Planing ahead for this years Big Show in bigglerville

[Tractorhead 9,064]

My Plan for this years is definitely fixed, except i will die or the troubles with corona of the last few years.

I like to plan it now much earlier ahead.

 

My flight is fix planed from Munic to harrisburg, because from here it appears to be the closest Airport.

I don‘t know how Transport connections there is.

and how much is be the cost of a rental car compared.

 

so maybe i need a rental Car or can i go by Train/ Bus to the fairgrounds from harrisburg?

 

 

my Plan is Arrive on june,17. first to the Big Show and after the Big Show i want to visit urgently the Gettysburg Museum.

i be strong interested in History.

Further i have no fixed plan until now, but i like to have few Meets and greets from Forum members.

In Washington D.C. i was a year after 9/11.

 

Maybe you guy‘s have good suggestions what to make until june 28.

 The flight back to germany is until now open from where i fly back.

 

I even think about for a roundtrip, but i have just 2 Weeks i can spent - sadly no more.

 

Any suggestions are highly appreciated?

[ebinmaine 67,419]

 

I'll be looking forward to seeing the responses here. 

Trina and I won't likely be there this year but both of us would love to see the Big Show and surrounding areas at some point.  

 

What airports do you land/swap planes at? 

 

 

[Ed Kennell 38,130]

If you're renting a car in York as a foreigner from outside the United States, you must bring certain documents. For instance, Canadian citizens will typically need either a Canadian-approved driver's license with their name matching that on the rental paperwork or a passport as well as their valid driver's license. If your country does not have English-language licenses, also bring along an English translation of the document. Some cheap car rentals in York will require an international driver's license. Your rental company may also ask for additional documents as they may deem necessary

The only public transportation available would be by a Taxi or Uber.     You will probably need to rent a car at the Harrisburg airport.    Please research the driving requirements with the car rental company.

 

 

[953 nut 55,184]

1 hour ago, Tractorhead said:

I don‘t know how Transport connections there is.

and how much is be the cost of a rental car compared.

 

so maybe i need a rental Car or can i go by Train/ Bus to the fairgrounds from harrisburg?

The fairground where the Big Show takes place is in a remote location outside of Chambersburg and Gettysburg. There is no public transportation to and from there.

If you can rent a car that may be your best option. There is bus transportation from Harrisburg to Chambersburg or Gettysburg but once you arrive you will want your own transportation. Many of us stay at motels in Chambersburg and I am sure you could ride to and from the show with one of us. Several groups go to dinner after the show and you would be welcome to join us for dinner too. 

Looking forward to meeting you.   

[Ed Kennell 38,130]

Transportation between the airport and motel  may be provided by the motel.      Check with the motel that you select.

[Tractorhead 9,064]

Thanks for that info‘s.

with uber i didn‘t have any touch at all.

 

My first and ‘til now last trip in the USA was several years ago.

At this time my International Drivers license was Accepted by the Car Rentals without any further documents,

but they urgently want to buy me an additional insurance for whatever reason.

 

To be independent a rental Car is maybe the best choice.

 

How about Motels?

We have here Rooms or Hotels some called themself as „Motel“ here

but what is the difference between a Hotel to a Motel in the USA ?

Here i didn‘t see any differences.

Any suggestions or advices for a Hotel or Motel address to start will be fine.

 

I also think about to get me a Tent for the few Day‘s at the BigShow.

As far as i know, there is a Camping Area arround there.

 

 

 

 

[Handy Don 12,211]

Companies vary using the word “motel”.

The original use was to describe a lodging having only a few amenities that was conveniently reached by car in suburban or rural places--most often along a highway.

Today, with so many brands each having their own set of price points and offerings, the word is of little or no use.

 

There is one style of accommodation that is similar to what you have in Germany. Here, a “bed and breakfast” (or B&B) is very similar to your Gasthaus. The Airbnb website has created a central booking capability for many of these--the accommodations range from simple rooms to entire apartments (flats) or houses.

 

Personally, when I need a place to stay but have no plans to take advantage of onsite amenities like pools, exercise equipment, or business centers I look to budget brands of hotels. These would be similar to two-star hotels in Germany. I typically use websites like Expedia, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Trivago, Priceline, or Kayak to get a sense of what hotels are in the area, the price ranges, and to check the reviews with a particular eye to cleanliness and room condition. Once I settle on a couple of possible places, I contact the hotel directly and negotiate prices and any restrictions (prepay vs. reservation, cancellation options, room types, check-in and check-out timing, etc.)--sometimes this requires more than one conversation. If you are already in an affinity program with a hotel chain, by all means consider their offerings first.

 

I have stayed in hotels in Chambersburg and in Gettysburg. The former tend to be a bit less expensive but are a bit farther away from the fairground (25-30 minutes vs. 20-25 minutes). Chambersburg is larger and more spread out than Gettysburg.

 

As for transport, I second the suggestion that you will need a car. As you already know, the U.S. is pretty big and our public transportation (outside of the large urban areas) is very weak. Biglerville is a like a very tiny dorf well away from the larger population centers.

 

I’m looking forward to meeting you in person!

 

 

[squonk 41,067]

Chambersburg all the way. No tourist trap. Places to eat all over and not super expensive. We stay at the Quality Inn. Big breakfast at the Chambersburg Family Diner 10 min. away down Rt. 81 on Rt. 30. Texas Roadhouse across the street a bit from that.  Italian Rest 10 min away on Rt. 11.

 

Waldo likes to eat at gas stations so don't follow him. 

[Ed Kennell 38,130]

1 hour ago, Handy Don said:

I contact the hotel directly

                                I always negotiate with the local manager.   Usually can get a much lower rate than advertised by the big chain hotel management groups.

[Ed Kennell 38,130]

2 hours ago, Tractorhead said:

there is a Camping Area

Camping is available on the Show grounds for $20/night.   Thur., Fri., and Sat. only.       There is a shower and food is available by a local church.

 

There are also Bed & Breakfast Inns available.    Some of these are high dollar, but with some research, I have found some good deals with a great home cooked breakfast.

 

BTW, one of my favorite B&Bs is The Poltl in Heidenheim, Germany.  Within walking distance to our Voith Hydro corporate office.

Edited December 17, 2023 by Ed Kennell

[953 nut 55,184]

Several of us stay at the Quality inn, Chambersburg.  Here is a link to their website.  https://www.choicehotels.com/pennsylvania/chambersburg/quality-inn-hotels/pa498?mc=llgoxxpx

[rmaynard 15,434]

Is @neil still around? He is from the UK and has made this trip several years ago. He may have some info that he could share with you.

[wallfish 16,994]

Chambersburg is about 30-35 minutes out west of Gettysburg. If you plan to spend time doing the Gettysburg museums and tours it would make more sense to stay right in Gettysburg vs traveling an extra hour or so each day. The travel distance to the Big show from Gettysburg is about the same distance as Chambersburg or even shorter depending upon where you stay.

Accommodations for me always depend upon if the wife is going or not. I just need a clean basic room with a bed whereas she prefers top shelf amenities to waste my money on! LOL

Are you coming by yourself or with family?

 

[Ed Kennell 38,130]

Here is a link to the sponsor of the show.    The Wheel Horse Collectors Club.    

 

wheel horse collectors club - Search (bing.com)           

 

 

 

[squonk 41,067]

2 hours ago, Ed Kennell said:

                                I always negotiate with the local manager.   Usually can get a much lower rate than advertised by the big chain hotel management groups.

You call the Comfort Inn and talk to someone. Then you dial up the Quality Inn and you talk to the same person! @rjg854

[elcamino/wheelhorse 9,297]

@Tractorhead Don't go anywhere with @squonk he gets lost, talks about great BBQ places to eat. He can't find them or either they change into a Mexican Restuarant. If you stop to talk to him and blink your eyes he disappears. I think he was a used car salesman in a previous life. Just ask @rjg854 about his poor driving skills.

[Tractorhead 9,064]

I come allone.

Kati meant it is just on Tractas and the Gettysburg history - huh, so it is better you go allone.

She don’t know what she shall do in that Time and buy stupid things she can do also here....

and a Man must do the Man things sometimes.

 

😎😁

[Handy Don 12,211]

4 minutes ago, Tractorhead said:

so it is better you go alone

I've offered to have my spouse join me each year but I get the same response: “Tractors? Go have fun!"

[ML3 1,197]

Last year we stayed at an airbnb. It was a park model camper in a really nice campground & only 10min from fairgrounds. Completely furnished, linens, etc. Campground had a really nice pool & outdoor bar area where bands played Friday & Saturday evenings. Definitely cheaper & much nicer than a hotel/motel. Last few trips we have been staying at airbnbs instead of hotels/motels. 

 

My issue is if I'm going to bring tractors. Then I need to haul them. I'm planning to buy a truck in spring if all goes as planned. It's about a 5hr drive. 

 

Other option is to fly my plane there. I know there's a local airport close to fairgrounds. However,  ground transportation seems like its an issue in that area.  

 

Last year I had to drive car there due to my back injury. Couldn't pilot a plane on pain meds & muscle relaxers. 

Edited December 17, 2023 by ML3

[Ed Kennell 38,130]

1 hour ago, squonk said:

You call the Comfort Inn and talk to someone. Then you dial up the Quality Inn and you talk to the same person! @rjg854

Right, best way to bypass the high room prices set by the chain manager is to walk in the front door and negotiate.  

[Handy Don 12,211]

39 minutes ago, ML3 said:

Other option is to fly my plane there. I know there's a local airport close to fairgrounds. However,  ground transportation seems like its an issue in that area.  

 

The fairground, while having a Biglerville address, is closer to the hamlet of Arendtsville.

It’s about 11 miles from the fairground to Gettysburg Regional Airport and from there another 3 miles into Gettysburg proper (a pretty short cab ride) where there are a number of car rental agencies. 

Gettysburg and Chambersburg are small cities but once out of town, you are quickly into rural agricultural and state forest lands with sparse populations.

[elcamino/wheelhorse 9,297]

@Tractorhead Bring a rain jacket or umbrella. It always rains during the BS.

[Tractorhead 9,064]

4 hours ago, elcamino/wheelhorse said:

@Tractorhead Bring a rain jacket or umbrella. It always rains during the BS.

 

See that often enough on pics.

As long as i don‘t need a heater all is fine, i‘m not made of sugar..

 

Thanks Gents so far for all that advices.

that give me a little closer impression how to travel.

 

feel myself like a child few minutes before christmas...🥳🎉🎂🎁🤪🧐😄😇😎😁🤫🥰

 

[Mike'sHorseBarn 2,998]

I stayed at this hotel last year, very nice and right on the battlefield!

 

 

 

Also there is a brand new WW2 museum close to the fairgrounds that looks like it's worth checking out. I'd like to do that myself when I'm down.

https://visitww2.org/

 

As far as transportation, you definitely should rent a car. Just my 2 cents. Lots to see and do in Gettysburg so you can go where you want whenever you want!

[oliver2-44 9,729]

I don't own a bike, but i enjoyed a tour of the Harley Davison motorcycle factory back in 2017 when I was in the area for work.

https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/content/factory-tours.html

The website says the tours are closed for the end of the year but will be restarting in 2024

It is about an hour drive from the Big Show grounds.