Topic: Bass Pro GTG Portage, IN Oct 25th '08

[bluedevil]

CAFCNA's Lake FX is organizing this gtg


Bass Pro / Quaker Steak & Lube GTG
October 25, 2008 12pm
Portage, IN


     I spoke with Sirshopolot and Z66 Butch for their input on a Fall GTG.  It's a bit early, but I'll start the attending list anyway.  There will be a Bass Pro Shops GTG at 6425 Daniel Burnham Dr. Portage, IN 46368 on Saturday October 25, 2008 at 12pm.  www.basspro.com
    Afterwards we can head to Quaker Steak & Lube 6245 Ameriplex Dr Portage, IN 46368 for a late lunch/early dinner (located in the same complex as Bass Pro.)  www.quakersteakandlube.com (menu can be viewed here.)
     I will also post some information on points of interest in the area, in case anyone wants something to do after the GTG.
   
     *Portage 16 IMAX Theater is located at 6550 US Highway 6 Portage, IN 46368 (about 5-10 minute drive from Bass Pro.)  They usually show the current popular movie on the IMAX all day/evening on Saturdays. I'll post the current schedule closer to the date.  We saw the new Batman movie there a couple of weeks ago.  Tickets were $12.50 for adults and $9.00 for kids.  There are also other regular screens in the theater complex $8.00 adults, $5.75 kids.  A large bucket of popcorn with 2 large sodas was about $11.00, free soda refills & .25 cent popcorn refills.
   
     *Zao Island is located at 1050 Horse Prairie Ave Valparaiso, IN 46385.  They have an arcade, bumper cars, batting cages, minigolf, gokarts(outdoor activities weather permitting), & a bar.   www.zaoisland.net

     *Shopping is available in Michigan City (Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets-120 stores Open until 9pm-601 Wabash St Michigan City, IN 46360)
    and Merrillville/ Hobart (Westfield Southlake-Open until 9pm-2109 Southlake Mall Merrillville, IN 46410).

     *Casino boats are in Michigan City, Buffington Harbor (Gary), East Chicago, and Hammond.

     *Four Winds Casino-New Buffalo, MI.


Hotel Information 
   
    There are about 8 hotels in that area.  LadyFX & I drove around & took a look at them.  There were a couple that we scratched off the list just from the outside appearance.  We use Tripadvisor for our hotel choices & have always had good luck.  The following is the top 4 recommended by Tripadvisor (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g37452-Portage_Indiana-Hotels.html).

     1.  Country Inn & Suites
     2.  Hampton Inn
     3.  Holiday Inn Express
     4.  Super 8

    The top 3 are in the $100 a night range.  Country Inn & Suites is the most expensive because it's brand new & in the same complex as Bass Pro.  Super 8 is $62 a night & has an OK rating.  There is also an America's Best Value Inn.  It's not on Tripadvisor, it must have just opened up because it's not on their website either.  LadyFX made the inquiries and came up with the following information:

America’s Best Value Inn & Suites (Best Rate Around!)
2 full beds (limited queen/king beds)
$42.20 a night (includes tax)
$10 for pets
219-763-3121
6101 Melton Rd
Portage, IN 46368
*Must reserve room no later than 2-3 weeks in advance of the GTG to get this rate!

America's Best Value Inn
1 King bed $75 a night (Senior $68)
2 double beds $51 a night (Senior $46)
*Senior=60 or older
No Pets
219-736-5100
I65 & US 30
Merrillville, IN
*5 room minimum group rate.

Super 8
2 full beds
$62 a night
$10 for pets
219-762-8857
6118 Melton Rd
Portage, IN 46368

Hampton Inn
2 queen beds
$99 a night
No Pets
219-764-1919
6353 Melton Rd
Portage, IN 46368
*15 room minimum group rate.

Holiday Inn Express
2 queen beds or 1 king bed
$119 a night
No Pets
219-762-7777
2323 Willowcreek
Portage, IN 46368
*10 room minimum group rate.

Country Inn & Suites
2 queen beds or 1 king bed
$129 a night
$149 (suites)
No Pets
219-764-0021
1630 Olmsted Dr
Portage, IN 46368
*10 room minimum group rate.


*There will be a sporting event at Valparaiso University so hotel rates will increase closer to the date.

Attending List:

1.  LakeFX, LadyFX, & Lil’FX
2.  Z66 Butch & Jo
3.  Didit & Lu
4.  Sirshopolot & Mrs. Shopolot
5.  irontrain
6.  Avialanche
7.  dtu
8.  BigC Mich
9.  The Mongo's
10.  funkypunnk
11. Batman

[tdybr27]

Hmm... depending on when Peggy has the Lambert's II GTG, I'll think about this one!   

[bluedevil]

siggy!

[oHIobellboy]

Not us. (and I'm serious here) that's the big H.S. rivalry football game that day and My oldest Daughter is in the band. Have fun all.   and BD, you can't fish in the indoor tank there.

[bluedevil]

Im seriously considering this one

[boilers94]

I'd love to fish in one of those just one time!!! 

[Z66 Butch]

Im seriously considering this one

America’s Best Value Inn & Suites $42.20 a night?? Why yes we may make it!

[Batman]

Countme in!

[Batman]

Working on putting together a convoy from Dave and Busters in Addison, Il to Portage, In. If anyone else is headed that way from the general area we will be meeting there around 9:45 am and leaving around 10:15 or 10:30am. You can contact me at (630)379-6257 cell phone#. Thanks, Wayne (BATMAN)

[bluedevil]

Working on putting together a convoy from Dave and Busters in Addison, Il to Portage, In. If anyone else is headed that way from the general area we will be meeting there around 9:45 am and leaving around 10:15 or 10:30am. You can contact me at (630)379-6257 cell phone#. Thanks, Wayne (BATMAN)

I've been thinking on heading out that way.   The closer the day gets,there more i will know for sure if im going.   If so,,lets meet up at D&B.