Dr. Grabow Pipes

ted · "Old Timer" Joined: 23 Jun 2008 Posts: 1171 Location: NC'

For those of you that live fairly close to Sparta, and even if you don't, Alleghany County is celebrating it's sesquicentennial through this year and 2009.

I just picked up a list of events and find that Grabow/IP&A are giving factory tours on July 7,8, ans 9. Some of you might want to drive up for a day if you can. If anyone is interested...www.ac150.com. There isn't much info there yet, but I think they will post the schedule that I have.

Sparta isn't "blessed" with many motel rooms (only the Alleghany Inn), but they are nice and clean. I have 3 extra bedrooms, a huge deck, and a spectacular view of Mt. Jefferson, Beech, and Sugar Mountains, Mount Rogers VA, and Roan Mt., TN. I also live about 10 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway, have a fish pond, and the New River is a mile away.

Joy and I would be delighted to "put up" any of you that want to come (up to 3 couples).

I'm certain IP&A will be selling stuff out of their showroom and maybe off the factory floor. It certainly would be an opportunity to talk with the "powers at be" with Grabow and see the operations. A nice leisurely drive on the Parkway is also in order.

If you are interested, let me know and I'll send the schedule and keep you posted. My offer of accomodations stands.....ted

ozark southpaw · Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 4:56 pm Post subject:

While I doubt seriously that I could that is something I would really love to do! Three days at the factory!! Maybe I could lose my visitors badge(if they issue them) and just kinda melt in and act like a "new" employee! Wife keeps telling me I need to go back to work!
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drbridges · Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 5:41 pm Post subject:

I'm going to be waist deep in Summer classes by then, but ... it is so tempting.

Terry292 · Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 7:49 pm Post subject:

Ted, according to MapQuest, it's 127.37 miles, 2 hrs, 44 mins, from my house to Sparta, NC. If nothing comes up, count me in for the tour on at least one day. I'll check into the hotel situation before the wife and I impose on you and your family. How far is Mt Airy from Sparta? We've stayed there before when we've been to the Hillsdale, VA, Antiques weekends.
Terry
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If I cannot smoke in Heaven, then I shall not go...Mark Twain

steverino · Posted: Thu May 07, 2009 2:41 am Post subject:

Ted, thanks for that info. I will definitely plan on being there one of the days. Do you have a feel for whether or not any particular day is better than another?

As an aside, I will be up at Mt Jefferson tomorrow for a meeting. Been driving a lot lately for work except for today, had to bring the younger boy home from App State for the summer.

ted · "Old Timer" Joined: 23 Jun 2008 Posts: 1171 Location: NC'

Terry and Steve. Haven't forgotten you. You were the two members that I was certain would want to come. Perhaps we can work it out to go together.

I'll send more information (including better directions Terry) in a day or two. My house is, Terry, directly between you and Sparta and is 90 minutes from exit 1 on I-81.

We've had rain for 11 days and my yard grows faster than I can keep up. Almost got caught up today.

More later....ted

Flycruiser · Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 1:58 pm Post subject:

Hmm.. Just over 6 hours for me. I might be visiting family in east TN that weekend, which would cut the 6 hours about in half. Would be nice, I'll have to look into this.

Terry292 · Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 6:43 pm Post subject:

Flycruiser, if your travels bring you anywhere near the Tri-Cities, PM me. Maybe we can get together for a smoke and a cup of coffee, well, at least a cup of coffee. Or, maybe we could sit on the terrace at Starbucks and do both?
Terry
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If I cannot smoke in Heaven, then I shall not go...Mark Twain

Flycruiser · Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 7:00 pm Post subject:

Terry, will do. I have an aunt and uncle Bristol and plan on visiting them sometime this year. Also if you're ever in the Nashville area let me know. I'm just a short drive away from Uptowns. You mean they wont shoot us for smoking near a Satrubucks??? You know, I was at a Waffle House the other day (accidentally of course) and it's just not the same since they banned smoking in those places....

LokoMac8