Alpine Valley

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Comments

  • GodOfPearlJamGodOfPearlJam Gurnee, IL Posts: 48
    ive never done alpine valley before. whats the set up like there? good sound? is it a camping show like the gorge or are we hotel partying or are most people camping and some getting hotels?

    Alpine is the best place that I have ever seen a concert at. The sound is really good for an outdoor venue. The hill is steep enough to allow visibility even from higher up but not steep enough to fall (unless you are just that smashed). Tailgating is fantastic, and be prepared to tailgate afterwards because it takes a LONG time to get out of the grassy fields that serve as the parking lots.

    Maybe it has a special place in my heart since my first ever concert was when I was 17 on a cold Columbus Day weekend, but I am fairly certain that there are others that would agree with me about the finer points of this ampitheater.
  • WildsWilds Posts: 4,329
    ive never done alpine valley before. whats the set up like there? good sound? is it a camping show like the gorge or are we hotel partying or are most people camping and some getting hotels?

    Alpine is the best place that I have ever seen a concert at. The sound is really good for an outdoor venue. The hill is steep enough to allow visibility even from higher up but not steep enough to fall (unless you are just that smashed). Tailgating is fantastic, and be prepared to tailgate afterwards because it takes a LONG time to get out of the grassy fields that serve as the parking lots.

    Maybe it has a special place in my heart since my first ever concert was when I was 17 on a cold Columbus Day weekend, but I am fairly certain that there are others that would agree with me about the finer points of this ampitheater.

    Who'd ya see? (at age 17)
  • PRLJM1PRLJM1 Posts: 584
    Wilds wrote:
    ive never done alpine valley before. whats the set up like there? good sound? is it a camping show like the gorge or are we hotel partying or are most people camping and some getting hotels?

    Alpine is the best place that I have ever seen a concert at. The sound is really good for an outdoor venue. The hill is steep enough to allow visibility even from higher up but not steep enough to fall (unless you are just that smashed). Tailgating is fantastic, and be prepared to tailgate afterwards because it takes a LONG time to get out of the grassy fields that serve as the parking lots.

    Maybe it has a special place in my heart since my first ever concert was when I was 17 on a cold Columbus Day weekend, but I am fairly certain that there are others that would agree with me about the finer points of this ampitheater.

    Who'd ya see? (at age 17)

    My guess would be PJ on 10/8/00, otherwise known as "The Icebowl"
    Summerfest '95,Alpine '98,Ice Bowl(Alpine'00),Alpine'03,Chicago'06,Summerfest(x2)'06,Riverside Theater '08(EV),ChicagoII '09, PJ20-Alpine Valley 9/3/11, 9/4/11, Wrigley 7/19/13, Voodoo Fest '13 (New Orleans), Milwaukee '14, Wrigley 1,2 '16
  • cutzcutz Posts: 12,100
    Steps wrote:
    FYI the country inn and suites has a $200 NON Refundable deposit.

    Thats why i didn't book there. $200 is too much for me to take a chance. I wish the resort had that same policy.
  • GodOfPearlJamGodOfPearlJam Gurnee, IL Posts: 48
    Alpine is the best place that I have ever seen a concert at. The sound is really good for an outdoor venue. The hill is steep enough to allow visibility even from higher up but not steep enough to fall (unless you are just that smashed). Tailgating is fantastic, and be prepared to tailgate afterwards because it takes a LONG time to get out of the grassy fields that serve as the parking lots.

    Maybe it has a special place in my heart since my first ever concert was when I was 17 on a cold Columbus Day weekend, but I am fairly certain that there are others that would agree with me about the finer points of this ampitheater.[/quote]

    Who'd ya see? (at age 17)[/quote]

    My guess would be PJ on 10/8/00, otherwise known as "The Icebowl"[/quote]

    Indeed. Then the next night I went to the Allstate Arena in Rosemont for two of the best nights of my life. Allstate is a better sounding venue than the United Center, but it just doesn't hold as many people. Great ending as Baba O'Riley came on and the lights went up!
  • theJawastheJawas Posts: 395
    Not to be Debbie Downer, but as someone in the area who has been to many shows there, the parking is an f'in nightmare. When you come in they have attendants waving you on, but when you leave it's every man for himself, trying to pull out of a huge grass lot with no designated passages. It's not unheard of to take three hours to leave, and as someone who doesn't drink at these things, that can be pretty miserably. I've also heard of people being parked in, too. Just something you all should know...
  • Sprunkn7Sprunkn7 Posts: 5,286
    Do what we do. Pack an after show sandwich and Snapple, break out the chairs and sit back. We're usually starving and in no hurry to be stuck in traffic. We pretty much have it down to a science.
    Thank you fellow 10 clubber for saving my ass....again!!!
  • Leezestarr313Leezestarr313 Temple of the cat Posts: 14,423
    In my experience, the whole parking lot and leaving situation is the same at any bigger festival. Some things are just as they are ... I even remember going to a festival where we had to wait in our cars like 3 hours to get in, but since everyone had the same problem, everyone was fine with it. You cannot press an elephant through the eye of a needle ;)
  • theJawastheJawas Posts: 395
    I probably wouldn't mind having a sub afterward, or grilling again if that was taking place. The fact I only live 20 miles away maybe makes it more frustrating, since the actual drive is so short. Oh well; it's for Pearl Jam.
  • GodOfPearlJamGodOfPearlJam Gurnee, IL Posts: 48
    KK15313 wrote:
    I probably wouldn't mind having a sub afterward, or grilling again if that was taking place. The fact I only live 20 miles away maybe makes it more frustrating, since the actual drive is so short. Oh well; it's for Pearl Jam.

    I will be staying fairly close as well. Along with it taking a VERY long time to get out of the "parking lot" they will not let you head south. The roads are all blocked off because residents in the area do not want all that traffic driving by. Understandable, but I don't have a use for getting on the inertstate (I think it is I43). I jst want to head south towards Lake Geneva!

    It is all good as it is in the name of Pearl Jam. I haven't had to deal with it since 2003, so once (or twice hopefully) within an eight year time period is not that bad!
  • The FixerThe Fixer Posts: 12,837
    Been checking the area out online and I am concerned.

    No public transit (combined with the locals describing traffic)
    No hotels in the area
    Limited number of bars/restaurants

    Not good times

    Please let this be in chicago. Or even milwaukee
  • pureocpureoc Posts: 2,383
    The Fixer wrote:
    Been checking the area out online and I am concerned.

    No public transit (combined with the locals describing traffic)
    No hotels in the area
    Limited number of bars/restaurants

    Not good times

    Please let this be in chicago. Or even milwaukee


    If you have been that's one thing, if you haven't at least give it a shot. I could be wrong but I think most people that go to alpine like it. There's a reason so many bands like playing there and so many people go to see those bands there.
    Alpine Valley 6/26/98, Alpine Valley 10/8/00, Champaign 4/23/03, Chicago 6/18/03, Alpine Valley 6/21/03, Grand Rapids 10/3/04
    Chicago 5/16/06, Chicago 5/17/06, Grand Rapids 5/19/06
    Milwaukee 6/29/06, Milwaukee 6/30/06, Lollapalooza 8/5/07
    Eddie Solo Milwaukee 8/19/08, Toronto 8/21/09, Chicago 8/23/09
    Chicago 8/24/09, Indianapolis 5/7/10, Ed Chicago 6/29/11, Alpine Valley 9/3/11 and 9/4/11, Wrigley 7/19/13, Moline 10/18/14, Milwaukee 10/20/14
  • Sprunkn7Sprunkn7 Posts: 5,286
    It is what it is and I'll deal with where it is when I know more. It's exhausting me....this guessing game.
    Thank you fellow 10 clubber for saving my ass....again!!!
  • chaslilchaslil Westminster CO Posts: 312
    KK15313 wrote:
    I probably wouldn't mind having a sub afterward, or grilling again if that was taking place. The fact I only live 20 miles away maybe makes it more frustrating, since the actual drive is so short. Oh well; it's for Pearl Jam.

    I will be staying fairly close as well. Along with it taking a VERY long time to get out of the "parking lot" they will not let you head south. The roads are all blocked off because residents in the area do not want all that traffic driving by. Understandable, but I don't have a use for getting on the inertstate (I think it is I43). I jst want to head south towards Lake Geneva!

    It is all good as it is in the name of Pearl Jam. I haven't had to deal with it since 2003, so once (or twice hopefully) within an eight year time period is not that bad!

    Just to be clear, I-43 will be accessible both directions right? My motel reservation is in Delavan, which is south of Alpine Valley, along I-43.
    Charles
    "The Who is my life. Pearl Jam is my retirement"
  • PRLJM1PRLJM1 Posts: 584
    chaslil wrote:
    KK15313 wrote:
    I probably wouldn't mind having a sub afterward, or grilling again if that was taking place. The fact I only live 20 miles away maybe makes it more frustrating, since the actual drive is so short. Oh well; it's for Pearl Jam.

    I will be staying fairly close as well. Along with it taking a VERY long time to get out of the "parking lot" they will not let you head south. The roads are all blocked off because residents in the area do not want all that traffic driving by. Understandable, but I don't have a use for getting on the inertstate (I think it is I43). I jst want to head south towards Lake Geneva!

    It is all good as it is in the name of Pearl Jam. I haven't had to deal with it since 2003, so once (or twice hopefully) within an eight year time period is not that bad!

    Just to be clear, I-43 will be accessible both directions right? My motel reservation is in Delavan, which is south of Alpine Valley, along I-43.

    Not sure, but the next exit north is only a couple minutes and you can flip back around to the southbound side there at Hwy 120
    Summerfest '95,Alpine '98,Ice Bowl(Alpine'00),Alpine'03,Chicago'06,Summerfest(x2)'06,Riverside Theater '08(EV),ChicagoII '09, PJ20-Alpine Valley 9/3/11, 9/4/11, Wrigley 7/19/13, Voodoo Fest '13 (New Orleans), Milwaukee '14, Wrigley 1,2 '16
  • Indifference71Indifference71 Chicago Posts: 14,897
    pureoc wrote:
    The Fixer wrote:
    Been checking the area out online and I am concerned.

    No public transit (combined with the locals describing traffic)
    No hotels in the area
    Limited number of bars/restaurants

    Not good times

    Please let this be in chicago. Or even milwaukee


    If you have been that's one thing, if you haven't at least give it a shot. I could be wrong but I think most people that go to alpine like it. There's a reason so many bands like playing there and so many people go to see those bands there.



    The actual shows there are great. It's just getting out of there that is a complete mess.
  • The FixerThe Fixer Posts: 12,837
    pureoc wrote:
    The Fixer wrote:
    Been checking the area out online and I am concerned.

    No public transit (combined with the locals describing traffic)
    No hotels in the area
    Limited number of bars/restaurants

    Not good times

    Please let this be in chicago. Or even milwaukee


    If you have been that's one thing, if you haven't at least give it a shot. I could be wrong but I think most people that go to alpine like it. There's a reason so many bands like playing there and so many people go to see those bands there.

    I am 90% sure I'm going regardless of where this is. I have traveled many times to see PJ and part of my enjoyment of the PJ trip experience is exploring the city where they are playing. Doesn't seem like there is anything to do near Alpine Valley. Or anywhere to stay. I like to smoke/drink before and after concerts and that is going to be difficult if I have to worry about driving after the show.

    I have never been there, so I admit that I could be wrong.

    For the locals...if you were coming in for this show, what would you recommend as far as where to stay (pretty sure the Alpine Valley Resort is sold out, so that's not an option)? how to get to/from venue?
  • PRLJM1PRLJM1 Posts: 584
    The Fixer wrote:
    pureoc wrote:
    The Fixer wrote:
    Been checking the area out online and I am concerned.

    No public transit (combined with the locals describing traffic)
    No hotels in the area
    Limited number of bars/restaurants

    Not good times

    Please let this be in chicago. Or even milwaukee


    If you have been that's one thing, if you haven't at least give it a shot. I could be wrong but I think most people that go to alpine like it. There's a reason so many bands like playing there and so many people go to see those bands there.

    I am 90% sure I'm going regardless of where this is. I have traveled many times to see PJ and part of my enjoyment of the PJ trip experience is exploring the city where they are playing. Doesn't seem like there is anything to do near Alpine Valley. Or anywhere to stay. I like to smoke/drink before and after concerts and that is going to be difficult if I have to worry about driving after the show.

    I have never been there, so I admit that I could be wrong.

    For the locals...if you were coming in for this show, what would you recommend as far as where to stay (pretty sure the Alpine Valley Resort is sold out, so that's not an option)? how to get to/from venue?

    I say stay along the I-43 area. This will minimize the side road traffic. I've never stayed at any of the hotels along there, but a quick search on hotels.com or such should give a few options. I work in New Berlin and there is a La Quinta and a Holiday Inn Express right off the freeway at Moorland Rd/I43. I did see hotels in Waukesha listed at about the same distance, but it would be a lot of side road traffic(slower speeds) to get to Alpine.
    Summerfest '95,Alpine '98,Ice Bowl(Alpine'00),Alpine'03,Chicago'06,Summerfest(x2)'06,Riverside Theater '08(EV),ChicagoII '09, PJ20-Alpine Valley 9/3/11, 9/4/11, Wrigley 7/19/13, Voodoo Fest '13 (New Orleans), Milwaukee '14, Wrigley 1,2 '16
  • KK15313 wrote:
    I probably wouldn't mind having a sub afterward, or grilling again if that was taking place. The fact I only live 20 miles away maybe makes it more frustrating, since the actual drive is so short. Oh well; it's for Pearl Jam.

    So if we can't find hotel rooms close by, can we stay at your place? ;)
  • HinnHinn Posts: 1,517
    Only in America can people embrace a festival venue place that's so hard to get to, with bugger all for camping and seemingly so few amenities, and with nil public transport options. 8-)

    For the guy who thinks PJ hates doing GA shows, time to climb out from under the 2001-2005 rock.
    115 bucks for half a haircut by a novice? I want my money back!
  • KK15313 wrote:
    I probably wouldn't mind having a sub afterward, or grilling again if that was taking place. The fact I only live 20 miles away maybe makes it more frustrating, since the actual drive is so short. Oh well; it's for Pearl Jam.

    I will be staying fairly close as well. Along with it taking a VERY long time to get out of the "parking lot" they will not let you head south. The roads are all blocked off because residents in the area do not want all that traffic driving by. Understandable, but I don't have a use for getting on the inertstate (I think it is I43). I jst want to head south towards Lake Geneva!

    It is all good as it is in the name of Pearl Jam. I haven't had to deal with it since 2003, so once (or twice hopefully) within an eight year time period is not that bad!

    Best thing to do after the show is fire up a grill and watch all the cars try to scramble out (sit in line). Don't be in a rush to leave, usually takes about 2 hours. We stayed at Lake Geneva last year and took I43 to I12. Its about 20 mins of drive time.
  • EmBleveEmBleve Posts: 3,019
    Payson wrote:
    The Fixer wrote:
    I say stay along the I-43 area. This will minimize the side road traffic. I've never stayed at any of the hotels along there, but a quick search on hotels.com or such should give a few options. I work in New Berlin and there is a La Quinta and a Holiday Inn Express right off the freeway at Moorland Rd/I43. I did see hotels in Waukesha listed at about the same distance, but it would be a lot of side road traffic(slower speeds) to get to Alpine.
    what about mukwonago?? You know anything about that? Thanks. :)
  • The FixerThe Fixer Posts: 12,837
    KK15313 wrote:
    I probably wouldn't mind having a sub afterward, or grilling again if that was taking place. The fact I only live 20 miles away maybe makes it more frustrating, since the actual drive is so short. Oh well; it's for Pearl Jam.

    I will be staying fairly close as well. Along with it taking a VERY long time to get out of the "parking lot" they will not let you head south. The roads are all blocked off because residents in the area do not want all that traffic driving by. Understandable, but I don't have a use for getting on the inertstate (I think it is I43). I jst want to head south towards Lake Geneva!

    It is all good as it is in the name of Pearl Jam. I haven't had to deal with it since 2003, so once (or twice hopefully) within an eight year time period is not that bad!

    Best thing to do after the show is fire up a grill and watch all the cars try to scramble out (sit in line). Don't be in a rush to leave, usually takes about 2 hours. We stayed at Lake Geneva last year and took I43 to I12. Its about 20 mins of drive time.

    I wonder if I can rent a car that comes with a grill.

    This thread is reinforcing my apprehensions about this site. damnit
  • BoltOfLightnin'BoltOfLightnin' South Jersey/Florida Posts: 719
    Sawyer wrote:
    Renting an RV for Alpine is the smartest thing to do......for bathroom use alone

    Can you park an RV at/near the venue?! I've been looking for RV camping sites in the area and the prospects don't look good...I mean, we'd have to drive from most of the site to the venue, which defeats the purpose! I want to park and party!
    No time to be void or save up on life...you've got to spend it all.
  • usamamasan1usamamasan1 Posts: 4,695
    ^ good question. I think a campground nearby may have a bus or something for to and fro the site...
  • PRLJM1PRLJM1 Posts: 584
    EmBleve wrote:
    Payson wrote:
    The Fixer wrote:
    I say stay along the I-43 area. This will minimize the side road traffic. I've never stayed at any of the hotels along there, but a quick search on hotels.com or such should give a few options. I work in New Berlin and there is a La Quinta and a Holiday Inn Express right off the freeway at Moorland Rd/I43. I did see hotels in Waukesha listed at about the same distance, but it would be a lot of side road traffic(slower speeds) to get to Alpine.
    what about mukwonago?? You know anything about that? Thanks. :)

    Mukwonago is a nice area and easy access to I-43. I've never stayed in any of the hotels there, not even sure where they are to be honest.
    Summerfest '95,Alpine '98,Ice Bowl(Alpine'00),Alpine'03,Chicago'06,Summerfest(x2)'06,Riverside Theater '08(EV),ChicagoII '09, PJ20-Alpine Valley 9/3/11, 9/4/11, Wrigley 7/19/13, Voodoo Fest '13 (New Orleans), Milwaukee '14, Wrigley 1,2 '16
  • Ince.esInce.es BCN - Spain Posts: 320
    I was thinking about being in Chicago for a few days. My girlfriend is travelling with me, but she is not going to the festival and I do not want her to stay in the middle of nowhere so, is it possible to stay in Chicago and going to Alpine Valley every day of the festival? Should I rent a car or is there any public transportation like buses, trains,...

    Do you think that is too far from Chicago? Should I look other places to stay? Milwaukee?
    Hey Foxymophandlemama, That's Me -> Stupid Mop -> Estúpida Fregona -> www.estupidafregona.net
  • DEReam13DEReam13 Posts: 74
    Ince.es wrote:
    I was thinking about being in Chicago for a few days. My girlfriend is travelling with me, but she is not going to the festival and I do not want her to stay in the middle of nowhere so, is it possible to stay in Chicago and going to Alpine Valley every day of the festival? Should I rent a car or is there any public transportation like buses, trains,...

    Do you think that is too far from Chicago? Should I look other places to stay? Milwaukee?

    There is no public transporation from Chicago to Alpine Valley. You will have to rent a car or car-pool with someone that is going. You will have the same issue from Milwaukee.

    People from all around the Chicagoland area make the trip up the Alpine for various concerts every year. Most think of it as a Chicago-area venue even if it is probably a two hour-ish trip there. The real issue is the after the concert since like it does take a while to get out of the parking lot and after a long day, it is a tired drive back. It can be done everyday and many will do exactly that.
    Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see
  • EmBleveEmBleve Posts: 3,019
    Payson wrote:
    EmBleve wrote:
    what about mukwonago?? You know anything about that? Thanks. :)

    Mukwonago is a nice area and easy access to I-43. I've never stayed in any of the hotels there, not even sure where they are to be honest.
    That's where I have a room reserved. The site said it's 14 miles away but I was just wondering if it was decent. Thank you! :)
  • Ince.esInce.es BCN - Spain Posts: 320
    DEReam13 wrote:
    There is no public transporation from Chicago to Alpine Valley. You will have to rent a car or car-pool with someone that is going. You will have the same issue from Milwaukee.

    People from all around the Chicagoland area make the trip up the Alpine for various concerts every year. Most think of it as a Chicago-area venue even if it is probably a two hour-ish trip there. The real issue is the after the concert since like it does take a while to get out of the parking lot and after a long day, it is a tired drive back. It can be done everyday and many will do exactly that.
    Thanks!
    I have checked google maps and from Chicago is almost 2 hours trip, and 45 minutes trip from Milwaukee. Maybe is easier from Milwaukee, right? Although I also want to spend few days in Chicago.

    PS: during those days has any kind of sport league (NBA, NFL, MLB,...) started?
    Hey Foxymophandlemama, That's Me -> Stupid Mop -> Estúpida Fregona -> www.estupidafregona.net
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