I'm planning a trip up to the GC for the Fall Arlo and Family Concert. Some help appreciated:

1. What is the drive time from Hartford to Great Barrington? I can see the routes but being unfamiliar with the countryside, some may be better than others in an economy rental with possibly three passengers.

2. Because I get lost going to the bathroom in the same house, I'd like to get a hotel near the event. Is it better to stay in Great Barrington and if so, are some low rate motels to be avoided (eg, roach motels and not the good kind of roach) and others best? Ceashel has given good advice but a backup plan is good too.

3. I am planning for flying up on Friday and flying out on Sunday. That gives us a shot at two of the performances. Are people allowed to visit the center during the day during this event to look around?

4. Any hints for first timers?

Thanks in advance. If she who must be obeyed approves, I could sure use the time among the blundernation to recoup lost geniality and this looks like the best party available.

1. Go to Google Maps or Mapquest and plug in your address and the Guthrie Center address (4 Van Deusenville Rd. Gt. Barrington, MA) and it will give you turn by turn directions and approximate driving times.

2. Most motels in Gt. barrington are okay...I've stayed in many, and for the most part, they're fine. I wouldn't call any of them cheap, however.
The Super 8 in Lee is a little cheaper than most, but unless you're a smoker you're not going to be happy in an upstairs room; the upstairs REEKS of smoke. All the rooms upstairs are smoking rooms...and you and all your stuff will smell like that when you leave. They've also got a very disconcerting practice of opening the doors of ALL the rooms at the same time and leaving them open (for the maid's convenience) when the maids are cleaning, which means if anyone is in the motel at that time, your stuff will be available to them. They claim they don't have a theft problem, but I sure wouldn't bet my Martin or my laptop on that. They were snotty to me when I told them to not do that with my room, so I kept the "do not disturb" sign up, and went to the desk with my towels to trade for clean ones.

3. Yes, but earlier in the day rather than later. Sometime between 11AM and 2pm is a good bet. Once we get really busy with preparations, close to concert times or if sound check is occurring, not gonna happen.

Thanks Sue. Looks like we're coming and that is very helpful. Since we're flying, I won't be bringing an axe just ears and eyes. This will be fun.

Yippee--hip, hip, hooray! We get to meet She Who Must Be Obeyed! (And you, too of course.) Can't wait! But ... any way you can leave LATE Sunday or on Monday? You'll miss the tailgate if you leave earlier--it's from (roughly) noon to evening on Sunday. It's the best opportunity to meet, talk with, and jam with Blunderites.

Thanks Shelley. I haven't booked the flight yet so I'll see if I can get it later. It is at least an hour and half drive to Hartford according to Google. Let me see what the figures figure.

She Who Must Be Obeyed is staying here with her brother. I am bringing, Dana, my wife.

I'm looking forward to meeting you folks, enshallah.

We're looking forward to meeting you!

An hour and a half is about right, after you pick up your car. We've rented from several over the years. National is what we've gone with the last few years. Main thing is, get the cheapest one that's located on Schoephoester Road in Windsor Locks, CT. That's just outside the airport entrance/exit. Most, but not all of them are located on that street.

My apologies to Dana. Since my kids have always been four-leggeds, I misunderstood the "She Who Must Be Obeyed" reference.

You are a lucky guy Len . Wish i could visite that church some day .

Thanks Shelley. Good advice. Now that I know Kelly won't be coming with us, I'll book today. I gotta hope there is room at the church but I'll check on that too. It's a joke; my daughter is the imperious one. That line from Rumpole would typically mean the wife.

Thanks GM. It's a reward to myself and the missus for a long tedious summer. She needs the break and I need the adventure. I've never seen the Berkshires. They say they're beautiful. Fortunately my Southern accent is weak and if I stay quiet, we may just get away with it. I'm looking forward to meeting Arlo's friends and seeing the 'slinger in his native environment... maybe less gnarly.

Deb called this morning to give me the lowdown on tickets. Since we'll be there for three days, my odds are a bit better but I see why y'all refer to it as the phone marathon. I've never seen the Berkshires in fall and they say it's nice, so one way or another this will be a fine adventure for me and my sweet baboo.

"I shoulda give'em my name. Too late, Bubba!"

well len, if you're gonna hang around for 3 days, you're likely to find a spare seat or two.
Unfortunately, I have none to offer this year (unlike many other times)
Also, i can definitely state there will be no surprise appearance at the tailgate this year... pooh!
the weekend coincides with a major work initiative that we've only been working on since time began, so no chance of leaving town...
So everyone hug the next person while your there. I'll be in someone's back pocket for sure!


oh, but I DO have my tix for carnegie as usual...

@arnieLaJune: It's the thought that counts although the laugh spells.

One way or another! Sorry to read you won't be there... on the other hand, how would I know? I still say this list needs bubble gum cards for the major leaguers.

I'm excited. This has been one helluva year.

Show me a man from Alabama with a weak Southern accent, and I'll show you a man that's deluding himself...

Wish I could be there.

I won't get to go as usual. Going to that reunion in KY in Oct, this time with Mikes cousin and her hubby & her friend since I don't have Mike to go with. Then in Nov I got to Nags Head, NC for 3 weeks. Shame it'll be too cold to enjoy the beach...

It will be good to meet you Len. And my modest 12 string will be at your disposal on sunday for the tailgate. ( I can't play the damn thing anyway)
I may even change the rusty strings before I get there.