I think Baltimore is lovely, there's lots of stuff to do and it's quite close to both DC and NYC. (according to my driving experience. YMMV) However the summer weather thing is an issue....june through september can be really sticky and disgusting. But as long as the major locations have A/C and there's a pool...

Unless we go with Portland, I don't think there's anywhere that summer isn't hot and sticky and gross. At least, everywhere that I've ever been on the east coast during the summer has been hot, except for places up in the mountains.

Unless we go with Portland, I don't think there's anywhere that summer isn't hot and sticky and gross. At least, everywhere that I've ever been on the east coast during the summer has been hot, except for places up in the mountains.

Yep, this.

I think we will have a lovely time no matter where we go.

we used to stay with relatives in rural Vermont every summer and it was HEAVENLY. I would totally suggest their beach house except that a) it's a bloody long drive from any airport b) there's no "hotel" within a 20 minute drive, and c) they don't have room for more than 18 really friendly people. Including sofas and floor space.

Oh, and they might frown upon me inviting strangers into their home. *shrug*

et correct spelling of state

A data point in Brooklyn: For a weekend in February, the Crossword Puzzle Tournament group rate at the Brooklyn Marriott is $185. It's a big group.

want to go to that!

not sure we can go at all this year, but pretty much if I can go , I will go wherever.

This weekend reminded me that the most fum for me is just hanging. I don't have to do much.

I think a hotel with reasonable room rates, a gathering place and a few restaurants that can handle a crowd are the important things. Public transport is the next thing on the list.

I don't think there's anywhere that summer isn't hot and sticky and gross.

We've already done SF, but it is never hot and sticky and gross. It is 62. It is always 62. Except when it isn't, but that's rare.

we used to stay with relatives in rural Vermont every summer and it was HEAVENLY.

I'm imagining Buffistas taking over Waterbury/Montpelier, and it's making me laugh and laugh and laugh. The Ben & Jerry's tour -- in corsets! Too Much Candy -- in my brother's restaurant! (It IS a kickass place to eat and consume much beer, but it's probably not big enough to fit all the Buffistas who attend an F2F.)

It was cooler than that through most of the F2F weekend, wasn't it? I remember wearing a coat one of the days and not feeling overheated.