Gulfport Cruise in March ?

Greeting area Fchatters. Im posting this in the LA group because most Ferrari owners in the area monitor this forum. There is a very nice Italian restaurant on the beach in Gulfport called Salute. (www. Saluteitalian.com) It’s one of the better places to eat (could be considered fine dinning) with a fantastic view of the Gulf. I was thinking about contacting them about having a group of Ferrari owners come over with their cars for a meal on a weekend. I would think they would relish in the opportunity of having the cars in front of their business. Plus it would be an awsome photo op with the Gulf of Mexico in the background. We could do a little cruising in the area afterward. Perhaps visit one of the casinos too. It would be a one day deal without a fixed schedule and no formal orginization to speak of. Just a chance to have a short drive and a fun day with other Ferrari owners. I’m thinking of sometime in mid March? Perhaps a Sunday? Daylight savings time begins on March 8th so anytime after that, it wouldn't be getting dark till almost 9pm. So the drive home would be with daylight. The Offshore boat races (Smoking the Sound) starts the 26th so that weekend will be a busy one in the area so I'd avoid that. The boats and crowds show up 3-5 days earlier. How many in the area would be interested in coming over and what dates work for most? Joe

 

I just sent them an email and asked about Sunday March 15th or 22nd for possible dates. Once I establish contact with someone I'll drop by one day next week to talk. Joe

 

+1

 

OK guys, I just got off the phone with one of the owners of Salute. Check out their web site at www.saluteitalian.com

They are 100% behind doing this and we can count on local media coverage. They do a Sunday Brunch from 11am-2pm. They then close until the dinner menu is served at 5pm.

I would suggest we coordinate meeting somewhere in the area of I-10 and US 49 around 10-10:30ish then all drive down to the restaurant for the 11am brunch. Its about a 10 minute drive from the rally point. The only question is "what date”?

I threw out both Sundays March 15th and 22nd and they are OK with either date. We just need to give them some notice. I suggest we plan on March 15th for the cruise in and have the 22nd for a weather backup? After brunch we can cruise down the beach or do whatever? US Hwy 90 has just had a complete overhaul, fresh asphalt, bright painted lines, smooth as glass and runs next to a sandy white beach for 26 miles. Great photo ops! I’ll be glad to contact one of the casinos and see if they would allow us to park in a high visibility location in front if the mass wants to try their luck? Any thoughts or suggestions?

I also would like to get some commitments from those who are sure they will come down? I want to keep this as simple as possible but have enough “structure” to make it successful for everyone involved. It’s a causal event so there are no fees or registration. You pay for what you eat or do while you are here. If anyone wants to make a weekend out of it, I will be glad to help you with hotel suggestions or anything else. You can call me anytime at 228-297-2403 or email me direct at [email protected] but also make a post here on Fchat to let others know you are coming. Lets get going.

Joe

 

I've been at Mardi Gras parades all day but my fingers still have feeling in them. Any of the Casino Resorts in Biloxi or Gulfport have parking garages. The nearest casino to Salute is "The Island View" in Gulfport. Its the ONLY casino in Gulfport. lol It stays pretty busy on weekends. IF you are wanting to stay in a more active area, I'd say the Hard Rock, Beau Rivage or the IP in Biloxi. Others down there are The Isle of Capri, Biloxi Grand and The Palace all have parking garages too. Most of the major hotel chains are here too but I don't think any of them have parking garages. You may want to check some of the Condo deals on the beach by way of the internet. Some of the highrise condo complexes have gated entry and covered parking. Joe

 

Its Itialian so bring the Mas! Joe

 

Here's what I have so far. If I have someone in the wrong catagory let me know. If Im missing someone let me know. Keep in mind this is very preliminary. Joe

Im coming"!

Joe 80' 308GTBi
Todd 97' 355
Frank 91' TR
Larry 78' 308GTS
Donny 92' 348SS
Steve 79' 308GTS

"I'm working on it"

Mike 90' 348TS
Chris 77 308GTB
PW 78 512BB
Kevin Maserati Spider

 

OK Nathan, Got you down.

We may also have a 1969 365GT coming? Keep your fingers crossed. Joe

 

That sounds like a good deal?