It's all the way out on the Cape, and it would be expensive in season, I think. It would mean driving out there after flying into Boston for most people, I believe.

If we were to go that route we'd be better off just having it in Boston, which at least has public transportation and some hotels that don't charge seaside resort prices.

I know Nashville was mentioned in passing and it's a fun town, although it would be hot as hell depending on when. Plus, humidity. Was Portland as in Maine, suggested/looked at, in any way? Would it be any cheaper than Boston?

I think it was determined that Nashville is great, but it's actually not Eastern, it's central (so a possibility for next year).

With economy the way it is, maybe choosing something hot as hell that is cheap for that reason is a good way to go. Choose nice place with good air conditioning and lots of facilities in Miami or someplace. Maybe rent a couple of air conditioned vans for a day trip to beach or whatever. (If you don't insist on the East maybe Austin - don't know if there is a season you can get offseason discounts there). Keep the cost down, and air conditioning keeps it from being miserable for people who hate heat. (Other thoughts: condos).

At any rate, maybe we should try for a lower price range this year. In this economy ought to be someway to have a fun gathering at lower per night cost. (And no, I probably won't make this one either. Does not make the suggestion a bad one.)

Miami never really has an off-season, though with the economy the way it is, you might still be able to score some good deals.

Maybe someplace less glamorous does? Cause the Buffistas bring enough glamor with them. Don't need addition glamor from the location.

Well, there is the possibility of the Tampa/St. Pete area. You've got the whole beach vibe going, Tampa's got some interesting nightlife, there's kitsch galore around, plus for those who would be at all theme park inclined, Disney is only 45 minutes away on I-4, so it would make for a nice day trip for those who wanted.

Portland, Maine, is nice, but there aren't many flights to that airport. Here's the list of nonstop flights there: [link]

Portland is great, though. And definitely much cheaper than Boston. Lots of neat little shops and restaurants near the harbor, beaches (sorta), and all the typical seacoast New England stuff like lighthouses and whale-watching tours. (The beach that's actually in Portland isn't great, but there are others a few miles south that are much better.) Close to Freeport for people who want to go to outlet stores. Can pretty much guarantee that the weather will not be too hot for anybody.

Here's a pretty good guide to stuff to do in downtown Portland. [link]