I got a call from Joy Dunlap yesterday. He informed me of his plans to attend the Expo in February. While we were talking something came up that he didn’t know about and which surprised me, although I guess it shouldn’t. Coming from a railroad family, I tend to know more about train service than the average person, I guess.

Joy lives in Birmingham, AL. As it happens, Birmingham is on the main Norfolk-Southern rail line between New York City and New Orleans. And that line runs smack through the middle of High Point (the highest point on this section of the line and thus the namesake of the city). The Southern Crescent (now the Amtrak Crescent) has been servicing the New York to New Orleans line for about a hundred years or so. Joy had no idea that he could climb on the Crescent in Birmingham, kick back in one of the huge recliners they call seats (we’re not talking about airline seats - these are “barca-loungers” compared) and ride to High Point, getting off at the station which is located across the street from the Hotel and Showplace.

The Crescent comes through here about 2AM both ways (We're mid-point between New York and New Orleans) so you get in during the middle of the night, but somebody else does the driving and you don’t need a cab once you get into town.

I have not checked rates lately but the Crescent services New York, Washington DC, High Point, Atlanta, Birmingham, New Orleans and all points in-between. If you’re anywhere near that line, this is a pretty nice way to travel to the Expo.

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Got a line through Utah? How bout a transporter, Star Trek style! I'd love to attend that event.

As an example ...

Penn Station (NYC) to High Point for the show = $178.00 roundtrip, $160.20 for AAA members.
Inbound ... Leaves NYC at 7am arrives at 7pm, Outbound Leaves High Point at 9am arrives NYC at 9pm.

For those of you that haven't traveled via Amtrak ... it is a GREAT experience. TONS of seat and leg room. IF you sit on the edge of the seat, you MIGHT be able to touch the seat in front of you. Ice cold drinks in the lounge car, really great food AND electrical outlets for your toys. It beats the airlines to death and it is actually relaxing. Read a book (or RodMaker magazine), have a drink or two and watch the scenery between naps.

You're onto the Carolinian there, not the Crescent, although that will get you here, too. The route is not quite as direct however. I believe that one travels through Raleigh and then up through Richmond.

So actually you have at least 2 options as both the Crescent and the Carolinian serve High Point. The train station is across the street from the hotel.

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It would appear that both Dr. Bill Hanneman and Gary Loomis will be on the seminar team for the 2010 event. I'll confirm this shortly once we nail everyone down.

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There is a car-train that travels from High Point to Florida. You actually drive your car on the train and it carries you AND it to your destination. But I don't think that runs in Feb.

The only auto train that I know of is from DC to Orlando and it is a non-stop run. I have been on that train ... it definitely doesn't stop.

People still travel on trains? Learn something everyday.
What airport is closest to High Point?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/22/2009 08:46PM by matthew jacobs.

GSO - Greensboro/Piedmont Triad International. It's about 7 or 8 miles from the Showplace facility.

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Tom is there any parking for motorhomes near the arena? I thought I heard it mentioned last year that they could be parked behind the arena in the unloading area............can they???? Gene P S is there any charge?

I lease a lot for the vendors to park their trucks and trailers in. We can accommodate a few motorhomes, just check with me a few weeks prior to the event so we can work it out.

There is also a nice campground for motorhomes and trailers at the City's Oak Hollow Park Campground, which is about 3 miles north of the Showplace.

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Looked into the train from Chicago and it can be done with one change over and a bit of a wait between trains. Coming from Chicago there are 2 options, either going into Charlottesville, VA or Washington DC, either way it is about the same amount of time to get there, but it is cheaper to go into Charlottesville. Coming back there really is only one option since you would have to leave on Monday and that is going through Washington DC. Only thing is there is a 6 hour wait between trains whatever way you go.

I contacted Am trak a couple of weeks ago when I made my room reservations. It would be a 22 hour trip with a layover of 5 1/2 hours in D.C. Ariving High Point about 1:30 am. Cost with the senior discount is $204.00 round trip. The price is right and I think it would be a great way to travel. the shedule departure time from my area is 3:45 am or so

My wife will not let me drive this year, so I need another way to travel as I fell asleep driving last year. Man!!! You should have heard my wife scream!!! IT EVEN WOKE ME UP!!!!!!.

Bill

Ohio Rod Builders

Canton, Ohio

If you're on the main line between New York and New Orleans, the travel is direct with no layovers anywhere.

Other than that, it's just like air travel - you may have to change trains or lay over for a few hours. You do the same thing with the airlines if your flight isn't direct to GSO.

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looks like about $170.00 for two from Phila one way