Well, we're coming on out for a week (Keystone: hotels, buying) - City-Data Forum

blackhillsdreams · 04-23-2008, 10:25 PM

I have been fighting the urge to spend the money but I've gone ahead and booked a flight and hotel for the week of June 28th through July 5th. My wife has never been anywhere but Florida (She's from Colombia) and as my screen name indicates, I dream of the black hills just about every day. I figured the best time to show her Mt. Rushmore would be for the 4th of July celebration.

Does anyone know why the actual fireworks will be on the 3rd rather than the 4th? Seems odd to me, especially since it's a Thursday.

Anyway, I'm super excited and nervous about spending the money but I'm committed to it now (the airfare is non-refundable). It wasn't too terrible. Both of us round trip from Orlando was just under $1213 but could have easily gone as high as $2800 or so. I've got a room booked at the Holiday Inn Express in Keystone for the week but I'm considering canceling a couple of those days and staying in Rapid because the rates are so high. I'll work that out over the weekend I guess.

After all the times I've been out, I've never hiked Harney Peak and I intend to do it this time with my wife! We just passed our first anniversary and although this trip would have been less stressful if the economy weren't plummetting, I can't resist.

See you all soon!

Adam and Yesenia Weaver

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn223/aweaver55/South%20Dakota/IMG_0273.jpg (broken link)

DannyBanany · 04-23-2008, 10:59 PM

Oh boy! It's great to hear that you're so determined to come here! I hope you and your wife have a great time and enjoy the view from Harney Peak! Remember to be patient with her- coming from Florida, altitude sickness might be a factor! You sure are a great looking couple!

If you need any advice on hotels or restaurants don't hesitate!

blackhillsdreams · 04-24-2008, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DannyBanany

Oh boy! It's great to hear that you're so determined to come here! I hope you and your wife have a great time and enjoy the view from Harney Peak! Remember to be patient with her- coming from Florida, altitude sickness might be a factor! You sure are a great looking couple!

If you need any advice on hotels or restaurants don't hesitate!

Thanks DannyB! You're right, She's from the flat lands of Colombia and hasn't been up on a hike like that before. We are both dieting and exercising like crazy right now so we should be good.

I've been out roughly 10 or 12 times over the years but haven't been there since July 03. I usually stay at the HI Express in Keystone sort of as a connection to my past trips and it's really nice but pretty pricey because of the location. I've stayed at lots of other places too though. Last time out, I want to say I stayed one night at "Americas Best Value" or the "AmericanInn", something like that sort of close to Rushmore mall and the interstate. That was really nice and inexpensive. I think I'm leaning twords that for part of the trip to cut costs. I wish I knew for sure excatly which one it was.

Does anyone have any photos of any of the local hotels from the streets in that area? I'll be sure to take some this time out and post them when I get back.

DannyBanany · 04-24-2008, 07:19 AM

I think you mean the AmericInn on LaCrosse Street. There are tons of hotels off that exit. Hampton Inn, Quality Inn, Comfort Inn, Days Inn, Motel 6, Super 8, Econo Lodge, Country Inn and Suites, Holiday Inn Express, and several others!

Jammie · 04-24-2008, 09:41 AM

What a beautiful couple you are and Congratulations on your Anniversary!!!

I really have no idea why the fireworks is on July 3rd instead of the 4th, but it seems like it's been that way most of the time. Maybe it lingers till midnight and they ring in the 4th of July?

One of the things that you may find interesting is that you can chose some of the less expensive motels and generally have a nice, clean room. We've learned that's not the case in some areas of the country. As an example, the Ramada Inn at Sx. Falls is a very nice motel. We stayed at one in Fla. and it was absolutely filthy. The security gates stood open all night, etc. It was just a pit. Up here you can stay at a Motel 6 or Super 8 and your feet won't turn black from walking on the carpet.

BusySocialWorker · 04-24-2008, 09:48 AM

I believe they typically do the fireworks on the 3rd so people can be out later and not have to get up for work on the 4th - because the 4th is a friday, maybe they will do them this year on the 4th... Im sure we will not know for sure until much closer! Mr. Rushmore does AWESOME displays as well!

blackhillsdreams · 04-24-2008, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jammie

What a beautiful couple you are and Congratulations on your Anniversary!!!

I really have no idea why the fireworks is on July 3rd instead of the 4th, but it seems like it's been that way most of the time. Maybe it lingers till midnight and they ring in the 4th of July?

One of the things that you may find interesting is that you can chose some of the less expensive motels and generally have a nice, clean room. We've learned that's not the case in some areas of the country. As an example, the Ramada Inn at Sx. Falls is a very nice motel. We stayed at one in Fla. and it was absolutely filthy. The security gates stood open all night, etc. It was just a pit. Up here you can stay at a Motel 6 or Super 8 and your feet won't turn black from walking on the carpet.

Thank you so much to all. Yes, I think Danny is right, it might be the AmericInn on Lacrosse. I might have saved a business card somewhere so I'll check that out. I was SUPER Stressed last night about spending the money but I feel much better about it today. I'm so excited I can't wait to get there.

ElkHunter · 04-24-2008, 12:47 PM

That is so dreamy. You can't imagine what we feel like. You go kid!!!! Give it all the gusto you can. There's good pictures, send more!!!!!!!!!

You can't hide in the Black Hills. Do it proud.

ElkHunter · 04-24-2008, 12:49 PM

Should have been a pair of bib's. Maybe a pocket t shirt. hahahaaha

debey · 04-24-2008, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElkHunter

Should have been a pair of bib's. Maybe a pocket t shirt. hahahaaha

*lmao*
too funny!
don't take EH serious, on the bibs...U got 'em, bring 'em....but don't go buying something U may never wear!
I'm sure you will have a great time!