View Full Version : internet access convenient to the trail?
skinny minnie
02-21-2008, 00:05
So I'm wondering if anyone on here can list specific spots on the AT where there is internet access that is especially close in proximity to the trail.
Libraries, internet cafes...anywhere? I'm hoping for at least a few specific places that come to mind and can be pointed out as particularly close/convenient to reach.
(I don't particularly consider yellowblazing a huge effort/inconvenience, but I'm asking on behalf of someone planning to hike the AT on a pretty short timeframe, and I don't want them going out of their way just to email me. But it'd be nice to be able to say "hey, in such and such a town, the library is only 3 miles from the trail, so there's no excuse not to email me!" Wishful thinking, perhaps... but worth a shot!)
Footslogger
02-21-2008, 00:13
Libraries are your best bet. Some hostels have internet access but competition for access can get to be a pain ...plus some of them charge a fee for access.
'Slogger
OK, two to start with: the Quality Inn, in Front Royal, and the FreeState Hiker Hostel in Maryland. I wasn't really looking for 'net access... these just happened to be obvious.
Tennessee Viking
02-21-2008, 00:43
Internet Cafe in Hampton TN
Number of places in Damascus
There's either a library, an internet cafe, or a hostel with internet in nearly every town, as well as payphones most places.
In Hanover, NH, the trail goes right through the town and passes lots of yummy places to eat and a square where you can lay down & take a nappy nap. Also, it passes this big white dining hall for Dartmouth students on the left. If I remember correctly, their student center is the next building down that block - this building has computers with internet.
The Weasel
02-21-2008, 11:42
If there is a college nearby, that is usually the best choice. It will be quiet, longer hours than many public libraries, and may not have as many filters against sites as public libraries. (I'm not talking about access to porn sites, but there are filters that limit other site access that some libraries use.)
TW
Cookerhiker
02-21-2008, 12:06
If you're still relying on the 2007 Companion, I'd like to make one correction regarding Manchester, VT. The on-line Companion states the following:
"Internet access: Spiral Press Café in Northshire Bookstore"
This is only available if you have your own computer which obviously isn't the case for thruhikers. I e-mailed the editors about this so they may have fixed the 2008 Companion which is complete in hard copy format but not on-line yet.
The good news is that there is internet access in Manchester. I don't remember the name, but there's a packaging and mailing store about one block north (right turn from the Trail direction) on Rt. 7. Their e-mail comes with a fee but it's not much and it's more accessible than the Manchester library which is a longer walk and requires reservations - at least it did when I was there this summer.
Appalachian Tater
02-21-2008, 12:18
In 2006 that bookstore in Manchester Center had a wall of computers upstairs but no one was using them because all the locals were on their laptops. They got rid of the computers?
The ALDHA guide lists library locations in towns that have maps. All of the libraries along the trail have internet access. At any rate, it's never hard to find. A list would change constantly and really isn't necessary.
Cookerhiker
02-21-2008, 12:22
In 2006 that bookstore in Manchester Center had a wall of computers upstairs but no one was using them because all the locals were on their laptops. They got rid of the computers?
Yes they did. When I was there last summer on my LT end-to-ender, I thought I might have missed them so I asked the management. No more computers, just wireless hot spots.
Appalachian Tater
02-21-2008, 12:23
Yes they did. When I was there last summer on my LT end-to-ender, I thought I might have missed them so I asked the management. No more computers, just wireless hot spots.Makes sense--I was the only one using one besides someone who had their laptop in for repair.
Cookerhiker
02-21-2008, 12:35
Here's the specifics on Manchester internet access - this is what I e-mailed to the Companion editors:
The Northshire Bookstore (p 202) only has internet access for those who bring their own computer which is obviously not applicable to hikers. However, internet access as well as packing & shipping services is available at I Ship Express, 5018 Maine St. Manchester, VT 05225. (802) 362-1652. Hours: 9:30-5 M-F, 9:30-noon Sat. This is on Rt. 7 about 2 minutes walk north from the Rts 11 & 30 intersection and 5 minutes or less walk from Suttons.
Lone Wolf
02-21-2008, 12:36
Here's the specifics on Manchester internet access - this is what I e-mailed to the Companion editors:
The Northshire Bookstore (p 202) only has internet access for those who bring their own computer which is obviously not applicable to hikers. However, internet access as well as packing & shipping services is available at I Ship Express, 5018 Maine St. Manchester, VT 05225. (802) 362-1652. Hours: 9:30-5 M-F, 9:30-noon Sat. This is on Rt. 7 about 2 minutes walk north from the Rts 11 & 30 intersection and 5 minutes or less walk from Suttons.
it's expensive though
The new Appalachian Pages has places that have the internet listed.
wrongway_08
02-21-2008, 13:58
Internet is nice but what places also have a labtop or computer to use?
Hikers Welcome Hostel in Glencliff, NH has a Internet PC.
Ron Haven
02-21-2008, 20:54
Hikers Welcome Hostel in Glencliff, NH has a Internet PC.If you are coming into Franklin I have computers for my guest at Budget Inn and Sapphire Inn both.Now 2 at each place wifi wireless internet.In two weeks or less I will be finished installing new laundry facilities at Budget for hikers.I am putting a laundry room in the basement.
hopefulhiker
02-21-2008, 22:06
hostel at Neels Gap
Erwin TN, Holiday Inn lobby
Library in Damascus
The hostel in VA, The Grateful Terrapin, I think,
The Road house in Maine
hostel at Neels Gap
Erwin TN, Holiday Inn lobby
Library in Damascus
The hostel in VA, The Grateful Terrapin, I think,
The Road house in Maine
That hostel in VA is "Terrapin Station," between Front Royal and the N. end of SNP. It was closed in '07. Not sure of its status for '08.
hopefulhiker
02-21-2008, 22:30
Thank you Terrapin
skinny minnie
02-21-2008, 22:56
Thanks guys!
Yeah, I'm very aware that pretty much all towns have a library, typically with internet access :)
...but like I said, it's nice knowing where some especially convenient places are.
Everyone's input is very much appreciated.Maybe I'll bump into a few of you with a batch or two of cookies if you meander into New England at the right time!
Sissygirl
02-21-2008, 23:01
I notice that you didn't say when that "right time" might be.
Thank you Terrapin
I pay attention to these things. ;)
http://www.vinylzart.com/images/AlbumCovers-GratefulDead-TerrapinStation%281977%29.jpg
TinAbbey
02-22-2008, 09:28
a few places that i can think of off the top of my head:
the outfitters at hot springs had a pc with internet
the library at kent
library at marion or maybe it was the other town and that juncture
well prolly any library you find
Cookerhiker
02-22-2008, 14:06
hostel at Neels Gap
Erwin TN, Holiday Inn lobby
Library in Damascus
The hostel in VA, The Grateful Terrapin, I think,
The Road house in Maine
Is the roadhouse in Maine different from the Andover Guesthouse and the Stratton Motel/hostel? Both have internet access.
That hostel in VA is "Terrapin Station," between Front Royal and the N. end of SNP. It was closed in '07. Not sure of its status for '08.
Thanks for the heads up on that. I was planning on making a stop there on my hike. Guess not.
Thanks for the heads up on that. I was planning on making a stop there on my hike. Guess not.
Don't take my word for it... I haven't checked any of the '08 guides. I just know it was closed for the '07 season.
Lone Wolf
02-22-2008, 23:50
i know i can't wait to hit the trail and stress about the first puter i have access to
skinny minnie
02-24-2008, 23:11
i know i can't wait to hit the trail and stress about the first puter i have access to
That's cute.
I just started dating a guy who leaves this Wednesday to thu-hike. And I figured email is a low-key way to keep tabs on his mileage.
Although I'm going to opt to assume that your comment was intended for the the others weighing in on the subject.
Lone Wolf
02-24-2008, 23:14
That's cute.
I just started dating a guy who leaves this Wednesday to thu-hike. And I figured email is a low-key way to keep tabs on his mileage.
Although I'm going to opt to assume that your comment was intended for the the others weighing in on the subject.
correct assumption, ma'am. cute how?
skinny minnie
02-24-2008, 23:26
oh, you know. the usual. we could also opt for precious. charming. delightful. all of which only begin to describe your cuddly persona here on whiteblaze. :D
Lone Wolf
02-24-2008, 23:28
i'm the same jerk in person
geoffrey morris
04-12-2008, 00:56
I have internet access and I live less then ten minutes hike from the AT. Should I run a line to the edge of my property for all the lap toppers?
"Internet access: Spiral Press Café in Northshire Bookstore"
This is only available if you have your own computer which obviously isn't the case for thruhikers.
You don't need a laptop. Smartphones and PDA's have wireless and more and more hikers are carrying them.
outfitters have internet access too. i've noticed quite a few that have internet
minnesotasmith
04-14-2008, 10:19
Be aware that increasing #s of public libraries either charge nonlocals for access or deny it altogether. Bring money with you when you walk to a town library from a hostel, and be prepared to be efficient with your online time.
Be aware that increasing #s of public libraries either charge nonlocals for access or deny it altogether. Bring money with you when you walk to a town library from a hostel, and be prepared to be efficient with your online time.
I've never been charged, or denied use for internet at a public library.
minnesotasmith
04-14-2008, 10:34
I've never been charged, or denied use for internet at a public library.
In the middle of my 2006 hike charged for internet access. I've seen multiple libraries not near the AT refuse nonlocals use of the Internet.
tina.anderson
04-15-2008, 11:57
That's ridiculous. On what grounds can they refuse you Internet access? I would put up a fight with them if they ever said I couldn't use the Internet in a public library. Even to charge for Internet access in a library seems outrageous to me.
Blissful
04-15-2008, 12:04
That's ridiculous. On what grounds can they refuse you Internet access? I would put up a fight with them if they ever said I couldn't use the Internet in a public library. Even to charge for Internet access in a library seems outrageous to me.
They charge in Gorham, but I didn't mind. It goes to pay for library services. The only other time we paid was in Duncannon at a private Internet shop, but the guy stayed late for us and we got an extra 15 minutes.
Other than that, no problems. But I did make sure we had cleaned ourselves up and were presentable. This is a public area and no one wants to be subjected to smelly, dirty hikers.
I used the internet in Bland at the library, and in Pearisburg. I made a donation to the library both times. Maybe hikers ought to think about donating to libraries when you use their services. Would make for good trail relations......just a thought.
That's ridiculous. On what grounds can they refuse you Internet access? I would put up a fight with them if they ever said I couldn't use the Internet in a public library. Even to charge for Internet access in a library seems outrageous to me.
According to this
library.http://www.gatesfoundation.org/UnitedStates/USLibraryProgram/
you are not suppose to be denied access to or charged for the use of computers at public librarys.
Ron Haven
04-15-2008, 22:48
That's ridiculous. On what grounds can they refuse you Internet access? I would put up a fight with them if they ever said I couldn't use the Internet in a public library. Even to charge for Internet access in a library seems outrageous to me.reach in and get a hold of em http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/whacky007.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)
Appalachian Tater
04-15-2008, 22:58
According to this
library.http://www.gatesfoundation.org/UnitedStates/USLibraryProgram/
you are not suppose to be denied access to or charged for the use of computers at public librarys.
Um, that's not like a law or anything.
Some libraries won't issue you a card unless you are a resident and others charge for a card if you are a non-resident. They can charge members and non-members for whatever they want to unless there is some condition forbidding it in a grant they accepted.
Libraries are mostly supported by local taxpayers and anyone else who uses it free is a guest. It's always nice to give a dollar or two for them to stick in the cash drawer with the late fines. Computers and air conditioning and internet service--all of them are expensive for libraries to buy.
In 2006 the only library that I know of along the A.T. that charged for internet access was in Gorham, and it was very inexpensive.