gbvette62

I heard earlier today, from a friend of mine involved in the NCRS Corvettes at Carlisle Special Display, that the Winter Regional would be moving from Old Town. Apparently, this is a result of Old Town's on going bankruptcy problems.

For now, it appears that the show will be moving to Lakeland FL, to the Sun N Fun property.

Tyler just posted some details about the move, on the NCRS Discussion Board, and I assume will be updating it as more info becomes available.

wmf62

the perceived problem with that location is lodging; there is nothing close...
Bill

Vette Daddy

I was getting tired of Old Town anyway.

Frankie the Fink

It ain't what it used to be .... that's for sure...

Islander21

Well, Lakeland is waaayyy out of the way for me. I'm in NE Orlando.

Vette Daddy

2015 was probably going to be my last year for the Old Town show. Maybe a change of scenery will be a good thing???

denneys69

Wow not surprised. Parking was a problem anyway. Lakeland is a haul from my home in Daytona Beach. I remember the good old days when NCRS took over Cypress Gardens. Lodging wasn't the best there either but the surroundings were beautiful. The cars on the lawn with the girls in their gowns. A great winter break.

gbvette62

I'm going to miss the condo we rented, right behind the swap meet grounds. Four bedrooms, 3 baths, living room, full kitchen and a hot tub for less than $150 a night. Split between 4 guys, it was quite a deal.

Oh well, life goes on! It's still a week in Florida in January, which beats heck out of being in Jersey in January!

LT1driver

anywhere beats being in jersey

Chuck Gongloff

Change is good, but everyone seems to resist it.

Old Town was getting "old" and pretty decrepit. Apparently, Old Town is in bankruptcy, and sold off part of the venue. I heard that the parcel included the grassy parking area that was used for the swap meet and car corral at the NCRS Regional. Might not be right about that, but.............

I remember decades ago when the event was held in Cypress Gardens. It then moved to the Disney Speedway for a year, then to the "twin tower" hotels on Irlo Bronson Hwy.

One of the two hotels went belly up, and the event moved to Old Town.

So, the venue has changed several times over 30+ years.

denneys69

It was convenient to slip down to Mecum Auction. Now it will be a trip.

MarkC

My problem with Old Town was the traffic around Orlando. Will the traffic in the Lakeland area be better? Second question, would cutting over to I 75 using I 10 be worth the extra miles to to get around Orlando? We will be coming down I 95.

capevettes

I will miss the convenience of being able to walk from the hotel to the event. Having Mecum just up the street was appealing as well. Hopefully the new location in Lakeland will be a good one. It sounds like there wasn't any choice but to move in light of Old Town's financial situation.

Frankie the Fink

You could certainly do that and then cut back on East on I-4 for a short stretch to Lakeland. You will be just 'touching' the Tampa/St. Pete traffic at the most Western part of that route before you jump on I-4 though.

I only go to Old Town to be with my pals (sort of like a poker night with the guys) and 'people watch' from my chair...I rarely walk around and look at the cars anymore.

There are some regular "characters" there that are something to see each week with their cars but....other than that its heat, pushy tourists and deteriorating facilities (especially bathroom). Another fading Florida attraction I'm afraid...

wmf62

i would suggest I10 to 301 to 326 to I75, or if you don't mind a few small towns, 301 all the way to the Lakeland area, or 75 to FL turnpike to 429 to I4 to Lakeland.

going all the way across I10 to I75 adds about 60 miles, but the total driving time is about the same


and then, you could take I20 at Florence, SC to I75 at Atlanta
Bill

BOB WINSKI

I liked it at old town got together with my friends that fly in to see Mecum and NCRS event .Not to thrilled about the change.But it is what it is. The Hotell we stayed in was very reasonable and just walking around old town was nice.

Frankie the Fink

If I go this January it will be for one full day and I may, or may not, take one of the old Corvettes. No jumping in the '61 for a 35 minute ride to the event all three days as I've done the last 5 years.

vettebuyer6369

Me too. The condo we had for Kissimmee was about a mile from the show. I don't know of a closer room I've found for an event in a long time.

I did notice when making possible plans for next year that dates didn't seem firm and that Mecum had not announced 2015 plans there yet. Making sense now.

vettebuyer6369

Very true. Having them essentially on the same road made the week worth flying down for. Have to rethink next year based on where everything is.

wmf62

sera lago was within 1/4 mile... was $35

i'm like Frank, Maybe do it once...
Bill