The two hotels that are located directly across the street from the Expo feature hundreds and hundreds of rooms (over a thousand combined). We brokered a special rate for exhibitors and attendees in 2013, but were limited to just 600 rooms. As it is, I'm told we are nearing a sell-out of those rooms. While additional rooms will be available (hopefully, as we're not the only game in WS that weekend) they will revert to the stand room rate which is approximately 30% more than the special Expo rate. So, if you wish to be able to stay directly across the street from the Expo and receive the special room rate, you'll want to book now. The reservation information for both the hotels are listed on the official event website at www.rodexpo.com.

There are plenty of other hotels in town, of course, and many within walking distance of the convention center. So if you prefer to stay elsewhere, or have to, it shouldn't be much of a problem to locate another hotel.

Finally, we are down to less than 10 booths left available for the Expo. On Monday I am releasing those to companies on the waiting list. I expect to fill up by week's end. We won't be able to accommodate all the companies that want in, as there is only so much room in the exhibit hall, but the event will once again be larger than the one last year. I expect another record turn out. See you there.

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The current rates ARE really good deals. Considerably less than AARP, AAA or even our corporate rate. I am very happy to have mine reserved at such a great rate. The Embassy Suites looks really convenient, too. Some kind of connecting concourse between it and the Expo Hall, just like Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas ... super nice to have in bad weather.

These are exceptionally nice hotels, both feature beautiful restaurants and lounges within.

Both are connected to the convention center by either underground or overland walkways.

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Tom, some of us old dudes like to "ride the roads" over the winter and drag our homes 'hind us. Any good advice on RV parks/campgrounds in the area? My better half couldn't care less about "rod building" (nudge, nudge, wink, wink) and would like to busy themselves with other activities. Anything going on at the same time that might of interest to her? I did the google thing but everyone is "The Best", according to them, on the www.

There are all sorts of things to see and do in Winston Salem. I would highly recommend spending some time at "Old Salem." Beyond that, the city is full of art museums and theatres.

Not sure about RV parks but I'll try to get you some information on the closest ones by late Monday.

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I was curious as to the travel time distance between High Point and Winston Salem? We found a really great restaurant there and if the drive wasn't to far i was going to go back this year.

Tom

About 15 minutes.

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That's great.thanks Tom

There are maybe 50 restaurants within walking distance of the Convention Center in Winston-Salem. Not sure I'd bother driving 15 minutes to anywhere with so many choices that close.

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The only nearby RV park I can find for Winston-Salem is at the beautiful Tanglewood Park which is about 15 minutes west of the city:

[www.campingfriend.com]

But it may not be open during the winter.

Of course, there is still Oak Hollow campground and RV Park in High Point, which is open year around, and is about 15 minutes south of Winston-Salem. It is also just off highway 311/74 which takes you straight into downtown Winston Salem.

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One restaurant is all I need ... Sweet Potatoes. Fried Green Tomatoes and Drunken Pork Chops. Just like home!

What no hush puppies, Jim?

Nope. They do have fried okra and fried pork skins. Besides that, after having Don Morton's jalapeno hush puppies, I don't want any others.

By the way, Mr. Barbeque (and Miss Fried Chicken) on Peters Creek Parkway, in my opinion, offers the very best North Carolina BBQ available. It's about 2 miles from the convention center. I'm halfway between WS and Lexington and I'll go to WS to eat BBQ every time.

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