Accommodations
We have not designated an 'event hotel' for this year's Annual Gathering. There are no motels in the immediate vicinity of the PLS campus. In 2018 we utilized the Mainstay Inn in Phoenixville, PA. Most participants then enjoyed the Mainstay Inn for what it was -- a place to spend the night. Its advantages were its reasonable rates and its proximity to the numerous little shops, eateries, and pubs within easy walking distance in downtown Phoenixville. Its disadvantages were there was really nothing fancy about the motel plus several attendees complained about its use of a remote parking lot. Phoenixville is an easy 20 minute drive from PLS.
A number of out-of-town attendees at PLS events over the years have utilized the Hampton Inn near Limerick, PA. Advantages are it's a predictable franchise establishment a bit more upscale than the Mainstay Inn plus it's located an easy 15 minute drive from PLS. The disadvantages are its more expensive, and you'll need to drive elsewhere for meals.
Other motels exist in the region around PLS, but these are two which are commonly used.
If you prefer camping, there's a Montgomery County Park system campground about 20 minutes away called the Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park. There's no electricity or water hookups or dumping stations so it's probably best for tents and small popups. Over the Memorial Day holiday this campground will likely fill up so prompt advance reservations are strong recommended. Another alternative is to camp right on the PLS site. Over major weekend events one of the grass parking areas often has several large trailers, camper vans, and even a few tents set up within a very short walk of the tracks.
With regard to mid-day eating during the three days at PLS there's a pizzeria within short walking distance of PLS which is often used by the regulars for take-out lunch food. On Saturday and Sunday the PLS kitchen will likely be in operation so breakfast and lunch food can be obtained on site. Many of us will also bring either food from home or sandwiches, etc., obtained at a deli or convenience store on the morning's drive in. If you're not from the area, the convenience store chain Wawa does an excellent job -- much better than any other franchise convenience store. Depending upon where you are staying for the night you may wish to research the Wawa stores along your drive to PLS and plan to pick up food on your way in.
On the Memorial Day Monday at Rob Kuhlman's home railway, beverages and nibbles will be available in the morning, lunch will be served, and beverages and snacks during the afternoon.
A number of out-of-town attendees at PLS events over the years have utilized the Hampton Inn near Limerick, PA. Advantages are it's a predictable franchise establishment a bit more upscale than the Mainstay Inn plus it's located an easy 15 minute drive from PLS. The disadvantages are its more expensive, and you'll need to drive elsewhere for meals.
Other motels exist in the region around PLS, but these are two which are commonly used.
If you prefer camping, there's a Montgomery County Park system campground about 20 minutes away called the Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park. There's no electricity or water hookups or dumping stations so it's probably best for tents and small popups. Over the Memorial Day holiday this campground will likely fill up so prompt advance reservations are strong recommended. Another alternative is to camp right on the PLS site. Over major weekend events one of the grass parking areas often has several large trailers, camper vans, and even a few tents set up within a very short walk of the tracks.
With regard to mid-day eating during the three days at PLS there's a pizzeria within short walking distance of PLS which is often used by the regulars for take-out lunch food. On Saturday and Sunday the PLS kitchen will likely be in operation so breakfast and lunch food can be obtained on site. Many of us will also bring either food from home or sandwiches, etc., obtained at a deli or convenience store on the morning's drive in. If you're not from the area, the convenience store chain Wawa does an excellent job -- much better than any other franchise convenience store. Depending upon where you are staying for the night you may wish to research the Wawa stores along your drive to PLS and plan to pick up food on your way in.
On the Memorial Day Monday at Rob Kuhlman's home railway, beverages and nibbles will be available in the morning, lunch will be served, and beverages and snacks during the afternoon.