MINI TAKES THE STATES 2008

Event Photo Gallery & Flickr Group - Flying Finn

2008-06-23T12:53:00.004-04:00

Official MTTS 2008 Gallery & Flickr Group

TO SEE A BUNCH OF GREAT MTTS FLYING FINN RALLY PHOTOS:
Just check out our Official MINI Takes the States gallery on Flickr

AND WE’D LOVE TO SEE YOUR PHOTOS OF THE RALLY TOO!
If you have a Flickr account, you can join the MINI Takes the States 2008 – Flying Finn Rally Flickr group.

Or, you can email shots (or send via your cell phone) to us at flyingfinn.photos@miniusa.com (limit of 5 photos per person)

Highlights from Sunday

2008-06-22T17:25:00.006-04:00

Sunday's Festivities were a bit shortened by the weather, but not before there were plenty of circuits on the Autocross, festival fun enjoyed and, of course, the Owner prize announcement.

The Road Warrior award went to Jaxon Gluck, who motored from Texas to Miami, and then joined the Flying Finn on the rally up to Boston. Jaxon also joined MINI Takes the States in 2006, and had the distinction -- or rather misfortune -- to be one of a handful of MINIs that was pulled over for speeding. So far he's been ticket-free: let's hope his luck holds for his trip home. Jaxon's picture is below.

The other winners:

I'm Not Afraid to be Noticed: Sandy Bouchieer, who motored all the way from Wyoming in her ladybug spotted MINI

Tallest Person, Little MINI to David Quesenberry, who measures in at 6' 5"

Best Vanity Plate: Shannon Polce, MINIMZE - whose plate says it all.

Thanks to everyone for a fantastic visit to Boston. It was great to see how may local MINI owners came out -- and how many folks like Jaxon and Shannon made the road trip out to join in the fun.

Next stop, Chicago!

TO SEE A BUNCH MORE GREAT MTTS BOSTON PHOTOS:
Just check out our Official MINI Takes the States gallery on Flickr

AND WE'D LOVE TO SEE YOUR PHOTOS OF THE EVENT TOO!
If you have a Flickr account, you can join the MINI Takes the States 2008 - Boston Flickr group.

Or, you can email shots (or send via your cell phone) to us at boston.photos@miniusa.com (limit of 5 photos per person)

Highlights from Saturday

2008-06-22T12:02:00.012-04:00

Ah, what a great day to be a MINI owner. The day dawned with spectacular sunshine and a breeze of the ocean. And the sight of nearly 300 MINIs lined up to join the Rise and Shine Rally. A few rounds of "shave-and-a-haircut, two bits" on MINI horns and we were off. A police escort ensured that all of us would be able to head out in style - and together - to the cheers of onlookers and even a few of the policemen. We had a beautiful drive winding up the Massachusetts coast, making our way in and out of cities and towns along the way. And everywhere we went, we got smiles, thumbs ups and reciprocal beeps -- not to mention a few surprised (dumbfound?) looks. Everyone made it to the Glouchester Fisherman's Memorial and then headed back to the Festival.

At the Festival itself, things were buzzing. We had so many MINIs, they had to open up the auxiliary lot! On the Autocross, everyone had a chance to run through the cone course test-driving their "next" MINI -- checking out whatever car they wanted. And carnival games, boot sales and concession stands kept everyone moving.

Providing the coolest vehicle on two wheels was stunt master, Jeff Lenosky with his Mountain Bike stunt show -- unbelievable.

Live music on the Rolling Stone stage provided the driving soundtrack throughout the day, and capped by a lively performance by Fountains of Wayne -- who performed a great set that included their well known hit "Stacy's Mom" and even squeezed in a little tribute to a few legendary Boston performers.

More festivities are planned for Sunday, along with the Owner Awards. Look for the results in the next post!

TO SEE A BUNCH MORE GREAT MTTS BOSTON PHOTOS: Just check out our Official MINI Takes the States gallery on Flickr AND WE'D LOVE TO SEE YOUR PHOTOS OF THE EVENT TOO! If you have a Flickr account, you can join the MINI Takes the States 2008 - Boston Flickr group. Or, you can email shots (or send via your cell phone) to us at boston.photos@miniusa.com (limit of 5 photos per person)

Friday Night Highlights from Boston

2008-06-21T07:48:00.006-04:00

Gentlemen (and women), Start your engines! MINI Takes the States Boston has officially kicked off. Tonight's Owner event at F1 was a roaring success. The Flying Finn himself helped kick-off the night's festivities with hundreds of MINI owners. There was food, fun and go-kart racing for all. MINI drivers were a blur on the track. Let's hope MINI owners got all of that aggressive driving out of their systems, or Saturday's owner rally might be a bit challenging!

TO SEE A BUNCH MORE GREAT MTTS MIAMI PHOTOS:
Just check out our Official MINI Takes the States gallery on Flickr

AND WE'D LOVE TO SEE YOUR PHOTOS OF THE EVENT TOO!
If you have a Flickr account, you can join the MINI Takes the States 2008 - Boston Flickr group.

Or, you can email shots (or send via your cell phone) to us at boston.photos@miniusa.com (limit of 5 photos per person)

Event Photo Gallery & Flickr Group - Miami

2008-06-17T15:45:00.004-04:00

Official MTTS 2008 Gallery & Flickr Group

TO SEE A BUNCH OF GREAT MTTS MIAMI PHOTOS:
Just check out our Official MINI Takes the States gallery on Flickr

AND WE’D LOVE TO SEE YOUR PHOTOS OF THE EVENT TOO!
If you have a Flickr account, you can join the MINI Takes the States 2008 – Miami Flickr group.

Or, you can email shots (or send via your cell phone) to us at miami.photos@miniusa.com (limit of 5 photos per person)

Sunday Highlights from Miami

2008-06-16T12:50:00.015-04:00

We were back at it on Sunday and all was still rockin' at MINI Takes the States Miami!

The MINI auto-cross and go-karts were a blast all day long as well as the two bands that SPIN Magazine generously provided for the festival. After people had a chance to relax by the Best Life massage chairs, they headed on over to the Euro-bungee, Men's Health climbing wall and Outside Magazine bike stunt demo for some for more fun.

At 12:30, the MINI awards were handed out for five categories of enthusiast. The following outlines our proud winners:
Road Warrior (farthest traveled) - Andrew Sparks
Wild Card - Luis Sanchez
Vanity Award (license plate) - Trace McDaniel
Tall person, little MINI - Joe Jimenez
I'm Not Afraid to be Noticed - Jackie Hardy

MINI also announced the lucky winner of Outside Magazine's beach cruiser bike raffle which went to Olivia Marrero (see picture below of Olivia with Jeff Lenosky - world record holder mountain bike stuntman).

The big finale to the weekend's festivities was sending off all The Flying Finn Rally participants on their journey up the coast to Boston, led by Rauno "The Flying Finn" Aaltonen, who piloted a classic Mini to victory in the 1967 Monte Carlo Rally. MINI owners will be joining the rally all along the eastern seaboard to add to the fun and make their way to the next MINI Takes the States - BOSTON - next weekend.

Hope to see you there!

(Click on the images to see an enlarged view)

TO SEE A BUNCH MORE GREAT MTTS MIAMI PHOTOS:
Just check out our Official MINI Takes the States gallery on Flickr

AND WE’D LOVE TO SEE YOUR PHOTOS OF THE EVENT TOO!
If you have a Flickr account, you can join the MINI Takes the States 2008 – Miami Flickr group.

Or, you can email shots (or send via your cell phone) to us at miami.photos@miniusa.com (limit of 5 photos per person)

Saturday Highlights from Miami

2008-06-15T02:44:00.008-04:00

The first Saturday MTTS festival was a smashing success! MINI owners and prospects from all over the country congregated at the Miami Homestead Speedway for an entire day of thrilling activities.

The MINI auto-cross was a great way to jump-start the morning with a burst of adrenaline, directly followed by the speedy go-karts next door.

After a tasty lunch, the climbing wall, massage chair and bike stunt demo was a great way to jump right back into the action. Not to mention the caricature artist, tattoo artist and remote-controlled cars which carried us through the afternoon.

All the bands playing throughout the day were amazing, with DJs in between. The highlight of the day for most was the parade lap on the track which was quite a unique experience! They told us 10 mph, but I'm not sure if everyone quite agreed with that philosophy. We took about 4 laps around, got some great pictures and enjoyed hanging out with all the fellow owners as we waited for the big group photo with everyone lined up in MINI fashion.

Just when you thought the day couldn't get any better, famous musical artist - Michelle Branch - took the stage and gave us a fantastic performance, playing all her big songs including "The Game of Love" (the song she created with Santana).

We're now gearing up to do it all over again at the Sunday event from 10-3 back at the Speedway which will be followed by The Flying Finn, sending us on our way up the coast to eventually hit Boston for next weekend!

(Click on the images to see an enlarged view)

TO SEE A BUNCH MORE GREAT MTTS MIAMI PHOTOS:
Just check out our Official MINI Takes the States gallery on Flickr

AND WE’D LOVE TO SEE YOUR PHOTOS OF THE EVENT TOO!
If you have a Flickr account, you can join the MINI Takes the States 2008 – Miami Flickr group.

Or, you can email shots (or send via your cell phone) to us at miami.photos@miniusa.com (limit of 5 photos per person)

Friday Night Highlights from Miami

2008-06-14T00:42:00.012-04:00

MINI Takes the States Miami is off to an exciting start!

The Friday night owners Meet & Greet at Bicentennial Park just ended and everyone had a blast! We had about 150 MINI in attendance and all showed up with much anticipation for the weekend's festivities.

After Trudy and Uncle Jim's inspirational kick-off speeches, everyone found a spot in the grass to watch National Treasure 2 on the big screen while munching on popcorn and drinks care of Fade In Magazine.

Stay tuned for more MINI updates on the big festival tomorrow....

(Click on the images to see an enlarged view)

TO SEE A BUNCH MORE GREAT MTTS MIAMI PHOTOS:
Just check out our Official MINI Takes the States gallery on Flickr

AND WE’D LOVE TO SEE YOUR PHOTOS OF THE EVENT TOO!
If you have a Flickr account, you can join the MINI Takes the States 2008 – Miami Flickr group.

Or, you can email shots (or send via your cell phone) to us at miami.photos@miniusa.com (limit of 5 photos per person)

The Official MINI Takes the States 2008Everything-But-The-Kitchen-Sink Checklist - Miami

2008-06-12T15:33:00.005-04:00

Make sure that you download the main drive route for the MINI Owners' Rise & Shine Rally, but feel free to choose your own adventure. Whatever path you take, we guarantee that all roads will lead to fun.
Don’t forget your MINI Takes the States registration confirmation to obtain your goodie bag.
If you’re motoring in a convertible, don’t forget your sunscreen.
We know you take brilliant care of your MINI, but in case you haven't done so lately, don't forget to have your vehicle completely serviced before departure to ensure all fluids and engine parts are in full working order.
Plan for the heat in advance and be sure to bring a cooler for road-trip snacks and refreshments. And if you bring your pet, remember to stop often to hydrate both yourself and your pet. Fido will thank you.
Check to ensure that you’ve packed your MINI Visa credit card. And if you haven't because you simply have yet to MINI-ize your very own piece of plastic, visit the MINI Financial Services booth at any stop along the way to apply for the MINI Visa credit card.
Grab your digital camera to capture memories along the way and, of course, share with your jealous friends back home. And these pictures shouldn't just live in your camera until you arrive back on your doorstep, we'd like you to share them with us! Email us what you've snapped along the way and we may just post some of them to the online MINI Takes the States photo album.
Pack a blanket and lawn chairs. We know you love your MINI and never want to leave it, but trust us, getting it through the turnstile at the movie will be a tight fit.
Call in sick. Enough said.
Bring your best "I'm pretty sure I could give that pop star a run for her money" shower melody and grab a few of your favorite CDs or your iTrip for the ride. Or, if you really want to score some hit material for your pop-idol audition, sign up for SIRIUS Satellite Radio and belt out hits from all over this fine land of ours as you motor along.
Stop your newspapers and mail. Well, that is, unless you have found yourself a nice mail carrier who's agreed to deliver these items wherever you end up.
Pack up your favorite MINI motoring gear: a sweatshirt to keep you warm in the evenings, a MINI cap and your driving gloves.
Don’t forget your sunglasses, 'cause you’ve got to be cool when you're motoring in your MINI.
Bring your PDA with friends' addresses so you can send them postcards along the way. And while you're at it, why not include a photo or two or at least the link to the MINI Takes the States website so they can see all of the fun you're having.
Walkie-talkies are great for multiple vehicles. The paper cup and string thing gets difficult on the road.

UPDATE: Rise & Shine Rally (MINI Owners Only) - Miami

2008-06-12T15:11:00.002-04:00

Saturday, June 14th, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Bicentennial Park, Miami FL

All MINI Owners are going to meet up for a “rise and shine” breakfast from 8am until 10am followed by a late morning rally to the MINI Takes the States Festival at Homestead Miami Speedway. Click on the rally map with points of interest below, and download the PDF with detailed directions and a printable version of the map.

Sponsored by our friends at the Southern Region MINI Dealers

UPDATE: Rise & Shine Rally (MINI Owners Only) - Boston

2008-06-12T15:07:00.004-04:00

Saturday, June 21st, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Pier 4, Boston MA

Meet up with fellow MINI Owners at Boston’s Pier 4 overlooking the Boston Harbor for a “rise and shine” breakfast from 8am until 10am followed by a late morning rally to the MINI Takes the States Festival at UMass Boston. Click on the rally map with points of interest below, and download the PDF with detailed directions and a printable version of the map.

Sponsored by our friends at MINI of Peabody

Do Some (Eco) Good! - Miami

2008-06-12T14:59:00.002-04:00

Kids Ecology Corps

Kids Ecology Corps is a non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire young people to make environmental action part of their everyday lives. They offer unique hands-on presentations and eco-action programs that educate youth about: keeping our oceans clean; the importance of trees; the role re-planting our coastal wetlands play in beach conservation; water conservation; pollution prevention; global climate change and energy conservation; and protecting local natural habitats for native wildlife. At MINI Takes the States, they'll focus on volunteer opportunities on the South Florida coastal wetland restoration projects that they actively participate in.

Do Some (Eco) Good! - Boston

2008-06-12T14:52:00.002-04:00

EarthWorks

EarthWorks is a non-profit organization working to create a healthier and more sustainable environment in Greater Boston. The group will share background on their Urban Orchards, Outdoor Classrooms, Urban Forestry and Community Stewardship programs, and describe volunteer opportunities for the Fall, including tree planting, orchard care, and other greening projects across Boston.

Talk to MINI! - Chicago

2008-06-12T14:50:00.002-04:00

Saturday, July 26th, Time TBA

BE HEARD! We’re setting up a "Video Log Stop" (a.k.a. "Vlog-stop" with lights…cameras…the whole works) to give you an opportunity to let your opinions about MINI be heard and immortalized forever in high-def video. Tell us what you think about your experiences of shopping for, buying and/or owning a MINI. Or, tell us about your interactions with your Advisors and your dealership or whatever else is on your mind.

Oh yeah…what if you’re not a current MINI Owner? No problem. You can still tell us about your expectations and wishes for when you do become a MINI Owner. And just maybe, as a ‘thanks’ for your time, there will be something cool for you to take away.

MTTS Update No. 3

2008-06-05T15:59:00.004-04:00

Give a listen as our Event Manager, Gina Koutros, tells a tale of two cities (Chicago & Milwaukee) and the MINI rally that connects them. She also answers a few questions posted by the White Roof Radio audience.

The Flying Finn Miami to Boston Rally

2008-05-30T17:59:00.015-04:00

Six days of fun on the road with “The Flying Finn”, Rauno Aaltonen. Just like we promised, we bring you the official rally route and schedule so plan it, book it, drive it. We've put together a list of lodging options for each stop along the rally route. Be sure to check below for updates on additional events, route details, and good times along the way.

Sunday, June 15, 2008

ON THE ROAD:	Miami to St. Augustine, FL (estimated drive time 4 hrs 54 mins)
OVERNIGHT:	In St. Augustine, FL - see our list of lodging options

Monday, June 16, 2008

EVENT:	8:30 am to 10:30 am - Breakfast hosted by Tom Bush MINI at Guana River State Park in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL RSVP for this event here
ON THE ROAD:	St. Augustine to Savannah, GA (estimated drive time 2 hrs 55 mins)
PITSTOP:	While in Savannah feel free to check out this list of places to see, but don’t wander off too far if you want to get to the BBQ in Charleston on time!
ON THE ROAD:	Savannah, GA to Charleston, SC (estimated drive time 2 hrs 15 mins)
EVENT:	6:30 pm - BBQ at Patriot’s Point Park in Mt. Pleasant, SC hosted by MINI of Charleston RSVP for this event here
OVERNIGHT:	In Charleston, SC - see our list of lodging options

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

ON THE ROAD:	Charleston to Virginia Beach, VA (estimated drive time 7hrs 21mins)
EVENT:	6:00 pm- Meet and Greet at Lot 5 of the Virginia Beach Convention Center hosted by Checkered Flag MINI RSVP for this event here
OVERNIGHT:	In Virginia Beach, VA - see our list of lodging options

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

EVENT:	9:00 am- Breakfast hosted by Checkered Flag MINI at First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach RSVP for this event here
ON THE ROAD:	Virginia Beach to Philadelphia, PA (estimated drive time 5hrs 30mins)
EVENT:	5:30 pm to 8:30 pm - Meet and Greet hosted by MINI of the Main Line, Otto’s MINI and PhillyMINI at the Sheraton Philadelphia City Center on the Horizon's Floor (top floor of hotel). RSVP for this event here
OVERNIGHT:	In Philadelphia, PA - see our list of lodging options

Thursday, June 19, 2008

EVENT:	7:30 am - Rally meets for photo opportunity at The Philadelphia Art Museum (famous step scenes from the movie Rocky)
ON THE ROAD:	Philadelphia to Mahwah, NJ (estimated drive time 2 hrs and 13 mins)
EVENT:	5 pm- Join the rally from Prestige MINI in Mahwah, NJ to a Drive-In Movie at the Warwick Drive-In Theater. RSVP by calling 201-684-0700.
OVERNIGHT:	In Mahwah, NJ - see our list of lodging options

Friday, June 20, 2008

EVENT:	8:00 am to 10 am - Greater Gotham MINI Cooper Dealers to host Send-off Breakfast at the Sheraton Mahwah Hotel Email your RSVP for this event here
ON THE ROAD:	Mahwah to Boston, MA - (estimated drive time 3 hrs 52 mins)

View Larger Map

The Flying Finn Rally - Places to Stay

2008-05-30T17:57:00.008-04:00

The Flying Finn Rally - Places to See

2008-05-30T17:56:00.002-04:00

Savannah, GA

The Jekyll Island Club - historic restoration of winter retreat to the Rockefellers and Vanderbilt's - where the Federal Reserve banking system was conceived.
Tybee Island Light Station has guided mariners safely into the Savannah River since 1732!
Fort Pulaski National Monument - for Civil War buffs - battle occurred in April 1862 .... bird watching, hiking trails etc....
Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum - Exhibits ship models, paintings and maritime antiques, principally from the great era of Atlantic trade and travel between England and America during the 18th and 19th centuries.
City Market in Savannah
Mighty 8th Air Force Museum - On January 28, 1942, fifty-three days after the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor, the 8th Air Force was officially activated in the National Guard Armory on Bull Street in Savannah, Georgia.
Old Carriage Tours
Paula Deen’s Resturant

Los Angeles Headliner: Vertical Horizon

2008-05-23T11:30:00.009-04:00

Saturday, August 2nd, 7:30 pm

Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, CA

Live on the Music Stage: Vertical Horizon

Vertical Horizon developed their reputation for electrifying live performances through years of touring, building their fan base from a devoted grass-roots following to a fiercely loyal international audience. Their multi-platinum debut album, Everything You Want, featured four hit singles, including "You're A God," "Best I Ever Had," "We Are," and the title track, which reached #1 on the Billboard charts and was the most played song of the year 2000 on Top Forty radio. Their follow-up album, Go, featured the hits "I'm Still Here" and "Forever." Vertical Horizon's new release, Burning The Days, will be released this fall.

Chicago Headliner: Blues Traveler

2008-05-23T11:27:00.008-04:00

Saturday, July 26th, Time TBA

Road America, Elkhart Lake, WI

Live on the Music Stage: Blues Traveler

Blues Traveler formed in New York City twenty years ago. With the release of Four (1994) Blues Traveler spawned one of the biggest hits of 1990s - the Grammy-winning “Run-Around” – which spent nearly a year on the charts and along with the hit single “Hook” drove the album to sell over 5 million copies. Over the course of their career the band has released 8 studio albums, six of which have been certified either gold or platinum and have collectively sold over 10 million units worldwide.

Boston Headliner: Fountains of Wayne

2008-05-23T11:25:00.005-04:00

Saturday, June 21st, 7:30 pm

UMass Boston, Dorchester, MA

Live on the Music Stage: Fountains of Wayne

Fountains of Wayne took America by storm in 1996 with their single “Radiation Vibe,” solidifying it as a top hit of the decade. The New York band has shown that their sound is just as relevant almost a decade later with their irresistibly catchy 2003 hit “Stacy’s Mom”. Their newest album Traffic and Weather received a four star review by Rolling Stone and is reestablishing the band as a definite force to be reckoned with in 2008.

Miami Headliner: Michelle Branch

2008-05-23T11:01:00.012-04:00

Saturday, June 14th, 7:30 pm

Homestead Miami Speedway, Homestead, FL

Live on the Music Stage: Michelle Branch

Singer, songwriter, and guitarist Michelle Branch has always been a young woman in a big hurry. At the age of 18 she released her first multi-platinum album and turned the world onto her catchy, heartfelt sound with the hit singles “Everywhere” and “All You Wanted.” Her second album proved to be just as successful with the hit singles “Are You Happy Now?” and “Breathe.” Branch has collaborated with Carlos Santana and broke down the barriers between pop and country with her band The Wreckers. The Grammy winner is now back at work in the studio on her new solo album that is sure to embody the timeless, bold music we have come to expect from her.

UPDATE: Schedule of Events - Chicago: July 25-27

2008-05-14T17:34:00.032-04:00

Chicago: July 25-27

MINI Takes the States heads to the heartland to keep the summer of fun rolling along. With a rally kick-off at the Lincoln Park Zoo and a weekend full of events at the famous Road America race track, there should be no shortage of good times and adrenaline.

Be sure to sign up for automatic MTTS updates. Here’s the basic schedule of events for the weekend but we’ll be posting additional details soon.

Friday, July 25:

7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

MINI Owner “Meet and Greet” Party at Univ. of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago IL

Saturday, July 26:

Time TBA	Rise and Shine Rally (MINI Owners Only) at Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL
Time TBA	“Future MINI Owners” Adrenaline Drive at Road America, Elkhart Lake, WI
Time TBA	MINI Takes the States Festival at Road America, Elkhart Lake, WI
	Festival Events and Activities (Partners) MINI Cross Course (Automobile / Motortrend / European Car) Go-Karting (Road & Track / Car and Driver) Festival Fun Zone Rock Climbing (National Geo Adventure) Mountain Bike Stunt Show (Outside Magazine) Free Massages (Best Life) Eurobungee MINI Market Eco-friendly Car Wash (Good Magazine / Big Brother Big Sister) Boot Sale Talk to MINI! Video Log Stop Chalk Talk with Grassroots Motorsports Live Music on Rolling Stone Music Stage (Rolling Stone / Paste)
	Parade Lap
	Headline Attraction on the Rolling Stone Music stage: Blues Traveler
	Goodnight. Or not. Chicago's nightlife is world famous.

Sunday, July 27:

	MINI Takes the States Festival Event Conclusion at Road America, Elkhart Lake, WI
	Detailed Sunday schedule to be announced

For helping us fight the heat, a special MINI thanks to our good friends at Glacaeu for providing free bottles of water.

*And legal is making us promise to say that event times may be subject to change.

Be sure to join the email update list so you know when more details are posted.

View Larger Map

Places to Stay - Chicago

2008-05-14T17:32:00.003-04:00

Preferred Hotel (Chicago)

Hotel Sax - $$

333 Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 245-0333

Some Other Good Choices - Chicago

Here are some other nice hotels we’d recommend in a range of prices and locations. And of course, availability and rates are subject to change.

The Fairmont Chicago - $$$

200 North Columbus Drive Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 565-8000

W Chicago Lakeshore - $$$

644 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 943-9200

The James Chicago - $$$

55 East Ontario, Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 337-1000

The Westin Chicago River North - $$

320 North Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 744-1900

Hotel Burnham - a Chicago Kimpton Hotel - $$

1 West Washington, Chicago IL 60602
(312) 782-1111

Sofitel Chicago Water Tower - $$

20 East Chestnut Street, Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 324-4000

Hotel Blake - $

500 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 986-1234

Doubletree Hotel Chicago - Oak Brook - $

1909 Spring Road, Oak Brook, IL 60523
(630) 472-6000

Hilton Suites Chicago/Oakbrook Terrace - $

10 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
(630) 941-0100

Host Hotel (Milwaukee)

One hour away from Road America

InterContinental Milwaukee - $$

139 Kilbourn Ave
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
(414) 276-8686

Some Other Good Choices - Milwaukee

Here are some other nice hotels we’d recommend in a range of prices and locations. And of course, availability and rates are subject to change.

The American Club - $$$

419 Highland Drive, Kohler, WI 53044
(800) 344-2838, ext. 700

The Pfister Hotel - $$$

424 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 273-8222

Hotel Metro - $$$

411 East Mason Street, Milwaukee, WI, 53202
(414) 272-1937

The Osthoff Resort - $$

101 Osthoff Avenue, Elkhart Lake, WI 53020
(920) 876-3366

Ambassador Hotel - $$

2308 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 345-5000

Radisson Milwaukee North Shore - $

7065 North Port Washington Road, Milwaukee, WI 53217
(414) 351-6960

Residence Inn Milwaukee Downtown - $

648 North Plankinton Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53203
(414) 224-7890

Best Western Woods View Inn - $

5501 W National Avenue, West Milwaukee, WI 53214
(414) 671-6400

MINI Owner Meet & Greet Party - Chicago

2008-05-14T17:25:00.002-04:00

Friday, July 25th, 7:00 – 10:00 pm

University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Outdoor Picnic Grounds, Chicago, IL

Meet and connect with fellow MINI enthusiast for an early evening outdoor barbeque at UIC’s recently renovated outdoor athletic facility. Sponsored by the New Yorker.

MINI TAKES THE STATES 2008

Event Photo Gallery & Flickr Group - Flying Finn

Official MTTS 2008 Gallery & Flickr Group

Highlights from Sunday

Highlights from Saturday

Friday Night Highlights from Boston

Event Photo Gallery & Flickr Group - Miami

Official MTTS 2008 Gallery & Flickr Group

Sunday Highlights from Miami

Saturday Highlights from Miami

Friday Night Highlights from Miami

The Official MINI Takes the States 2008Everything-But-The-Kitchen-Sink Checklist - Miami

UPDATE: Rise & Shine Rally (MINI Owners Only) - Miami

Saturday, June 14th, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

UPDATE: Rise & Shine Rally (MINI Owners Only) - Boston

Saturday, June 21st, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Do Some (Eco) Good! - Miami

Kids Ecology Corps

Do Some (Eco) Good! - Boston

EarthWorks

Talk to MINI! - Chicago

Saturday, July 26th, Time TBA

MTTS Update No. 3

The Flying Finn Miami to Boston Rally

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Monday, June 16, 2008

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Friday, June 20, 2008

The Flying Finn Rally - Places to Stay

June 15th, St. Augustine, FL

June 16th, Charleston, SC

June 17th, Virginia Beach, VA

June 18th, Philadelphia, PA

June 19th, Mahwah, NJ

The Flying Finn Rally - Places to See

Savannah, GA

Los Angeles Headliner: Vertical Horizon

Saturday, August 2nd, 7:30 pm

Live on the Music Stage: Vertical Horizon

Chicago Headliner: Blues Traveler

Saturday, July 26th, Time TBA

Live on the Music Stage: Blues Traveler

Boston Headliner: Fountains of Wayne

Saturday, June 21st, 7:30 pm

Live on the Music Stage: Fountains of Wayne

Miami Headliner: Michelle Branch

Saturday, June 14th, 7:30 pm

Live on the Music Stage: Michelle Branch

UPDATE: Schedule of Events - Chicago: July 25-27

Chicago: July 25-27

Friday, July 25:

Saturday, July 26:

MINI Takes the States Festival at Road America, Elkhart Lake, WI

Sunday, July 27:

MINI Takes the States Festival Event Conclusion at Road America, Elkhart Lake, WI

Places to Stay - Chicago

Preferred Hotel (Chicago)

Hotel Sax - $$

Some Other Good Choices - Chicago

The Fairmont Chicago - $$$

W Chicago Lakeshore - $$$

The James Chicago - $$$

The Westin Chicago River North - $$

Hotel Burnham - a Chicago Kimpton Hotel - $$

Sofitel Chicago Water Tower - $$

Hotel Blake - $

Doubletree Hotel Chicago - Oak Brook - $

Hilton Suites Chicago/Oakbrook Terrace - $

Host Hotel (Milwaukee)

InterContinental Milwaukee - $$

Some Other Good Choices - Milwaukee

The American Club - $$$

The Pfister Hotel - $$$

Hotel Metro - $$$

The Osthoff Resort - $$

Ambassador Hotel - $$

Radisson Milwaukee North Shore - $

Residence Inn Milwaukee Downtown - $