March 6, at say... 12:30 to 2:30 pm

It will be in the Louisville area, but I am still working choosing a place.

Our tentative "core" of foks attending includes five Fodorites, and two significant others... which includes me and my wife.

Would still be delighted to hear from any others interested in coming. E-mail me to stay in the loop of info on location, etc.

Rex
Thanks for the post. We will still be in Florida/New Orleans. Maybe next time!! Hope everyone has a great time!

You're welcome, "cd" (I still feel like I don't know "who you are") - - e-mail me? where do you live?)

And in case it isn't obvious, that typographical error in the post before yours is supposed to start with the word "Okay"...

to cd: thanks for the e-mail... (one more excuse to top this one) - - hope we can meet another time!

Rex
I hope so! (topping

Rex - Do we have a location/restaurant yet? What about time of day?

I am leaning towards the Rock Wall, which is right in Floyds Knobs, and on many of the top ten lists for the Louisville area - - the only one, as far as I know, on the southern Indiana side of the river - - but I am going to go talk to them tomorrow, about a room for us, etc.

Probably just order off the menu.

I had in mind 12:30 to 2:30. Adjourning to my house is certainly an option, if anyone wishes (not even 400 yards away).

I'll put more into an e-mail to all the invitees who have been communicating together as "our group".

Rex - First outhouses and now rock walls??? No wonder we can't get anyone interested in our GTG!!! Any news??

ttt REX????

Sorry; one thing after another, personal and work-wise these past 7-10 days. As much as I like the Rock Wall, I am not convinced that it's right for us; no good private or separate room.

I guess I consider us still "on" - - a "go" for Sat, March 6, 12:30-2:30 - - I just need to confirm a place. Will re-focus on Bardstown Rd and/or other east end (Louisville) venues. Hope to be able to focus on it this week.

Rex, how about the Uptown Cafe if you are thinking Bardstown Road? They don't seem to mind if you stay a long time, and their desserts are scrumptious.

I have been to De La Torre's with a group of about 12 and it worked out well. They don't have a private room that I am aware of but it wasn't a problem. It's a very small restaurant with lots of room between tables.

De la Torre's is only open 5:30 to 10 pm. My wife and I did go to Uptown Cafe, and I think it would be fine, but there is no more a private room there than there is at Rock Wall. Give me this weekend to make some additional looks.

Rex- Anywhere will be fine. Our group is not really big enough to need a private room although it would be nice.

Topping.

Rex,

Although I only live a scant hour from Louisville & I would love to join, I'm afraid I won't be able to make it this trip. I'm sitting for a certification exam 2/27, have promised my kids that weekend (to host sleepovers at our house, etc.) and have promised to spend time with my family in Kentucky the next weekend.

Thanks for posting this on another message. I guess I haven't been on here enough lately to have noticed this GTG message.

Hey KyBourbon, I LOOOOVE Lexington. I lived there for 6 months about 15 years ago. It still holds a special place in my heart.

I just confessed to someone the other day that I only hold 2 loyalties: Oakland Raiders (wherever they may roam, whatever city they find themselves in) & the Kentucky Wildcats!!

GO BIG BLUE!!!

ttt - Rex??? 2 weeks to go - any restaurant???
Beatchick - on the tube right now KY 70
Ark 46 - 4 minutes left - Go Big Blue

You're right - - I have to make a decision. Let's make it the Uptown Cafe. We did go there about 2 or 3 weeks ago, and liked it fine. I am amazed at how UNcommon it is to find Saturday afternoon hours open in the kinds of places I would prefer.

Or do the Louisville folks want to go see the Rock Wall this weekend and cast a vote? I am having lunch there this Saturday at 12:30 with my brothers (we will be there for quite a while).

But in the absence of further commentary from anyone else, Uptown Cafe it will be. I will post address and details tomorrow. A little bit busy with stuff right now.

Thanks,

Rex

KYBourbon, ROCK ON!!!

Uptown Cafe sounds good to me.

Let us know your finaly call. I might even bid on priceline. A cab fare and a hotel is way less expensive than a night in the local KY lock-up.

Indytravel - You could always stay at Rex's outhouse!

Rex - We have a little over a week until this GTG. Is it Uptown Cafe at 12:30?

One last e-mail (sent tonight) to all of you who have indicated that you are coming, and then I will post the details by this weekend.

Our get-together is now confirmed for Saturday March 6, 12:30 to (?) 2:30 pm.

Come hungry!

For a review, see http://www.louisvillescene.com/dining/reviews/2002/20021130uptowncafe.html

To reach Bardstown Road, take I-64 to Grinstead Road exit 8); head west (right if you came from downtown headed East on I-6, left if you are coming from Lexington or the Waterson); Bardstown Road is about 1.5 miles from I-64 (yes, I know that there is a shortcut other than staying on Grinstead, but this is simplest). Turn left on Bardstown Road; the Uptown Cafe is on your right about 1.5 miles out Bardstown Road. Start watching after you cross Eastern Parkway (big Qdoba on the corner there).

An e-mail to me to RSVP would be appreciated, if you haven't already.

Thanks...

ttt

We had a terrific time for three hours, this past Saturday with an attendance of nine (six Fodorites, two spouses and one daughter). Anyone thinking that this would be something fun and interesting to do, let me encourage you.

A photo can be seen at http://www.geocities.com/rexbickers/GTG.html (note: case-specific).

Thanks for sharing the photo Rex. I hope to make the next one.

You're welcome. I wonder if there will be ongoing communications amongst us - - who knows if any of us might try to form the nucleus of a next "Fodorites' trip"? Would you like to be included on any e-mail shared communication that emerges?

I believe you have my email address and I would like to be included in correspondance. Thanks! Glad you all had a good time!

I'm trying hard to reschedule my plans for the 18th so that I can make it to the GTG. On the chance that I can only make it later in the day, would anybody be willing to share a cell phone number so that I can check the "progress" of the party before heading to Broad Ripple. I would only use it for that purpose, of course! If you'd be willing to share, you can email me the number at bluebird1069@aol.com. I don't check that account too often, so maybe you could give a head's up on this thread that you've sent it. Thank you so much!

Kate