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

 

So far I am good in March except for the 7th

 

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

 

march in mississppi kicks ass, lets have a drive!

 

Most likely we'd be in. Maybe we could get a convoy from the BR area.

If we wanted to make a weekend of it, is there a safe place to park a Ferrari overnight? Anyone else interested?

 

On the redneck riviera?????? I am sure if you are staying at a casino hotel they will have secure parking

 

Had lunch there yesterday, good spot.

 

Hey Joe,

Keep me posted I love to drive to Biloxi and love to eat and always am full of BS. Sounds like fun.

Larry

 

+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

 

Count me in on the 15th with a rain backup on the 22nd.

 

Us too. We plan to stay Saturday night, any good hotel recommendations that will accommodate the SS?

 

Hard Rock

 

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

 

Although I now live in the DC "burbs', I still own a home on the Coast in Diamondhead. Ironically, I'll be arriving on the 16th for a week long conference at the IP. I haven't decided if I'm going to drive or not. I usually drive my Mercedes "Grease Car' down. If you guys allow a Maserati Spyder, I may be able to leave a day early and bring it. I can bring a pic of my Ferrari if that makes you all feel better.

 

We will go over Saturday and stay at the Beau Rivage, I talked to them and they said we could use the vallet area for secure parking. So let me know if this works for ya'll.

Larry Fletcher

 

I'll go down as a probable. Drive over Sat,brunch, cruise home.

 

Its Itialian so bring the Mas! Joe

 

Count me as a maybe....I may have a conflict on the date but will see what I can work out.

 

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

 

Add me to the "working on it" group with the Mondial. The issue for me is that my sister-in-law is getting married on that Saturday so I will be at the wedding the night before. However the wedding is in Magee, so we may could look for a place to stay down that way saturday night instead of driving back to Jackson, them get up early Sunday and drive on down to the coast. I am also not sure if my wife has any family stuff planned for the day after the wedding, so I may be stuck doing that for all I know.

Todd is right though, March (and April) in Mississippi is just glorious, so I know I am looking for every opportunity to get the toys out! If I can't make it for this event I would still love to get together with any of you for any other drives. Also, if anyone wants to get together in the Jackson area at any time, just let me know and I will be glad to organize things up here.

BTW - I saw a black Murcielago in Madison last week....anyone know who that belongs to? That would be another interesting car to try to get to our gatherings.

Todd - my youngest brother moved to Hattiesburg a few months ago, so we are down that way occasionally to hang out with him. Next time I am coming down that way I will let you know, in case you are looking for an excuse to go grab a beer or something!

 

OK Nathan, Got you down.

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

 

umm nathan, i dont drink beer. yeah right! anytime is fine with me, and as far as that saturday night, you and your better half are always welcome to the upstairs. katie makes some mean pancakes!

 

That sounds like a good deal?

 

For the folks spending Saturday night, are we all going to try to stay at the Beau Rivage? I saw Frank had mentioned Hard Rock. Also, we have never driven the Ferrari to the BR before because the entrance to the garage is very steep. Will a FCar make it into the valet area?