AARoads Forum

Hi Everyone,
It has been a long time but I have brought this up casually at other road meets in the past year, this April marks the 7 year anniversary of one of the first road meets I put together and hosted in Memphis, TN, its now time to touch base again in Memphis with I-269 now finished and I am sure there is a few people who have not been to Memphis and would like to explore some of the city. I am going to post a survey on what would be the best dates, they will be primarly in early April since I don't have much going on with my other hobby at the time. We will meet for lunch at 11:00am in the Bartlett area of Memphis, from there we will travel to the current stub end of TN 385 on the north side of Memphis (Where it will eventually meet with future I-69) then travel east\ south to the signed part of I-269 which loops south and west into Mississippi and ends at I-55\ 69 near Tunica, follow I-69 to US 61 and travel north into Memphis proper and check out the Crump Blvd interchange with I-55, from there we may check out Sam Cooper Blvd but I am open to any and all suggestions. I have a toy show lined up in Bartlett in early March so I plan on doing some more scouting in the area that weekend.

Stay tuned for more details  :nod:

Don't make a decision just on me, but if I were to divert over to this after the Star Wars Run (at Disney), the only day I'd make it is Sunday, April 7th.

Worth noting that Sunday the 14th is Palm Sunday and the weekend of the 20th/21st is both Passover and Easter.

It has been a long time but I have brought this up casually at other road meets in the past year, this April marks the 7 year anniversary of one of the first road meets I put together and hosted in Memphis, TN, its now time to touch base again in Memphis with I-269 now finished and I am sure there is a few people who have not been to Memphis and would like to explore some of the city. I am going to post a survey on what would be the best dates, they will be primarly in early April since I don't have much going on with my other hobby at the time. We will meet for lunch at 11:00am in the Bartlett area of Memphis, from there we will travel to the current stub end of TN 385 on the north side of Memphis (Where it will eventually meet with future I-69) then travel east\ south to the signed part of I-269 which loops south and west into Mississippi and ends at I-55\ 69 near Tunica, follow I-69 to US 61 and travel north into Memphis proper and check out the Crump Blvd interchange with I-55, from there we may check out Sam Cooper Blvd but I am open to any and all suggestions  :nod:

Thanks for the info Froggie, I just posted the date survey and I knew about Easter the weekend of 4/20 but forgot about Passover, will see how the voting goes.

Any would likely work for me, though the 20th is cutting it close to the JH Conference.

March 30 and April 13 are out for me.

Moot point for me...I can only do a Sunday, not a Saturday.  But like I said, don't base a decision just on me.

Not sure if I could make it or not, but I voted for the 20th. I'll be getting back from my big Amtrak adventure with my brother on March 27, and then I may be attending a conference in Louisville that starts on March 31 (a Sunday). So I probably need to put as much distance as possible between that and any personal travel.

The opening of I-269 erased my clinch of all interstates in Tennessee, so this would be a prime opportunity to re-clinch.

Quote from: hbelkins on January 09, 2019, 12:48:10 PM
The opening of I-269 erased my clinch of all interstates in Tennessee, so this would be a prime opportunity to re-clinch.

The newest segments are in Mississippi, in case they de-clinched you in that state as well.

I took care of the newest segments last month. I'm an "unlikely" for the meet, so have not cast a vote.

I wouldn't be able to do April 20, but don't base it solely on me.  Right now I'm not really sure what my schedule will otherwise look like and I'm making a big push to pay back my student loans this year in any case.

I'm considering this and I did cast a vote for April 13, but any date is likely to work for me.  I've never been to Memphis before and it would give me an excuse to finish clinching I-40 in TN (I'm missing it west of I-75).

I'm open to all four dates, but the first two might be better for most (Palm Sunday & Easter).

Quote from: oscar on January 09, 2019, 12:55:12 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 09, 2019, 12:48:10 PM
The opening of I-269 erased my clinch of all interstates in Tennessee, so this would be a prime opportunity to re-clinch.

The newest segments are in Mississippi, in case they de-clinched you in that state as well.

Nope, I have very little interstate mileage in Mississippi other than having I-59 clinched, as well as I-22 before it became I-22.

 :thumbsup: :thumbsup: Memphis is doable for me. We shall see what happens.

I will need to set priorities when traveling this year - see how it goes.

After being one of the proponent for a Memphis meet, my availability for this is now questionable at best. Reason being, I'm going to be in Memphis in two weeks (for a music festival). So, I'll get my last piece of I-269 clinched and sight-see the other roads I want on this trip upcoming.

Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on January 10, 2019, 02:56:21 PM
After being one of the proponent for a Memphis meet, my availability for this is now questionable at best. Reason being, I'm going to be in Memphis in two weeks (for a music festival). So, I'll get my last piece of I-269 clinched and sight-see the other roads I want on this trip upcoming.

C'mon, man!

I totally forgot, Jason, that you were thinking of hosting another Memphis meet this year. I voted for March 30, but if I decide to go, I could probably make any of the dates work... but less likely so if it's on April 20 since the 21st is Easter Sunday. (I don't usually do much to celebrate Easter but who knows... my husband or my parents might decide to do something special for Easter. It's unlikely though.)

Right now I'd give myself about at least a 75 percent chance of making it. Normally I'm not too fond of the idea of revisiting the same city for a road meet when I had gone to that same city before, but I am very much open to making an exception in this case because I enjoy your meets and because I certainly wouldn't mind experiencing Memphis again. :)

Just an observation: There are still four MemFix4 closures to be scheduled in the coming months.

I haven't heard when they might be....but of the options proposed, the 20th (Easter weekend) is the one weekend that would definitely not see a MemFix closure.

(I will actually be in Memphis on the 20th...but I suspect that getting my father to/from choir at church will preclude joining in.)

Keeping tabs on this one for now.

A good area to have lunch at a restaurant in and around Bartlett TN would be its suburb of Wolfchase, where there is a mall (the Wolfchase Galleria, the largest in the Greater Memphis area) that lost its Sears at the end of last year (2018).

Quote from: kevinb1994 on January 10, 2019, 07:18:37 PMA good area to have lunch at a restaurant in and around Bartlett TN would be its suburb of Wolfchase, where there is a mall (the Wolfchase Galleria, the largest in the Greater Memphis area) that lost its Sears at the end of last year (2018).

For better or worse, the immediate Wolfchase area is mostly chain restaurants.  There's a Gus' near Stage (US64) & Germantown that offers regional food that isn't BBQ.  There's a nice Vietnamese place that I'm partial to on US64 just east of I-40, but the seating there is not good for groups.

The only place I've been to recently in Bartlett proper is the Panda Buffet - I think it's better-than-decent semi-Americanized Chinese buffet, and my father is (and my later mother was) fond of it.

I know that there's BBQ in Bartlett proper...but as a child of Midtown, I never had a need to go quite that far.  There is a Corky's on Germantown Parkway a couple miles south of I-40 -- perhaps a little overrated, but an option for entertaining groups from out of town with the local headline cuisine.

And really, there's one of almost anything, local and chain, along Germantown Parkway between I-40 and Walnut Grove.

Quote from: MikeTheActuary on January 10, 2019, 08:52:11 PM

Quote from: kevinb1994 on January 10, 2019, 07:18:37 PMA good area to have lunch at a restaurant in and around Bartlett TN would be its suburb of Wolfchase, where there is a mall (the Wolfchase Galleria, the largest in the Greater Memphis area) that lost its Sears at the end of last year (2018).

For better or worse, the immediate Wolfchase area is mostly chain restaurants.  There's a Gus' near Stage (US64) & Germantown that offers regional food that isn't BBQ.  There's a nice Vietnamese place that I'm partial to on US64 just east of I-40, but the seating there is not good for groups.

The only place I've been to recently in Bartlett proper is the Panda Buffet - I think it's better-than-decent semi-Americanized Chinese buffet, and my father is (and my later mother was) fond of it.

I know that there's BBQ in Bartlett proper...but as a child of Midtown, I never had a need to go quite that far.  There is a Corky's on Germantown Parkway a couple miles south of I-40 -- perhaps a little overrated, but an option for entertaining groups from out of town with the local headline cuisine.

And really, there's one of almost anything, local and chain, along Germantown Parkway between I-40 and Walnut Grove.

I was in the area a couple months ago. Seems like I saw a sub place, but can't remember the details.

Quote from: MikeTheActuary on January 10, 2019, 08:52:11 PM

Quote from: kevinb1994 on January 10, 2019, 07:18:37 PMA good area to have lunch at a restaurant in and around Bartlett TN would be its suburb of Wolfchase, where there is a mall (the Wolfchase Galleria, the largest in the Greater Memphis area) that lost its Sears at the end of last year (2018).

For better or worse, the immediate Wolfchase area is mostly chain restaurants.  There's a Gus' near Stage (US64) & Germantown that offers regional food that isn't BBQ.  There's a nice Vietnamese place that I'm partial to on US64 just east of I-40, but the seating there is not good for groups.

The only place I've been to recently in Bartlett proper is the Panda Buffet - I think it's better-than-decent semi-Americanized Chinese buffet, and my father is (and my later mother was) fond of it.

I know that there's BBQ in Bartlett proper...but as a child of Midtown, I never had a need to go quite that far.  There is a Corky's on Germantown Parkway a couple miles south of I-40 -- perhaps a little overrated, but an option for entertaining groups from out of town with the local headline cuisine.

And really, there's one of almost anything, local and chain, along Germantown Parkway between I-40 and Walnut Grove.

Corky's could work but Jason said that lunch would be in Bartlett, not Cordova.

I'm not sure having the meet lunch at a buffet could work, but we'll see.

I should note that the Gus' is right in front of the hotel I just looked at! What a coincidence...

Quote from: US71 on January 10, 2019, 09:54:21 PM

Quote from: MikeTheActuary on January 10, 2019, 08:52:11 PM

Quote from: kevinb1994 on January 10, 2019, 07:18:37 PMA good area to have lunch at a restaurant in and around Bartlett TN would be its suburb of Wolfchase, where there is a mall (the Wolfchase Galleria, the largest in the Greater Memphis area) that lost its Sears at the end of last year (2018).

For better or worse, the immediate Wolfchase area is mostly chain restaurants.  There's a Gus' near Stage (US64) & Germantown that offers regional food that isn't BBQ.  There's a nice Vietnamese place that I'm partial to on US64 just east of I-40, but the seating there is not good for groups.

The only place I've been to recently in Bartlett proper is the Panda Buffet - I think it's better-than-decent semi-Americanized Chinese buffet, and my father is (and my later mother was) fond of it.

I know that there's BBQ in Bartlett proper...but as a child of Midtown, I never had a need to go quite that far.  There is a Corky's on Germantown Parkway a couple miles south of I-40 -- perhaps a little overrated, but an option for entertaining groups from out of town with the local headline cuisine.

And really, there's one of almost anything, local and chain, along Germantown Parkway between I-40 and Walnut Grove.

I was in the area a couple months ago. Seems like I saw a sub place, but can't remember the details.

You're probably thinking of Lenny's.

I'm probably out for this meet because of our Key West trip in April.

Quote from: kevinb1994 on January 10, 2019, 09:55:48 PM

Quote from: MikeTheActuary on January 10, 2019, 08:52:11 PM

Quote from: kevinb1994 on January 10, 2019, 07:18:37 PMA good area to have lunch at a restaurant in and around Bartlett TN would be its suburb of Wolfchase, where there is a mall (the Wolfchase Galleria, the largest in the Greater Memphis area) that lost its Sears at the end of last year (2018).

For better or worse, the immediate Wolfchase area is mostly chain restaurants.  There's a Gus' near Stage (US64) & Germantown that offers regional food that isn't BBQ.  There's a nice Vietnamese place that I'm partial to on US64 just east of I-40, but the seating there is not good for groups.

The only place I've been to recently in Bartlett proper is the Panda Buffet - I think it's better-than-decent semi-Americanized Chinese buffet, and my father is (and my later mother was) fond of it.

I know that there's BBQ in Bartlett proper...but as a child of Midtown, I never had a need to go quite that far.  There is a Corky's on Germantown Parkway a couple miles south of I-40 -- perhaps a little overrated, but an option for entertaining groups from out of town with the local headline cuisine.

And really, there's one of almost anything, local and chain, along Germantown Parkway between I-40 and Walnut Grove.

Corky's could work but Jason said that lunch would be in Bartlett, not Cordova.

I'm not sure having the meet lunch at a buffet could work, but we'll see.

I should note that the Gus' is right in front of the hotel I just looked at! What a coincidence...

No buffet for Lunch. I always eat too much and don't fancy being sick from overeating during the tour.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions, Cordova is not too far from Bartlett, either way it will be somewhere in that general area, the last time I did a Memphis meet we did Huey's but I am leaning towards a different place, again I will be scouting over the next couple months and even have a toy show in the area lined up on Saturday March 2 and will be doing scouting that Friday afternoon and after the show, also the restaurant will be sit down, no buffet and more then likely be some type of casual dining , so far Corky's may be the top choice but again we will see, also my plan is to either drive my mini van or get a rental mini van to help with car pooling, also chances are my wife Stephanie will be along and eat lunch with us.

Additional thought:  Corky's might be a little heavy for a pre-tour meal - it (or Central, or... the full list would be lengthy) might work better for a post-drive dinner.

There is a McAlister's Deli at Stage and Kirby-Whitten in Bartlett, next door to the Panda Buffet.  I haven't been to that particular McAlisters, but I am familiar with a couple other outposts of the regional chain.  Sandwiches, baked potatoes, salads.

I'm disappointed that I haven't yet thought about the Lenny's near Wolfchase.  The Hyatt Place near there was my default residence in Memphis after I got my parents' house sold until this year.  (The hotel I "live" at in Montreal changed affiliation, so I'm changing brands in Memphis for status/points.)

I'll put Lenny's at #2 on my to-try list, I guess.   When I go down in a couple of weeks, I'm hoping that I'll finally have a chance to try the Kooky Canuck in Cordova.  I don't know that it's any good...but I have a morbid curiosity about a Memphis interpretation of poutine.

Quote from: MikeTheActuary on January 11, 2019, 03:13:52 PM
Additional thought:  Corky's might be a little heavy for a pre-tour meal - it (or Central, or... the full list would be lengthy) might work better for a post-drive dinner.

There is a McAlister's Deli at Stage and Kirby-Whitten in Bartlett, next door to the Panda Buffet.  I haven't been to that particular McAlisters, but I am familiar with a couple other outposts of the regional chain.  Sandwiches, baked potatoes, salads.

I'm disappointed that I haven't yet thought about the Lenny's near Wolfchase.  The Hyatt Place near there was my default residence in Memphis after I got my parents' house sold until this year.  (The hotel I "live" at in Montreal changed affiliation, so I'm changing brands in Memphis for status/points.)

I'll put Lenny's at #2 on my to-try list, I guess.   When I go down in a couple of weeks, I'm hoping that I'll finally have a chance to try the Kooky Canuck in Cordova.  I don't know that it's any good...but I have a morbid curiosity about a Memphis interpretation of poutine.

There's also Jason's Deli ;)

Quote from: kevinb1994 on January 11, 2019, 05:44:13 PMThere’s also Jason’s Deli ;)

I actually prefer Jason's to McAlisters, but if Corky's was flagged as being more Cordova than Bartlett/Wolfchase...the closest Jason's is even further away.  Also, I was trying to focus on local/regional places.

A couple of other possibilities that might be worth considering, depending on how "new"/topical the points of interest might need to be:

• The rebuilt eastern I-40/I-240 interchange might be new to some.
• The path on the northern side of the Harahan bridge might be new to some.  Parking is a bit limited on the Memphis side, but that's the quickest place to be on the bridge over the river.  The Arkansas side has better parking and access to the old ramps.
• If any transit geeks are in attendance, the downtown loop of the MATA trolley has gone back into operation in the past year.

Quote from: MikeTheActuary on January 11, 2019, 06:12:25 PM

Quote from: kevinb1994 on January 11, 2019, 05:44:13 PMThere's also Jason's Deli ;)

I actually prefer Jason's to McAlisters, but if Corky's was flagged as being more Cordova than Bartlett/Wolfchase...the closest Jason's is even further away.  Also, I was trying to focus on local/regional places.

A couple of other possibilities that might be worth considering, depending on how "new"/topical the points of interest might need to be:

• The rebuilt eastern I-40/I-240 interchange might be new to some.
• The path on the northern side of the Harahan bridge might be new to some.  Parking is a bit limited on the Memphis side, but that's the quickest place to be on the bridge over the river.  The Arkansas side has better parking and access to the old ramps.
• If any transit geeks are in attendance, the downtown loop of the MATA trolley has gone back into operation in the past year.

Oh yeah, I forgot that Memphis has a neat trolley system. Might be worth checking out if we have the time to do so.

I'll be here, one way or another.  I have the wild idea of taking the City of New Orleans down and back, or flying down then the train back just for something different.

Quote from: Brandon on January 13, 2019, 08:24:19 PM
I'll be here, one way or another.  I have the wild idea of taking the City of New Orleans down and back, or flying down then the train back just for something different.

I like that idea, wish we had more train service here in JAX like we did when the old Flagler Depot/Union Depot/Union Station/Union Terminal was being serviced by trains routed via Atlanta to here.

The least that can be done is restoration of Sunset Limited service east of NOLA but that isn't happening.

JTA has just topped out the steel frame interior of the brand-new transportation center downtown (technically in LaVilla), which will have Skyway people-mover access, local/regional and Greyhound bus service plus taxi cab service, and may potentially entice Amtrak to move back to Downtown (LaVilla) after spending most of their time at a 1970s-era station complex on the outskirts of the city (NW), in addition to potential Brightline service and First Coast Commuter Rail service.

Thanks for the info everyone, looks like we have a 3 way tie between 3/30, 4/13 and 4/20, I am starting to lean towards 4/13 since that is not Easter weekend and is a little later into April, weather wise for the mid south it should be mid to even upper 70's for a high and hopefully dry, as for the restaurant options I will keep all of them in mind. we still have a ways to go and the voting poll is still open so still a little bit of time to pin down a date, when I do have the date set I will create a Facebook event for this.

Quote from: jpi on January 15, 2019, 12:45:24 PM
Thanks for the info everyone, looks like we have a 3 way tie between 3/30, 4/13 and 4/20, I am starting to lean towards 4/13 since that is not Easter weekend and is a little later into April, weather wise for the mid south it should be mid to even upper 70's for a high and hopefully dry, as for the restaurant options I will keep all of them in mind. we still have a ways to go and the voting poll is still open so still a little bit of time to pin down a date, when I do have the date set I will create a Facebook event for this.

Don't forget about those of us who aren't on social media.  :)

I may actually be able to make this one and make it a long day trip. I just need to know a date soon so I can ask my wife to take off so she can watch the twins (or, come along if she wants to).

Quote from: MikeTheActuary on January 10, 2019, 06:38:41 PM
Just an observation: There are still four MemFix4 closures to be scheduled in the coming months.

I haven't heard when they might be....but of the options proposed, the 20th (Easter weekend) is the one weekend that would definitely not see a MemFix closure.

(I will actually be in Memphis on the 20th...but I suspect that getting my father to/from choir at church will preclude joining in.)

An update to this:

The next round of MemFix4 closures has been scheduled:  1-4 Feb, 8-11 Feb, and 15-18 Feb. 

The project plan called for "up to 12 closures", and these are closures 9, 10, and 11.  The odds are MemFix won't be an issue for a meet.

(I have a hotel reservation close to the closed area on that first weekend.  That should be interesting....)

For me to attend, I need a April date, because March leave requests are closed now in my office. Is anyone from the mid-Atlantic carpooling, or should I consider booking a flight?

Looks like April 13 is the top choice, the poll is still open for another 10 days but so far all sights are aiming for 4/13

After my visit to Memphis last week, I will recommend including both ends of the Big River Crossing (aka Harahan Bridge).
However, you'll have to keep a tight leash on the group for stragglers. I found it took me 40-50 minutes to walk from one to the other and back.
I would also find someway to include a drive along Tn 175 between Tn385 and Riverdale Rd. I had never experienced a road with so many random road widths on a state highway. I would include it for the "bizarre" factor.

Well everyone, looks like April 20 is out, I now have a diecast toy show scheduled in the Huntsville, AL area that day, again the polls still open for a few more days but I am taking 4/20 off the poll.

Jason, it looks like the poll is tied again, there's still less than a week left though.

Quote from: kevinb1994 on February 02, 2019, 04:34:57 AM
Jason, it looks like the poll is tied again, there’s still less than a week left though.

I know, I am now aiming at April 13

Quote from: jpi on February 02, 2019, 11:25:00 AM

Quote from: kevinb1994 on February 02, 2019, 04:34:57 AM
Jason, it looks like the poll is tied again, there's still less than a week left though.

I know, I am now aiming at April 13

Ok just making sure. Now the date you're aiming for is in first place.

Quote from: kevinb1994 on February 02, 2019, 01:36:48 PM

Quote from: jpi on February 02, 2019, 11:25:00 AM

Quote from: kevinb1994 on February 02, 2019, 04:34:57 AM
Jason, it looks like the poll is tied again, there's still less than a week left though.

I know, I am now aiming at April 13

Ok just making sure. Now the date you're aiming for is in first place.

My, my you really are being observant.  Please stop.

Quote from: SSOWorld on February 02, 2019, 05:59:54 PM

Quote from: kevinb1994 on February 02, 2019, 01:36:48 PM

Quote from: jpi on February 02, 2019, 11:25:00 AM

Quote from: kevinb1994 on February 02, 2019, 04:34:57 AM
Jason, it looks like the poll is tied again, there's still less than a week left though.

I know, I am now aiming at April 13

Ok just making sure. Now the date you're aiming for is in first place.

My, my you really are being observant.  Please stop.

Done and done, your wish has been granted sir.

Ok, April 13 is now a done deal, the poll closes on 2/8 but safe to say April 13 is the preferred date, I will be setting up a Facebook event later this week and I am leaning towards McAlisters for lunch and then have a post meet dinner at Corky's but I will research both later this week, Saunder since you were in Memphis recently feel free to chime in with any other suggestions for food options and I will keep that in mind. Thanks everyone for the info

*crawls out of woodwork*

This is... on my radar. My only prior experience with Memphis is driving through it on I-40, so it's an unexplored city with plenty of unclinched roads and nearby unclinched counties. Could also use this as an excuse to grab some airline miles, since American does fly direct to MEM from LGA.

I am holding off on committing only because I want to wait and see if work might want me to be somewhere the week before or after before I sign on to this.

I cannot commit at this time.  As much as I-269 is tempting, I've been to Memphis too much in 2015.  Also my big trip money is reserved for Little Rhody/Canada IF I feel it's logistically feasible.  (double long trips seem to happen only every 5 years lately ;) )

Is there anyone in the DC region going at this point? I'd be cool with carpooling.

Quote from: jpi on February 03, 2019, 11:17:28 AM
Ok, April 13 is now a done deal, the poll closes on 2/8 but safe to say April 13 is the preferred date, I will be setting up a Facebook event later this week and I am leaning towards McAlisters for lunch and then have a post meet dinner at Corky's but I will research both later this week, Saunder since you were in Memphis recently feel free to chime in with any other suggestions for food options and I will keep that in mind. Thanks everyone for the info

FWIW, my Memphis BBQ expert recommend Interstate BBQ for beef ribs or smoked sausage. Central for pork ribs.  But it's your show, so whatever you decide.

Quote from: US71 on February 03, 2019, 08:40:04 PM
FWIW, my Memphis BBQ expert recommend Interstate BBQ for beef ribs or smoked sausage. Central for pork ribs.  But it's your show, so whatever you decide.

The way I classify Memphis BBQ:

Rendezvous = tourist 'que
Corkys = where you take people visiting from out of town
Central = where you get together with friends

...and below that, you get into more local places, which includes Interstate.   I'm partial to the Bar-B-Q Shop myself (plus a couple of other local places in parts of town one wouldn't encourage a visitor to go), but really at this level it's just about all good, and personal tastes would influence rankings.

For a while, I was going to KC for meetings every quarter, and they'd generally bring in either Jack Stack's, Gates, or Arthur Bryant's for lunch....except for that one time I offered to make the arrangements.

Corky's ships via Fed Ex.  :)

FYI a new Fairfield Inn and Suites will be opening in April on Collierville Road (SR 175) just off of the Bill Morris Parkway (SR 385) across from the outdoor Carriage Crossing shopping mall. Don't know the exact opening date though. Marriott already has a Courtyard hotel on the other side of the mall complex.

EDIT: I would prefer/recommend having lunch at Jason's Deli as it doesn't seem that the McAllister's location in Cordova would work IMHO.

Quote from: kevinb1994 on February 03, 2019, 11:34:00 PM
EDIT: I would prefer/recommend having lunch at Jason's Deli as it doesn't seem that the McAllister's location in Cordova would work.

What is wrong with McAllister's?

Quote from: codyg1985 on February 04, 2019, 07:47:29 AM

Quote from: kevinb1994 on February 03, 2019, 11:34:00 PM
EDIT: I would prefer/recommend having lunch at Jason's Deli as it doesn't seem that the McAllister's location in Cordova would work.

What is wrong with McAllister's?

Just a personal preference, that's all. No biggie.

Quote from: kevinb1994 on February 03, 2019, 11:34:00 PM
FYI a new Fairfield Inn and Suites will be opening in April on Collierville Road (SR 175) just off of the Bill Morris Parkway (SR 385) across from the outdoor Carriage Crossing shopping mall. Don't know the exact opening date though. Marriott already has a Courtyard hotel on the other side of the mall complex.

Doesn't appear to be accepting reservations yet, but the other Fairfield properties are $120+ per night. Not exactly in my budget.

Quote from: US71 on February 04, 2019, 10:06:26 AM

Quote from: kevinb1994 on February 03, 2019, 11:34:00 PM
FYI a new Fairfield Inn and Suites will be opening in April on Collierville Road (SR 175) just off of the Bill Morris Parkway (SR 385) across from the outdoor Carriage Crossing shopping mall. Don't know the exact opening date though. Marriott already has a Courtyard hotel on the other side of the mall complex.

Doesn't appear to be accepting reservations yet, but the other Fairfield properties are $120+ per night. Not exactly in my budget.

FWIW:

- I've had horrible luck with Hampton Inns around Memphis; concerns have been mostly related to cleanliness.

- For 2017 and 2018, my primary hotel in the Memphis area was the Hyatt Place at Wolfchase.  Generally $89-$109/night.  Decent breakfasts, but sadly they aren't universally free (I think being a Hyatt World member takes care of that).  I've also stayed at the one way out on Winchester (OK) and the one by St. Francis Hospital (nearly run down by a Memphis cop responding to a robbery that occurred a few minutes before I arrived to check in; but other than that, it was OK).

- I'm currently at the Homewood Suites on Wolf River Blvd near Germantown Pkwy.  It's OK, although the machinery is noisy enough that I'm glad I travel with a white noise machine.  I like the Hyatt Place more, but I did just book two more stays here at $107/night with AAA discount.

I personally would be leery of hotels in/around Memphis much below $100/night...but I travel enough that I have moderate-to-high standards for hotels.  I generally aim for non-deluxe, business road-warrior grade places these days.  There are probably places that are OK at lower rates...but I travel enough that I don't like gambling when it comes to sleep.  :)

Hampton? That's odd considering they are a Hilton property (Hilton is/was notorious for high standards).  I usually check TripAdvisor for ratings and cross reference Find Optimal when time permits.
I got a very good rate at Candlewood in Kansas City back in December during their holiday special.

Quote from: MikeTheActuary on February 04, 2019, 10:39:55 AM
I personally would be leery of hotels in/around Memphis much below $100/night...but I travel enough that I have moderate-to-high standards for hotels.  I generally aim for non-deluxe, business road-warrior grade places these days.  There are probably places that are OK at lower rates...but I travel enough that I don't like gambling when it comes to sleep.  :)

TripAdvisor is your friend. And $100/night is well out of my budget. Are reviews of cheaper places not to be trusted?

Quote from: kevinb1994 on February 03, 2019, 11:34:00 PM

EDIT: I would prefer/recommend having lunch at Jason's Deli as it doesn't seem that the McAllister's location in Cordova would work IMHO.

Why wouldn't it work, if it's near the sights Jason wants to showcase during the meet tour?

Quote from: Brandon on January 13, 2019, 08:24:19 PM
I'll be here, one way or another.  I have the wild idea of taking the City of New Orleans down and back, or flying down then the train back just for something different.

The train isn't a bad idea, since it's overnight in both directions and you could even take the train from Joliet to Union Station to connect with the CONO.

The only potential hiccup is that I'm pretty sure you can't rent a car near the Memphis train station and would need to cab it to/from MEM to do so.

Quote from: abefroman329 on February 04, 2019, 12:48:53 PM

Quote from: Brandon on January 13, 2019, 08:24:19 PM
I'll be here, one way or another.  I have the wild idea of taking the City of New Orleans down and back, or flying down then the train back just for something different.

The train isn't a bad idea, since it's overnight in both directions and you could even take the train from Joliet to Union Station to connect with the CONO.

The only potential hiccup is that I'm pretty sure you can't rent a car near the Memphis train station and would need to cab it to/from MEM to do so.

Call Enterprise ;)

Quote from: abefroman329 on February 04, 2019, 12:48:53 PM

Quote from: Brandon on January 13, 2019, 08:24:19 PM
I'll be here, one way or another.  I have the wild idea of taking the City of New Orleans down and back, or flying down then the train back just for something different.

The train isn't a bad idea, since it's overnight in both directions and you could even take the train from Joliet to Union Station to connect with the CONO.

The only potential hiccup is that I'm pretty sure you can't rent a car near the Memphis train station and would need to cab it to/from MEM to do so.

It's easier, timewise, to drive over to Homewood & back.  As for in Memphis, that's what friends are for. :-)

Quote from: US71 on February 04, 2019, 12:59:54 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on February 04, 2019, 12:48:53 PM

Quote from: Brandon on January 13, 2019, 08:24:19 PM
I'll be here, one way or another.  I have the wild idea of taking the City of New Orleans down and back, or flying down then the train back just for something different.

The train isn't a bad idea, since it's overnight in both directions and you could even take the train from Joliet to Union Station to connect with the CONO.

The only potential hiccup is that I'm pretty sure you can't rent a car near the Memphis train station and would need to cab it to/from MEM to do so.

Call Enterprise ;)

I stand corrected, there is an Enterprise near the station, although I'm not sure their hours of operation jibe with the CONO's arrival/departure times.

Quote from: Brandon on February 04, 2019, 01:15:58 PMIt's easier, timewise, to drive over to Homewood & back.

You could potentially end up with a crappier seat than what you'd get departing CUS (assuming you're not planning on getting a sleeper compartment).

Quote from: hbelkins on February 04, 2019, 11:40:03 AM

Quote from: MikeTheActuary on February 04, 2019, 10:39:55 AM
I personally would be leery of hotels in/around Memphis much below $100/night...but I travel enough that I have moderate-to-high standards for hotels.  I generally aim for non-deluxe, business road-warrior grade places these days.  There are probably places that are OK at lower rates...but I travel enough that I don't like gambling when it comes to sleep.  :)

TripAdvisor is your friend. And $100/night is well out of my budget. Are reviews of cheaper places not to be trusted?

Quote from: kevinb1994 on February 03, 2019, 11:34:00 PM

EDIT: I would prefer/recommend having lunch at Jason's Deli as it doesn't seem that the McAllister's location in Cordova would work IMHO.

Why wouldn't it work, if it's near the sights Jason wants to showcase during the meet tour?

Just a personal preference, that's all. Not a big deal in fact.

Now it looks like I'm out because I didn't get the leave request in by 1/31. If I'm off I might fly in.

There is plenty of decent lodging around the Bartlett area of I-40 around exit 18, there is a Microtel in the area by IKEA that Steph and I have stayed at and is decent, also if Steph can get off work early on Friday we will be coming in late evening on Friday and staying until Sunday, Brandon if you do take the train we can pick you up however we have never been to the train station before but I am sure it is not hard to find, also I am planning on renting a mini van for the weekend similar to what I have rented at my other meets.

Quote from: hbelkins on February 04, 2019, 11:40:03 AM

Quote from: MikeTheActuary on February 04, 2019, 10:39:55 AM
I personally would be leery of hotels in/around Memphis much below $100/night...but I travel enough that I have moderate-to-high standards for hotels.  I generally aim for non-deluxe, business road-warrior grade places these days.  There are probably places that are OK at lower rates...but I travel enough that I don't like gambling when it comes to sleep.  :)

TripAdvisor is your friend. And $100/night is well out of my budget. Are reviews of cheaper places not to be trusted?

I generally have a hotel policy of 3 stars minimum on any review sites with more than 2-3 reviews. This includes TA, Google maps, sometimes Yelp, along with the various booking sites like Kayak and Priceline. Yelp tends to be used the least and has the most negative reviews. In general, once you see a few sites you have a general idea of the hotel. Also read reviews regarding room noise, cleanliness, and location. Ignore staff rudeness or one-off complaints about bugs that don't show up in any other review. If you see 3 or more reviews discussing the same topic, take it as gospel. In the end, I have generally found very good stays at places under 80.

Quote from: jpi on February 04, 2019, 05:53:21 PM
There is plenty of decent lodging around the Bartlett area of I-40 around exit 18, there is a Microtel in the area by IKEA that Steph and I have stayed at and is decent, also if Steph can get off work early on Friday we will be coming in late evening on Friday and staying until Sunday, Brandon if you do take the train we can pick you up however we have never been to the train station before but I am sure it is not hard to find, also I am planning on renting a mini van for the weekend similar to what I have rented at my other meets.

I think I stayed there at that Microtel years ago, but can't remember for sure.

I stayed at a Sleep/Quality Inn near I-40/Tn 14 in Raleigh for my Memphis stay couple of weeks back.
Pros: price averaged out at $68 a night (after all the taxes, fees, & safe rental fee)
        Continental breakfast was good.
        Clean room & prompt service
Cons: Broken back door to the hotel (This drove me nuts because the back entrance was closer to my hotel room than the front)
         Shower stall leaked like a sieve
         My bed was stiff as a tree (maybe I should have asked for a softer bed) 

Price might be higher come spring, but I was content with my room, and if I were staying in Memphis for a night or two, I'd book this hotel again.

----
As for lunch/dinner; I ended up eating on Beale street each night, except Saturday, so I didn't get a chance to cruise Stage Rd (Tn 15/US 64) to look for food options.

Quote from: hbelkins on February 04, 2019, 11:40:03 AM

Quote from: MikeTheActuary on February 04, 2019, 10:39:55 AM
I personally would be leery of hotels in/around Memphis much below $100/night...but I travel enough that I have moderate-to-high standards for hotels.  I generally aim for non-deluxe, business road-warrior grade places these days.  There are probably places that are OK at lower rates...but I travel enough that I don't like gambling when it comes to sleep.  :)

TripAdvisor is your friend. And $100/night is well out of my budget. Are reviews of cheaper places not to be trusted?

What can I say?  I'm picky....and in the case of Memphis, I have the (perhaps unfair) baggage of knowing the city a little too well.  ("Sure, that place is only $70/night, but that neighborhood...." or "Wow, I remember when that was an hourly rate place....")

Quote from: US71 on February 04, 2019, 11:13:56 AM
Hampton? That's odd considering they are a Hilton property (Hilton is/was notorious for high standards).

I've had hit-or-miss experiences with Hampton.  Now that I'm back to being a Hilton loyalist (since my hotel in Montreal changed brands), Hampton's back to being my go-to, unless I have a reason not to stay at a particular property.

Usually they're pretty good...except when they're not.   Of the three Hamptons I've tried in Memphis, the score was: a couple of roaches, two dirty rooms (same check-in), and one smashed rental car windshield.

In fairness, I could have had just bad luck, and perhaps the other Hamptons in town wouldn't have provided quite such memorable experiences.  :)

I stayed at Econo Lodge when I went for the 269 dedication. Decent room, exterior corridor, so-so breakfast. For one night it might be OK, but for a weekend, I'm not sure.

Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on February 05, 2019, 04:32:10 PM
I stayed at a Sleep/Quality Inn near I-40/Tn 14 in Raleigh for my Memphis stay couple of weeks back.
Pros: price averaged out at $68 a night (after all the taxes, fees, & safe rental fee)
        Continental breakfast was good.
        Clean room & prompt service
Cons: Broken back door to the hotel (This drove me nuts because the back entrance was closer to my hotel room than the front)
         Shower stall leaked like a sieve
         My bed was stiff as a tree (maybe I should have asked for a softer bed) 

Price might be higher come spring, but I was content with my room, and if I were staying in Memphis for a night or two, I'd book this hotel again.

----
As for lunch/dinner; I ended up eating on Beale street each night, except Saturday, so I didn't get a chance to cruise Stage Rd (Tn 15/US 64) to look for food options.

I have actually stayed at that same hotel several times over the years, it is one of the closest ones to a toy show I do at the Bartlett community center a few miles down the road, it is in a sketchy area but overall I have never had a problem with the place.

Quote from: US71 on February 05, 2019, 07:47:18 PM
I stayed at Econo Lodge when I went for the 269 dedication. Decent room, exterior corridor, so-so breakfast. For one night it might be OK, but for a weekend, I'm not sure.

Where was it located? That would be an option for me if I am able to attend this meet. The exterior corridors are a plus in my book.

Quote from: hbelkins on February 06, 2019, 11:12:33 AM

Quote from: US71 on February 05, 2019, 07:47:18 PM
I stayed at Econo Lodge when I went for the 269 dedication. Decent room, exterior corridor, so-so breakfast. For one night it might be OK, but for a weekend, I'm not sure.

Where was it located? That would be an option for me if I am able to attend this meet. The exterior corridors are a plus in my book.

Off Sycamore View , Macon Rd I believe.  3-4 other hotels close by if memory serves correct

Quote from: hbelkins on February 06, 2019, 11:12:33 AM
Where was it located? That would be an option for me if I am able to attend this meet. The exterior corridors are a plus in my book.

Why do you like the exterior corridors?

Quote from: A.J. Bertin on February 06, 2019, 08:41:46 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on February 06, 2019, 11:12:33 AM
Where was it located? That would be an option for me if I am able to attend this meet. The exterior corridors are a plus in my book.

Why do you like the exterior corridors?

The convenience of having the car right outside the door, it's easier to take belongings in and out.

Quote from: hbelkins on February 07, 2019, 02:28:08 PM

Quote from: A.J. Bertin on February 06, 2019, 08:41:46 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on February 06, 2019, 11:12:33 AM
Where was it located? That would be an option for me if I am able to attend this meet. The exterior corridors are a plus in my book.

Why do you like the exterior corridors?

The convenience of having the car right outside the door, it's easier to take belongings in and out.

If you're lucky enough to get a room on the ground floor, or the chain will let you reserve a ground-floor room (as I've done with some Comfort Inns in Canada, at extra cost -- interior corridors, but the ground-floor rooms have back doors).

Quote from: oscar on February 07, 2019, 02:57:37 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on February 07, 2019, 02:28:08 PM

Quote from: A.J. Bertin on February 06, 2019, 08:41:46 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on February 06, 2019, 11:12:33 AM
Where was it located? That would be an option for me if I am able to attend this meet. The exterior corridors are a plus in my book.

Why do you like the exterior corridors?

The convenience of having the car right outside the door, it's easier to take belongings in and out.

If you're lucky enough to get a room on the ground floor, or the chain will let you reserve a ground-floor room (as I've done with some Comfort Inns in Canada, at extra cost -- interior corridors, but the ground-floor rooms have back doors).

And if you don't have a ground-floor room, it's likely that you'll have to use stairs to get to the upper floors.

I've also found exterior-corridor motels to be draughty and have poor insulation.

Quote from: oscar on February 07, 2019, 02:57:37 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on February 07, 2019, 02:28:08 PM

Quote from: A.J. Bertin on February 06, 2019, 08:41:46 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on February 06, 2019, 11:12:33 AM
Where was it located? That would be an option for me if I am able to attend this meet. The exterior corridors are a plus in my book.

Why do you like the exterior corridors?

The convenience of having the car right outside the door, it's easier to take belongings in and out.

If you're lucky enough to get a room on the ground floor, or the chain will let you reserve a ground-floor room (as I've done with some Comfort Inns in Canada, at extra cost -- interior corridors, but the ground-floor rooms have back doors).

Some motel listings specify rooms on the ground floor in their descriptions. I always request the ground floor and that request is most usually honored. My knees don't like stairs, but I don't really need a handicapped-accessible room (plus I hate the roll-in showers that most of those rooms feature) and I hate to take a room away from someone who might really have need of it.

The situation you describe -- doors to both the inside and outside -- is a feature on the first floor of the Best Western in Frankfort, where I sometimes stay for work. I've also noticed it at what was, at the time, the Ramada I stayed in at Rutland several years ago when I attended the Bennington meet. That one was interesting in that you couldn't open the door from the outside, only the inside. So the solution was to go inside empty-handed, then open the door and bring the stuff in while keeping the door propped open.

Quote from: hbelkins on February 08, 2019, 11:46:29 AM

Quote from: oscar on February 07, 2019, 02:57:37 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on February 07, 2019, 02:28:08 PM

Quote from: A.J. Bertin on February 06, 2019, 08:41:46 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on February 06, 2019, 11:12:33 AM
Where was it located? That would be an option for me if I am able to attend this meet. The exterior corridors are a plus in my book.

Why do you like the exterior corridors?

The convenience of having the car right outside the door, it's easier to take belongings in and out.

If you're lucky enough to get a room on the ground floor, or the chain will let you reserve a ground-floor room (as I've done with some Comfort Inns in Canada, at extra cost -- interior corridors, but the ground-floor rooms have back doors).

Some motel listings specify rooms on the ground floor in their descriptions. I always request the ground floor and that request is most usually honored. My knees don't like stairs, but I don't really need a handicapped-accessible room (plus I hate the roll-in showers that most of those rooms feature) and I hate to take a room away from someone who might really have need of it.

The situation you describe -- doors to both the inside and outside -- is a feature on the first floor of the Best Western in Frankfort, where I sometimes stay for work. I've also noticed it at what was, at the time, the Ramada I stayed in at Rutland several years ago when I attended the Bennington meet. That one was interesting in that you couldn't open the door from the outside, only the inside. So the solution was to go inside empty-handed, then open the door and bring the stuff in while keeping the door propped open.

a lot of the old Holidomes had inside/outside doors. Days Inn in Henryetta, OK has them. The old Clarion Inn in Fayetteville, AR had them.

This is the first I've heard of motel rooms with front and back doors.

I remember reading several years ago about a disabled guest who was denied the accessible hotel room at the hotel where she was staying because an able-bodied frequent renter already had the room and liked to stay in it because there was more space.  Ugh.

Quote from: abefroman329 on February 08, 2019, 02:52:03 PM
This is the first I've heard of motel rooms with front and back doors.

I remember reading several years ago about a disabled guest who was denied the accessible hotel room at the hotel where she was staying because an able-bodied frequent renter already had the room and liked to stay in it because there was more space.  Ugh.

Every place I worked at, we tried to save the handicapped rooms for last, but we'd either run out of rooms or someone HAD to have a handicapped accessible room. What was really fun was someone wanting a smoking handicapped room. All our smoking rooms were upstairs, but our handicapped accessible rooms were downstairs.

Quote from: US71 on February 08, 2019, 03:00:30 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on February 08, 2019, 02:52:03 PM
This is the first I've heard of motel rooms with front and back doors.

I remember reading several years ago about a disabled guest who was denied the accessible hotel room at the hotel where she was staying because an able-bodied frequent renter already had the room and liked to stay in it because there was more space.  Ugh.

Every place I worked at, we tried to save the handicapped rooms for last, but we'd either run out of rooms or someone HAD to have a handicapped accessible room. What was really fun was someone wanting a smoking handicapped room. All our smoking rooms were upstairs, but our handicapped accessible rooms were downstairs.

Yeah, the only times I've stayed in a handicapped room were because of a late arrival, and the one time we got one and were staying at the hotel for two nights, I made sure to move out of it for the second night so someone with an actual need could have it.

As long as this meet is still happening on April 13, it's official... I'm going! I've got Friday, April 12 off from work as a day to do the drive down to Memphis. Not sure what route I'll take yet, but I figure I'll try to snag some new counties and/or new highway mileage. :)

Not sure if we'll make it to this meet at this time due to meet prioritzation. May be a little too far west for us as it is right on the Mighty Mississippi as compared to previous meets we've attended.

If I attend, I'll probably arrive via either the Purchase Parkway/US 51 (or maybe I-155/I-55) and depart via US 79, or vice versa (to clinch 79 in Tennessee). Likely spending one night in Clarksville and one in western Kentucky somewhere or Dyersburg; it's doubtful I'll overnight in Memphis.

Quote from: A.J. Bertin on February 11, 2019, 12:41:15 PM
As long as this meet is still happening on April 13, it's official... I'm going! I've got Friday, April 12 off from work as a day to do the drive down to Memphis. Not sure what route I'll take yet, but I figure I'll try to snag some new counties and/or new highway mileage. :)

Yes this meet is happening on April 13  ;-), just have not had a chance to post a Facebook event, it should be done by this Friday but count on Saturday April 13  :nod:

I shall be there as well.

Finally posted the Facebook event
https://www.facebook.com/events/347788409159482/

I'm in. I booked a flight from BWI on Friday night (there was a non stop at like 8am, but I get off work at 10:30pm the night before, and live 90 minutes away from BWI during that time) and a return flight on Sunday afternoon.

I won't book a hotel until later, but should I rent my own car?

I'm booked on a flight that Saturday morning that gets to Memphis at 10:10 am, and leaving via Amtrak (first time ever on Amtrak) at 10:40 pm that very evening.

Quote from: Brandon on February 23, 2019, 07:52:59 PM
I'm booked on a flight that Saturday morning that gets to Memphis at 10:10 am, and leaving via Amtrak (first time ever on Amtrak) at 10:40 pm that very evening.

When do you sleep?

Quote from: US71 on February 23, 2019, 09:03:37 PM

Quote from: Brandon on February 23, 2019, 07:52:59 PM
I'm booked on a flight that Saturday morning that gets to Memphis at 10:10 am, and leaving via Amtrak (first time ever on Amtrak) at 10:40 pm that very evening.

When do you sleep?

On the train.

Quote from: US71 on February 23, 2019, 09:03:37 PM

Quote from: Brandon on February 23, 2019, 07:52:59 PM
I'm booked on a flight that Saturday morning that gets to Memphis at 10:10 am, and leaving via Amtrak (first time ever on Amtrak) at 10:40 pm that very evening.

When do you sleep?

At home, then in a compartment on the train.

^ Got a Roomette, eh?  Definitely better for sleeping than regular coach, though I'd add that Amtrak coach gives far more room than airplane coach.

Quote from: froggie on February 24, 2019, 07:53:45 AM
^ Got a Roomette, eh?  Definitely better for sleeping than regular coach, though I'd add that Amtrak coach gives far more room than airplane coach.

I will have just gotten finished with my trip. A Viewliner from Cincy to Chicago, then a Superliner from Chicago to SF. From what I've read, the Viewliner roomette is nicer.

Quote from: hbelkins on February 24, 2019, 04:44:26 PM

Quote from: froggie on February 24, 2019, 07:53:45 AM
^ Got a Roomette, eh?  Definitely better for sleeping than regular coach, though I'd add that Amtrak coach gives far more room than airplane coach.

I will have just gotten finished with my trip. A Viewliner from Cincy to Chicago, then a Superliner from Chicago to SF. From what I've read, the Viewliner roomette is nicer.

The only real differences are that a Viewliner Roomette has a bathroom in the room and a Superliner Roomette does not, and in a Viewliner Roomette, the upper-berth passenger has their own window.

Quote from: abefroman329 on February 25, 2019, 01:49:15 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on February 24, 2019, 04:44:26 PM

Quote from: froggie on February 24, 2019, 07:53:45 AM
^ Got a Roomette, eh?  Definitely better for sleeping than regular coach, though I'd add that Amtrak coach gives far more room than airplane coach.

I will have just gotten finished with my trip. A Viewliner from Cincy to Chicago, then a Superliner from Chicago to SF. From what I've read, the Viewliner roomette is nicer.

The only real differences are that a Viewliner Roomette has a bathroom in the room and a Superliner Roomette does not, and in a Viewliner Roomette, the upper-berth passenger has their own window.

Do I have them mixed up? I'll be on the single-decker from Cincy to Chicago, and the double-decker for the trip out west. They don't run the double-deckers on the Cardinal because it goes to NYC.

Quote from: hbelkins on February 25, 2019, 02:25:13 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on February 25, 2019, 01:49:15 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on February 24, 2019, 04:44:26 PM

Quote from: froggie on February 24, 2019, 07:53:45 AM
^ Got a Roomette, eh?  Definitely better for sleeping than regular coach, though I'd add that Amtrak coach gives far more room than airplane coach.

I will have just gotten finished with my trip. A Viewliner from Cincy to Chicago, then a Superliner from Chicago to SF. From what I've read, the Viewliner roomette is nicer.

The only real differences are that a Viewliner Roomette has a bathroom in the room and a Superliner Roomette does not, and in a Viewliner Roomette, the upper-berth passenger has their own window.

Do I have them mixed up? I'll be on the single-decker from Cincy to Chicago, and the double-decker for the trip out west. They don't run the double-deckers on the Cardinal because it goes to NYC.

No, you have it right; the Viewliners don't run west of Chicago at all.

Just a small update, Steph and I will be in the Memphis area this weekend for a toy show on Saturday and will be doing scouting both after the show and Sunday, I should have a good solid itinerary to post after this weekend

Over the weekend Steph and I were in the Memphis area and did a preliminary dry run of the tour route. After we have lunch in Bartlett we will take I-40 west through the 240 stack interchange which wrapped up construction last year, follow 40 west to TN 14 Austin Peay hwy and take 14 north to TN 204 north to TN 385, take TN 385 west to the stub end at US 51, there is enough room on either side we can pull off and check it out and traffic is usually very light in this area (this is actually a very rural area of Shelby County) from here we will then follow the full length of TN 385 which turns into I-269 and take this to I-69 and follow I-69 south to US 61 near Tunica, then follow US 61 north to I-55 then take I-55 to the Crump interchange but go straight to the waterfront where we will get awesome views of the river the bridges, I am considering this area for a group photo with the I-40 Mississippi River bridge in the background. Again I am open to any and all suggestions if anyone wants to see anything else along the way, overall the tour should not be much longer then 4 hours and we should have plenty of day light for this too.

Is anyone interested in a very early morning side trip to the Kentucky enclave? It's 2h15m away from Memphis.

Quote from: mattpedersen on March 04, 2019, 05:47:44 PM
Is anyone interested in a very early morning side trip to the Kentucky enclave? It's 2h15m away from Memphis.

Yes, but I won't be at the meet.

Quote from: Alps on March 05, 2019, 12:06:05 AM

Quote from: mattpedersen on March 04, 2019, 05:47:44 PM
Is anyone interested in a very early morning side trip to the Kentucky enclave? It’s 2h15m away from Memphis.

Yes, but I won't be at the meet.

That makes two of us.  I'd definitely like to check out the Kentucky enclave, but I'll be in northern NJ.  When this meet was first proposed I was very interested and planned on going.  Unfortunately, personal finances dictate otherwise.

Quote from: mattpedersen on March 04, 2019, 05:47:44 PM
Is anyone interested in a very early morning side trip to the Kentucky enclave? It's 2h15m away from Memphis.

Keep in mind we will be meeting at 11am, probably McAlisters for lunch, I have not finalized it yet but stay tuned ;-)

If you have time, you could still check out the Big River Crossing (the pedestrian/bike path that resurrected one of the old roadways on the Harahan Bridge).

The east end is spitting difference from the I-55/Riverside/Crump cloverleaf, but the west end - if the river isn't in flood - lets you inspect the old ramps leading up to the Harahan roadways.

East end: https://goo.gl/maps/sRkL37oKLcy
West end: https://goo.gl/maps/YJZ1YF1rrFp

(GSV views mostly not current)

The west end will give you a few options for a photo-op if a skyline or riverscape is not a requirement.

Quote from: mattpedersen on March 04, 2019, 05:47:44 PM
Is anyone interested in a very early morning side trip to the Kentucky enclave? It's 2h15m away from Memphis.

Wonder how much of it will be under water? I'm expecting water levels on the Big Muddy will still be pretty high.

Quote from: jpi on March 05, 2019, 08:30:00 AM

Quote from: mattpedersen on March 04, 2019, 05:47:44 PM
Is anyone interested in a very early morning side trip to the Kentucky enclave? It's 2h15m away from Memphis.

Keep in mind we will be meeting at 11am, probably McAlisters for lunch, I have not finalized it yet but stay tuned ;-)

Maybe on Sunday before I head home. Debating taking a extra day and clinching US 79. I've got it west of Memphis (all alignments) but not east

I meant on Sunday afterwards. I have a 16:00 flight home. I think it can be squeezed in.

Quote from: US71 on March 05, 2019, 04:57:51 PM

Quote from: jpi on March 05, 2019, 08:30:00 AM

Quote from: mattpedersen on March 04, 2019, 05:47:44 PM
Is anyone interested in a very early morning side trip to the Kentucky enclave? It's 2h15m away from Memphis.

Keep in mind we will be meeting at 11am, probably McAlisters for lunch, I have not finalized it yet but stay tuned ;-)

Maybe on Sunday before I head home. Debating taking a extra day and clinching US 79. I've got it west of Memphis (all alignments) but not east

Interesting. If I come I'm either going to clinch 79 in Tennessee on the way there, or on the way back.

Quote from: hbelkins on March 06, 2019, 11:12:59 AM

Quote from: US71 on March 05, 2019, 04:57:51 PM

Quote from: jpi on March 05, 2019, 08:30:00 AM

Quote from: mattpedersen on March 04, 2019, 05:47:44 PM
Is anyone interested in a very early morning side trip to the Kentucky enclave? It's 2h15m away from Memphis.

Keep in mind we will be meeting at 11am, probably McAlisters for lunch, I have not finalized it yet but stay tuned ;-)

Maybe on Sunday before I head home. Debating taking a extra day and clinching US 79. I've got it west of Memphis (all alignments) but not east

Interesting. If I come I'm either going to clinch 79 in Tennessee on the way there, or on the way back.

My plan is to clinch U.S. 79 in Tennessee on the way down. I'll leave home in Michigan probably the Thursday evening before, stay overnight in the Kokomo IN area, and then do the rest of the drive on Friday. I'll take I-65 south to Bowling Green KY, then U.S. 68 in a southwesterly direction to U.S. 79.

Coming home on Sunday I'll just take the fastest route possible which will be I-55 north to I-57 and then to Michigan.

Quote from: A.J. Bertin on March 06, 2019, 08:45:31 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on March 06, 2019, 11:12:59 AM

Quote from: US71 on March 05, 2019, 04:57:51 PM

Quote from: jpi on March 05, 2019, 08:30:00 AM

Quote from: mattpedersen on March 04, 2019, 05:47:44 PM
Is anyone interested in a very early morning side trip to the Kentucky enclave? It's 2h15m away from Memphis.

Keep in mind we will be meeting at 11am, probably McAlisters for lunch, I have not finalized it yet but stay tuned ;-)

Maybe on Sunday before I head home. Debating taking a extra day and clinching US 79. I've got it west of Memphis (all alignments) but not east

Interesting. If I come I'm either going to clinch 79 in Tennessee on the way there, or on the way back.

My plan is to clinch U.S. 79 in Tennessee on the way down. I'll leave home in Michigan probably the Thursday evening before, stay overnight in the Kokomo IN area, and then do the rest of the drive on Friday. I'll take I-65 south to Bowling Green KY, then U.S. 68 in a southwesterly direction to U.S. 79.

Coming home on Sunday I'll just take the fastest route possible which will be I-55 north to I-57 and then to Michigan.

You all live way east of me. It's 5 hours for me just to get to the Mississippi River ;)

Reservations made. I & possibly my daughter will be there.

Quote from: cjk374 on March 09, 2019, 09:10:06 PM
Reservations made. I & possibly my daughter will be there.

Cool, will your wife be with you? My wife will be  ;-)

Quote from: jpi on March 11, 2019, 02:03:32 PM

Quote from: cjk374 on March 09, 2019, 09:10:06 PM
Reservations made. I & possibly my daughter will be there.

Cool, will your wife be with you? My wife will be  ;-)

No not this time. Margie wants to stay home & get caught up on her on-line schooling.

Just purchased my plane ticket so I'm now committed.

I'm coming in Thursday afternoon, and flying out Monday morning. The remainder of Thursday+Friday and Sunday will be spent on clinching loops.

Quote from: Duke87 on March 17, 2019, 03:51:08 PM
Just purchased my plane ticket so I'm now committed.

I'm coming in Thursday afternoon, and flying out Monday morning. The remainder of Thursday+Friday and Sunday will be spent on clinching loops.

You want to be committed? ;)

Quote from: Duke87 on March 17, 2019, 03:51:08 PM
Just purchased my plane ticket so I'm now committed.

I'm coming in Thursday afternoon, and flying out Monday morning. The remainder of Thursday+Friday and Sunday will be spent on clinching loops.

Which loops are on your agenda besides the Memphis ones?

Quote from: codyg1985 on March 17, 2019, 07:25:08 PM

Quote from: Duke87 on March 17, 2019, 03:51:08 PM
Just purchased my plane ticket so I'm now committed.

I'm coming in Thursday afternoon, and flying out Monday morning. The remainder of Thursday+Friday and Sunday will be spent on clinching loops.

Which loops are on your agenda besides the Memphis ones?

Thursday/Friday will involve a clinch of I-22 and US 72. Also a clinch of I-20 (grabbing the last piece I need between I-59 and US 431).

Sunday will be a bunch of county clinching, majority in Arkansas but also some in NW Tennessee, four in SW Kentucky, and two in the Missouri bootheel.

Quote from: Duke87 on March 17, 2019, 09:19:33 PM

Quote from: codyg1985 on March 17, 2019, 07:25:08 PM

Quote from: Duke87 on March 17, 2019, 03:51:08 PM
Just purchased my plane ticket so I'm now committed.

I'm coming in Thursday afternoon, and flying out Monday morning. The remainder of Thursday+Friday and Sunday will be spent on clinching loops.

Which loops are on your agenda besides the Memphis ones?

Thursday/Friday will involve a clinch of I-22 and US 72. Also a clinch of I-20 (grabbing the last piece I need between I-59 and US 431).

Sunday will be a bunch of county clinching, majority in Arkansas but also some in NW Tennessee, four in SW Kentucky, and two in the Missouri bootheel.

Are you aware of the I-20/59 closure between I-65 and US31/280 in downtown Birmingham?

Quote from: codyg1985 on March 17, 2019, 10:55:00 PM
Are you aware of the I-20/59 closure between I-65 and US31/280 in downtown Birmingham?

Quite. My planned route involves looping around I-459 for a clinch of that.

Done deal, we will meet at McAlisters Deli at 11:00am for lunch, overall the food was good, it is "fast casual" so we would order and pay at the counter then we move some tables together and have lunch and socialize then head out on our tour. Again I am planning on renting a minivan that will seat up to 5 people besides myself and Steph. The address is 8385 Stage Rd Suite 115, Memphis, TN 38133, I will get the Facebook event page updated too.

What is with creating all these x69's before I-69 reaches it? Why couldn't they just have made it I-255? Same for I-369 and x30 or x49 would have made more sense.

Quote from: dvferyance on March 28, 2019, 06:08:59 PM
What is with creating all these x69's before I-69 reaches it? Why couldn't they just have made it I-255? Same for I-369 and x30 or x49 would have made more sense.

Just so there's more shields with 69 in them.

In all seriousness, I don't know.

Quote from: signalman on March 28, 2019, 07:42:57 PM

Quote from: dvferyance on March 28, 2019, 06:08:59 PM
What is with creating all these x69's before I-69 reaches it? Why couldn't they just have made it I-255? Same for I-369 and x30 or x49 would have made more sense.

Just so there's more shields with 69 in them.

In all seriousness, I don't know.

I'm not saying it was politics, but it was politics ;)  :bigass:
(https://i.imgflip.com/1egm7b.jpg)

Quote from: dvferyance on March 28, 2019, 06:08:59 PM
What is with creating all these x69's before I-69 reaches it? Why couldn't they just have made it I-255? Same for I-369 and x30 or x49 would have made more sense.

I-69 does reach I-269; there is a 24 mile long piece of it signed in Mississippi.  I=269 is also more affiliated with I-69 than I-55, as it will connect with it at both ends should I-69 ever actually be finished in Tennessee.

Basically they were all designed on the same "master plan" and are just being signed as such rather than relative to what exists now.

We are now down to 13 days until the meet. At this point we are actually up to about 15 people going counting the ones not active on facebook so those who are on the fence I will need a full head count soon, we will be meeting at McAlisters Deli at 11am, this is not our typical full service sit down type restaurant, this is more of a fast casual type place but still decent and reasonably priced, I plan to call them in a few days to give them a heads up, also I will be starting work on the itinerary later this week soon and still considering the river front with the I-40 Miss River Bridge in the background but will see how the flooding is. Also I am working on getting a rental mini van to help with car pooling. The weather is gradually warming up here in the mid south so hopefully it will work out and will have some sun and a light breeze and no severe weather.

Quote from: jpi on March 31, 2019, 05:29:02 PM
We are now down to 13 days until the meet. At this point we are actually up to about 15 people going counting the ones not active on facebook so those who are on the fence I will need a full head count soon, we will be meeting at McAlisters Deli at 11am, this is not our typical full service sit down type restaurant, this is more of a fast casual type place but still decent and reasonably priced, I plan to call them in a few days to give them a heads up, also I will be starting work on the itinerary later this week soon and still considering the river front with the I-40 Miss River Bridge in the background but will see how the flooding is. Also I am working on getting a rental mini van to help with car pooling. The weather is gradually warming up here in the mid south so hopefully it will work out and will have some sun and a light breeze and no severe weather.

Hopefully that will be the case, knock on wood.

Pollen will be in full swing too. If you have allergies, bring some antihistamines.

Quote from: cjk374 on March 31, 2019, 08:12:48 PM
Pollen will be in full swing too. If you have allergies, bring some antihistamines.

I have that in mind for any road meet held during peak allergy season.

Quote from: cjk374 on March 31, 2019, 08:12:48 PM
Pollen will be in full swing too. If you have allergies, bring some antihistamines.

I need to buy stock in  Claritin and Sudafed ;)

Posted on the Facebook event, but might as well post here too. I was always unsure about my attendance, for a variety of reasons, but now I'm definitely not coming. A family event that had been planned for May has been moved up to the 13th, and I really need to attend it. So, no Memphis for me.

Which hotel(s) are people staying at? I still need to make a reservation. 

Quote from: mattpedersen on April 03, 2019, 08:16:55 PM
Which hotel(s) are people staying at? I still need to make a reservation. 

Tunica, MS...on Casino Strip Blvd. There are a few on that road.

Quote from: mattpedersen on April 03, 2019, 08:16:55 PM
Which hotel(s) are people staying at? I still need to make a reservation. 

Baymont  on Shelby Oaks Dr

Steph and I are staying at Microtel off I-40 next to IKEA, also weather update, Saturday is partly cloudy and 67, would not be surprised if it gets warmer then that but should be a halfway decent day, also Steph and I will be getting into town Friday evening so if anyone is in town by then and want to meet up for dinner Friday evening just let us know through facebook messenger

We should be in town around 3ish...maybe? For supper, we are gonna go to Beale St., and check out B.B. King's House of Blues.

Quote from: jpi on April 09, 2019, 11:02:44 AM
Steph and I will be getting into town Friday evening so if anyone is in town by then and want to meet up for dinner Friday evening just let us know through facebook messenger

I'm sure I'll be in town by dinner on Friday. I'd love to meet up with you and Steph for dinner. (I don't use Facebook on my phone so I'll probably text you.) :)

I also booked the Microtel by IKEA, and rented a Hyundai Elantra "or similar" , since a round trip Uber was more expensive than renting a car.

Weather Update, looks like the chance for storms is increasing on Saturday but as I said before in another thread "the show must go on" the high for Saturday is 70, also there is a chance of strong storms tomorrow for those coming across the Carolinas into the mid south so safe travels everyone and looking forward to seeing everyone this weekend  :biggrin:

Here is the "final draft" of the itinerary, I will also have printed copies for everyone-

2019 Spring Memphis Road Meet Itinerary

We will meet for lunch at 11:00am At McAlister's Deli in the Bartlett area (8385 Stage Rd US 64 near Wolf chase Galleria), from there we will park vehicles at the mall parking lot and decide who is carpooling, I will have a minivan I will be able to fit 4 possibly 5 besides myself and Steph. From there we will get on I-40 west and go through the massive 4 level stack interchange with I-240 and Sam Cooper Blvd. (old I-40 until it got cancelled) then get off at TN 13 Austin Peay hwy (exit 8) and take this north past a dead super K-Mart on the left and past the site of the old Raleigh Springs Mall.
We will then turn left on to TN 204 and head north towards TN 385; you will see a rather abrupt transition from commercial suburbia to rural open farm land. When we get to TN 385 (future I-269) west and head to the stub end of TN 385 at US 51 in Millington, then proceed east on 385 then south where it will transition to I-269 and follow it all the way to the I-55\ I-69 interchange then continue on I-69 to where it ends at US 61 in Tunica, MS (if we need to make a restroom\ snack\ beverage stop the Collierville area is a good stop at the TN 57 exit)
Next we will head north on US 61 (Blues Highway) north back into Memphis and on to I-55 north. We will follow I-55 north to the Crump Blvd exit, instead of following I-55 north we will go straight on to Riverside Dr and follow this to one of the river front parks where we will get our group photo with the I-40 Hernando De Soto Bridge in the background. After this if time permits there is other sites\ road related stuff we can check out but I am leaving this open to anyone with suggestions on what they would like to see.
The weather is calling for a chance of storms and a high of about 70 so hopefully it will not be a total wash out, also we are open for dinner afterwards perhaps at a local place specializing in Memphis BBQ. Any question please let myself and Steph know. 

Quote from: jpi on April 11, 2019, 05:24:39 PM
Here is the "final draft" of the itinerary, I will also have printed copies for everyone-

2019 Spring Memphis Road Meet Itinerary

We will meet for lunch at 11:00am At McAlister's Deli in the Bartlett area (8385 Stage Rd US 64 near Wolf chase Galleria), from there we will park vehicles at the mall parking lot and decide who is carpooling, I will have a minivan I will be able to fit 4 possibly 5 besides myself and Steph. From there we will get on I-40 west and go through the massive 4 level stack interchange with I-240 and Sam Cooper Blvd. (old I-40 until it got cancelled) then get off at TN 13 Austin Peay hwy (exit 8) and take this north past a dead super K-Mart on the left and past the site of the old Raleigh Springs Mall.
We will then turn left on to TN 204 and head north towards TN 385; you will see a rather abrupt transition from commercial suburbia to rural open farm land. When we get to TN 385 (future I-269) west and head to the stub end of TN 385 at US 51 in Millington, then proceed east on 385 then south where it will transition to I-269 and follow it all the way to the I-55\ I-69 interchange then continue on I-69 to where it ends at US 61 in Tunica, MS (if we need to make a restroom\ snack\ beverage stop the Collierville area is a good stop at the TN 57 exit)
Next we will head north on US 61 (Blues Highway) north back into Memphis and on to I-55 north. We will follow I-55 north to the Crump Blvd exit, instead of following I-55 north we will go straight on to Riverside Dr and follow this to one of the river front parks where we will get our group photo with the I-40 Hernando De Soto Bridge in the background. After this if time permits there is other sites\ road related stuff we can check out but I am leaving this open to anyone with suggestions on what they would like to see.
The weather is calling for a chance of storms and a high of about 70 so hopefully it will not be a total wash out, also we are open for dinner afterwards perhaps at a local place specializing in Memphis BBQ. Any question please let myself and Steph know. 

My restaurant expert suggests Interstate BBQ for beef ribs or smoked sausage,  Central for pork ribs, Payne's for smoked bologna,  Cozy Kitchen for BBQ spaghetti and links. :)

But I'm flexible.

Here's my version of the meet photo, taken inside (weather wasn't cooperating with the outdoor shots we had planned) the Tunica County (Mississippi) Convention and Visitors Bureau, self-proclaimed "Gateway to the Blues":

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.alaskaroads.com%2FMemphis-meet-photo-DSC_3586.jpg&hash=c974c43ffb12f0ef7624332a1a923d9e8d0a4395)

From left to right: Oscar, Eric, Brandon, Jess, Shawn (?), Gene, Bill (?), ___, Jason and Stephanie, Cody (behind them), A.J., David(?), Anthony. (Still on the road in Arkansas, will try to fill in the blanks later.)

I had to make a lot more adjustments than usual to make up for poor exposure. I hope other meet photos taken at the Visitors Bureau came out better.

Thank you Jason for hosting a great meet. Despite the couple of rain drops that fell, a fun time was had by all.

Agreed, a big thank you to Jason for holding the meet.  It was a blast, but I'm still here.  The train back is now 8 hours late.  Not endearing me to Amtrak at all.

Quote from: Brandon on April 14, 2019, 07:37:57 AM
Agreed, a big thank you to Jason for holding the meet.  It was a blast, but I'm still here.  The train back is now 8 hours late.  Not endearing me to Amtrak at all.

Outside the Northeast and Southern California, Amtrak is useless. Even with a law that requires that freight companies give them rights, they often are thrown on the back burner.  (But that's for a different board)

Quote from: SSOWorld on April 14, 2019, 08:57:50 AM

Quote from: Brandon on April 14, 2019, 07:37:57 AM
Agreed, a big thank you to Jason for holding the meet.  It was a blast, but I'm still here.  The train back is now 8 hours late.  Not endearing me to Amtrak at all.

Outside the Northeast and Southern California, Amtrak is useless. Even with a law that requires that freight companies give them rights, they often are thrown on the back burner.  (But that's for a different board)

I saw a link elsewhere that the courts had struck that law down. But the issue is often freight trains breaking down on single-line track areas. That caused my recent Amtrak excursion to California to arrive 11 hours late.

Quote from: hbelkins on April 14, 2019, 04:17:37 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on April 14, 2019, 08:57:50 AM

Quote from: Brandon on April 14, 2019, 07:37:57 AM
Agreed, a big thank you to Jason for holding the meet.  It was a blast, but I'm still here.  The train back is now 8 hours late.  Not endearing me to Amtrak at all.

Outside the Northeast and Southern California, Amtrak is useless. Even with a law that requires that freight companies give them rights, they often are thrown on the back burner.  (But that's for a different board)

I saw a link elsewhere that the courts had struck that law down. But the issue is often freight trains breaking down on single-line track areas. That caused my recent Amtrak excursion to California to arrive 11 hours late.

Correct.  in 2016.

Now that I finally have a chance to sit in front of a computer, A BIG thanks to everyone who came out for this despite the crazy heavy rain and sever thunderstorms we had at the end of the tour, Steph and I had a nice time and B.B. Kings was a great and appropriate ending since after all we were in the land of the blues.  :cool: The focus of the meet was to do a complete tour of I-269 in TN and MS since it is fully open in Mississippi and also check out some road and music history since a number of us attending are BIG music buff, myself included ;-)
We had a total of 15 people attend this meet from several states- Ohio, Virginia, Michigan, Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana, North Carolina, Illinois, New York and Maryland. Chances are my next road meet will be back in central Pennsylvania and focusing on the diverging diamond interchange in Shrewsbury (Exit 4 of I-83) and a quick "drive by" of the Mt Rose ave interchange which was a big focus on my meet from 3 years ago. This may be as soon as late April\ early May 2020, have a great week everyone and I may see some of you in 2 weeks at the Mr and Mrs MD Roads baby shower

In case anyone was curious about the miles I drove for this meet:

Friday:  360 miles to get from Louisiana to Memphis (US 165/AR 1/US 79/AR 50 (detoured to see Simsboro, AR)/AR 147/I-40/I-55/US 61 to my motel in Tunica, MS. Add about 90 more miles for the round trip to B.B. King's Blues Club on Beale St. and my total for Friday comes out to 450 miles.

Saturday: For the whole tour...which included me losing the group and getting lost twice like a big dummy  :pan:  :banghead: , I drove 270 miles.

Sunday: My daughter wanted to go to KY & MO so she could add two new states to her "I've been there" list. Went into the Missouri bootheel, then to the lonesome KY enclave. I wanted to ride the Hickman ferry to go back to Missouri, but my daughter was scared of riding a boat. Well, this created the need to go to US 51, stop at Wickliffe to see the Cross at the Confluence, and go over the river crossings at Cairo. So now my daughter got to go into a 3rd new state. So all of that, a stop at Lambert's in Sikeston, and clinching all of future I-57 on the way home brought Sunday's mileage to 727 miles.

Grand total for the meet: 1447 miles

I wish I had more time clearance on Sunday to meet up with you at the Kentucky Bend, but I was super paranoid about missing the only flight back to Baltimore.

Quote from: cjk374 on April 15, 2019, 10:00:31 PM
In case anyone was curious about the miles I drove for this meet:

Friday:  360 miles to get from Louisiana to Memphis (US 165/AR 1/US 79/AR 50 (detoured to see Simsboro, AR)/AR 147/I-40/I-55/US 61 to my motel in Tunica, MS. Add about 90 more miles for the round trip to B.B. King's Blues Club on Beale St. and my total for Friday comes out to 450 miles.

Saturday: For the whole tour...which included me losing the group and getting lost twice like a big dummy  :pan:  :banghead: , I drove 270 miles.

Sunday: My daughter wanted to go to KY & MO so she could add two new states to her "I've been there" list. Went into the Missouri bootheel, then to the lonesome KY enclave. I wanted to ride the Hickman ferry to go back to Missouri, but my daughter was scared of riding a boat. Well, this created the need to go to US 51, stop at Wickliffe to see the Cross at the Confluence, and go over the river crossings at Cairo. So now my daughter got to go into a 3rd new state. So all of that, a stop at Lambert's in Sikeston, and clinching all of future I-57 on the way home brought Sunday's mileage to 727 miles.

Grand total for the meet: 1447 miles

Many thanks to Jason for organizing the meet. The deli where we had lunch was an excellent choice. I took a pass on dinner post-meet, since the general preference was for a place with music (makes sense in Memphis), while I'm more of a meadow kind of guy.

I just got back home yesterday. As usual, my return routing was a little indirect, in this case reaching southeastern Oklahoma before passing through Memphis again, then traveling Tennessee from end to end.

Most of my return trip travels were on US routes rather than Interstates. Part of the appeal of going to this meet was to work on my coverage of the US route system. Post-meet, I clinched US 70 in Arkansas, adding to my previous clinches of that route in Tennessee and North Carolina. Later this year, I might finish off US 70 (missing parts in New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma). Then heading back from Oklahoma, I clinched US 64 in Arkansas and Tennessee (still missing parts in every other state it passes through, from Arizona to North Carolina). I also finished off US 25E, after US 25W on my outbound trip. I now have over 75% of the U.S. route system, with primary and bannered (business, alternate, etc.) routes combined.

I also re-visited a few dozen counties I had previously visited only before I completed the U.S. in July 2010. My incomplete "round 2" map (http://www.mob-rule.com/user-gifs/USA/oscar-rd2.gif) for the U.S. now covers more than 1250 counties, with more to be added (especially in the northeastern states) once I finish going over records of my road trips from late 2010 to 2016. One nice thing about traveling U.S. routes is they take you through a lot of county seats, as was true for this trip as well as about two-thirds of my "round 2" U.S. travels.

The overall length of my meet trip was about 3300 miles, over seven days. My car had almost 33,000 miles on it when I got back home, and I've only owned it for less than 11 months.