Let's Talk BBQ

General => General Discussion & Topics => General Discussion => Topic started by: teesquare on October 03, 2012, 12:04:01 PM

Title: We need YOUR input........
Post by: teesquare on October 03, 2012, 12:04:01 PM
We have been talking about how much fun the Fall Gathering in Augusta is. Ask anyone that has attended. I am confident that they will tell you  - it is about as much fun as one can have and not wind up in jail :D.
Seriously, when you combine great cooking and great people - what else can you expect but a GREAT TIME!

So - thinking caps on please - we are looking for additional locations to create more events like the Gathering.  What we are looking for are locations that have facilities to accommodate people AND cooking. Campgrounds may be a nice solution to this - but we are open to suggestions from you all.

It is not all just great food - or great fellowship. We will offer classes in many topics that we can all benefit from.

SOME  of the things NEEDED:

1. Areas for camping and parking of tents/R.V.s. 

2. Shade. Having done my share of "pavement BBQ" contests - I think this is highly under-rated as an asset.

3. Showers and other "indoor" plumbing - we love the smell of food...but the cooks want to cool down occasionally. And we all need that "special little room" to be available;D

4. Family and handicap - Friendly environment -  tho we have not had any children or folks with special needs  at the F.G. thus far, I think we need to make effort to accommodate anyone that wants to attend.

5. Water, electricity, waste disposal - gotta have it just to be safe, comfortable and clean!

Now - some "wants" :

1. Really nice scenery for all to enjoy

2. Close proximity to grocers

3. playgrounds, and family entertainment centers - just in case there are families that need to give the little ones a break....

4. Hospitals or emergent care clinics - hope we never need these, but we are dealing with knives, and fire.....'nuff said? ;)


Please feel free to add in YOUR desires, and suggestions. I am sure Barry will come along and help guide the thread and give us his insight on how we can expand the fun - and make these event available to everyone. Maybe we call 'em...."Let's Talk BBQ"? or "Welcome to the Cookout!" :D :D :D

T
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: Merrick Bill on October 03, 2012, 01:48:27 PM
If you're thinking about SoCal as a possible location, the CBBQA holds their annual Q-fest at Lake Puddingstone, East Shore RV, San Dimas, California every February.  It's a really nice place, and has all the needs that you listed.  I don't know about all the wants, but I'm pretty sure most are also available there.

bill
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: LostArrow on October 03, 2012, 06:05:48 PM
Tenpiont & Nepas have experience organizing & both had small events in their backyards.
Get them to chime in!
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: nepas on October 04, 2012, 05:29:41 PM
All good info for a Q.

Like at the SOTG Gathering i think a small group is better. This way we can all mingle and talk. My last smokeout was 38 people of the 50 that said were going to show up, and i just had a hard time talking to folks. Things happen and life gets in the way.

Most of the KOA's will let you reserve the rec room and areas for a gathering. However like tee said, Close to a populated area with clean facilities, grocery, fuel and libation soda/water  ;D Hotels for those who dont like to rough it.

Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: Pam Gould on October 05, 2012, 06:00:51 AM
I agree with Rick on this one..a small gathering is the best. You get a chance to meet and get to know the people. It's the people that matter. Everyone was wonderful..I met old friends again and made new ones. Like someone said.."a family reunion without the drama".
 I loved the sausage demonstration..confirming what I already knew, but picking up tricks that I didnt' know..he forgot more than I will ever know..geez..but he makes good stuff.
I remember the smoky smell, the laughing and the food. I like the facilities, but I am kinda an outdoor girl. Donna and I couldn't have been much more comfortable unless we had a maid. But we are used to camping. We can't wait until next year and are looking forward to it already. We even have our reservations in for our cabin, a year in advance. Pam .☆´¯`•.¸¸. ི♥ྀ.
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: Merrick Bill on October 05, 2012, 12:11:48 PM
Seems like there's no SoCal interest.    :(

Bill
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: smokeasaurus on October 05, 2012, 02:14:33 PM
Not enough of us Bill..............
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: Merrick Bill on October 05, 2012, 03:52:58 PM
Not enough of us Bill..............

I guess not.

Looks like me, you and Smoochy aren't enough.

Bill
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: LostArrow on October 05, 2012, 04:49:24 PM
Smoke, Bill, Muebe, get CB to drive RV,
You need Tee for excitement , Art to keep Tee under controll  ::), add a couple others & you've got a good spring meeting.
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: smokeasaurus on October 05, 2012, 06:55:53 PM
Heck, if we all pitch in for gas in CB's RV we can head out and see a bunch of you.....The 1st annual LTBBQF West Coast Road Trip"!!

Don't worry CB, Smoochy doesn't have cash but he will pitch in!!
(http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc469/s1cott11/thebottleletsmoochydown.jpg)
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: Barry CB Martin on October 05, 2012, 07:11:20 PM
Tell smoochy I love me some frogs legs!   ???
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: smokeasaurus on October 05, 2012, 07:29:23 PM
Now why did you make me tell him that CB!!  :D

(http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc469/s1cott11/004-16.jpg)
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: teesquare on October 05, 2012, 09:41:50 PM
Smoke, Bill, Muebe, get CB to drive RV,
You need Tee for excitement , Art to keep Tee under controll  ::), add a couple others & you've got a good spring meeting.

You are close L.A....Art is part time parole officer - and security guard for my meds...... :D :D :D

One thing to keep in mind about these events...they are NOT competitions...Nothing intimidating about them. Just absolute fun - and folks trading recipes and ideas about cooking, while improving their social skills! ;) ;D

And - un-like a BBQ society - we have no rules about what is acceptable as equipment to cook on. No pre-concieved notions, - no prejudices.......all good time!
T
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: bbqchef on October 06, 2012, 10:51:06 AM
Cape Cod would be an excellent location for a spring/ summer/ fall get-together...

I might be able to put together something if there is enough interest.

Mike
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: nepas on November 11, 2012, 08:22:34 AM
We gotta get the great green one off the island to one.


CB
Turtle
T
ACW
Pam
TMB
nepas

oh cr@pper$
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: deb415611 on November 11, 2012, 08:34:21 AM
Cape Cod would be an excellent location for a spring/ summer/ fall get-together...

I might be able to put together something if there is enough interest.

Mike

i'm in CT, so I know how to find Cape Cod  ;D
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: teesquare on November 11, 2012, 09:00:34 AM
I am smellin' ROAD TRIP!!!!! :D :D :D

At least...I think that is what a road trip is supposed to smell like..... ???
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: smokeasaurus on November 11, 2012, 10:09:32 AM
Is that before or after the Tabasco Slim Jims and Pork Rinds T??  ::) ::)  Cant hit the road without em!!  ;)
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: flbentrider on December 10, 2012, 01:40:42 PM
We had a smoke-out a couple of years ago at a state park in Florida.

It was great.
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: Tenpoint5 on December 10, 2012, 06:10:01 PM
I do mine in August. Only problem for a mass gathering is I don't have a hotel in town. A nice little campground yes but no hotel. That would be right here in the middle of everyone.
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: jimsbarbecue on February 12, 2013, 10:13:56 PM
I only live a hour from Muebe add me to the interested list for SoCal
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: nepas on February 12, 2013, 10:34:06 PM
We had a smoke-out a couple of years ago at a state park in Florida.

It was great.

Yeah we did. Even KH was there.

http://s868.beta.photobucket.com/user/nepas1/library/Florida%20Smokeout?
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: Merrick Bill on February 14, 2013, 10:07:52 AM
So, now there are four of us in SoCal.  It's starting to sound like a party.

Bill
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: Tailgating is my game on February 14, 2013, 01:15:50 PM
Cape Cod would be an excellent location for a spring/ summer/ fall get-together...

I might be able to put together something if there is enough interest.

Mike

Mike if its the summer I could rough it at the cape Codder....Great for kids with the water park!
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: muebe on February 14, 2013, 02:56:16 PM
So, now there are four of us in SoCal.  It's starting to sound like a party.

Bill

I would be interested also depending on the date...
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: BBQ Grail on February 25, 2013, 04:07:41 PM
Depending on the date I'd be willing to make the drive to So. Cal.
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: easygoer13 on May 19, 2013, 08:12:59 PM
Not enough of us Bill..............

I guess not.

Looks like me, you and Smoochy aren't enough.

Bill

Count me in if you ever put something together
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: tlg4942 on October 01, 2013, 12:36:14 PM
 We need to centralize some if possible. I thought about taking a map and trying to find a place as close to center of the possible attendee's as possible then explore options in that area. Alabama has nice State Parks with good bathrooms. Tennessee has nice State parks but the last time I stayed at one they did not have hot water... (That's just wrong) but how it is or was. Georgia has nice state parks as well.
 There are several options of parks where the 3 states meet. I saw some cabins in that area that looked interesting as well. 
 
There is one member that we may want to consider trying to have a event close to do to his situation of needing to be close to home. I am working on that idea now.
 Tommy and I talked about it on the way home the other day.
Once I get it nailed down a little closer I will post on it.
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: happyappy on October 01, 2013, 04:56:15 PM
If a location in central North Carolina is needed I'd suggest Tanglewood Park in Clemmons, NC just off of I-40.  It offers a smaller campground with large shaded full hookup sites.  Inside the campground is a large covered picnic shelter with AC power that can be reserved. 

The campground is adjacent to (and has access to) a large county park that boasts two golf courses; horseback riding; fishing in a large lake or river; large family oriented swimming pool; mountain bike and hiking trails; and a bed and breakfast with a beautiful arboretum. 

There is a hospital literally a mile away, and a Harris Teeter grocery store across the street from the entrance.  If there were folks that weren't into camping, in addition to the manor house on the property, several hotel locations are available minutes away. 

There are several other attractions within a short drive including Ray-Len winery; Old Salem; minor league baseball; the largest mall in the southeast; and Foothills Brewery.

I live just around the corner from here, so I'd be happy to help with logistics if needed. I'm not a paid spokesman....just proud of my community!!  :)

Here are a couple of links if you are interested:

http://rvtanglewood.com/ (http://rvtanglewood.com/)

http://www.campingfriend.com/TanglewoodPark/default.asp?file=Home (http://www.campingfriend.com/TanglewoodPark/default.asp?file=Home)


*
Title: We need YOUR input........
Post by: Northshore on October 01, 2013, 04:56:48 PM
Most of the year county fairgrounds are available. Some do have rv spots.
Tenpoint5 throws a great gathering and that campground is very nice.
Title: We need YOUR input........
Post by: Northshore on October 01, 2013, 05:00:44 PM
Kentucky lake area near Paducah is very nice but maybe to close to  the big event on the river.
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: teesquare on October 01, 2013, 09:04:04 PM
I think the ideal location for another Gathering will be somewhere more centralized for more people, and with other attractions nearby. I am working on some locations....more later ;D
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: drholly on October 01, 2013, 09:18:38 PM
I think the ideal location for another Gathering will be somewhere more centralized for more people, and with other attractions nearby. I am working on some locations....more later ;D

Just a thought - Rugby, ND is the geographical center of North America...  ;) ::) ;D ;D
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: teesquare on October 01, 2013, 09:23:42 PM
I think the ideal location for another Gathering will be somewhere more centralized for more people, and with other attractions nearby. I am working on some locations....more later ;D

Just a thought - Rugby, ND is the geographical center of North America...  ;) ::) ;D ;D

If we measure from Santa's Workshop to El Salvador...?
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: drholly on October 01, 2013, 09:39:08 PM
I think the ideal location for another Gathering will be somewhere more centralized for more people, and with other attractions nearby. I am working on some locations....more later ;D

Just a thought - Rugby, ND is the geographical center of North America...  ;) ::) ;D ;D


If we measure from Santa's Workshop to El Salvador...?
Just sayin'.... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby,_North_Dakota...  ;) Rugby is located at

48°22′2″N 99°59′46″W (48.367129, -99.995979)[8]. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.94 square miles (5.02 km2), all of it land.[1] Rugby claims to be the geographic center of North America and a monument stands in the city to signify this. The monument features flags of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. ;D

Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: veryolddog on October 01, 2013, 11:05:12 PM
I think that the next one should be in Gruene, TX.

The only alternative to that would Chama, New Mexico.
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: teesquare on October 01, 2013, 11:10:31 PM
I think that the next one should be in Gruene, TX.
No one would do any cookin...the dance hall would  be full of BBQ heads!
The only alternative to that would Chama, New Mexico.
Only if I can bring my elk gun and bullets...... ;) ;D
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: sliding_billy on October 02, 2013, 05:54:27 AM
I think that the next one should be in Gruene, TX.

The only alternative to that would Chama, New Mexico.

You beat me to it (not the Gruene part, but TX).  I hear there is a lot of stuff to do in DFW.  ::)
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: TentHunteR on October 02, 2013, 11:00:58 AM
I agree with Rick on this one..a small gathering is the best. You get a chance to meet and get to know the people.

X3    A few more would've been nice, but the smaller group was great and I thoroughly enjoyed the time spent there. What a great bunch of folks! :)


Since we now have at least 5 active members here in Ohio, as well as others within reasonable driving distance, I am going to look into a few places here in Ohio to do some sort of a gathering.
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: teesquare on October 02, 2013, 11:35:56 AM
There is a range  in the number of attendees that you really need to make it financially worthwhile for sponsors, and - it does not need to be big enough to create a "media circus".

This helps to keep the cost to put on an event down, and prevents it from being a burden to anyone - so everyone can enjoy it to it's fullest.
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: Scallywag on October 02, 2013, 12:33:35 PM
I agree with Rick on this one..a small gathering is the best. You get a chance to meet and get to know the people.

X3    A few more would've been nice, but the smaller group was great and I thoroughly enjoyed the time spent there. What a great bunch of folks! :)


Since we now have at least 5 active members here in Ohio, as well as others within reasonable driving distance, I am going to look into a few places here in Ohio to do some sort of a gathering.
Let me know if you do put something together... I only a 3 hour drive from Cleavland and would love to make it out.
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: LostArrow on October 02, 2013, 06:22:49 PM
For those of us not on the West coast Nashville Tn is fairly central.
I don't know if anyone lives in the area , you almost have to have a point-man in the area.
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: tlg4942 on November 06, 2013, 05:46:06 PM
I thought Kentucky sounded reasonable.     Near the Tennessee - Kentucky line should be center for a lot of folks.  Lots of lakes up that way.
Lean over toward Texas, Arkansas, La. ,  If there is enough response from that direction.

 As we come up with spots do polls to see how many would be able to attend them and go from that.
 
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: teesquare on November 06, 2013, 05:57:44 PM
I thought Kentucky sounded reasonable.     Near the Tennessee - Kentucky line should be center for a lot of folks.  Lots of lakes up that way.
Lean over toward Texas, Arkansas, La. ,  If there is enough response from that direction.

 As we come up with spots do polls to see how many would be able to attend them and go from that.

Polling sounds like a good idea Terry. It may take a few polls combined to create a consensus….But really worth it. Anyone here ant to take the lead on setting up a poll?

The separate polls that we may wany to consider ( and please add to the list as you think about this:

1. max. distance that is reasonable to drive ?
2.best time of year for participants to travel ?
3.how many days is considered optimal for a gathering ?
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: tlg4942 on February 21, 2014, 04:16:16 PM
Sorry Tim I'm just seeing this for some reason.
 I can drive about 6 hours before the scrap metal in my hip get's ticked off. However I'm not opposed to 12 hours.  Is there a way to look at the Google maps attached on this site and see everyone that marked where they live on it ?



I thought Kentucky sounded reasonable.     Near the Tennessee - Kentucky line should be center for a lot of folks.
Lean over toward Texas, Arkansas, La. ,  If there is enough response from that direction.

 As we come up with spots do polls to see how many would be able to attend them and go from that.

Polling sounds like a good idea Terry. It may take a few polls combined to create a consensus….But really worth it. Anyone here ant to take the lead on setting up a poll?

The separate polls that we may wany to consider ( and please add to the list as you think about this:

1. max. distance that is reasonable to drive ?
2.best time of year for participants to travel ?
3.how many days is considered optimal for a gathering ?
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: CDN Smoker on February 21, 2014, 07:10:59 PM
I think the ideal location for another Gathering will be somewhere more centralized for more people, and with other attractions nearby. I am working on some locations....more later ;D

Just a thought - Rugby, ND is the geographical center of North America...  ;) ::) ;D ;D

If your coming that far you might as well come to my house. I'm really not that much farther ;D
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: aliengriller on February 22, 2014, 03:47:48 PM
Being a New Mexican, will second the Chama idea.   BEAUTIFUL spot.   There is also Ruidoso, NM, 6500'.  By mid to late September the peak of the tourist/racing season is over.   Lots of campgrounds, lots of hotels, too.  Only other thing going on is Aspenfest, which does attract MANY motorcyclists from everywhere, mostly Texans. Casinos, good restaurants for those that DON"T want to cook their own.

Another spot that would be great would be Durango, CO.   Again, peak tourist season passed, warm days, cool, cool nights.  The Durango Silverton train runs late into the fall, as an added attraction.   Durango has preserved their late 1800's downtown (pretty much).   We were married there a LONG time ago--rehearsal dinner in the Strater Hotel, my bachelor party in the Diamond Belle Saloon part of the hotel.   Some unique places. 
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: TwoPockets on February 23, 2014, 11:31:33 AM
I am sorry but "The Gathering" still sounds like the title of an M. Night Shyamalan movie. I am going to try my best to make the GA gathering this year, even if Dee picks another weekend that Alabama is playing a good football game. I  would love to visit other regions of the country as well, depends on the location and cost of airfare. I know someone mentioned TN and that would be doable for sure. I think anywhere in LA would be nice, especially during crawfish season. Just my $.02 which is not worth much in today's economy.
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: tlg4942 on February 26, 2014, 01:36:25 PM
  Ken , I have heard 5 crawfish conversations this week!  I even got my pots out the other night and washed them up good.

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: We need YOUR input........
Post by: Las Vegan Cajun on February 26, 2014, 02:35:24 PM
  Ken , I have heard 5 crawfish conversations this week!  I even got my pots out the other night and washed them up good.

Crawfish....did someone mention CRAWFISH???  My mouth is watering for some now.  :P :P :P :P :P