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I believe that Tullahoma is about half the distance to the festival (12 miles) vs. McMinnville (24 miles). I think that it will be pretty easy to get in and out once the festival has started. Perhaps some locals can comment on driving times. I stayed in a motel in Manchester in 2002 and I sure loved having a quick ride back to the room. There was absolutely nothing that felt physically better than walking into an air conditioned room, hopping in the shower, and passing out on a nice soft bed. It definitely gave me more energy for the following day.
A lot of people say that you miss the whole experience if you don't camp. I spent some time walking through the camping areas, and while that isn't necessarily having the same experience, I did enjoy it. I would highly recommend you spend some time out in the camping areas meeting folks and sampling the "local cuisine."
Post by cowgirlinthesand on Jun 1, 2004 21:21:36 GMT -5
Thanks for the info! That's the relief I'm looking for - unfortunately, I have to get some sleep that weekend (training for a triathlon that takes place shortly after 'roo) and I figured a hotel might be the only way. I'm too easily distracted to "put myself to bed" otherwise!
I don't know whether you've prepaid your hotel, but I got lucky and found a hotel room in Manchester about 2 weeks before Bonnaroo in 2002. I guess a fair number of people make reservations and then decide to camp or not go. This year, I think a lot of hotels decided to require payment upfront, with penalties for late cancellations, but it might be worth a shot.
Post by cowgirlinthesand on Jun 2, 2004 10:51:03 GMT -5
Good idea re: checking on vacancies in Manchester . . . I'm doing Big Foot in Geneva, WI - my first one of the season and only my second ever, so I'm a little nervous! It's too bad bikes aren't allowed on the grounds. Thanks for all the great advice - you've helped me put the anxiety to the side so I can focus on the good stuff!
I certainly understand how one might have anxiety about it all. In 2002, I went to Bonnaroo alone. I had never done anything like that alone before, but my wife and best friend had no interest, citing cost (we live in California), the reputation of Tennessee police and the weather. I had decided not to go, but about 2 weeks before the festival, I realized that I HAD to go. My wife wasn't at all happy about it, but I flew a redeye on Thursday night (saving a night of hotel) using frequent flyer miles. I had found a room at the Country Inn and Suites in Manchester for $85/night. I didn't really have the right camping stuff to pack it all.
Adding to the anxiety, I ALMOST got busted in Charlotte (where I changed planes). I didn't expect to get searched at the gate there, since I had just come off a flight, but sure enough they did it. The security person clearly saw (and smelled) my poorly hidden stash, but he was more interested in looking for weapons and let me go. Lesson learned. It was also a good omen for the rest of the trip, which was magical.
So we landed, I picked up the rental car and sat in 5 hours of traffic to get to Nashville. It would have been much longer if I had been camping--I was able to bypass much of the traffic since my exit was the one after Bonnaroo. I checked into the motel, changed clothes, packed up my backpack, and headed off to the venue.
The rest, shall we say, is history. I had one of the most amazing times of my life. People were amazing--friendly, caring for each other. The weather was very bearable (helped of course by the misting tents). It was very easy getting in and out of the day parking lot, and I made friends in the lot, which felt much like a concert parking lot (with only about 200 cars or so). It was a decent hike to Bonnaroo, but no effort at all.
About 16 hours later, I was hiking back to the car. A short 10 minute drive later, I was back at the hotel, anticipating the next day.
Post by cowgirlinthesand on Jun 2, 2004 20:25:37 GMT -5
Ok, not to overcomplicate things (who, me?!) but a friend took bradleyx's advice and is calling around for cancellations - how about the proximity of monteagle, tn vs. tullahoma? This is like a really cr-ppy geography game.
BX, your story of your solo journey is inspiring! That bodes well for me who wants to catch as many acts in the comedy tent as on the music stages. I have a feeling I'll be on my own for a lot of those detours!
I've got a house in Monteagle; I'd recommend highly staying there over both/either Tullahoma and McMinnville, as you'll have both 41 and I-24 as driving options, vs just 55. Do the Smokehouse over "Roy Acuff's Country Inn" if possible. Or stay in my house -- I'll be camping!!!!! ;D
