Arriving Wed night - where to stay?

Oh - B&B or small hotel is fine. Was actually looking at this one : orchardhousebb.com/yorkroom.html

The only thing would be the timing...so I'd probably shoot for something within 30-45 minutes out.

I'm thinking a small hotel - quick and easy!

Here are 3 that I had found awhile back.  I didn't bother listing the other B&B near Arrington, Harmony Hill, as I figured it would be already booked. I would guess that small motels are closer to Charlottesville or Lynchburg.

Less than 30 minutes away, south of Charlottesville off of HWY 29>

www.simpsonshollow.com/



www.crossroadsinn.com/
  (this one has changed it's home page to attract Lockn-goers.


45 minutes away, to the south near Appommatox
> 
www.longacreva.com/index.html

Lexington...we drive an hour just to have lunch at this yummy place.    Southern Inn

coming down 81, the most direct easy route to Arrington is 64 E at Staunton then 29 S at Charlottesville.

To go to Lexington down 81 you go another hour south of the 64E turn-off, then you have an hour+ from Lex to Amherst on 60 to 29N then
back up to Lockn. There are other routes from Lex that are shorter, scenic but complicated.
So it's not the fastest. if we were talking scenic route it would be different and highly recommended.

Personally I'm over the B&B thing especially for a crash after a long drive. They are more expensive and often less comfortable than
a "no surprises" motel. I've had B&B owners with nasty attitudes over late arrivals, too. Not worth it IMO for a quick overnight and
on the road early the next day.

Here's a good one: there is a holiday inn on the top of afton mountain on 64E. Best.View.Ever. Junction of 64E and blue ridge parkway;
you could run the parkway south for a short trip then drop down to Arrignton. Wouldn't really add time v. going to C'ville for 29S
(I think it's still a holiday inn)

There are chain motels in (as you get closer to Lockn) Harrisonburg, Staunton, Waynesboro, one at Waynesboro on 64E (Stuatrs Draft exit)
and of course C'ville and Lexington. B&B's and Inns all over (including Crozet home of starr hill beer). This area is a combo
of college towns, historical/tourist sites and truck travel.

If you are able to post here after coming in VIP Thursday morning, I'd love to have the intel on the processing time. I'm guessing that with the new VIP
you may find yourself with time to kill at the gate. Hope so.

Check out the top of Afton Mt. hotel--then literally swoop down on Lockn!

If you stay in c'ville you are 30 minutes from the venue. sleep in.

Lexington and the environs are the best places to go, but not for you and time considerations. Maybe on the way home.

  I've seen no evidence to suggest there is any location change in the VIP entrance from last year. If such evidence exists, can someone please point me to it?   If not, you should still expect some delays in getting in unless they have significantly improved the check-in process.  I know they said they were going to improve it....but there were no specifics.

We were directed to enter in the back way last year. We had SVIP last year, but I'd bet money there weren't just SVIPs back there.

Re: I'm thinking Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Waynesboro-Route 340? Or maybe Stuanton?

I think that's the one right on 64 just after you turn off 81 outside staunton, so it would be very convenient and easy in/out. i know
there's at least one chain motel at that exit. If not, Staunton has several close to 81.

If you don't mind winding small roads you can short-cut off 64E down from the top of Afton Mt on 151, pick up 6 at the bottom and hit 29.
Saves 20 miles. I like small roads and hate interstates. I also scare my passengers.

We're driving from western NY, coming down 81, staying at Residence Inn in Waynesboro.

I'd be tempted to try to pitch a tent at the Swannanoa Palace on Afton Mountain. Their Homecoming festival is the same weekend as Lockn, so the place will be crawling with hippies--just probably not on Wednesday.