The Invitation and early responses

About 5 years ago, some of the "Bowers" women got together for a weekend in Charlotte at Embassy Suites, and we had a fabulous time. Susie and I think it's time to try to do it again, perhaps this summer.

How many of you would be interested in getting together for a very casual weekend in some city with minimal planned activities (some people will want to shop, some might want to go to a museum...) but we all get together for breakfast and again in the evening for adult beverages and dinner?

We're thinking of 4th of July weekend, but we could probably do it some other weekend after the 4th of July and simply take a day off of work.

Suggestions that Susie and I came up with include:
Asheville (which is half way between Louisville and New Bern and is drivable for everyone),
Seagrove (the pottery capital of NC, it's located south of Greensboro - the NC Zoo is nearby. Since it's in a DRY county, we would want to stay in Greensboro)
Charlotte (also drivable for most of us, and all planes pretty much fly nonstop to Charlotte)
New Bern (most of you would have to fly or have a long drive, but I can take you kayaking where dolphins hang out)

Embassy Suites or a similar hotel works really well because the cost is reduced by sharing suites and eating free breakfast, plus at Embassy Suites, drinks are free in the evening.

I'd love to know what you each think of the idea... oh, and did I mention that this is women only?
Lynda

Maegen responded: I won't be able to do it in July b/c Erin (my college roomie) is getting married and the month is chalked full of festivities.

Rhiannon responded: Well, of course, I'm a fan of Asheville! Though there is no Embassy Suites here. But really, any of those work just fine for me, based on where we're living right now. One possible conflict with the weekend after July 4th is Eno River festival. But I'm not even sure that any of the bands I usually go to see are going to be there this year... not sure how Sue feels about that. Of course, if we did it in the triangle, it wouldn't matter.

Sue responded: I'd like to go. My preferences would be Seagrove or New Bern, but I know New Bern is not as convenient for some, and perhaps too convenient for others. I would also say that if it's July 4 weekend, that Durham is a great place to be--baseball and the Festival for the Eno.

Sherri responded: All of that sounds like fun. Has anybody thought of Myrtle Beach? Or is that too far? Otherwise, Seagrove/Greensboro sounds good to me. I'm taking a cruise the end of April and running an election (maybe) between Feb. and November. Money may be an issue. I won't know for sure until after filing period is over. (Note: for those who don’t know, Sherri is the Register of Deeds here in Craven County. She is up for election this year…. Lynda)

Lynda responded: Myrtle Beach seemed too expensive and too crowded for July, so I didn't mention it. My experience has been that the cheapest place to be during July 4th weekend is a city away from the beach (because the people in the city have gone... guess where?). Meanwhile, Maegen says July won't work for her. How about August or even Labor Day weekend? Is that better for anyone? I can't go before July..

Rhiannon responded: Right now I'm open to anything... or nothing. It just depends on what happens with us getting jobs and where/when we get them. But keep me up to date, and i'll be there if i can!

Sue responded: Labor Day is good for me.

Sherri responded: Labor day weekend may work for me. I'll have to check the calendar.

Maegen responded: Y'all may want to just go ahead and go w/o me, unless it's the first week or so in August. Labor Day weekend is always the weekend closest to mine or Scott's bday. Otherwise I'll be in school until the end of July and then late September Scott and I are going to Florida.

Susie responded: I am loving reading the responses. We do need to also include Kathy Bowers (Trip's wife, she is a lot of fun)

Kris responded: Keep me in the loop as it sounds good. Asheville is super close for me but all are easily drivable. A weekend after August sounds good.

Lynda responded: For everyone who's responded (except Maegen), Labor Day is looking promising.

Susie responded: Labor Day it is!!!!

Lynda sent an email to Kathy Bowers: Kathy, we have never met, but I'm Trip's first cousin in New Bern, NC. Below is an email I sent out last night, which is self-explanatory (I hope). Susie gave me your email address so I could add you to our list. We're planning a big old "chic trip" some weekend later in the year (it's now looking like Labor Day). Check it out. Hope you can join us.