New England pony get together!!*UPDATE in first post*

[Skyflier]

My sis and I are located in CT (friends of SkyRocketNeko). Is there any time frame we're thinking?

[michelle53]

Hey guys, southern Maine checking in! *waves*

I would LOVE a New England get together! Portland, ME, is about two hours from Boston, and I know you can hop the ferry from there to Salem (cuz I totally did that one Halloween and it was a blast! I wonder how Salem is on non-Halloween days...? ) so I don't think it's that far at all.

If people don't want to drive 2-3 hours or more, maybe look at taking a bus? That's what I'll be doing! I usually take buses when I do my get-togethers in other states, saves me a lot of hassle with gas money, paying tolls, and finding parking.

I know there's at least one other person here on the Arena in my area of southern Maine, I'm going to point her toward this thread! There's at least two Arena members in northern Maine and I'll point them toward this thread too, but I know a trip to Mass would be more like 6 hours for them, rather than the 2 hours it is for me.

Let's make this happen!

PS: As for dates that would work best for me, I work weekdays in an office so Sat or Sun are really my only free days. Hope we can make it on a weekend!

I know exactly the two Northern Maine Arena pony peeps are...calling you out Clones and Mare:)  I know it would be a really long trip, but I'd love the chance to meet everyone face to face!!  If we can figure out a date, I can check into prices on train tickets and hotel rooms if needed.  I, unfortunately, do not have the room to accommodate overnight guests, but if anyone has a spare room let me know please!!!

For me, I am thinking before the snow starts and I'm thinking the end of September to mid-October.  This gives us about 2 months to plan and coordinate.  Let me know what weekends work best for everyone.
September 22-23
September 29-30
October 6-7
October 13-14

So just so I am keeping track, can I get a list of who is 100% interested and who might be interested.   Also, all my Salem buddies, would someone be willing to give me a list of possible meeting places and close hotels just in case someone needs to book an overnight trip. 
I am centrally located in Haverhill MA, right off of 495.  I drive an 8 seat mini-can in case someone would like to meet at my home and car-pool down with me:)  For the RI and CT folks, would Salem MA work for you all??  I am ready to start planning!!

[coinoperatedgirl]

Just remember that Halloween season in Salem can be crazy

[Unicorn_pops]

Sounds like fun but sadly to far for me

[Souffaloufagous]

Definitely.  I winced at the October dates.

Not that it's a bad idea.... but it will make things more of a challenge.  Lotsa more fun things to do and see though!

First suggested date doesn't work for me.  But don't let that stop you guys if that's the only one everyone else can do.

I can help find places and stuff, but not until tuesday.  UHAULing tomorrow and moving out of my house on monday.  Kinda crazed!

 

[michelle53]

Sounds like fun but sadly to far for me

I seriously wish you lived closer:(  One of these days, we NEED to go to the big fair!!!

I thought that too about October, that why I thought maybe the end of September would be better.  I don't know if that gives everyone enough time to budget/plan/make accommodations though.  Well I am leaning towards the last weekend in September personally, October is a big month for me.

With that being said, there are lots of really cool and fun things to do in Salem! 

[klein]

My being able to come or not will depend on the date selected, I'll forward the dates to my friend and see what her availability is though I won't be as dependent on her for a ride after the last week in September. I  *think* I have a doll meet in Boston planned for the first weekend in October.

[Souffaloufagous]

Maybe push it even further to november?

More time to plan, better hotel rates?  And you still get the crunchy orange fall weather.

[kissthethunder]

Please keep me informed, hubby said he'd drive me to a meet and it'd be a good excuse to drag my best friend Vicky out of CT to come see it!! I can accumulate some ponies to bring and trade and do sketches for people!!

[Stagprince]

I'm a 100% sure I'll be able to make any of those dates. If you'd like I could go look into some places while I'm out tomorrow. I actually think most of the hotels and inns are downtown anyways. c:

[Souffaloufagous]

I know a couple places further out from salem, one stil in, that are also very affordable if people don't want to stay downtown.

[munchy]

That first weekend is my birthday weekend! While I'd LOVE to spend it with pony people, my parents are coming to visit me at school so it's a no go for me. I can go any of the other weekends though! I go to school in Easton MA so Salem is about an hour for me, definitely doable!

[flowersinherhair]

As far as I know, I'm free any of those days except Oct. 7th. I do have school starting in the fall, though, so I have no idea what that will mean for my schedule, but I would try my best to make it to the pony meet!

[michelle53]

I know a couple places further out from salem, one stil in, that are also very affordable if people don't want to stay downtown.

Awesome!!  When you get a minute, can you drop me a list of those places so I can price out some rates for the weekends we're looking at? 
Here is a head count as to who is in absolutely in.  If you're interested, add your name to the list so we can plan together:)
Michelle53

[michelle53]

Ok, bump it up:).