Bloomington or Carlisle

[Dale C.]

If you had to pick one, which one would you go to? Why?
Dale

[Joe R.]

Re: Bloomington or Carlisle

Dale,

There is certainly no question in my mind that and Carlisle rules as the king of all Corvette Meets in the US.

1. The swap at Carlisle is probably 10000 times larger than Bloomie. That is 100+ acres vs. less than 1 acre at Bloomie.

2. The facilities at Carlisle are a cut above Bloomie.

3. Carlisle is supported by many more corporate sponsors than Bloomie.

4. Carlisle is attended by all the major clubs that comprises 53 and up.

5. Carlisle is attended by all major vendors.

6. Carlisle has a food court and an ample selection of foods to choose from.

7. Carlisle allows people to camp on the grounds and has facilities to accomodate. showers, bathrooms, camping grounds etc.

8. The City of Carlisle welcomes Corvette Carlisle and the people attending the shows.

9. Carlisle does not operate a three ring circus calling it an auction.

Is that enough reasons? There are many more but that probably covers the major reasons to attend Carlisle.

JR

[Bob D.]

Re: Bloomington or Carlisle

Dale

My vote would be Carlisle. Bigger, more selection of vendors, parts cars, food and anything else you can name. It is cheaper to get in and as said earlier the city of Carlisle welcomes Corvette enthusiasts.

Bob

[Warren F.]

Re: Bloomington or Carlisle

Dale,

I've been to both several times. I'll give you some comparisons. Bloomington Gold Corvettes car corral section of cars for sale by private individuals is much smaller than Corvettes @ Carlisle.

As far a parts vendors, Corvettes @ Carlisle is much, much larger than Bloomington Gold Corvettes.

As far as auction cars, Bloomington Gold Corvettes is far superior to Corvettes @ Carlisle selection and volume.

As far as grounds go, Bloomington Gold Corvettes has a much nicer facility with shade areas than Corvettes @ Carlisle. Both offer several food vendors.

Both events draw a lot of people, both worth going to.

[Dick W.]

Re: Bloomington or Carlisle

If you are just out for a show with a lot of bling, do Bloomington, otherwise Carlise is the place to be. You will find more parts, other than sunglasses, fancy wheels, and aftermarket exhaust systems, in Kissimmee at the Florida Regional that you will at Bloomington

[Gerard Q.]

Re: Bloomington or Carlisle

Dale,


I've been to both several times. I'll give you some comparisons. Bloomington Gold Corvettes car corral section of cars for sale by private individuals is much smaller than Corvettes @ Carlisle.

As far a parts vendors, Corvettes @ Carlisle is much, much larger than Bloomington Gold Corvettes.

As far as auction cars, Bloomington Gold Corvettes is far superior to Corvettes @ Carlisle selection and volume.

As far as grounds go, Bloomington Gold Corvettes has a much nicer facility with shade areas than Corvettes @ Carlisle. Both offer several food vendors.

Both events draw a lot of people, both worth going to.

Why not try and do both.....

I've been going to Carlisle for the past 12 years, went to Bloomington for the first time this year. I have to agree with Warren's observations and I do plan on returning to BG next year...the wife and I enjoyed it.

[Dennis C.]

Re: Bloomington or Carlisle

Carlisle would be the show to attend. I have been going with my wife for the past 6 years. Last year we went to Bloomington for the first time. We didn't go this year and wouldn't go back unless we were going to have a car judged.

Parts for all Corvettes are available as well as many cars to look at. Well worth it.

Regards,

Dennis

[Loren L.]

Re: Bloomington or Carlisle

I haven't been to Bloomington since 2007 (which was enjoyable) but I think I detect a movement to "All Cars" instead of just Corvette.
Carlisle has already made the distinction in makes with the # of meets that they conduct. Administratively, they are outstanding and the next generation of Bill/Chip gives every indication of assimilating the efforts and good judgement that improved Carlisle Corvettes every year.
I believe Carlisle has a GIANT edge as the place to go to meet your elderly friends, such as Joe Ray, so that you might "share a tea".

[Henry S.]

Re: Bloomington or Carlisle

Dale,
Thanks for bringing this up. It's a timely question for our group. A few from our club are planning our first ever trip to Carlyle this year. Since we live in Central Illinois we have all been to BG a number of times. We're planning on taking 7-8 days and also seeing Gettysburg, Philly, Hershey (for the chocolate lovers in our group) and Carlyle. We will be staying in Harrisburg and going to Carlyle Friday and Saturday. Since I'm the only one with a midyear I plan on spending most my time in the swap area. I've "talked to" several guys on here that sell at Carlyle but never had a chance to meet them so I'm hoping to put a face to a name. From all I've heard the Miller family are second to none when it comes to putting on a show. Good luck, Shooter

[Harmon C.]

Re: Bloomington or Carlisle

If you plan on walking every road in Calisle in one day you better start training now. I have no idea how many miles you will travel but come in shoes you like and plan on 90% humidty and 95 degree heat. One more thing if you need parts plan on bringing a stack of 100's about two inches high or the ATM will be your friend.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Bloomington or Carlisle

Henry,

Plan on arriving at Carlisle before 7 am if you want a reasonable place to park.
You will not believe the size of it despite the fact that you've been to BG several times.

Patrick

[Patrick T.]

Re: Bloomington or Carlisle

I only go to Carlisle because I'm only 45 minutes away! I get there on Friday about 11 am and there is no line to wait in for Corvette only parking.

[Alan S.]

Re: Bloomington or Carlisle

Hi Henry,
If I may, I'd like to suggest you think about Carlisle for THURSDAY, too. Many of the venders are there or are in the process of setting up and many For Sale cars are in place. They are very few people there compared to the next 2 days. I find it much more enjoyable for that reason.
There is walk-in admission through the main gate only on Thursday. I have much more fun on Thursday than Saturday.
It's a terrific couple of days!
Regards,
Alan

[Dick W.]

Re: Bloomington or Carlisle

Henry,

Plan on arriving at Carlisle before 7 am if you want a reasonable place to park.
You will not believe the size of it despite the fact that you've been to BG several times.

Patrick

Parking priviledges are the only good thing about being old and crippled. Handicapped inside the gate

[Henry S.]

Re: Bloomington or Carlisle

Henry,

Plan on arriving at Carlisle before 7 am if you want a reasonable place to park.
You will not believe the size of it despite the fact that you've been to BG several times.

Patrick

Thanks Patrick, we are planning on being there early. I've heard BG swap area doesn't compare with Carlyle even though some of the vendors are the same. If there was one thing someone should be sure not to miss at Carlyle what would it be? Thanks