Lodging filling quickly for rally
Posted: September 17, 2009 at 7:21 a.m.
FAYETTEVILLE — More Bikes, Blues & BBQ coverage at nwanews.com/bbb
Reservations for lodging were off to a slow start for Bikes, Blues & BBQ but began picking up the past few days, Allyson Twiggs Dyer, director of the Fayetteville Visitors Bureau, said.
"I've been nervous; calls weren't coming in as in years past, but they're ringing off the hook yesterday and today," Twiggs Dyer said Tuesday afternoon. "I think people are just doing business differently; they're waiting to see if they have money to travel."
Fayetteville hotels and motels are sold out, for the most part, for the Sept. 23-26 rally. This is the traditional week for cancellations, so a few rooms are coming available - but vacancies are rare. So the visitors bureau is starting to direct inquiries to Benton County establishments, Twiggs Dyer said.
"I expect Friday we'll be starting to send people farther out - maybe Van Buren," she said. "We always check Fayetteville first."
The Cosmopolitan, on East Avenue, sold rooms out about eight months ago General Manager Alex Jerde said.
"Everyone wants to stay here because we're in such close proximity to Dickson Street," Jerde said. "They try to make reservations two years in advance."
The week is one of the busiest for foot traffic in and out of the building, with people visiting other guests.
"We're really excited; this and football are our busiest times," Jerde said.
This year, campgrounds are more popular than ever, Twiggs Dyer said.
The Washington County Fairgrounds became the official campground of the rally three years ago and offers full RV hookups, primitive tenting and tent space in barns. So far, 77 RV spots and 90 tent spots have been reserved. Many other area campgrounds are getting full, she suspects.
"There's a lot more interest in the campgrounds this year," she said.
The rally's Web site, www.bikesbluesandbbq.org, gives information about private home lodging.
Pierce Apartments is trying something new this year, offering a dozen units for nightly rental.
Manager Jackie Biehler said the company renovated apartments on Garland Avenue, near Leverett Elementary School. They weren't ready in time for the University of Arkansas fall semester, so the company decided to make them available for football games and for the rally.
Biehler said the company keeps a credit card on file for incidentals and is trying to work with residents to minimize disruptions.
News, Pages 1, 2 on 09/17/2009
(Advertisement)
« Previous Story
FHS club hears from Wal-Mart green boss
Fayetteville High School Green Team members heard the Wal-Mart sustainability director speak about ways the company has tried to be more environmentally friendly during the... Read »
Next Story »
What's next for school project?
It is time to re-evaluate plans for a new Fayetteville High School in the wake of Tuesday's millage defeat. Read »
Comments
To report abuse or misuse of this area please hit the "Suggest Removal" link in the comment to alert our online managers. Please read our comment policy.
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.
Registration is required to make comments. Click here to LOGIN.
You can register for FREE to post comments and receive alerts.