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11 May 03 - 10:26 AM (#950447) Subject: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: JedMarum I have a couple of music trips coming up, one this week to/from Ladysmith, VA (from Dallas) and one in mid-June to/from Wilmington, OH. I think in both cases I am looking for a cheap camping option somewhere near Nashville. When I say camping, I am talking extremely rudimentary; a place to park my truck where I can sack out in the back. I am pretty well self-contained. What is the truth about Wal-Mart parking lot? Can I really just pull alongside the truckers and RVs? Does anyone know of a few dollar campground that is on or near the interstate? I've got accommodations provided at both festivals, but will probably make each drive in two day trips - so a place to rest overnight to and from each festival is all I'm looking for. Truck stops provide showers and facilities along the way, so I don't need camping facilities that offer that stuff ... ____________________________________ I was sure if this was BS or not. The list says BS is non-music related ... so I presume the powers that be will move this thread if it needs to be moved. I just made my best guess! |
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11 May 03 - 10:45 AM (#950455) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: wysiwyg Yes, you can do that at WalMart. Call ahead to check policy/space at the store you plan to choose, maybe? ~Susan |
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11 May 03 - 10:46 AM (#950456) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: PoppaGator I don't have first-hand experience, but have read about the Wal-Mart phenomenon and have also seen campers regularly at our local Wal-Marts. I live in New Orleans, a popular tourist destination, and there are *always* trucks and campers parked in the distant corners of the Wal-Mart parking lot. There aren't any "hookups," but for what you say that is probaly not a concern for you. The WM lots are well-lighted, more-or-less supervised by rent-a-cops (perhaps moreso at stores which are open 24 hours than at others), and company policy is to welcome overnighters. The idea is that campers are likely to come into the store and buy stuff -- something to eat, at least -- probably in the morning as well as upon arrival. I've heard that area residents have often complained about "squatters" who camp in a WM lot for days/weeks/months, and this may have put the kibosh on overnighting at some locations. This is more likely to have become a problem in the more populated areas, like suburbs of major cities. You might do well to pull into a Wal-Mart "in the middle of nowhere," wherever you are when you get sleepy, than to aim for a population center like Nashville and then find that you're unwelcome. |
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11 May 03 - 11:10 AM (#950464) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: JedMarum Thanks, PoppaGator and Susan. I like thhe idea of finding one outside the major city area anyway, so I think I'll look into that. Maybe locate a few before I leave and have some choices along the way. |
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11 May 03 - 11:28 AM (#950469) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: Amos There's a nationwide network of KOAs out there as well, which we always enjoyed when we were driving across the country. They're not free, but they're cheap. A |
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11 May 03 - 12:27 PM (#950494) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: JedMarum KOAs?? Not related to DOAs, eh? I'll check 'em out on the web. Thanks Amos. |
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11 May 03 - 12:50 PM (#950502) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: Bill D I always found the safest place to sack out overnight was in the back row of a BIG truck stop...open all night, bathrooms, and people left me alone... |
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11 May 03 - 01:55 PM (#950525) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: Hayduke I've done the back-row-at-the-truck-stop thing a few times while traveling; it's a good suggestion. Plus you can stop in and get a BIG plate of biscuits & gravy and STRONG coffee when you're ready to roll... |
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11 May 03 - 03:37 PM (#950568) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: Padre Jed, I went to school at Wilmington College, but in those days there was no Wal-Mart in Clinton County. There used to be a really good place to eat there called Hammies, but I think it may be gone now. The resturant across from the courthouse has a really good breakfast, except they don't always have grits. Padre |
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11 May 03 - 03:57 PM (#950577) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: wilco Jed: Depending on what highway you take, there are lots of options. There are lots of cheap sites along the Natchez Trace, which I drove the last time I came up from Texas. This Trace is the old Indian trdae route, and it is a hiostoric highway. It goes right to Nashville. There ar hiking trails along it, so there are some places with restrooms. Also, get on the State of Tennessee website, and look at the state parks. Overnite fee is around $10.00 around here in Chattanooga, which includes showers. |
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11 May 03 - 05:21 PM (#950640) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: catspaw49 I'd try the KOA myself. They're generally clean and equipped with very decent facilities if you want to shower, etc. I've done the truck stop thing a few times in my manufacturer's rep days if I arrived late and had an early appointment. I used their truckers showers and all and the few times I did that, it wasn't bad.....but I was only going for 2-3 hours sleep. So when are you going to be in Wilmington? That's a little over 2 hours or so from me. Spaw |
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11 May 03 - 06:30 PM (#950670) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: JedMarum good stuff here, folks. Thanks very much. I use the truck stops pretty regularly already, I just never of thought of sleeping there overnight. They're a good place to gas up, get a stretch use the toilet - maybe get a bottle of water and some good beef jerky! I have a bit of slop on my out this week. I had hoped to get some time to visit Murfeesborough or one of the other CW sites - so that will determine where I stop to sleep over on one night. I'm driving from Dallas to Central VA and will have 2 and 1/2 days to get there - so I figured maybe Nashville might be half way. I have a shorter run going back. I finish the festival in the afternoon on Sun and have to be on Dallas for a gig Tues night - so going home will be all business. Next month I'm heading the same way for a festival in Ohio. |
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11 May 03 - 06:31 PM (#950671) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: JedMarum Where is Wilmington? |
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11 May 03 - 07:13 PM (#950677) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: GUEST,Mary Whats happening in Wilmington and what weekend? Would love to have some info... |
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11 May 03 - 08:07 PM (#950697) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: catspaw49 Wilmington is in the flat farmlands of Ohio, northeast of Cincinnati and east of Dayton. It's maybe 1/3 of the way up I-71 out of Cincy. Sidewalks are rolled up at 9:30 so get there early. When is this thing? Are you doing the Arts and Pottery Festival on the second weekend or the Banana Split Festival on the first weekend or something else. In Ohio, we have a festival in every town for some damn thing or another. Back home they have a CLAY festival...what a thrill!! The best was the Underwear Festival, but the plant went south and the festival was left with sagging elastic. Spaw |
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11 May 03 - 08:14 PM (#950701) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: JedMarum I'll be playing at the The British Isles festival on June 14 and 15. It looks like a good event. They said they had a great corwd last year. Nice folks towork with, I am hopeful it goes well. I also hope to smeet some Mudcatters there, so please come on out if ya can make it - or let me know where you'll be along the way and I'll stop by to say hello. This week, I'm going to a fest in central VA - looking for cheap camping-style options on both raod trips .... |
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11 May 03 - 08:15 PM (#950702) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: JedMarum Spaw - if you're that close, I sure hope we can get a chance to say hello! |
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11 May 03 - 08:24 PM (#950705) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: Big Mick Hey Spaw, mebbe I can make it over and we will have a hoot. Shall we try? All the best, Mick |
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11 May 03 - 08:27 PM (#950706) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: Big Mick Jed, your email is still sending out the automatic confirmation that you are out of town May1 to May7. I guess that officially makes this a BS thread...LOL. Mick |
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11 May 03 - 08:29 PM (#950708) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: catspaw49 Harveysburg sits out there on the lake, a tiny little place but I had heard of a few people who had done this last year. I think it's pretty new but I just looked at their site and it sounds great. I'll see what I can do to get down there Jed....I'd like to meet you too! Spaw |
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11 May 03 - 08:38 PM (#950714) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: GUEST |
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11 May 03 - 08:56 PM (#950719) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: Big Mick Can I take that as a "Yes", Spaw? Mick |
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11 May 03 - 09:03 PM (#950723) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: catspaw49 Geez...Missed your posts altogether Mick...We cross posted sorta'. Anyway, yeah, you can take it as a yes. Sunday works I think. Spaw |
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11 May 03 - 09:04 PM (#950724) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: PoppaGator Speaking of using any excuse for a festival: we've got plenty in Louisiana, especially in the spring before the heat becomes intolerable. My favorite (well, my favorite *name* -- I've never attended, and couldn't even tell you which backwater town is the locale) is (drum roll): The Shrimp and Petroleum Festival Sounds yummy, no? |
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11 May 03 - 10:01 PM (#950741) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: Mary in Kentucky Can I come too? I'm 2 1/2 hours from Cincy and can drive further up into "shudder" Ahia. I don't like to drive at night, but my sons are in Lexington which is a nice drive down I75. Jed, does that Nashville trip include Kentucky? I'm near I65 going from Nashville to Louisville. Having driven through Nashville twice in the last 6 months, I strongly urge you to check the road construction at the TN rest stops for the latest info. There is always Interstate construction in the summer, and Nashville seems to be in the midst of major work right now. |
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11 May 03 - 11:10 PM (#950768) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: JedMarum Mick - I have tried a couple of times to fix that darn auto-reply. The ISP netmail server has some probs with their software. I tried again tonight and it appears to be OFF. I'll be damned if I use that feature again! This trip is so tight for me. Actually both of 'em are. But the Ohio fest in June may be possible for a small ramble. To be honerst I've been trying to figure out how to make a trip north of the border for a day or so ... say on the Monday - but that leaves me a long drive to get back for a daytime show in Dallas on Thu. Still, maybe we could hook up with Mary, Spaw and any other catters willing to hang out for a Sat or Sun or Mon in Ohio! I'll probably arrive Fri night - so that gives us a few days to visit. Sooo; Lets figure this out. How do we get a mini-ramble, Mudcat gathering out of this opportunity? And Mary I would love to visit KY one of these days, but I am not this June trip will allow it ... |
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11 May 03 - 11:33 PM (#950776) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: JedMarum Mick - I just realized, your buds Bohola will be at the Ohio fest. I think we need to take that as a sign from God; this is a trip you MUST make!! |
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12 May 03 - 07:40 AM (#950901) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: Big Mick As of now, we are not booked that weekend, bro. I think we must do this. Mick |
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12 May 03 - 10:00 PM (#951441) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: Marion Hey, Jed, I researched car camping on the Lonely Planet forum and found these two threads: Sleeping in your car for free Sleeping on X-Country Roadtrip Marion PS You say you're going to some place called "Ohio": any chance that's a typo for Ontario? |
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13 May 03 - 08:54 AM (#951689) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: JedMarum Thanks for the links, Marion. I'll check 'em out. I'm looking at Aug or Sep for a visit to Ont. I tried to fit it into this June trip, but it just doesn't fit with my other dates. |
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20 May 03 - 12:36 AM (#955931) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: JedMarum Just a quick update - I slept at Truck Stops. I asked once. Then noticed that no one else was asking - so next time I didn't bother. It worked out fine. I found a relatively quiet corner, taped up some towells around the windows of my truck cap and crashed! I slept great. Good tip. |
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20 May 03 - 09:37 AM (#956135) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: Walking Eagle Just generally for any camping/road trip, the National Forrest system offers limited campsites at a very low cost. They are on a first come, first served basis. Things might have changed though so I'd check their website and see what the rules are. Their campsites are very well maintained. Or at least they used to be. |
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20 May 03 - 09:44 AM (#956140) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: JedMarum National Forest camping sounds like a great thing. I wouldn't paying a few bucks for a bit of quiet, and maybe a shower if it was available ... I didn't find a National Park along the way, at a location I was looking anyway ... I'll keep my eye out for 'em, though. I have another trip coming up soon. |
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20 May 03 - 10:06 AM (#956156) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: Mary in Kentucky Kentucky is known for it's great State Parks. As far as national parks, I think the Daniel Boone Forest is one. Then there is the Abraham Lincoln birthplace site. But I'm more familiar with the State Parks. |
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09 Jun 03 - 10:22 PM (#964852) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: JedMarum OK - it's here. If we're going to conspire to Mudcat Gather (is that a new verb), we need to do it quick! I'll be leaving for the British Isles Fest (see link above) on Wed AM. Will there be any Mudcatters appearing either at the Fest, or popping up along the way? Maybe a return trip quick visit?? Sorry I didn;t revive this thread sooner. Been pretty darn busy (and enjoying myself immensely)! I hope to see a freindly MC face or two this week - but I know we all have busy busy lives ... |
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10 Jun 03 - 09:14 AM (#965024) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: UB Ed Jed, safe travels and stay dry this time. Ed |
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10 Jun 03 - 10:16 AM (#965067) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: Kim C Jed - come to my house. I have a sofa or an air mattress, OR a HUGE driveway where you're welcome to park! |
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10 Jun 03 - 10:50 AM (#965090) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: JedMarum I'll do my best Ed!! Thanks. I gotta tell you, those b*stards at that festival bounced their check to me!! I'm still trying to get it resolved, but it looks like they will try to stiff me for it! Where are you Kim? I'd love to visit, if we can work it out ... |
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10 Jun 03 - 01:22 PM (#965195) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: Kim C I am about 5 minutes from the Nashville Airport, just off I-40. :-) |
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11 Jun 03 - 11:55 AM (#965861) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: JedMarum I'm out the door - I hope to see a few MC folks. Kim, I'll definately call sometime Thurs. Mick, Mary, Spaw (did I miss anyone?) - if y'all can make it out to the fest, we'll say hello ... I am not sure how far I can stray from the road out/back - but I'll PM y'all with cell no, just in case ... Looks like a great festival, by the way! |
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17 Jun 03 - 12:42 PM (#967741) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: JedMarum I thought I'd follow up on this thread ... The British Isles Festival was a pleasant surprise. For a festival only its second year, and for a festival coping with weather and power outages; it was really well run. Lots of great music, great venue - plenty of good food and interesting vendors ... I was impressed. It was a bit too (Celtic) rock focused for my taste - but I enjoyed the bands, none-the-less. And the festival organizers were really great folks! I'll probably be back next year - assuming the calendars work out and they want me back! Another very pleasant surprise on this trip was Kim C and Mister (as she calls him - you and I might say, Paul). I imposed myself on them for a fun evening of talk, food and music. They brought me to see a freind of theirs speak at the town library and what a treat that was! This guy was terrific - an author of historical novels, a college professor - and a truly wise, eloquent man. I'll leave it to Kim to say more about him. Then I have to say - and I know Spaw will be taking notes; Kim is real beauty with a fine, strong, almost Appalachian-style voice - a love and respect for the tradition - and a genuine gift for song writing - especially for lyrics. Beautiful stuff. I've already stolen two of her songs, looks like I may lift a few more! Thanks Kim and Mister for your kind hospitality. I hope our paths cross again soon. ... ain;t Mudcat grand .. .. |
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17 Jun 03 - 08:01 PM (#968051) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: Walking Eagle Glad you had a good trip! Sounds like a lot of work, but work that is pleasant for you. Any chance of you performing in South Eastern PA/Northern DE anytime? Sounds like you enjoy doing what you do and that always makes for a great performance. We have a local folk club, Turtledove, that might be able to book you. WWW.Turtledove.org. Or maybe .com. W.E. |
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25 Jun 03 - 12:46 PM (#972198) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: Kim C Jed! I been on vacation and no computer for a few days. (however that's fixin to change, as I am going to UPS this afternoon to pick up my new Gateway laptop heheheheheh) Anyhow we were pleased to have you come and visit - I am sorry the dogs caused such a ruckus. (They were probably intimidated by your tallness!) I am glad you got to meet Mister, and Howard too. At least they don't bark. Not usually. Thank you for your kind and generous comments about our music. I must say, we have been enjoying your CDs right well, too. (any of y'all that don't have any of Jed's stuff, go buy it, right now, do not pass go, do not collect $200). Come back sometime when you can stay longer. :-) |
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10 Apr 09 - 04:37 PM (#2608864) Subject: RE: Music Road Trip Planning TN and OH From: JedMarum Another follow up on this old thread. After several years of road-tripping and making use of the Truck Stops, rest areas and Walmart parking lots I can say it's real easy and really pretty OK, if you're easy to please. I have found Walmarts do in a pinch, and I always look for another vehicles that's "camping" overnight and park near them (without disturbing them). Rest Areas are the worst places and I don't overnight there, ever. Busy Truck Stops are the best. You'll always find someone else doing the same thing. Again, I park near them. I aim the truck into the east and uphill - because I can best block the morning sunlight that way. I visit the Truck Stop, sometimes for a late night breakfast, sometimes just to use the facilities - and I often fill up my gas in the morning. I never ask permission, I just pull up and stay - but I do make it a point to patronize the Truck Stop's services. I find the quieter the place, the harder it is to sleep; every little noise becomes a disturbance. That is why Rest Areas are my last resort. They tend to be very quiet and they give me the creeps. Cold weather is no problem, if you have a warm bag, a good pad to lay on and extra blankets. I woke up one cold morning in Kansas, in Feb after a cozy night beneath the covers - and saw the bank thermometer across the street flashing the time and temps. It was 6AM and the temp was 18 F - or -7C. Although I was comfortable, my guitars were another story. I spent the rest of that trip in hotels. Heat is another issue. I haven't solved that one yet. |