advice for 1st time at Fair Hill/Colonial Games?

**OC Richard** · 28th January 14, 05:43 AM

I'm planning to visit the Colonial or Fair Hill Highland Games this May.

It will be my first time.

For veterans of those Games, anything that's a 'must see'? Anything in the area a visitor shouldn't miss?

Do many XMarkers attend? Is there an XMarker meetup?

Thanks! Richard

**SFCRick** · 28th January 14, 06:39 AM

I will be there, the St. Andrews Society of Baltimore helps host it. This is a nice Highland Games right where Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania meet. About 30 min. north of Baltimore (visit inner harbor, Fort McHenry, National Aquarium). 30 Minutes south of Philadelphia ( Independence Hall, The Scottish Memorial and all the great colonial sites). 15 min. from Newark Del. (nothing to see there except toll bridges). It is at a horse track and the pipe bands and honor guards are in the center field, piping competitions are held all around the track. The games are very busy and if it is a nice day no problem. If it rains bring wellies because the dirt track and pastures become bogs. I have seen about 5 XMarkers average at each games. Where are you staying?

**Geoff Withnell** · 28th January 14, 08:39 AM

We should definitely get a meeting up of Xmarkers. Possibly at the Tilted Kilt in White Marsh?

**castledangerous** · 29th January 14, 03:02 PM

If there is a meet up, it looks like there are some "real" pubs in Newark, for example, Two Stones Pub. The Tilted Kilt is 44 miles from the games, while Main St Newark is less than 10. If anyone were coming from PA and NJ, I doubt they'd want to drive an additional 90 miles RT for a meet up.

**Geoff Withnell** · 29th January 14, 04:34 PM

No problem, I really didn't look at a map. From here it's all in the upper right hand corner of the state.

**crsbryan** · 29th January 14, 06:50 PM

Hi, Richard.

I live about 30 minutes away from Fair Hill. It is a good sized Highland Games, with lots going on. I plan on attending, and hope to be competing on pipes, grade 4 senior.
Newark is more than tolls - it's the home of the University of Delaware, though a college town on its own may not be much of an attraction.

There are pubs to be found. I'd recommend the Deer Park Tavern (very relaxed) or Iron Hill Brewing (decidedly more grown-up) over Two Stones. I can't see any of these locations having a problem with kilts.

As for things to do or see, one of the biggest attractions is the ease of access to nearby cities. A couple of hours drive to NY or DC, and less to get to Baltimore and Philadelphia, depending on the length of your stay, you will be in a good location for many side trips.

For some closer attractions:
The duPont family is responsible for a lot of early industry in northern Delaware and South Eastern Pennsylvania. Some of their properties have been turned into museums:
Winterthur Hagley Longwood
If you like American History, the City of New Castle, DE is worth a visit for colonial architecture and scenery. A little farther will get you to Ft Delaware State Park, with its Revolutionary and Civil War history.

**OC Richard** · 29th January 14, 07:43 PM

Thanks!

I'm really looking forward to it!

The only Eastern Games I've attended have been Bridgeport (WV), Stone Mountain, Grandfather Mountain, and Alexandria. I've heard a lot about Fair Hill.

Two Stones sounds like a plan to me!

I'll book a room for that Saturday night somewhere locally. I'll be driving in from Gettysburg on Saturday morning (I'm a Civil War freak).

BTW why are they called 'colonial' Games?

Thanks! Richard

PS thanks for the heads-up about the mud. I'll take that into consideration. Black hose perhaps? Something that won't stain.

**castledangerous** · 12th February 14, 08:49 AM

By the way, if you have a hankering for the Jersey Shore, we have plenty of room near Atlantic City.

**Geoff Withnell** · 12th February 14, 09:31 AM

Originally Posted by OC Richard

Thanks!

I'm really looking forward to it!

The only Eastern Games I've attended have been Bridgeport (WV), Stone Mountain, Grandfather Mountain, and Alexandria. I've heard a lot about Fair Hill.

Two Stones sounds like a plan to me!

I'll book a room for that Saturday night somewhere locally. I'll be driving in from Gettysburg on Saturday morning (I'm a Civil War freak).

BTW why are they called 'colonial' Games?

Thanks! Richard

PS thanks for the heads-up about the mud. I'll take that into consideration. Black hose perhaps? Something that won't stain.

As far as why they are the "colonial" games, here in the original 13 colonies, a lot of things, from Highland Games, to bowling alleys, to dry cleaners, get named "colonial"!

It is a pretty location. Davidson doesn't usually have a tent there, but Michele and I sometimes go.

**OC Richard** · 14th February 14, 06:43 AM

Originally Posted by Geoff Withnell

As far as why they are the "colonial" games, here in the original 13 colonies, a lot of things, from Highland Games, to bowling alleys, to dry cleaners, get named "colonial"!

Ah, I see! Having spent my entire life in states that weren't (West Virginia and California) that's a novel idea to me.

The equivalent is all the things ones sees in West Virginia named "Appalachian _____" and "Mountain State ______" and here in Orange County California all the things named "West Coast _______" or "Orange Coast _______".

See you all there! Richard

(Got my flight and room all booked! Yay!)