Indiana Fall Drive 9/27/03

[Coriaty]

Anybody up for a drive? For anyone who's interested, on September 27th I'm taking a day and touring the Brown County area in my t-bird. I'd love to have some company.

I've scoped out an awesome 3.5+ hour route that includes lots of winding, tree-shaded country roads through the Hoosier National Forest, some small towns, a covered bridge, Lake Monroe, Bloomington and the town of Nashville (Indiana). Nashville is worth a day in itself and the route actually ends there.

My idea is this. Meet at 12:00 noon at the Days Inn parking lot at exit 68 off of Interstate 65 in Columbus, Indiana on Saturday, September 27th - rain or shine. From there we head west to do the Brown County loop and finish in Nashville sometime in the afternoon. Those who want to go home then can, but I was thinking we'd have a walk around and early dinner together?

After the drive, anyone from out of the area can stay in the Nashville (IN) area overnight if they want. There are lots and lots of shops, restaurants and local artists in the Nashville area. Nearby is Bloomington, IU and other local attractions.

I don't think that there will be too much fall color, but the route is beautiful anytime, even in the winter. Lots of fantastic picture spots, so bring your camera. Anybody who knows the area knows it becomes a zoo in the Fall, so I thought the end of September would beat the rush.

Anybody else game for it? Anybody got other ideas? Let me know and I hope to meet you ALL!

Charles -

PS - If you want to stay in Nashville, please check into reservations soon since it gets pretty full in the Fall. Columbus, Indiana has lots of hotels, too.

[Hoosier Bird]

Coriaty, the drive sounds great,and I would really like to join in, but I can't make the dates.

We will be in Indy that day, however it will be for the United States Grand Prix (Formula One race at ISP).

[fums6]

A great idea. These types of rally's are what will make our Tbirds more desireable. Of course its also a great time for the participants. If only a few Birds join you, consider it a success.

[Coriaty]

You're right Bob,

I think we'll have a few show up. I do this drive a couple of times every year just for fun, and it's a great day.

Charles -

[fums6]

Sorry I can't make it. I'll be in Indiana but with our motorhome in Elkhart.

[hlipps]

We might go. I'll mention it to a couple of friends that have new- birds here. Oh.. and I'll ask my wife.:thumbsup:

[SunLuvNBird]

Charles,
It sounds like fun, and it would be great to meet up in person.
I have a prior commitment the night before, but I'm working on fitting this little road trip into that weekend.:thumbsup:

[goredgo]

Hi Charles,

This might work, need to check with my wife and her calendar. Where in relationship to Indy is Columbus, IN?

Thanks,
Ray

[MikeB]

Chuck,

Have fun! My oldest daughter attended IU for her BA and MS and we have been down there at all of the different seasons; fall is the best! We stayed at the Brown County Inn; one of the nicest trips we made. Wish we could be there but that's the weekend of the Illinois vs. Wisconsin game and we'll be in Champaign.

Mike

[Coriaty]

Ray,

Columbus is about 45 miles south of Indianapolis, right on I-65.

Hope you can make it!

Charles -

[goredgo]

Charles,

I checked with my wife and as of right now it looks like we may be able to make it. I have to find the shortest route there from Dayton, OH. If you have suggestions let me know. We also will probably spend the night somewhere near there. Any suggested places to stay at there?

Thanks again,
Ray

[69WOW]

Charles,

Sounds like a beautiful drive, but unfortunately I just joined and have previous plans. Thanks Kathe for the heads up on this cruise.

Sue

[Coriaty]

Hi Ray,

Well, I think the easiest is I-70 West into Indy, then around 465 to I-65 south on down to Columbus. I don't know if it's the shortest, there may be some smaller roads to cut it diagonally.

As for hotels, I've never stayed in Nashville myself, but there are maybe dozens of B&B in the area as well as some chain hotels. I would check the web on www.nashville-indiana.com
It's a great area, you won't be disappointed!

Charles -

[goredgo]

Hi Charles,

Thanks for the information. As of right now my wife and I plan to attend do you have any idea how many more will be joining us?

Thanks,
Ray

[Coriaty]

Ray,

Great! Well, so far there are 3 others who intend to come, with one a tentative, plus me. I hope there'll be more in the coming week, but with T-birds, only a few are necessary for a great looking convoy!

See you on the 27th!

Charles -

[goredgo]

Hi Charles,

Any up dates regarding the fall drive this weekend? Hopefully the rain will stay away.

Ray

[SunLuvNBird]

Charles,
Thanks for the invite, but it doesn't look like I can make it this time...it's a four hour drive for me just to get to your meeting point, and I just have too much going on this weekend - my oldest is coming home for a visit and I want to spend time with her before she goes back to school.

Have lots of fun, hope to make it next time! :bestwish:

[blackbirds]

Looks good so far for the wife and I to make it this weekend. We'll probably spend the night in Nashville or Columbus
:biggrin: :biggrin: :thumbsup: :friday: :music:

[Coriaty]

Hello everybody!

So far the weather looks like scattered rain showers, but personally, I love the sound of rain on a snug canvas top.

We've got about a half a dozen "maybe" attendees and 4 confirmed, but you never really know with these things. The best of intentions often evaporate at a moments notice. Sometimes everybody shows and sometimes I've done a drive by myself!

At any rate, I'll be at the Days Inn parking lot in Columbus, IN at exit 68 just west of I69 at noon this saturday. I hope you'll join me.

Charles -

[goredgo]

Charles,

I assume that Indiana's time and Ohio's time are the same as of right now?

Ray

[Coriaty]

I hope to see anybody and everybody there this Saturday at noon! Rain or shine, let's have a great day. If you're coming and wan't my cell phone number for contact, please PM me and I'll send it to you.

See you there!

Charles -

[goredgo]

My wife and I are ready for the big drive, I hope the weather holds up for the event. I also hope we have a good turn out.

Ray in Ohio

[goredgo]

Charles and Others going on the Indiana Fall Drive.

I am taking my Motorola Talkabout with me. It might be an easy way to communicate between cars on the drive. Just a thought. Am looking forward to seeing everyone.

Ray in Ohio

[Coriaty]

Ray,

That's a good idea. I think I have one as well, I'll bring it along.

See you tomorrow!

[goredgo]

Just returned from the Indiana Fall Drive. It was great, my wife and I met up with Charles but unfortunately no one else showed. We had a great drive through some very pretty scenery and had lunch at a quaint old hotel. I will post pictures perhaps tomorrow. Thanks to Charles for a great plan, those that did not make it missed a good time.

Ray and Chris in Ohio

[Coriaty]

Hello all,

I had a wonderful time with Ray and Chris on Saturday. What a beautiful day! Lovely scenery, no traffic and twin red birds to turn some heads. So sorry others couldn't make it, but maybe next year.

Thanks to Ray and Chris for making the long drive out and for your great companionship!

I'll post pictures in my gallery later.

Charles -

[goredgo]

Hello everyone, I suppose better late than never with the pictures of the Indiana fall drive. I have posted a few pictures in my gallery. We had a great time, my wife and I and Charles.