Stone Mountian games 2014 ....are you going?

[Stan]

I'm planing on going to the Stone Mountain Highland games this year. It will be my first time there and I'm looking for a few tips.

1.It seems like staying in the "Hosting hotel" (and it's "in house" events) could be a pretty part of (or lend it's self to) the experience. Agree, or Diss agree?

2. What type of highland wear would you recommend to wear at the day time games, and events.

3. Is the (or do you think) that the Friday evenings events would be more fun "off site" or at the Hosting hotel?

4......Please add any other advice that you think might enhance the experience.

5. Is there (or will there be) an Xmarks tent at the games?

Thanks, and I'll look forward to reading what you have to say, and seeing all of you there.

Stan L.
Member of Clan Gregor

[Thomas H]

I will will be there hosting the Ferguson
Tent.

1. IMHO - the host hotel is far from the games
But if your going to do the events there , then
Stay there.
2. As for- type of outfit , most will be in day wear
But because it is Georgia , you will see everything !
From kilts and cowboy boots to prince Charlie's and
Fly plaids . But most if the Xarkers will be in
Day wear.
4. Again in my humble opinion the Friday night
Events are horrible ! Really , they are way too up tight
And even though I get free tickets , we don't go and
I can't give them away , no one wants them .
5. We won't have a X marks tent but we will all
Meet at the Scottish tartans museam tent at 1 pm
Saturday ! For a meet and greet picture , there will be
About 20 members - a must do while at the games .

As for advise - one cool thing about the game is
You get to go do all the sights at the mountain for free
With your wrist band . So once your done at the
Games go to the stone mountain park , it is great
Just don't ask them , just show them your wrist band .

Next - please have rain gear on hand as it will
Rain at lest once .
Prepair for long lines - for every thing .
Please note - people in Georgia do not understand
The kilt life the way you and the X a Marks group does
They will do some crazy stuff !
The games are fun ! Hope to see you there at 1 pm on
Saturday for the meet up

[Stan]

Thomas thanks for your advice.....and "if not sooner," I'll (find) be at the Tartan museums tent location at 1:00 PM on Saturday for a gang photo.

Stan L.

[tripleblessed]

I'll second staying closer to the games, unless the hotel events are a major draw for you. It's only about three miles from the house, but I've never made it to one thing there. The games, on the other hand, are about twelve miles - a half hour or so on a good day. Reasonably close, as the metro area approaches sixty or more miles across. If unfamiliar with the area, proximity is advisable. This is a car town, and at any moment on any day at any time of day you may find yourself stuck if you don't have a full arsenal of back streets and side roads in your head. GPS is rarely truly useful off main roads; everyone I know has a long litany of horror stories built on the similarity of street names across the communities, and there are more than a hundred streets in Atlanta containing the word "Peachtree".

It is usually a bit warm for a jacket, or even a vest, but many do. And it may actually be chilly. Unpredictable. Thomas is correct in advising rain gear, that would include footwear that doesn't mind soggy or even muddy conditions. Beautiful grounds, many trees. If
it has rained within a couple of days it may still be a little much for dress shoes. Combined with many thousands of pairs of feet, prudence is helpful. Hopefully, rain gear stays in the car.

A quick perusal of the vendor list does not reveal the Tartan Museum; we may need a new meetup spot.

For Friday night, a less formal substitute has been thescot's gathering in Conyers, not a long haul from the games. Though he has been otherwise occupied much of this year, he may well surface to our rescue once again, or we can have it anyway. With a good turnout, a ride to the event can probably be arranged with another member.

You'll have a good time in any event, and few eyebrows will be raised however casually or formally you choose to arrive.

[Stan]

Thanks for the advice. I see that theres a Best Western about one mile from Stone Mountain park.From what you guys are saying, it seems like that could be the best bet...... I know that Atlanta traffic makes L.A. traffic look like a cake walk, an so I'll pass on being involved in it if I can.

Thanks again

Stan L.

[Thomas H]

all so get to the game early as the parking fills up fast and it is a ways from the game gates.

At this point I am not sure if the STM will be there or not . but at any rate I am sure we will all be standing around looking for it around 1.PM any way , we may have a memorial service for it if it is not there . as the STM tent has been a land mark for this game in the past.

just a side note too - during the games , the Stone MT park will be having the pumpkin festival at the same time with alot of things for kids to do , and many family type events .
The wife and I enjoy walking around check these out too . as it is all included in your game wrsit band .
( i have noticed if you ask if it is included , some that dont know will tell you no -But just show your wrsit band and get in free ) I have been doing it for years

[Bo On The Go]

Me and my Beloved will be there. Plan on camping, so any advice on that would be welcomed. First time at SMHG

[Thomas H]

Me and my Beloved will be there. Plan on camping, so any advice on that would be welcomed. First time at SMHG

I have never camped there , but I have been on the camping side , looks crowded but nice , the games are not close enough to the camps to walk so you will still need to drive . and I have asked many times if they would let me camp at the clan tent site and they keep telling me no LOL.

go check out the old mill - it is a nice picture spot . every thing is in one big huge circle , so once your in side , every thing is in the circle . hope you have fun , let me know if I can help .

[Bo On The Go]

Thanks @Thomas H

[Java]

I will be there. I'll be in a kilt, but I really don't own "proper" daywear. If it has rained, I'll be in boots. My brother will likely be with me, and he's a Utilikilt kind of guy. Like someone else said, it's Georgia, wear what you like.

I had to miss the meet-up in Conyers last year. If we have one this year, I hope to make it.

Also, fret not about the Tartan Museum. On the SMHG website they are listed under "Exhibits" rather than "Vendors", and they are scheduled to be in the same spot as last year.