Okay - as the unofficial Carlisle Social Director (lol!) I thought I'd post the usual Carlisle itinerary. Things might be a smidge different with the new hotel this year, but I think it'll be BETTER.
Thursday folks usually arrive throughout the day. The new hotel is in a pretty commercial area - lots to do. Mall is nearby, lots of restaurants further North/Northwest, and pretty easy and safe to get around.
Thursday for dinner we gather up whoever has arrived and go to a steakhouse in walking distance - thaaaat won't be an option this year unless we go to the Peppermill restaurant, which isn't really that great...
This time we can either jump in some cars and head 2 miles or so to Cracker Barrell, or if 4Cruizin' really wants, we can stop down and visit the usual BROTHEL in New Cumberland... OR we can do pizza in the parking lot - usually done Friday - and make new Friday plans.
Friday most people leave early to beat the traffic and get to the fairgrounds. Lunch Friday is every-man-for-himself at the show.
Friday dinner we usually pop out some folding chairs at the hotel and order some pizzas - we did Pizza Hut last year (their recent deals are unbeatable) and there's one nearby - my wife will probably go pick it up. OR if we do Pizza Thursday night, then we can do something else Friday...
Saturday - I must say - is my "treat" day! Get to the show EARLY!!! It gets crowded fast!
Saturday lunch is MY TREAT!!! This year we'll be doing chicken cheese steaks (or wraps - haven't decided yet) with A SPECIAL TREAT!! Plan to be at the tent around 12-12:30. DONATIONS
NOT ACCEPTED!!
Saturday afternoon/early evening always fluctuates - some people stick around for the burnout/bikini contest/raffle, others choose to shower up at the hotel and relax before dinner.
For the past three years we've had dinner at "Your Place Restaurant" in Mechanicsburg. Good food, great atmosphere, and someone always ends up makin' an a$$ of themselves with the waitress...
I'd like to do a buffet this year judging from the number of people who have said their coming. Then it's one price, and NO WAITING to eat.
Sunday most people are heading home (hotel is reserved until Sunday morning) though a select few stick around for the show on Sunday. (If you're staying Sunday and need your hotel room for Sunday night, PLEASE let them know!)
I think that covers the gist of it. Feel free to toss out new ideas. There's always been a get-together in towards Carlisle on Thursday, but I've never headed out that way myself. It's on Route 11, West of Mechanicsburg, at a Dodge Dealership.