You have a friend in Lima for the 2005 Rally...

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by AltheBiker [/i]
Are there restaurants within walking distance and bars within crawling distance of the fairgrounds? [/QUOTE]

Yes --- and --- Yes

What are the nearest hotels near the campground and which one would you suggest I stay at.

I like a nice pool (whirlpool is good too!) and restaurants within walking distance.:bliss

THANKS!

The Hampton is all booked up for the Rally, so perhaps the Holidome would be the next best choice. The Wingate downtown (5 minutes from Rally site) has jacuzzi suites for reasonable $.

MBB

The Holidome has an indoor pool and a whirlpool in the same area. At Sue's negotiated price of $79. 00 a night this is your best bet. Also within 1 mile of fairgrounds.

The only places I would avoid like the plague for various reasons are The Royal Inn, The Imperial Inn, and Colonial Motel. All located in city of Lima.

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Ol'Salt [/i]
The only places I would avoid like the plague for various reasons are The Royal Inn, The Imperial Inn, and Colonial Motel. All located in city of Lima. [/QUOTE]

what are you, some sort of sovereign-democracy enthusiast? :D

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by username [/i]
what are you, some sort of sovereign-democracy enthusiast? :D [/QUOTE]

Har!
See me for a beer at the 05 rally.
You sound like my kinda person!

Wooohoooo!!!!
It's official; after 22 years I am a BMWMOA member again!!!

Mike,
Would you tell us why you would avoid these motels?
Thanks,
Wade
You wrote: The only places I would avoid like the plague for various reasons are The Royal Inn, The Imperial Inn, and Colonial Motel. All located in city of Lima.

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by punchw [/i]
Mike,
Would you tell us why you would avoid these motels?
Thanks,
Wade
You wrote: The only places I would avoid like the plague for various reasons are The Royal Inn, The Imperial Inn, and Colonial Motel. All located in city of Lima. [/QUOTE]

That wasn't my post, but I concur. They are "fleabag" variety hotels, with a transient crowd.

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Mike_In_Lima [/i]
That wasn't my post, but I concur. They are "fleabag" variety hotels, with a transient crowd. [/QUOTE]

sounds like they have plenty of grass though. i wonder if they have an acre...

:D

Hey Mike, thanks for being our "insider"!

:idea

I was thinking you might save yourself the hassle of answering the same questions over and over if you put together some kind of list and posted it.

For example, I think everyone wants to know the top places to eat, drink, sleep, shop, ride, visit, see, etc. We would also like to know the places to *avoid*.

Personally, when I travel, I look for the hidden gems...the greasy spoon diner, and the hole-in-the-wall bar...you know, the places the locals go.

Thanks again!

Gene, I dont think you will find too many bars in Lima that aren't local bars. it isnt like Lima has a Hard Rick cafe, or other touristy trendy bars.

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by merrittgene [/i]
Hey Mike, thanks for being our "insider"!

:idea

I was thinking you might save yourself the hassle of answering the same questions over and over if you put together some kind of list and posted it.

For example, I think everyone wants to know the top places to eat, drink, sleep, shop, ride, visit, see, etc. We would also like to know the places to *avoid*.

Personally, when I travel, I look for the hidden gems...the greasy spoon diner, and the hole-in-the-wall bar...you know, the places the locals go.

Thanks again! [/QUOTE]

I'll be working on that down the road; for the most part, though, I would suggest that what looks like is going to go on inside the Rally will be more interesting than most of the outside diversions. I know they are planning on a good lineup of live music during the evenings, for example.
Nonetheless, I will probably start a thread down the road such as you suggested, answering some common questions, etc.

MBB

Mike, I justs wanted to write publicly what I've emailed you privately: [B]thanks[/B] so much for helping all of us out.

This will be my first MOA rallye, and I'm looking forward to wonderful Ohio "blue highways" (I always try to avoid slabs) coming from Western Maryland, from which I'll be entering West Virginia and then Ohio. Mike has promised to send these scenic suggestions to me -- but as has just been suggested, Mike, you might want to send them to the whole list for all who are similarly situated.

Thanks again, buddy!