Seeking Hershey advice

[Tom Martinez 1]

After many years in the hobby I've decided to attend Hershey. I'd like general advice but my focus will be my new interest in Brass-era cars. Will I see many early cars for sale? What are the best days or places to see the early cars? I'm looking to buy a 30 HP+ touring car. Travel tips are welcome also. I'm coming from So Ca.

Thanks and Regards, Tom

[Shop Rat 6]

Tom, Welcome to the insane world of going to Fall Hershey.

This is just general advice for going there. Bring clothes for all kinds of weather. It can be snowing, raining (it usually does), hot as the hinges of you know where or pleasant. Be prepared for anything. With the weather on the internet it is not as much of a challenge to bring the right stuff.

Bring shoes or boots that are comfortable for walking for hours. Most of the flea market is now paved.

But the thing you want to bring is <span style="font-weight: bold">lots</span> of socks so that you can change them at least once during the day. Wet socks, no matter how good they are, will give you blisters and then you will be miserable. And the "loft" packs down and you have very little cushion to walk on. Cool dry socks are wonderful and your feet will thank you.

Hope you have a great time and find lots of brass era stuff.

[Steve Moskowitz 2,559]

Tom, there is a separate brass era vending area that usually has several brass cars for sale and lots of brass items. Don't expect to find a overwhelming amount of cars for sale. The car corral may have some but we have no idea what will show up and there are a few at RM's auction on Friday night (see there website for listing). You never know what will show up and remember, you are only looking for one car and that ONE car may be there! Good luck.

[charlier 324]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Shop Rat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Tom, Welcome to the insane world of going to Fall Hershey.

This is just general advice for going there. Bring clothes for all kinds of weather. It can be snowing, raining (it usually does), hot as the hinges of you know where or pleasant. Be prepared for anything. With the weather on the internet it is not as much of a challenge to bring the right stuff.

Bring shoes or boots that are comfortable for walking for hours. Most of the flea market is now paved.

But the thing you want to bring is <span style="font-weight: bold">lots</span> of socks so that you can change them at least once during the day. Wet socks, no matter how good they are, will give you blisters and then you will be miserable. And the "loft" packs down and you have very little cushion to walk on. Cool dry socks are wonderful and your feet will thank you.

Hope you have a great time and find lots of brass era stuff. </div></div>

Just a few more thoughts to add to Susan's.

I have found that waterproof boots (not the kind that make your feet sweat) along with Dr. Schols gel pads are the ticket for me.

When it rains at Hershey the blacktop lots can become rivers of water when they drain. Regardless of the forecast I just ware the boots.

Sunscreen, sunglasses, a good hat, and a rain poncho are good to bring along also.

I have found that a good backpack is essential. It helps to carry some of the essentials (especially those extra pairs of dry socks)

and is great for carrying small sized, flea market purchases.

A backpack also keeps your hands free to really examine those flea market items with both hands.

Two other keys to a great Hershey experience is to pace yourself and stay hydrated.

Most of all, just have FUN.

[Shop Rat 6]

And to add to charier's list, make sure you start each day with plenty of quarters in your pocket.

Reason, at Hershey there are full-time attendants that take care of the porta-potties. They keep them clean, stocked and provide hand wipes and/or alcohol gel. They keep the lines moving in an orderly fashion. Most of them are there all day without any real breaks. So tipping them a quarter or two per visit is a nice way to say thank you.

[bossmustang 1]

Tom,

I always wear thick-soled shoes and two pairs of socks. They really help cushion the pavement.

It also helps to have everything in agreement. My 65 year-old brain says that we're going to look at every Mustang part in the flea market but my 65 year-old body says, "Ain't gonna' happen."

Guess which one always wins?

Have a good time. Hershey is a real experience.

Jim

[South_paw 2]

Don't believe the hype about Hershey and the rain. When it rains most vendors cover there parts with tarps and close up shop. I was disappointed to learn this fact last year. Like you, I asked questions about Hershey and folks said bring rain gear and water proof this and that. So on one of the days we were there it was raining, we put on our rain gear and were looking forward to experiencing a day in the rain. What a waste! If it is raining don't bother with the swap meet because most of the vendors wont bother either.

PS, maybe the folks at Hershey could tell vendors to use clear tarps, this way the brave souls that choose to walk in the rain could at least view parts through the plastic

[1940_Buick 6]

There are always brass cars for sale at Hershey. But finding them can sometimes be a challenge. There may be one or two in the car corral, but the majority are usually scattered throughout the flea market. However, there is a clump of brass car activity over towards the stadium.

The best days are probably Wednesday and Saturday. Wednesday for the bargans that others haven't found yet, and Saturday for the "motivated" sellers who haven't sold their car yet. But, you'll need all 4 days to try and cover the whole flea market and car corral.

Susan's and Charlie's advice on good shoes, plenty of socks and a small backpack are the most important advice! You will be walking miles of flea market. You may want to add a small collapsable umbrella to your backpack.

[1940_Buick 6]

Travel Tips:

- nearby hotels will be full. However if you don't mind commuting an hour or so each way, there are plenty available.

- nearest airport is Harrisburg, PA (MDT). Less than 30 minutes away.

- second nearest airport is likely Allentown, PA (ABE). 90 minutes away.

[huptoy 67]

Just a HOT TIP. There will be a 6 cylinder 1913 right-hand drive Stevens Duryea touring car auctioned at the Hershey Lodge parking lot Friday evening. The photo was taken on a 70 plus mile tour in July 2007. The car runs very well and and keeps up with cars 30 to 40 years newer.

[Tom Martinez 1]

Thanks to everyone for the thoughtfull replies. I can see I better get with it PDQ and find a room. Regardless of how many early cars I see, it looks like I'll have plenty to see and do.....heck, changing my socks so often will take up some time.

-Tom

[Durant Mike 40]

Tom

Lots of luck on the hotel unless you want to mortgage your home. Look down toward Lancaster or York, maybe Gettysburg and you might find one at a better price, not cheap but much better than around Hershey. 30 minute plus drive though. I'm staying in Lancaster. Could not see paying $165 plus a night to stay. It's getting to be a rich man's show for sure.

[ex98thdrill 108]

York, PA is about an hour out, but I've heard several people talk about it being more affordable.

Bring CASH. You'll never have too much of it at Hershey.

[kingsting 0]

Due to the new casino opening at Penn National, there are some new hotels in the Grantville area that many of the car show folks don't know about yet. They may have rooms available the week of the show. I'm not sure about rates but it may be worth checking into. Grantville is about 15 minutes from Hershey at the other end of 743.

[ex98thdrill 108]

Isn't Grantville on the north end of Fort Indiantown Gap??

[UVT_Mike 0]

Grantville is west of the Gap. There is a new Country Inn & Suites being built at the intersection of 22 and 743. Looks as though it could be open in time for the show.

[kingsting 0]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: UVT_Mike</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Grantville is west of the Gap. There is a new Country Inn & Suites being built at the intersection of 22 and 743. Looks as though it could be open in time for the show. </div></div>

This it the one I was thinking about when I posted. I saw it last Thursday and it looks pretty close to opening the doors.

[ex98thdrill 108]

We stay at the Gap.

[1940_Buick 6]

Tom, I sent you a private message about a brass car that will be for sale.

[Marty Roth 2,755]

Please contact me about the Stevens-Duryea

Marty (504) 452 - 1955 or e-mail martydaleroth@aol.com

[Guest imported_Bookreader]

Allow some time to visit the AACA Library and Research Center. It is full of all the information the hobbyist needs. It is open in the day, Monday to Friday and Tuesday and Thursday evening. It is also open even if it rains. Don't miss this spot and it gives you an opportunity to also see AACA Headquarters.

Then there is the fabulous AACA Museum. There is a bus shuttle from the flea market that can take you there.

Lots to do, lots to see; but oh the experience!!!!

[Shop Rat 6]

Bookreader, Isn't it also true that the AACA Museum admission is free to current AACA members as a part of their membership?

And that there is a limited amount of research that is free at the Library and Research Center?

[John_Marsh 0]

YES, Starting in 2008 admission to the AACA Museum is free to current AACA members. Check that your membership is current, renew if you have to, visit the museum time allowing. While you are packing extra socks, make sure your membership card is with you. Having it available will speed your visit to the museum.

Now showing FINS! The rise and fall of the tail fin. End Oct 12.

Harley Earl General Motors Turbine Cars, three cars from the GM Heritage Collection will also be on display.

Before you leave for home with all your new old parts, visit the

AACA Museum gift shop.

[jscheib 296]

John,

You should suggest they viisit the museum before the swap meet fields, as there might not be money left after buying the parts.

[John_Marsh 0]

Thank you

I believe you just did, visit us right after Carlisle.

[Shop Rat 6]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: John_Marsh</div><div class="ubbcode-body">YES, Starting in 2008 admission to the AACA Museum is free to current AACA members. Check that your membership is current, renew if you have to, visit the museum time allowing.</div></div>

Thanks, I was pretty sure that is what I had been told.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> While you are packing extra socks, make sure your membership card is with you.</div></div>

I know you think I am kidding about how great the extra socks are , but you just wait if you forget yours.