Wow. I was really nervous about throwing Denver into the mix.

I realize that I'm biased...but it is quite beautiful here. Especially in May when everything is green and lush.
Plus, there's lots of stuff to do for those people that like to do stuff and yet still not very tourist-y--for a major city.

I *love* Denver -- but is it too far west for the 2005 F2F? This one was to be central. (I'm a total geography moron, so I have no idea if Colorado is considered "central.")

Heather's point about New Orleans is well taken. It's hot, yes, but everything is air conditioned. If my experience is anything to go by, you'll probably spend more time being cold inside than hot outside.

And the crime in New Orleans that is a threat to your life doesn't affect tourists. Stay out of the housing projects and no one will kill you.

As a tourist, don't wander around the Quarter covered in beads and carrying a Pat O'Brien's mug, flash a big wad of bills, or play Three Card Monty with someone you meet on the street and you'll be just fine.

I don't know why, but I keep feeling like my city is being unfairly maligned for its weather and crime.

NO is one of my favorite places. If I could only ever visit it in the middle of July or August, I'd still do it every time. And I'm no lover of the heat or humidity. Doesn't matter, though. It's fabulous that way.

I also would be happy to visit all of the other cities listed. Really liked Minneapolis the one time I was there. Haven't been to the others.

(I'm a total geography moron, so I have no idea if Colorado is considered "central.")

Me too, Steph. If deemed not central, I'm fine with that too.

And may I point out - in regard to crime - that DC isn't exactly considered safe by most people.

Well, I don't think we need to have Area Rules, do we? Put Denver up as a possibility and see if people like it. It's not like it's Savannah or San Diego, both of which are clearly not central.

As a tourist, don't wander around the Quarter covered in beads and carrying a Pat O'Brien's mug, flash a big wad of bills, or play Three Card Monty with someone you meet on the street and you'll be just fine.

Or take a bet that someone can tell you where you got your shoes at.

Actually, I think I'm just feeling a little protective of the entire south right now. Austin and Nashville don't sound bad to me either- my drive to Nashville though long is really quite beautiful.

I just think people are stating their preferences and impressions of locales. Personally, I don't like Denver very much, but I'll go where the Buffistas are. The decision will come down to the stats, right? Price/fun/whathaveyou?

(I guess what I'm trying to say is we shouldn't shoot anything down yet. Except for the coastal-type locations.)

(Which means I'm repeating myself again. Sorry.)

Denver and San Antonio are both terrific cities. I've only seen the convention centers in Nashville and KC, so I can't speak to the loveliness of those locales with any authority. I've never been to NO or Austin, and I've only flown through MSP.

What about Memphis? You've got Graceland, the Peabody Hotel, Beale Street, Mud Island, and the city is relatively easy to navigate. Regardless of the location, I am more than willing to drive. Hey, if I can drive in Rome and Paris, I can handle most U.S. cities.