I have seen the traffic leading to this for the past two seasons and thought each time, "no way." This year, however, I decided to venture out on a rainy Sunday night, thinking that the weather might reduce the crowds.
We had a light bite in Belmont (btw, given the season, it would be nice if a couple of the other restaurants in town were open on Sundays), then left for McAdenville about 8:30 or so.
As expected, there was virtually no traffic and we breezed right into town.
1. The only real promoted attraction is the main drag in town. Even the website tells you it is about 1.5 miles long. Don't expect that you can drive throug all the residential streets and see a wonderland. If you stick to that, it really is a beautiful and extensive display.
2. It was rainy so we drove, but I think walking it would be better. It would take more time, vs a drive up the drag and back, but would be more fulfilling from a feel-good-Christmas-spirit perspective.
3. Give the the traffic I have seen in the past, I would let the people with the little kids go early and time your trip later in the evening (but beware the auto-shut off at the posted ending times, and, try to avoid Friday and Saturday nights.
4. This is a great opportunity for the town to grow this (in a good way) in the coming years, by having small concession stands (currently banned), that share profits with the town.
5. This has got to be a very expensive display for both the town and the citizens. What a gift to the rest of the community.
Relax, enjoy, get in the spirit. I loved it.