Going to Friendship for the first time, anything I should know ?

[kyron4]

Me and the wife are road tripping to the NMLRA spring shoot in Friendship this coming weekend. We're both pretty excited, as she like the living history and crafts of the era. Anything I should know , do , or see, while I'm there ? My wife has some back issues and walking for to long can be an issue, how far away will parking be ? Also, she read somewhere there is a large flea market going on real close or next to the the venue, is that easy to get to ? Any local attraction to see while I'm there ? Looking forward to the experience, weather looks great this weekend. -Thanks

 

[Comfortably_Numb]

Everything is spread way out. There is a lot of walking. Can you bring an electric go buggy or something? You're looking at covering a couple hundred acres to see it all.

 

[user 31232]

There is paid parking near the shooting and sutler areas. Cost is around 5 bucks or so. Across the bridge is the flea market area paid parking also. But as Comfortbly_Nu posted much walking regardless. Flea market stuff in town and there is more parking available! Enjoy! So far weather looks good

 

[1sgt]

Parking is in 3 nearby lots. I think the American Legion runs the parking. I would not park at the commercial Flea Market. To far to walk to the NMLRA range. Parking in town is limited. I camp and shoot and stay all week. NMLRA has a map of the grounds on their website. Getting there early is advised. Traffic gets backed up later in the day on Saturday. Have fun.

 

[Hatchet-Jack]

You will want to shop the vendors in the sheep sheds. Be sure to see gun makers hall.
On the primitive side there will be several sutlers selling their period clothes and accoutrements. You can download a shooting program here. It should have a map.

https://www.nmlra.org/calendar/2023...ational-muzzleloading-rifle-association-7t83c

 

[B P Maniac Shooter]

Attend the 1st weekend for sure.
That's when its the busiest & you'll love it.
Here is a little sample of what you'll see:

 

[kyron4]

Thanks guys , We'll plan accordingly. Can't wait !

 

[kyron4]

Everything is spread way out. There is a lot of walking. Can you bring an electric go buggy or something? You're looking at covering a couple hundred acres to see it all.

She's okay as long as she can sit down and take "breaks" every hour or so. Not sure if there is places to sit, so might bring a folding chair. Our daughter is coming too, so she can help out.

 

[1sgt]

She's okay as long as she can sit down and take "breaks" every hour or so. Not sure if there is places to sit, so might bring a folding chair. Our daughter is coming too, so she can help out.

They have benches at the clubhouse, cafeteria is there. It is next to the offhand range. Not far from the new rest rooms. Ask someone. People are friendly.

 

[andy52]

I was at Friendship years ago and it was "alright" but not my idea of a rendezvous.
To me, the words flea market and rendezvous do not go together.

 

[Mr. Flintlock]

Me and the wife are road tripping to the NMLRA spring shoot in Friendship thcoming weekend. We're both pretty excited, as she like the living history and crafts of the era. Anything I should know , do , or see, while I'm there ? My wife has some back issues and walking for to long can be an issue, how far away will parking be ? Also, she read somewhere there is a large flea market going on real close or next to the the venue, is that easy to get to ? Any local attraction to see while I'm there ? Looking forward to the experience, weather looks great this weekend. -Thanks

Hi Kyron, I'm in sheep shed 64-65. if your wife needs a rest I have a comfortable chair she can rest in.

 

[jdw276]

I was at Friendship years ago and it was "alright" but not my idea of a rendezvous.
To me, the words flea market and rendezvous do not go together.

Do not think they call it a rondy. Maybe the primitive side would qualify in your eyes. But it is a national championship shoot.

 

[flintlockrb]

How exciting for you & your family!!!
Be sure to bring your membership cards. Last year there were golf carts you could rent. There is a cafeteria you can eat at.
The hardest "walk" will be on the primative side. Still doable.
The flea market is on either side of the main range property - not affiliated with the NMLRA.
There will be a banquet dinner and auction on the first Sunday at the ED. Building if you are still around.
You're about 1-1/2hrs outside of Cincinnati or Indianapolis.
Enjoy your visit and safe travels!!!

 

[Absoroka]

Bring more money than you plan to spend. You can always put it to good use. The primitive area is smaller than it used to be. There was a time when camping space on "snob knob" was at a premium. As noted above it is a shoot with a primitive area. Not really a period rendezvous.

 

[kyron4]

Hi Kyron, I'm in sheep shed 64-65. if your wife needs a rest I have a comfortable chair she can rest in.

Thank you, that is so kind of you, I will keep that in mind. I'm a on my feet and moving all day type, sometimes I forget that she just can't keep up at my pace anymore.

 

[kyron4]

Bring more money than you plan to spend. You can always put it to good use. The primitive area is smaller than it used to be. There was a time when camping space on "snob knob" was at a premium. As noted above it is a shoot with a primitive area. Not really a period rendezvous.

Ya, My wife and daughter are coming so I'm sure I'll leave with empty pockets

We don't get out or away much so as far as not being a period rendezvous, it's better than nothing at all; and from the videos I watched I don't think I'll be disappointed.

 

[RobertE]

Make sure to visit the museum in the house. The view from the second story porch is nice.

Part of the range

The main area, club house is large building, sheep sheds to the left, gun makers hall is log cabin,

LOTS of walking, you can hitch a ride on this between flea markets on either side of the grounds,

 

[Ghost23]

I will be going for the first time this weekend

 

[cositrike]

I was at Friendship years ago and it was "alright" but not my idea of a rendezvous.
To me, the words flea market and rendezvous do not go together.

It’s not thought of as a rendezvous. It’s the NMLRA Spring National shoot

 

[andy52]

It’s not thought of as a rendezvous. It’s the NMLRA Spring National shoot

I went going to expect a rendezvous and was sort of disappointed. I can shoot anytime I want, don't need to shoot in a competition to prove myself.