51st Annual Scottish Gathering and Highland Games Salado, TX

**Tobus** · 22nd October 12, 09:08 AM

Just a reminder to everyone that this is coming up in a few weeks! We'll be coming in on Friday evening, and should be attending the Calling of the Clans that evening. I'll definitely be at the Games on Saturday and the Tattoo on Saturday night... possibly back at the Games Sunday morning as well. We're staying at the Holiday Inn Express right in front of the sports complex, so that should be very convenient.

We scoped out the sports complex a couple of months ago as we were driving through Salado, and I agree with the others. It's got plenty of room for the event and parking should be better than in town, but it's going to be pretty sunny out there with no shade. Do you think they'll do the actual Games right there in the baseball diamond so the spectators can sit in the bleachers?

I also don't see how they can do the parade. I guess they'll just have to settle for an abbreviated grand entrance instead of being able to come down Main Street.

Since this is the first time we'll be staying the weekend in Salado instead of driving in for the day, I'm not sure what the town has to offer in the way of restaurants. I've heard it's pretty sparse. Any suggestions on decent-quality restaurants in the area?

Let's hear a final roll call on who is going to be there, and set up a time/place for a XMTS meetup!

**cck** · 22nd October 12, 10:24 AM

My plans are to be there on Saturday. As the date gets closer and I learn more about the activities (and my obligations at home) I can be more specific.

**ShaunMaxwell** · 22nd October 12, 10:34 AM

Salado is a bit short of dining establishments...

There's the Stage Coach Inn, which is okay if a bit overpriced.

There's a pretty decent barbecue joint that we frequent.

Last year, we drove over to a steakhouse toward Belton and it was okay.

Dining is a bit of a challenge.

If anyone knows of a decent Mexican place within easy driving distance, I'd like to hear about it.

We'll be there at the Holiday Inn as well, in time for the calling of the clans on Friday evening, and staying 'til the bitter end on Sunday.

See you there,

SM

**chewse** · 22nd October 12, 11:07 AM

My wife and I (and the two dogs) will be there Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We rented a house in Belton for the weekend. Last year, we stayed at the Old Salado Springs Inn which is now called The Venue. They have a restaurant that is pretty good.

**Tobus** · 22nd October 12, 11:23 AM

There's this: http://www.salado.com/dine.cfm

Pretty limited selection, it seems. I find that surprising, considering that Salado touts itself as a destination for weekend getaways and such. But then again, it's probably seasonal traffic (as all tourist towns seem to suffer from), so maybe they can't support larger restaurants with better quality fare. The Range at the Barton House looks like high quality food, but the prices are pretty steep. And the only Mexican restaurant I see is the Salado Patio, which seems pretty cheesy from their website.

The only other restaurant I've been to in the area is the Cracker Barrel down in Round Rock, across from IKEA. Typical Cracker Barrel: long waits and noisy atmosphere.

Belton may be the best bet for decent restaurants. But aside from internet searches, I can't recommend any. I'll probably end up asking the locals what they recommend for good Mexican food and such.

**themacmartin** · 22nd October 12, 11:30 AM

Ill be there, hanging out with the MacDonalds or Cunninghams

**bdkilted** · 22nd October 12, 03:14 PM

The steak house in Belton is called Oxbow. It is right in front of the Bell County Expo Center so very easy to find. There are several sandwich shops in Salado catering to the shopping crowd. We've eaten at the one right across from the community center and it was good. I can't think of a mexican restaurant in Salado off the top of my head.
We will of course be there at the Clan Keith tent. Planning on camping in Belton, but haven't made reservations.

**super8mm** · 22nd October 12, 05:48 PM

I will be there Thursday around noon and staying out at the lake until Monday.

I hope my new tank gets out of customs in time :-(

**cck** · 4th November 12, 03:12 PM

Can we set up a meeting time and place for each day?

**super8mm** · 4th November 12, 03:50 PM

I will be hosting a the Clan Lamont tent but if it is close to the tent area I am in.

here is a list of the major activities excluding the games

Saturday 9 to 9
Opening parade Noon
Tattoo 5:30 PM college hill
Tartan Ceilidh 8:00 PM Stage Coach
Sunday 9 to 5
Kirkin 9:00 AM
awards 4:30