Any Northeasterners doing the Applefest?

[princessrunner]

Does anyone have hotel ressies yet? I was looking at the list of hotels and all of them are in Nashua. If anyone has a hotel or a preference, maybe we could get together and share rides in the morning???

Also, Joanne, for my DH as a spectator, does he park and take the bus to the HS too? Is there another place to watch from where he can find me at the end?

 

[Kristi1357]

The Radisson (formerly Sheraton, the "castle" hotel) is about 2 miles from my house, off exit 1. There is a Red Roof Inn there as well (I have no idea how that one is).

The Mariott & Crowne Plaza off exit 8 are very nice as well. They are building a Hampton Inn (I think) near those too. I doubt it will be open by October though.

I wish I had a bigger house and you guys could crash here! We have a small ranch with 2.5 bedrooms and one bath. If only my basement was finished into that big family room I want...

As for parking, I once parked in the parking lot at the middle school (I think - it's next to the high school). 2 other times, I parked on the street just outside the entrance to the high school. I really can't remember why I parked where! So, that was helpful, wasn't it?

 

[princessrunner]

Actually Kristi, it was very helpful. The site makes it sound like Mike cannot get anywhere near the HS. Are you going?? Scream teaming?? Is Chad running?? Hopefully if not to the above you can still hook up with us at Joanne's.

The Mariott Exit 8 had a AAA rate of $107 a night for a king room. I checked the Comfort Inn (80.10 queen and 89.10 king) and the Fairfield Inn (84.15 one queen) all at AAA rate. I will check the Radisson and Crown Plaza next....update to come....

UPDATE: The Radisson is $139 a night with a sleep number bed and $129 a night for a regular bed, no AAA discount. The Crowne Plaza has no availability left.

Anyone............

 

[Kristi1357]

Where are the Comfort Inn & Fairfield Inns?
I've lived in Nashua my whole life and must be having a brain fart!

ETA: Exit 11 is Merrimack. Alot further away and you'll have to pay a toll both at that exit if you take rt. 3 back & forth. There probably is a back way to Hollis. But this is the furthest hotel.

STAY AWAY from Motel 6!!!!
This is one of those motels that some people use as housing - it has a school bus stop.
I guess I sound snobby, but I wouldn't stay there.

The Best Western (formerly Comfort Inn) is at Exit 7. Very easy on & off Rt. 3.
I have no idea how the hotel is. They had a fire not too long ago, should be nicely remodeled, I would think.
I eat at the 99 on occassion though!

 

[princessrunner]

Kristi, I think they actually list them as being in Merrimack. Does that sound right? I searched the hotels that were listed in the Applefest website on google and just went right to each one's website individually. There were some others listed like the Red Roof Inn too.

 

[groovygirls]

After reading all these messages- Lisa- read your PM!!!

Step outside your comfort zone!
I live not to far of a bike ride from the start/finish....

Please everyone come after...

I will provide BBQ (real charcoal, not propane)
Lots of farm fresh corn on the cob, local bread and cheeses, beer, wine, stuff for the kids to do.....

A hot tub.....

Well if that doesn't get you to my house, then I am all out of options!

 

[princessrunner]

Joanne, I got my PM and will respond to you later. The after party sounds great. If you offer beer, DH will be there for sure. Of course, that means I have to drive home!!!

I plan on traveling Friday and if we don't get in early enough, picking up my packet the morning of the race. I hate doing this as I feel pressured but my life is dictated by DH job. I am done work at 12:30 every day so I can leave whenever after that. With all the rain, their landscaping business is a little behind in their work and they have to bust things out when they can. He will still be working after we return from WDW for sure!!

So any hotel input from any other attendees or comments about party at Joanne's following?

 

[Pungodingy]

I'm already committed to the Newfound 10K, but I wanna come to the party after! Can I?

 

[groovygirls]

The more the merrier!

 

[3DisneyKids]

I am doing the Maine Women's Half a couple of weeks before this, so I don't think I can do both. But hopefully I can come scream team and come to the after party!

 

[groovygirls]

Me too but I'm calling them "training runs"!

 

[Kristi1357]

I am happy to report that Chad is going to sign up for Applefest!

And I will be there to cheer and take pics.

 

[princessrunner]

Kristi: YAY!!! It will be soooo good to see both of you again!!

Erica: Come on and run it with us. You can do it!!!!! It's good Goofy prep...

Angie: YAY!!! Woo hooo!! Yippee!!!!

This is getting to be quite the party!! Now I am getting really excited. We are under 2 months and counting!

 

[momof2minnies]

Hey you guys did I miss something-we have to pick up a race packet? When and where.I did not recieve any info like that-should I have?

Linda

 

[ScoJo15]

Linda,

From their website at http://www.gatecity.org/AF/half.shtml :

T-SHIRTS & CHIPS PICKUP: Bib Numbers, Timing Chip and T-Shirts must be picked up at the Gym at the Hollis Brookline High School on Friday October 3, 6:00-8PM or from 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM on race day morning. Please do NOT come EARLY on Friday.

Upon arrival at the Gym, look up your name on the posted alphabetical lists and see what your bib number is, then go to the table labeled for your number range.

Hope that helps!!

Scott

 

[Kristi1357]

Lisa, and everyone else - I had a DOH moment on Friday...I forgot all about the Holiday Inn on Exit 4. Umm, MY OWN EXIT!!! Hello! I have no idea if that Holiday Inn is good/bad/whatever. I doubt it would be really bad. They used to have a great breakfast buffet. And I did go to their bar about a year ago. But, I have no reason to stay at a hotel less than a mile from my house, so

Just wanted to throw that out there in case it's a cheaper option.

 

[groovygirls]

Just noticed on the Applefest Half website that it is FULL! They are still accepting relay teams.
Who is coming to the post race party?

 

[Kristi1357]

Joanne - We'd love to come. Are kiddos allowed too? If not, I can find a sitter for Zachary. What can we bring?

 

[groovygirls]

Of course kids are welcome! Let me know the ages and I will try and plan activities for them. We have a great swing set and lots of outdoor type stuff and a playroom. That usually does the trick but my sister has a bubble bounce business. If need be I can get a bounce.

Please let me know if you are planning on coming by so I can make sure there is plenty of food (and beer and wine!)

If you feel you need to bring something- just bring yourself and your specialty!

PM me for directions and phone #'s.

This should be lots of fun!

 

[princessrunner]

Joanne, you know Mike and I will be there, without kids. Too short of a weekend and too long of a wait for mom to finish!! My DD13 would be okay but DS6 would lose his patience (not that he has many). I will help you out before and after getting everything ready!!

FULL???!!!! Yikes. Now I am getting nervous! Half training starts on 9/8...... I am shooting for under 2:15 this time.....