W. B. and Carrie Frye Family Reunion - 2005

June 26 - July 1 Chattanooga, TN

A L L A B O A R D ! ! ! !
Track 29, you better get there on time!

Listen to the "Chattanooga Choo-Choo"!

It's time to start making plans for the 2005 reunion in Chattanooga! There's lots to do and see in the area so we need to narrow down what people want to do while we're there.

After visiting the area hotels and discussing the options with several people I have selected the Country Inn & Suites near Lookout Mountain. This is a newer hotel (about 1 or 2 years I believe). It have very nice upscale rooms and facilities. I did see a suite and was impressed with the size of the rooms. They have single rooms with a king bed and a whirlpool tub and also 2 room suites with two queen beds and a sofa sleeper. See the virtual tour of each room. The breakfast bar was large with hot food items (eggs, sausage, waffles) available. Also right next door is a Cracker Barrel. The staff I met was very friendly. Also each room has a refrigerator, microwave and free high speed internet access. Most of the other hotels had limited number of refrigerators and microwaves.

I got a great group rate or $89.00/night for either type of room. This rate is good as long as you reserve by June 20 however you should consider making you reservation as soon as possible. They have plenty of rooms now (2/16/05). Call them direct (423-825-6100) to make the reservation. When making your reservation you need to mention that you are with the Frye-Elam family reunion.

There are other hotels in the area if you prefer. Two other hotels ajacent to this one are the Holiday Inn Express and the Ramada. Around the corner, about ¼ mile, are the Hampton Inn, Baymont Inn and Best Western. There are several more hotels at the next exit on the interstate. I have more info on some of these hotels that I have not put on the web site. If you are interested in them let me know and I'll put my info on them on the site.

Please let me know when you make your reservation and for when so we know to look for you.

Please scroll on down to the attractions and let me know what you would like to do. There is a lot to do in Chattanooga. Also let me know if you have any special needs or concerns. If you can't make it please let me know. Others will be asking about you and it would be nice to say something other than "I dunno". (Besides, I would just plain like to hear from you!) I plan on updating this web site with pictures each evening during the reunion so you can check out the fun you are missing.

Please contact me at: [email protected]
770-521-0502
2025 Hembree Grove Dr.
Roswell, GA 30076

Confirmed reservations:

Linda and Amy Elam
Keith & Patty Frye /w family
Ken, Becky, & Bryan Elam
Dale, Kathie & Andrew Frye

Some Hotels in the Lookout Mountain Area

Hotel Name	Prices	Choice	Comments
Hampton Inn - Lookout Mountain Located about ¼ mile from I-24 exit 174. Rooms are nice size. Very nice and large hot breakfast bar. Front staff was particularly friendly. Main detriment was entrance is short and very uphill from 4 lane road. This hotel was one of my favorites.
Hampton Inn - Downtown Located right at the off ramp (literally) from I-24. Rooms were comparable with Lookout Mountain but breakfast area wasn't as nice (but still one of the best). Prices might be a touch lower but it does have some concerns. The streets are mostly one way in the area making it difficult to get to the hotel especially since there is only one entrance. It is surrounded by a high fence because it is next to a large 'project'. Also it is right up against the highway (which is raised) and the noise from the highway was quite noticeable especially at the outdoor pool.
Sleep Inn - Lookout Mountain Not bad but not as nice as Hampton Inn. (Did not get to see a room.)	$80.95 (AAA)
Ramada Limited Located next to Cracker Barrel, I-24 exit 174. This is an older hotel with smaller rooms. I talked to the new owner who quoted me a group price for June at $49.95. Breakfast area was small and only had a few items. Room entrances were outside. The room was so-so. I found better for the same price in the Hamilton Place Mall area.	$49.95 (group)
Baymont Inn & Suites Across the street from the Hampton Inn - Lookout Mountain. Not quite as nice as Hampton. An older hotel that has been redone. Breakfast was moderate size.	$69.26 (AAA)
Country Inn & Suites Located I-24 exit 174 behind Cracker Barrel. My favorite hotel (of the ones I visited). Very large 2 room suites. New building. Upscale amenities. Very, very nice hot breakfast. Atmosphere was relaxed and friendly. Indoor pool. See comments at the top of this page for group rate prices. 10% off rack rates when you print the page (from Chattanoogafun.com) and present it at check-in.
Days Inn Did not visit. 15% discount off rack rate when you print the page (from Chattanoogafun.com) and present it at check-in.
Holiday Inn Express Next to the Country Inn and Cracker Barrel, I-24, exit 174. Nice hotel but just not as friendly as the Country Inn. More business-like atmosphere. Was not able to see a room. Rates were comparable to Country Inn.

General Comments:
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Email:

Comments received:

Diane -- I checked the AAA price for almost all of your hotels. The range is from Ramada $39.06 with indoor pool to Sleep Inn $80.95- no pool. The Ramada does not offer suites but the Hampton does. However, all of the suites that I saw were larger rooms and not 2-room suites The Ramada also gives you opportunity on their website to inquire about group rates for 10 rooms or more. Are we going to have 10 rooms or more? The next cheapest was Baymont for $69.26- pool-offers "suites". I imagine that we need to book fairly soon for good availability.

Keith -- The Hampton Inn - Downtown looked nice and had suites that were reasonable. Country Inn & suites also looked nice and had suites that were a bedroom and family room. I will go for what everyone else wants. As long as I am in the same hotel, so kids can play with kids and I can sit by the pool with family.

Attractions

What do all y'all want to do while we're in Chattanooga??
If you know of something else that I missed, speak up!

Whitewater Rafting on the Ocoee and the Hiwassee (High Country Outfitters)

This outfitter covers both the Ocoee and the Hiwassee from the same base camp. This will allow us to have two groups if desired. Those seeking a more adventurous ride can go on the Middle Ocoee while those wanting a tamer ride (or are too young for the Ocoee) can still have some fun on the Hiwassee. The Hiwasse has class I and II rapids and the age limit is 6 years old. Guides are available (must reserve) but not required on the Hiwassee. The Middle Ocoee has the most continuous stretch of class III and IV rapids in the country. It's age limit (with this outfitter) is 12 years old. (Tennessee law)
TollFree 1-800-233-8594 (I talked with Pat O'Neal)

Costs:

Ocoee - $33 per person. Includes $3 river fee.
Hiwassee - 4 man raft $55; 2 man kayak $26; tour guide for group $75 (optional); All are plus tax.

I've made reservations for both rivers on Monday, June 27 for their noon time runs. All reservations must be paid in full by May 27. When confirming and paying for your qroup please mention my name (Dale Frye). Also please, please let me know so I can keep count. This is especially important for the Hiwassee since prices are based on renting the raft. If you want to share a raft on the Hiwassee let me know so I can match you up.

Whitewater Rafting on the Ocoee

Middle Ocoee:
available Sun, Mon, Thur, Fri, Sat
Sunday times: 10am, 2pm
1½ hours on river, min age is 12, $39.50, 10+ $36.50
Upper and Middle Ocoee (Combo):
available Saturday or Sunday only
Sunday times: 9:15am, 2:30pm
4 hours on river, min age is 13, $80 no group discount
Note: The upper Ocoee includes rafting through the site used for the 1996 Olympics!

Adventures Unlimited

Another rafting company on the Ocoee. Their minimum age for the upper Ocoee is 12. They are a little more expensive but it appears they have more river time.

$5.00 discount per person for a whitewater adventure with Adventures Unlimited when you mention chattanoogafun.com.

Whitewater rafting on the Hiwassee (and the Ocoee)

The Hiwassee River has Class I & II rapids allowing younger (or less daring) rafters. Most people ride the river unguided so the rates are a lot cheaper. This river is not far from the Ocoee so we could split into two groups for those wanting a wilder ride on the Ocoee. This outfitter handles both rivers.

Whitewater rafting on the Chattooga

Another option that would allow the younger rafters to join us is the Chattooga River. It's a bit of a drive (3+ hours) with the base camp near Clayton Ga. The Chattooga River seperates Georgia and South Carolina. The area is so protected that automobile traffic is not allowed within ¼ mile of the river. (Yup, you have to carry all your gear and rafts ¼ mile to the river.) In addition there are two different runs, Chattooga III and Chattooga IV, with different levels of difficulties. Each run has you on the river for 4+ hours (allow 6 hours for everything). There are trips available on Monday and Tuesday also so it would be easier to work into our schedule. We can also get the group rate if the group splits between the two runs.

	Chattooga III	Chattooga IV
Min Age	8	13
Trip Times	8am,12:30pm	8:30am,9:45am
Price Mon,Tue (Group rate,10+)	$65	$75
Price Sat,Sun (Group rate,10+)	$85	$110

Lookout Mountain / Ruby Falls / Incline Railway

The most well-known attractions in Chattanooga!

These prices are for the Combo ticket that includes all three attractions. Individual attraction prices are also available. All three attractions can be seen in one day.

Adults $35.90/$33.00/$30.00, Children* (3-12) $17.90/$16.50/$14.90, retail/online/group(15+)
Group rates require a reservation but a final head count is not needed until we arrive. Cannot use credit card for group rate.(cash, check, money order only) One person must pay for entire group.

* Students through high school $14.90 each group rate only.

Tennessee Aquarium

Andy and I visited the aquarium several years ago with the scouts. I wish we could have spent more time in it. Inovative building design has you ride an elevator to the top and then you walk down an incline that wraps around inside the building past the different tanks.
Across the street is the IMAX theater. A lot of people buy a combo ticket that includes both. There's also a combo ticket that adds the Creative Discovery Museum which is two blocks away.

	ADULT	CHILD (ages 3-12)
Aquarium	$14/$12.75	$7.50/$6.50
IMAX	$7.75/$7.00	$5.25/$4.50
Discount Combo	$18/$16.50	$10.50/$9.75
	Reg/Group	Reg/Group

Creative Discovery Museum

Fun, Fun, Fun!! Kids love discovering all the neat things to do at this museum. Great place to take them while the older ones go rafting. If you buy the triple value package you do not have to use all the tickets on the same day.

	ADULT	CHILD (ages 2-12)
Creative Discovery Museum	$7.95	$5.95
Verizon Wireless Triple Value Package (Aquarium, one IMAX movie and Creative Discovery Museum for children)	$24.50	$15.50
Show your Verizon phone and save an additional $1 off each triple value ticket.

Special Offer: $1.00 off Adults $1.00 off Children (ages 2-12, under 2 is free) Creative Discovery Museum Online Discount Print the page (from Chattanoogafun.com) and present to cashier.

Horsing Around Wood Carving

Experience the chance of a lifetime . Visit America's only Carousel Carving School. Horsin Around is located in Soddy Daisy, just 25 minutes north of Chattanooga and the Coolidge Park Carousel. Browse through the school at your leisure and visit with the carvers while they work. The majority of the students have no carving experience. Tour fee $3.00 per person.

Special Offer: CHILDREN FREE WITH PARENT

Cumberland Caverns

If you visit one show cave in Tennessee, Cumberland Caverns should be the one! Cumberland Caverns is Tennessee's largest show cave. Cumberland Caverns displays some of the largest underground rooms in eastern America. It also features waterfalls, gleaming pools, spectacular formations, and even a ¾ ton chandelier. The historic 1812 saltpeter mine and "God of the Mountain", an original underground pageant of light and sound, are shown on every tour.
adults $12.50, children (6-12) $7.50

$2.00 off each adult admission, $1.00 off each child admission when you print the page (from Chattanoogafun.com) and bring it in with you.

The Lost Sea

Come and experience The Lost Sea, America's Largest Underground Lake and Registered Natural Landmark! The Lost Sea is located in Sweetwater, Tennessee, just 7 miles off of I-75. The Lost Sea covers over 4 1/2 acres and is located 140 feet below the entrance. While on the tour, you will learn about stalactites, stalagmites and anthodites, a very rare crystal cave formation. You will also learn the history of the cave: how the Confederate soldiers mined the cave for saltpeter for making gunpowder and how the Cherokee Indians used the cave.
Adult - $12.95/$10.95, Children (6-12) - $5.95/$4.50 (reg/group 20+)

$1.00 off adult tickets, and $.50 off child tickets when you print the page (from Chattanoogafun.com) and bring it in with you.

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

The Tennessee Valley Railroad is proud to offer a wide variety of rides to suit your needs. For those who are busy and only have approximately an hour, our Missionary Ridge Local takes only 50 minutes but packs all sorts of excitement from a ride through a Civil War era tunnel to a guided tour of our restoration shop. Looking for something a little longer? Try our Chickamauga Turn, a four-hour roundtrip ride to historic Chickamauga, Ga. No prices yet for the 2005 season.

Discount tickets for Missionary Ridge Local trains are available at the Chattanooga Visitors Center.

Chickamauga Battlefield & Lookout Mountain Battlefield National Parks

Chickamauga Battlefield features an 7 mile self-guiding auto tour, monuments, historical tablets, hiking trails and horse trails. The visitor center contains exhibits and a 26 minute multi-media program, the Battle of Chickamauga, that provides unique orientation to this Civil War battle.

Lookout Mountain Battlefield contains monuments, historical tablets, hiking trails, scenic vistas, and the historic Cravens House. The Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center also houses the "Battle Above the Clouds" painting by James Walker.

All free of charge!

The Battles for Chattanooga Museum

Located on Lookout Mountain at the entrance to historic Point Park, The Battles for Chattanooga Electric Map & Museum is the perfect starting point for your tour of the area's Civil War battle sites. Our spectacular three-dimensional electronic battle map presentation of Chattanooga's Civil War history features 5,000 miniature soldiers, 650 lights, sound effects and exceptional details of the major battles which were fought here in November of 1863.
Adults $6.95, Children (3-12) $4.95

The Houston Museum of Decorative Arts

The Houston Museum of Decorative Arts contains what have been called the world's finest collections of antique glass and ceramics, as well as valuable antique furniture and music boxes. Visitors go on a guided tour of the museum, located in a beautifully restored Victorian house, and hear the story of Anna Safley Houston, who accumulated the collection and left it in trust for the people of Chattanooga when she died in 1951. The colorful but eccentric Mrs. Houston had at least nine husbands (and possibly more) and lived her last years in poverty, refusing to sell her priceless antiques to pay for food or medical care. The museum contains a gift shop which is open to the public.
Admission is $7.00 ages 12 and up,$3.50 ages 4 through 12, Free for children ages 3 and under. Special group rate discount upon request.

One free admission with every paid admission when you print the page (from Chattanoogafun.com) and bring it in with you.

Southern Belle Riverboat

Welcome to the pride of the southland - Chattanooga's Southern Belle Riverboat! Whether one of our fabulous dinner cruises, our daily lunch cruise or daytime sightseeing cruise, you'll love the scenic Tennessee River in the climate controlled Southern Belle!

Cruises
1 1/2 Hour Sight Seeing Cruise
10:00am;12;00pm;2:00pm;4:00pm
Adult - $12.00
Child - $5.25

1 1/2 Hour Lunch Cruise
12:00pm;2:00pm
Adult - $17.19
Child - $8.04

Papa John's Pizza Cruise
7:00pm
Adult - $19.00
Child - $10.00

Murder Mystery Dinner Shows

Meet the craziest cast of charaters that were ever involved in a murder mystery! Shows Thursday, Friday and Saturday
Different shows each night, see web site for details. All shows are rated for full family fun!
Adults $24.50(Fri,Sat) $19.50(Thur), Children $12

Special Offer: 10% off the admission price if you mention that you saw this ad on Chattanoogafun.com when making reservations.

U.S. Space & Rocket Center (Space Museum)

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL (1½ hours away) has one of the greatest collections of rockets and space memorabilia anywhere in the world. The journey through the museum will take you from the beginning of rocketry to today's shuttle system and beyond. Lots of hands on exibits. This is a really neat place Unfortunately due to 9/11 the Redstone Arsenal tour is no longer available. Andy and I got to see them building the Space Station on that tour.

	ADULT	CHILD (ages 3-12)
Museum	$14	$9.00
Spacedome IMAX	$8.00	$7.00
Discount Combo	$18.95	$12.95

General Comments:
Name:
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Comments received:

Keith -- White water rafting sounds good. Would like to do one that Paige and Mitchell can do. (10 & older) Tennesse Aquarium sounds fun. Wood carving could be fun also. An Adult night could be the Murder Mystery dinner show.

Dale -- I just called the NOC. The Ocoee is by far the closest river. It is 40 miles. The next closest is the Natahala (130), Chattooga(160) and the Pigeon(175). The Pigeon's drive is all interstate which helps but we've already been there. The Chattooga has several different runs with different levels of difficulty. That would allow the more daring to get a wilder ride while the younger ones can take the easier one. It would be a 3+ hour drive each way. The Chattooga River is on the northeast corner of Georgia where it is the state line between Georgia and South Carolina (not far from the point where Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina meet). I'll keep looking for something closer from another company but I doubt there is one.

Dale -- The Murder Mystery dinner show is suppose to be good for the entire family. I've talked to people that said they had a good time and the show was quite funny. Another place I've heard about is called "Sticky Fingers". It is suppose to be known for its barbeque ribs. I'm looking for a place where we can eat and then have our family meeting. It was nice having the meeting at the Casino (although the resturant was so-so). I'd like to stay away from using a hotel meeting room again (unless its a lot nicer than the first one we had). One other additional requirement for the meeting room is that we need some nearby activity for the kids where we can leave them unsupervised (maybe we should pay the older ones to entertain the younger ones while we meet).

Dale -- Drove up to Chattanooga and checked out hotels. I also ate at Sticky Fingers (Downtown/Jack's Alley) WOW! Most places have just ribs but they have 5 differnet flavors of ribs! Got the sampler platter (4 flavors) and loved it. Brought some home which Andy scarfed down. His favorite was the Carolina Sweet. I picked up some coupons for free wings or peach cobbler.

Kathie -- I would like to canoe down the grand canyon of Tennessee. I want to see the aquarium, the Houston Museum of Decorative Arts and maybe the Lost Sea. I also want a riverboat ride.

Linda -- I am very interested in the white water rafting. Because I don't like hot weather, I'll probably lean towards the indoor activities like the Aquarium, IMAX, swimming at the indoor pool, etc.

Chattanooga is a town along the Tennessee River, the place where one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War took place. The name "Chattanooga" comes from the Creek Indian word for "rock coming to a point"; this refers to Lookout Mountain which begins in Chattanooga and stretches 88 miles through Alabama and Georgia.