Houston International Quilt Show
#21
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 9,420
I take a backpack with me to carry my purchases, purse, camera, snack, and bottle of water. And definitely call your bank and let them know your dates of travel. I was in Paducah several years ago and one of my attempted purchases was declined. Fortunately it was on a Friday and I was able to call the bank and talk to someone. If it had been on a weekend I would have been in trouble.
#22
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Central Indiana
Posts: 1,141
Is anyone from the board going to Houston next week? I am so excited to be going. I have gone to Long Beach before, but understand Houston is the best. A friend and I are going for the entire week. We are taking a couple of classes and doing the shop hop. So much to do in so little time.
Also, thanks to Barb in Louisiana for those great tips!
#25
It sounds like a whole lot of fun - I have never been but I love seeing all the new stuff when Market comes along - I keep watch on blogs and twitter feeds - you can get a lot of pics from the teachers, vendors etc. Have fun.
#26
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,198
I will be there Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday through Saturday (and possible Sunday, too). I have classes and several activities scheduled. For all the information you could possible want, go to http://www.quilts.com/home/shows/vie...e=FallFestival, which is the home page for the Houston festival. There is a link to what classes and activities are still open for enrollment, though you will have to wait until you get there, since pre-enrollment is closed. Also, when you get to the Festival, there is a board that is set up with notices from people who pre-registered for a class and cannot attend. If you had enrolled for a class and it was full, you might find a slot available.
If you are mobility impaired, Scoot-A-Round has rentals. There is a link to their website and you can call and reserve a scooter for the days you wish. This will be my 5th year renting one.
If you are going with friends and family, be sure you have everyone's cell phone number, because there is no paging in the Festival. Before cell phones, we would just agree to meet up at agreed times "under the American flag."
Sunday is a great day to go, especially to stock up on thread and batting. Most of the companies would rather cut prices than have to pack everything back up and transport it home. I got 7 king sized Hobbs batts for $100 plus tax a couple years ago.
If you can, try to arrange for two days -- one for the quilts and one for the vendors. There are also small classes for "make it and take it" projects given by various teachers / vendors. Cost for these is usually $10. Someone already mentioned comfortable shoes. Also, be sure to take a sweater or light jacket, especially if you are cold natured. The temperatures at the GRB vary from area to area, and also depend on how many people there are in a given area.
There is a large food court on the first level, but there are several small eateries on the second floor which are usually not too crowded. Selection is limited on the second floor, but there are also balcony areas where you can sit outside if the weather is nice.
There is parking directly across from the GRB (under Discovery Green), but it fills up fast. There is also valet parking, which is very nice and, IMHO, is worth every penny.
For those of you who are coming for the first time, welcome to Houston. I hope your visit is enjoyable. For those who are returning, welcome back.
If you are mobility impaired, Scoot-A-Round has rentals. There is a link to their website and you can call and reserve a scooter for the days you wish. This will be my 5th year renting one.
If you are going with friends and family, be sure you have everyone's cell phone number, because there is no paging in the Festival. Before cell phones, we would just agree to meet up at agreed times "under the American flag."
Sunday is a great day to go, especially to stock up on thread and batting. Most of the companies would rather cut prices than have to pack everything back up and transport it home. I got 7 king sized Hobbs batts for $100 plus tax a couple years ago.
If you can, try to arrange for two days -- one for the quilts and one for the vendors. There are also small classes for "make it and take it" projects given by various teachers / vendors. Cost for these is usually $10. Someone already mentioned comfortable shoes. Also, be sure to take a sweater or light jacket, especially if you are cold natured. The temperatures at the GRB vary from area to area, and also depend on how many people there are in a given area.
There is a large food court on the first level, but there are several small eateries on the second floor which are usually not too crowded. Selection is limited on the second floor, but there are also balcony areas where you can sit outside if the weather is nice.
There is parking directly across from the GRB (under Discovery Green), but it fills up fast. There is also valet parking, which is very nice and, IMHO, is worth every penny.
For those of you who are coming for the first time, welcome to Houston. I hope your visit is enjoyable. For those who are returning, welcome back.
Last edited by mckwilter; 10-23-2013 at 11:08 AM.
#27
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,198
Because of fraud, credit and debit companies are paying closer attention to charges/debits. I was very imbarrassed when my credit card was refussed. My friend calls her debit company whenever she's making lots of debits. They're just trying to protect us by close scrutiny. The vendors are from all over the country, so it looks like the card is being used all over the country on the same day.
#29
Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 23
There is a great food court in The Shops at Houston Center two blocks from the GRB. Food is definitely better and much cheaper. Not many shops there. Just a great way to take a break, get some good food and fresh air. As far as the debit and credit card things go, if your card is getting swiped through a wireless thingy, your information can get captured by an unscrupulous person. Happened to us at a gun show. I only use my credit card now. No debit.
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